deCode cardiovascular, inflammation, genomics news
deCode hired the Stanford Group Co. to assist in evaluating strategic alternatives, including identifying buyers and partners for non-core business units, programs and IP. In its 10-Q filed on Aug. 11, deCode said its core focus in 2008 is building its genomic services business, including diagnostics, its deCODEme consumer genetic analysis service, and scientific services. The company also said it aimed to advance its therapeutic programs through partnerships. deCode's lead therapeutics are DG041, a prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP3 subtype antagonist that is in Phase II testing to prevent arterial thrombosis; and DG051 and veliflapon (DG031), both to prevent myocardial infarction (MI). DG051, a leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) inhibitor, is in Phase II testing. In its 2Q report, deCode said it has finished reformulating veliflapon, a 5-lipoxygenase activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor, following a voluntary hold on a Phase III trial in 2006. ...