Galena Biopharma cancer, dermatology news
RXi Pharmaceuticals Corp. changed its named to Galena Biopharma Inc. and said it will separate its cancer and RNAi assets into two public companies. The first - which will be named Galena - will develop cancer vaccines, including NeuVax and a recently in-licensed vaccine that targets folate binding protein-E39 (FBP). The second - which will be named RXi Pharmaceuticals - will develop RXI-109, a self-delivering rxRNA compound that is slated to begin clinical testing next year for dermal scarring. The separation is expected to complete this year.
NeuVax, gained through RXi's acquisition of Apthera Inc. earlier this year, is slated to start Phase III testing next half to treat breast cancer. Last month, RXi in-licensed the FBP vaccine from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and its not-for-profit partner. The vaccine is slated to start Phase I trials by year end in ovarian/endometrial and breast cancers (see BioCentury, April 18 & Sept. 26). ...