Clavis and Clovis have a Clue

Clovis Oncology Inc.'s first deal fits the formula its managers described this spring when they set out to replicate their in-licensing success with Pharmion Corp. by taking advantage of new tools to direct drug development toward specific populations. The company has licensed a liposomal conjugate formulation of gemcitabine from Clavis Pharma ASA with biomarker data suggesting it could work in a subpopulation of pancreatic cancer patients.

A pivotal Phase II trial comparing CP-4126 vs. gemcitabine will begin next year, with results expected in 2012...