Cardiome drug clears European committee

The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended marketing approval for Cardiome Pharma’s (TSX:COM; NASDAQ:CRME) vernakalant, an investigational intravenous formulation for the conversion of atrial fibrillation to normal heart rhythm in adults. Granting of marketing authorization by the European Commission is expected later this year and will apply [...]

Merck expands accord with Patheon

Contract drug maker Patheon (TSX:PTI) has signed an expanded contract manufacturing agreement with Merck (NYSE:MRK), making Patheon a “key preferred supplier” to Merck from eight of its global plants. “We have developed a great partnership with Merck and are very pleased that they have chosen to expand it with this contract manufacturing agreement,” CEO Wes [...]

In conversation with John Docherty

As President and COO of Helix BioPharma (TSX,FSE:HBP; OTCQX:HXBPF), John Docherty has been on both sides of the company’s lead topical product.  Early on, he ran Helix’s PharmaDerm Laboratories subsidiary, where the topical technology known as Biphasix was developed.  Then, he was one of the negotiators of a license from Schering-Plough for its interferon compound. [...]

Cardiome and Merck release pivotal data for Brinavess IV

In a new Phase 3 study, Brinavess (vernakalant) intravenous, an investigational compound being developed in the European Union by Cardiome Pharma (NASDAQ: CRME; TSX: COM) and Merck (NYSE: MRK) to treat atrial fibrillation, was shown to be superior to amiodarone injection in converting patients’ heart rate from AF to sinus rhythm within 90 minutes of [...]

Merck advances $25 million to Cardiome

Cardiome Pharma (TSX:COM; NASDAQ:CRME) has tapped a $25 million (U.S.) advance from marketing partner Merck & Co. (NYSE:MRK) under a previously announced secured, interest-bearing credit facility of up to $100 million. In a statement, Cardiome said it may, at its option, repay all or a portion of the advance from time to time without premium [...]