YM encouraged by nimotuzumab results

YM BioSciences (AMEX:YMI; TSX:YM) has released results at the ASCO conference from a randomized Phase 2 gastric cancer study of its nimotuzumab drug conducted by its licensees, Daiichi Sankyo in Japan and Kuhnil Pharma in Korea. “The overall findings of the study are positive and support the promise of nimotuzumab in this important global cancer [...]

YM prices $40 million public offering

YM BioSciences (TSX:YM; AMEX:AMI) has priced a public offering of 25 million common shares at $1.60 a share to yield gross proceeds of $40 million for its drug development activities and general corporate purposes. The offering is expected to close on Dec. 17. The company also granted underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to [...]

YM BioSciences expands trial for CYT387

YM BioSciences (AMEX:YMI;TSX:YM) has expanded the Phase 1/2 clinical trial for its oral JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, CYT387, in patients with myelofibrosis to five clinical sites and has extended the trial protocol to allow patients who have derived a clinical benefit to continue to receive treatment beyond the nine cycles of the core protocol. “The initiation of [...]

Rodman starts YM at market outperform

Citing the potential of YM BioSciences’ (AMEX:YMI;TSX:YM) JAK inhibitor program, Rodman & Renshaw initiated coverage of the stock with a “market outperform/speculative risk” rating and a target price of $4 (U.S.). The shares were quoted at $1.97 Tuesday morning. Analyst Reni Benjamin writes that YM’s JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor represents the “principal value driver,” with a key [...]

YM names Glover as CEO

YM BioSciences (AMEX:YMI;TSX:YM) has appointed Dr. Nick Glover, currently president and COO, to the added post of CEO, effective with the annual meeting Nov. 18, succeeding David Allan, who will continue as chairman. “Given the rapid progress being made with our recently acquired CYT387 JAK inhibitor program, the ongoing advancement of nimotuzumab globally, and the [...]

You asked a CEO

Four weeks ago, we asked you what’s on your mind. Specifically, what would you like to “Ask a CEO?”  Frankly, we were heartened and surprised by your response. So as promised, this week’s Feature, which coincides with the first anniversary of biotuesdays.com’s launch, is a rundown of the questions and the answers we received. We [...]

YM results published in British Journal of Cancer

Phase 1 results for YM BioSciences‘ (AMEX:YMI;TSX:YM) CYT997 drug candidate, demonstrating it was well-tolerated at doses associated with pharmacodynamic evidence of vascular disruption in tumours, have been published in the British Journal of Cancer. CYT997, which is designed to damage or inhibit formation of tumour blood vessels, is currently in a Phase 2 clinical trial [...]

YM gets orphan drug status for JAK1/2 drug

The FDA has granted orphan drug status to YM BioSciences’ (TSX:YM; AMEX:YMI) JAK1/2 inhibitor, CYT387, for the treatment of myelofibrosis, in which a patient’s bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue, and for which treatment options are limited or unsatisfactory. The designation provides YM with seven years of U.S. marketing exclusivity, tax credits for clinical [...]

YM finishes CYT387 dosing; expands study

YM BioSciences (AMEX:YMI; TSX:YM) has concluded dose escalation in the Phase 1 portion of its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of CYT387 at the Mayo Clinic in patients with myelofibrosis, where a patient’s bone marrow is replaced by scar tissue and treatment options are limited or unsatisfactory because of efficacy and safety concerns. Twenty-one patients were treated in [...]

YM names Glover as president and COO

YM BioSciences (AMEX:YMI; TSX:YM) appointed Dr. Nick Glover to the newly created position of president and COO. He was formerly president and CEO of Viventia Biotech. “Nick’s operational experience, skill-set and leadership style are an ideal fit with YM,” chairman and CEO David Allan said in a statement. “His experience running a public company, in [...]