MedImmune inaugurates Aaron Klug Building in Cambridge, UK

The Aaron Klug Building is a major expansion of the company's existing Granta Park site; it contains state-of-the-art laboratories, cements the region as a major R&D centre, provides additional laboratory space for growing scientific staff in Cambridge
View the full stories here:
http://www.tradingmarkets.com/.site/news/Stock%20News/1950939/
http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=52615
http://www.pipelinereview.com/content/view/22685/116/

i10 secures funding to help East of England businesses go low carbon

i10 has been awarded £192,000 of European Regional Development

Fund (ERDF) money by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA) as part of an innovative low carbon knowledge transfer project across the East of England.

The ERDF funding will enable i10 and its partners to improve the links between academic expertise and regional businesses wishing to develop commercially important low carbon technologies, reduce their carbon footprint or create a sustainable low carbon business strategy.

As a result of the funding, i10 is due to launch a groundbreaking ‘Low Carbon
Voucher’ scheme, whereby regional businesses can benefit from a £1,000 voucher which will pay for two days’ low carbon consultancy with a relevant i10 university.

Ralph Ecclestone, Project Manager of i10, said: “Securing the ERDF funding is
fantastic news for businesses of all sizes and sectors who are faced with the
challenge of stimulating low carbon economic growth. Our aim is to connect
businesses with the relevant universities and together they will be able to develop effective solutions to help position our region as a leader in low carbon initiatives.”

David Morrall, Director, International at EEDA, said: “EEDA is absolutely committed to creating the conditions where businesses can thrive in the low carbon economy.

It is not an option to ignore the challenges faced by climate change and the
economic opportunities available in new markets are huge compared to the cost of mitigation. The East of England is however extremely well positioned to exploit the benefits of a worldwide shift to a lower carbon economy, with a vibrant business sector focused on environmental technologies. It is therefore vital that we invest in this competitive advantage.”

i10 is urging businesses to think about their low carbon needs and to apply to the scheme if any of the issues below are relevant to their business:

· A need to increase profitability through low carbon efficiency
· Developing new low carbon technologies, products and services
· Creating sustainable business strategies
· Engaging consultancy, technical advice and R&D focusing on low carbon
· Keeping the business lean, mean and green
· Bringing ideas to market
· Reducing carbon footprint

The voucher scheme was launched on Friday 19 September and from this date businesses can apply via the website www.i10.org.uk/lowcarbon, talk to an i10
Business Development Manager on 0845 234 2314 or via email lowcarbon@i10.org.uk.

Alizyme plc receives a US$3 million milestone payment from Takeda Pharmaceutical

Alizyme plc receives a US$3 million milestone payment from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (“Takeda”) as a result of Takeda’s decision to commence a Phase III clinical trial in Japan of cetilistat for the treatment of obesity.

Takeda has completed a randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, dose ranging, Phase II study in approximately 450 diabetic obese patients with other obesity related diseases, performed in Japan. Patients received one of four doses of cetilistat or placebo for 6 months. Following positive results from this Phase II study, Takeda has decided to commence Phase III development of cetilistat in Japan. This triggers a milestone payment of US$3 million to Alizyme under the licence and development agreement between Takeda and Alizyme.

In August 2003, Alizyme granted exclusive rights to Takeda to develop, manufacture and market cetilistat in Japan for the treatment of obesity and its associated conditions, such as type 2 diabetes. Following receipt of the current milestone of US$3 million, Alizyme will have received four payments under this agreement, totalling US$10 million. In addition, Alizyme may receive further payments of up to US$32 million dependent on future milestones and other events, including continuing successful development and commercialisation of cetilistat by Takeda in Japan. Takeda is responsible for all development and commercialisation costs in Japan and payment of royalties to Alizyme on future sales in Japan.

Tim McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer, Alizyme plc, commented:

“Takeda’s decision to commence Phase III development of cetilistat in Japan is a key milestone in the progress of this product. The Phase II results not only support Alizyme’s conclusions from its own studies in Europe, but also demonstrate that the weight reducing efficacy of cetilistat and its impact on other parameters of diabetes and metabolic syndrome continue to at least 6 months. Our working relationship with Takeda over the past five years has been excellent and we look forward to continuing to work together as cetilistat is progressed through Phase III development in Japan and on to commercialisation of this exciting product.”