Japanese drugmaker Otsuka said today it will buy Astex Pharmaceuticals for $886 million. Astex reported positive Phase II mid-stage results last month for its bone cancer treatment. Currently, Astex has one approved drug, Dacogen, which treats myelodysplastic syndromes—a blood disorder.
A melanoma vaccine from British drugmaker GSK fell short in late-stage trials. The treatment, MAGE-A3, did not extend disease-free survival compared to placebo—failing to meet its primary endpoint.
Health exchange consumers in California will be able to compare prices online, the Los Angeles Times reported. An online tool lets consumers see price information for all plans sold in their area.
