Biotechnology Focus Podcast

Bellus Health is left reeling as its lead drug Kiacta fails its Phase 3 clinical study, Vancouver based QLT inks a merger deal with Aegerion Pharmaceuticals and looks to a fresh new start, and Biotechnology Focus relaunches its Hot Button Issue Survey. We have this and more on this weeks show! Show Notes: We kick things off this week with some bad news on both the business and the clinical trial front with BELLUS Health the rare disease drug development firm reporting top line results from its Phase 3 study of KIACTA™ (eprodisate) as a treatment of AA amyloidosis. The disease is characterized by secondary to severe chronic inflammation or infection leading to the formation and deposition of amyloid fibrils in organs, often resulting in end-stage renal disease and death. Currently there are no therapies available that target the disease directly. According to company CEO Roberto Bellini, KIACTA™ failed to meet its primary efficacy endpoint in slowing renal function decline. The news, announced on June 20, was