PharmaSentry :: WVU spinoff biotech firm tests pancreatic drug

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Article Summary

WVU spinoff biotech firm tests pancreatic drug
From Associated Press 23-Jun-2010
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A West Virginia biotechnology company has started human clinical trials on a new drug that would be used to treat chronic pancreatic disease. The companies said Monday that they've developed a genetically engineered enzyme that would be used to treat a condition common in people who have cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer.

Key Concepts
• drug
• West Virginia
• apos
• Protea
• genetically engineered enzyme
• manufacturer Mayoly Spindler
• spin-off biotech firm
• human clinical trials
• exclusive marketing
• cystic fibrosis
• condition common

Summary

•	CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- A West Virginia biotechnology company has started human clinical trials on a new drug that would be used to treat chronic pancreatic disease.
•	Protea Biosciences, West Virginia University's first spin-off biotech firm, has teamed with French pharmaceutical manufacturer Mayoly Spindler.
•	The companies said Monday that they've developed a genetically engineered enzyme that would be used to treat a condition common in people who have cystic fibrosis and pancreatic cancer.
•	The companies are testing the drug at a hospital in Marseilles, France, on patients who suffer from exocrine pancreatic insufficiency _ the inability to digest food and absorb nutrients.
•	Protea has the exclusive marketing rights for the drug in North America.