Synairgen plc (LON:SNG) has reported significant industry interest in its new idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatment ahead of the start of clinical trials. Richard Marsden, Synairgen’s chief executive, said: "Based on PXS-5382A's potential across a number of disease areas and the promising data seen to date, we have received significant interest from companies looking to license the programme for multiple indications.”
An upbeat interim statement from gene therapy specialist Silence Therapeutics PLC (LON:SLN) sent its share price jumping 8% to 200p.Ali Mortazavi, chief executive, repeated his view that 2017 year will be the year that RNAi becomes a widely accepted therapeutic platform.
Shares in LoopUp Group PLC (LON:LOOP) jumped at the opening bell on Wednesday after the remote meetings technology firm reported solid first-half results and said the strong performance has rolled over into second half. Revenues, profits and margins in the opening six months of 2017 were all well ahead of last year, driven by “continued strong sales and customer loyalty”.
Cell therapy specialist ReNeuron Group Plc(LON:RENE) told investors its therapeutic programmes are “progressing to plan”. In an update ahead of the company’s annual meeting it confirmed it is putting the finishing touches to data packages that will be submitted as part of its application to start a US phase III clinical trial using its CTX cells to treat stroke victims.
Faron Pharmaceuticals Ltd (LON:FARN) is headed into a crucial and potentially transformational period with recruitment to its phase III trial for its lead drug set for completion later this year. A positive readout for Traumakine, used to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome caused by pneumonia, would pave the way for its launch in Europe and the US.
Shanta Gold PLC (LON:SHG) has rejected claims from Canadian peer Helios Resource (CVE:HRC) that a termination of their merger agreement was invalid. The two companies have neighbouring properties in Tanzania and agreed a merger in June.
SDX Energy Inc (LON:SDX, CVE:SDX) has revealed a new oversubscribed US$10mln funding, with new equity issued at Tuesday’s closing mid-market price, of 43.75p. The injection of capital is earmarked for the acceleration of the group’s exploration and appraisal of the South Disouq asset, where a well last year confirmed a new gas discovery, in additional to the development drilling programmes in Morocco.
Aminex plc (LON:AEX) has confirmed a major project milestone at the Ntorya gas project, in Tanzania, where it has now submitted a field development plan to the authorities. The oil and gas firm explained that this is a ‘key step’ towards securing a development licence and the commercialisation of the Ntorya gas discovery. Aminex owns 75% of Ntorya, alongside partner Solo Oil PLC (LON:SOLO) with the other 25%.