Big Pharma companies are often quick to turn their backs on a drug that doesn't deliver the kind of data needed to win approval as well as big markets. But a series of these failed development programs have been resurrected by scientists who decided to search for the kind of genetic biomarkers that would define a group of patients who would respond positively.

Research scientist Michael Bristow, for example, has formed a new company to take over development of bucindolol, which had failed to measure up against other cardiovascular drugs on the market. And Clinical Data hopes that it can identify a subpopulation of patients [1] who will respond to the antidepressant vilazodone, dropped after a disappointing mid-stage trial mounted by Merck KGaA.

- read the article [2] in the Wall Street Journal

Related Articles:
Clinical Data upbeat on antidepressant. Report [3]
Gene Logic takes fresh look at Merck KGaA drugs. Report [4]
Biomarker company gains $25M in fresh backing. Report [5]