Radiopharmaceutical developer North American Scientific reported first-quarter net sales of $4.9 million, up 14% compared with the $4.3 million reported in the first quarter of 2001. For the period (end-January 31), the Chatsworth, CA-based vendor had net income of $126,000, much improved compared with a net loss of $237,000 reported in the same period last year.
In other news, NAS said its Theseus Imaging subsidiary has successfully performed human testing of a second-generation Apomate kit. The second-generation kit provides the basis for a "shake-and-shoot" preparation for easier use by clinicians. It also includes improved biodistribution to allow imaging of abdominal cancer and other disease, according to NAS.
The new kit uses the same recombinant human annexin as the first-generation Apomate, but binds the protein to a bridging molecule called hydrazinonicotinamic acid (HYNIC). Licensed from AnorMed of Langley, British Columbia, HYNIC binds to technetium Tc-99m, according to NAS.
NAS expects to initiate pilot studies this year evaluating response to anticancer treatment in gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer using the new kit configuration. It will also conduct studies in non-small cell lung cancer and lymphoma. The vendor's current clinical studies will be converted to the second-generation kits as soon as production and regulatory requirements allow, according to the firm.
By AuntMinnie.com staff writersFebruary 20, 2002
Related Reading
NAS revenues grow while income dips, December 11, 2001
NAS unit begins clinical Apomate trials, November 30, 2001
NAS revenues climb in Q3, August 29, 2001
NAS names Robert Morgan as VP, June 19, 2001
NAS taps Jones for Theseus VP post , April 10, 2001
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