A statistically significant percentage of myelofibrosis patients treated with CTI BioPharma's pacritinib in the Phase III PERSIST-1 clinical trial had a 35% or greater reduction in spleen size versus best available therapy, including particularly large decreases for individuals who are unlikely to be treated effectively with the competing Incyte and Novartis Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor Jakafi (ruxolitinib).

Privately held cancer drug developer Nordic Nanovector – a spin-out company from the same founders who built Xofigo creator Algeta – is raising NOK150m ($25m) through a private placement of shares in order to progress development of its early-stage-blood cancer radio-immunotherapy, Betalutin. The CEO told Scrip that if all goes well, the company hopes to find a strategic partner and launch an IPO next year. However, there is a lot still to prove.

NICE, the health technology appraisal institute for England and Wales, has given a final nod for both Cell Therapeutics' non-Hodgkin's lymphoma drug Pixuvri (pixantrone), and Bayer's Eylea (aflibercept) for central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO).

Seattle, US-based Cell Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company developing a portfolio of oncology products, has named Karen Ignagni to its board of directors – effective from 3 February 2014. Ms Ignagni currently serves as president and CEO of America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the trade association representing US health plans. She also currently sits on the boards of the National Quality Forum, the National Advisory Committee for Altarum Institute's Center for Sustainable Health Spending, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association's Leadership Council.