MYR’s Hepcludex obtained EU accelerated approval in July, making it the first approved therapy for hepatitis D. One analyst sees the drug as a blockbuster revenue opportunity for Gilead.

In Vivo summarizes the technology of several recently founded companies: Aptus Genomics Inc. is developing a platform to identify, qualify, and patent human cell surface receptor genes. Raven Biotechnologies Inc. spin-off bioMosaic Systems Inc. will develop Raven's CellArray cell-based high-throughput screening system. IntelliServices Inc. is building a suite of ASP-based software solutions for physicians. Spine Wave Inc. will develop and commercialize a minimally-invasive method for spinal disc repair. 20/20 Gene Systems Inc. is building protein analysis tools for determining the molecular fingerprint of a patient sample and comparing it to archived information from a larger patient population. Xcel Pharmaceuticals Inc. will in-license pharmaceuticals for niche therapeutic markets, initially focusing on neurology.

Incontinence represents a significant unmet medical need for 20 million Americans that suffer from urge incontinence, and 13 million sufferers of stress incontinence. The market is large, growing, and approachable for small device companies--if they can get funding, that is.

Genyx Medical Inc.'s initial product, Uryx, is a permanent urethral bulking agent for, for example, coughing or laughing.