Astex Pharmaceuticals launched following SuperGen rebranding

Astex Pharmaceuticals, the company formed from the takeover of Astex Therapeutics by SuperGen, has officially been launched.

As of September 12th 2011, SuperGen has officially commenced operating under its new brand name, with accompanying changes to its stock ticker symbol, website and corporate branding having been made.

The new business has been created after UK-based life sciences company Astex Therapeutics became a wholly-owned subsidiary of SuperGen in July 2011.

Following this relaunch, the newly repositioned company will be based in California and aims to become an industry leader in the discovery and development of small molecule drugs, with a focus on oncology.

Astex has established working relationships with companies such as GlaxoSmithKline, Eisai and Novartis, while its clinical pipeline includes eight developmental therapies.

Dr James Manuso, chairman and chief executive officer of Astex Pharmaceuticals, said: "We now have the resources and capabilities in place to establish Astex Pharmaceuticals as a financially strong global leader with the aim of delivering novel cancer therapeutics targeting critical medical needs."