Acorda's rise, fall, and attempt to rise again is a snapshot of the life of a biotech. The company reached the commercial-stage pinnacle with Ampyra, only to eventually see it fall away to patent challenges. Now, after big staff cuts, the company is hoping to prevail in the commercial market again, this time with Inbrija.

Acorda's rise, fall, and attempt to rise again is a snapshot of the life of a biotech. The company reached the commercial-stage pinnacle with Ampyra, only to eventually see it fall away to patent challenges. Now, after big staff cuts, the company is hoping to prevail in the commercial market again, this time with Inbrija.

Issues involving inspectional readiness and the drug master production record cited in agency's refusal to review Acorda's Inbrija in Parkinson's disease; SteadyMed faces request for additional design verification and validation testing for drug/device combo Trevyent in pulmonary arterial hypertension.

Citing recent deals, hedge fund Scopia encouraged Acorda's board on Aug. 7 to pursue a sale, but the company believes its new strategy focused on Parkinson's disease is best for shareholders.