ALSO NOTED: Researchers assessing avian flu vaccine; Nastech pulls IPO; Isis extends drug collaboration; and much more...

> Health officials are scrambling to assess how they should respond to the news that an experimental vaccine for avian flu appears to work. Story [1]

> Responding to chilly market conditions, Nastech Pharmaceutical of Bothell, Washington, has pulled its IPO. Release [2]

> Isis Pharmaceuticals of Carlsbad, California, has extended its drug discovery collaboration with Eli Lilly. Release [3]

> The FDA has approved a new five-day, 750 mg once-daily regimen for Levaquin tablets to treat acute bacterial sinusitis. Release [4]

> Novelos Therapeutics of Newton, Massachusetts, is touting data from an early stage trial clinical study of non-small cell lung cancer. Release [5]

And Finally... Americans' sensitivity to allergens has doubled in the last 30 years, with 54 percent responding to at least one of 10 allergens. Article [6]