ALSO NOTED: FDA criticizes Lilly ad; IDM, Sanofi-Aventis initiate phase II; and much more...

> The FDA sent a letter to Eli Lilly on Wednesday condemning the company's Cymbalta ad in medical journals. Cymbalta is used as an antidepressant and to treat nerve pain from diabetes. The FDA said Lilly's ad didn't properly address Cymbalta's risks, such the allergic reaction and, when combined with older antidepressants, dementia. Report [1]

> In Europe, IDM Pharma and partner Sanofi-Aventis have initiated a phase II clinical trial of its therapeutic vaccine Uvidem for the treatment of skin cancer. A separate phase II trial of Uvidem is being conducted in the US. Release [2]

> PTC Therapeutics has raised $26.6 million in Series E-2 funding. The financing will fund development of PTC124, the company's lead drug, and preclinical oncology and antiviral programs. Release [3]

> Dynavax Technologies announced positive phase I results of its ragweed allergy immunotherapy, Tolamba. The study found that that it was safe to test further in ragweed allergic children at a dose level equivalent to the regimen used in adults. Release [4]

And Finally… Aphton and Sanofi Pasteur have dissolved their co-promotion and licensing agreements. Release [5]