ALSO NOTED: Elusys, MedImmune in collaboration; FDA fast-tracks Schering-Plough therapy; and much more...

> Elusys Therapeutics has struck up a collaboration with MedImmune to develop new therapies for infectious diseases. No word on the details of the deal, but Elusys gains venture funds, an up front fee and more. Report [1]

> The FDA has fast-tracked Schering-Plough's experimental therapy, SCH 530348. The therapy is in development to treat blood clots that cause heart attacks and strokes. Report [2]

> Nanogen is buying the diagnostics arm of Amplimedical SpA for about $10 million. Report [3]

> As expected, shareholders at Chiron approved its takeover by Novartis. Chiron was one of the oldest biotechs in the business. Report [4]

> A court has ruled against Apotex's petition to deny Teva a 180-day exclusive for a generic version of Pravachol. Report [5]

> Shares of BioSante jumped after the company announced that the FDA had accepted its experimental therapy for treating women's hot flashes for review. Report [6]

> Alteon has agreed to buy HaptoGuard for $8.8 million in stock. Report [7]

> The European publisher Reed Elsevier has struck a deal to buy Gold Standard, an online provider of pharmaceutical data. Report [8]

> Roche has asked the FDA for approval to market CERA for renal anemia. Amgen has sued Roche over the drug, saying CERA infringes patents held for its own anemia treatment epogen. Article [9]

> Lipid Sciences has been cleared to begin a human trial of a process for removing cholesterol from human plasma. Report [10]

> Researchers say that the hypertension drug hydralazine appears to reverse the cell damage associated with spinal cord injuries, cancer and Parkinson's. Report [11]

> GlaxoSmithKline has inked a licensing deal for the worldwide rights to a preclinical compound developed by Japan Tobacco. Report [12]

> Alexza Pharmaceuticals has initiated a Phase IIa clinical trial with AZ-002 in patients with panic disorder. Release [13]

And Finally... A new study says that the use of steroids for advanced respiratory distress syndrome doesn't improve survival and may in fact raise death rates. Article [14]