ALSO NOTED: Swiss approve Lucentis; ViroPharma shares buoyed by hep C data; and much more...

> Novartis has announced that Switzerland has approved Lucentis for age-related macular degeneration, marking its first European approval for the drug. The FDA approved Lucentis two months ago. Novartis says it will start supplying the drug in September. Report [1]

> ViroPharma shares were buoyed by positive results from an early trial of its drug for hepatitis C. After 14 days of doses of HCV-796 with another therapy patients had an average viral reduction close to 100 percent. Plans for Phase II are underway. Report [2]

> Eli Lilly and India's Suven Life Sciences will collaborate on the preclinical development of new therapies for CNS disease. Suven gains upfront and milestone payments to identify new compounds. Report [3]

> Bausch & Lomb has expanded its development pact with Talecris Biotherapeutics, gaining development rights for rPlasmin, a recombinant derivative of the human blood component plasmin that helps to dissolve blood clots. Bausch & Lomb is enlisting volunteers for an early-stage trial of rPlasmin. Report [4]

> The FDA has approved a generic version of the injectable antibiotic Cipro. Report [5]

> Purdue Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA have agreed to end their lawsuit concerning certain Purdue Pharma patents on OxyContin Tablets. Release [6]

And Finally… St. Jude's Dr. Mary Relling has emerged as a leading advocate of genetic testing for providing the right drug prescription. Article [7]