ALSO NOTED: Merck wins round on Vioxx; Axcan inks licensing deal; and much more...

> Merck has won another of the federal lawsuits filed against the company over Vioxx. A federal jury in New Orleans ruled in its favor, bringing Merck's score in federal suits to two wins out of three cases. Overall, Merck has won five out of nine lawsuits. Thousands of lawsuits have yet to be litigated. Report [1]

> Axcan Pharma has agreed to pay $1.5 million up front and another $17.5 million in a licensing deal with AGI Therapeutics for Chronab Omeprazole, its gastro-esophageal reflux disease treatment candidate. Report [2]

> A new court ruling will provide European drug sellers with a fresh review of a dual-pricing program that could save the industry billions of dollars. Article [3]

> Antisoma says final data for the cancer drug AS 1404 demonstrated a "very substantial survival benefit." Report [4]

> ProStrakan has struck a deal to buy Cellegy's rights to Cellegesic, Fortigel, Tostrex, and Tostrelle for $9 million in cash. Release [5]

> Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical has extended its research pact with Arena Pharmaceuticals by a year. Arena will gain $2.4 million in research funds for the extension. Report [6]

> The EMEA says it will launch a new review of old painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen after seeing fresh data suggesting the elevated risk of heart attacks and stroke. Report [7]

> The FDA has approved a supplemental NDA for changes to the label of Colazal. Release [8]

> Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical is establishing an oncology unit. Release [9]

And Finally… Black women suffer significantly higher rates of mortality from uterine cancer than white women receiving the same treatment, suggesting that other factors are at work in the disease. Report [10]