ALSO NOTED: Pharmacopeia gains funds in research deal; Serono sees better response for Rebiff formulation; and much more...

> Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery is gaining new research funds from an extension of its development pact with Schering-Plough. Schering-Plough is funding 10 full-time researchers along with milestones for new drug candidates. The collaboration is being extended to April 2007. Report [1]

> Serono announced that new data shows that a new formulation of its bestselling Rebiff for MS shows that it has improved tolerability and antibody formation. Report [2]

> Nitec Pharma announced positive results in a Phase III clinical trial with Lodotra, a modified-release tablet that has been developed to optimize the efficacy of orally administered low-dose prednisone in rheumatoid arthritis. Release [3]

> Inyx Pharma has inked a deal to buy Pharmapac UK, a contract pharmaceutical production and packaging provider, for $17 million. Release [4]

> Shares of Germany's MediGene were buoyed by the news that it had received a patent on its cancer drug candidate EndoTag-1. Report [5]

> Discovery Laboratories says it has addressed the FDA's concerns on Surfaxin and is seeking a meeting with regulators to push for approval of the lung therapy. Report [6]

> EpiCept's stock jumped after its collaborator Myriad Genetics reported positive Phase I data for a new brain cancer therapy, Azixa. Report [7]

> Threshold Pharmaceuticals has won orphan drug status for its pancreatic cancer therapy glufosfamide. Report [8]

> Researchers have concluded that the active ingredient in Accutane appears to cause depression-related symptoms in mice. Report [9]

> GlaxoSmithKline has licensed a Chinese company to manufacture Relenza for stockpiles against a potential bird flu pandemic. Report [10]

> XOMA announced it will manufacture and supply AV-299, AVEO's anti-HGF antibody, in support of early clinical trials. Release [11]

And Finally…In an editorial, The New York Times supports the IOM's position urging additional funding for the FDA. Editorial [12]