ALSO NOTED: Silenor positive in Phase III; BioSante wins FDA approval;and much more...

> A late stage trial of Somaxon's insomnia drug Silenor produced positive results for elderly patients with chronic pulmonary insomnia. Report [1]

> BioSante has won FDA approval of Bio-E-Gel, which will be marketed under the name Elestrin for hot flashes. Release [2]

> The FDA has approved SkyePharma's asthma spray Foradil Certihaler. Release [3]

> Merck has won the latest trial over Vioxx, bringing its total score to eight wins and four losses. Report [4]

> The Wall Street Journal examines the way investors deal with a biotech company's nasty trial surprises: dumping their stock [5] and sending prices down 40 percent to 60 percent. Neurochem CEO Francesco Bellini says that investors need to learn to diversify. Article [6] (sub. req.)

> NovaDel Pharma has agreed to sell 9.8 million shares for $14 million. Report [7]

> MedImmune has completed the sale of CytoGam to ZLB Behring. Report [8]

> How useful is animal testing for predicting human outcomes? A new report from the British Medical Journal attempts to answer that question. Report [9]

And Finally…The big push to make sure there was plenty of flu vaccine available for the season has created a glut. And next year, manufacturers may respond by making less. Article [4]