ALSO NOTED: Merck gets OK for new type of HIV drug; Hycamtin is approved; Labopharm appeals FDA decision; and much more...

> The FDA has approved Merck's Isentress for HIV. This is a new type of drug, which prevents HIV from inserting its DNA into human DNA, stunting its ability to infect cells. Release [1]

> The FDA has approved GlaxoSmithKline's Hycamtin for lung cancer. Release [2]

> Labopharm has formally appealed its second approvable letter from the FDA on its once-daily formulation of tramadol. Release [3]

> In response to an FDA approvable letter, Pozen has submitted more data on its migraine drug Trexima. Report [4]

> Gene Logic has sold its genomics assets to India's Ocimum Biosolutions for $10 million. Report [5]

> The FDA has granted Innovive orphan drug status for Tamibarotene, an experimental treatment for adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) following treatment with all-trans-retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide. Release [6]

> The FDA has lifted its clinical hold on Telik's clinical trials for the cancer drug Telcyta. Release [7]

> The new Sanofi CEO has some radical idea. In his first interview since taking the helm at Sanofi-Aventis, CEO Gérard Le Fur (photo [8]) told the Financial Times that drug makers ought to cut prices and rely on volume for profits. Report [9]

> Pharma is one of few industries where patent law doesn't inspire a yawn. So when the U.S. Patent Office introduced unfriendly rules governing patent continuations--vital to protecting brand-name meds--GlaxoSmithKline was first in line to sue. Report [10]

> Pfizer is crashing an online party for physicians. The drug maker has inked a deal with Sermo, a sort of Facebook for docs who want to gossip about their practices--drug side effects included. Report [11]

And Finally… Early detection and improved therapies are getting most of the credit for an accelerating decline in the United States' cancer death rate. Article [12]