ALSO NOTED: Biogen Idec, Elan start new Tysabri study; Watson to divest manufacturing facility in AZ; and much more...

> Watson Pharmaceuticals will divest its injectable manufacturing facility located in Phoenix. If Watson can't find a buyer, the company will close the facility by the end of the second quarter in 2007. Release

> Biogen Idec and Elan have dosed the first patients in a safety extension study program of Tysabri, the multiple sclerosis treatment that was pulled from the market last year due to safety concerns. Earlier this month an FDA expert committee recommended returning Tysabri to market, but the FDA delayed the decision. The companies said they expect action by the FDA regarding Tysabri on or before June 28. Report

> ViroPharma announced positive preliminary results from a Phase II study of maribavir, an oral antiviral drug candidate currently being developed to inhibit cytomegalovirus reactivation in transplant patients. Report

> Galapagos' service division BioFocus has entered into a three-year alliance Arthrogen. The companies will focus on discovering targets for gene therapy applications in rheumatoid arthritis. Release

> Eisai and DNAVEC, a venture company, have inked a deal on drug discovery research for vaccine therapy for Alzheimer's Disease. Release

> Kosan Biosciences announced the pricing of an offering of 5 million shares of common stock at a price of $5 per share. Release

> PTC Therapeutics has been granted Fast Track designation by the FDA for PTC124, a therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The drug received Orphan Drug status in 2004 is now in Phase II trials for both DMD and cystic fibrosis. Results are anticipated later this year. Release

> Genentech Biogen Idec have submitted an sBLA for Rituxan in low-grade or follicular CD20-positive B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Report

> Chutes & Ladders: Dr. Frank M. Armstrong has been appointed president and CEO of CuraGen. Report

And Finally... A Jello-like material combined with stem cells could proved to be a winning combination for spinal injuries. Article