ALSO NOTED: Blue Heron appoints new CEO; Isis receives milestone payment; and much more...

> Australian-based Peptech has announced that it has acquired the antibody assets of UK-based Scancell through its newly established U.K. subsidiary, Peptech UK. Report

> Chutes & Ladders: Blue Heron Biotechnology has named John Fess CEO. Mr. Fess succeeds John Mulligan, Ph.D., Blue Heron's founder who will become the company's board chairman and Chief Scientific Officer. Release

> Isis has received a $1 million milestone payment from Merck for initiating clinical trials of a new compound. Report

> China Health Holdings said it will acquire 51 percent or more ownership of China-based Xi'an Chunhui Pharmaceuticals. Release

And Finally... An outbreak of E. coli in New Jersey has been linked to Taco Bell restaurants. Report