ALSO NOTED: CRO market hits $14B; Merck ends BioXell pact; and much more...

> Merck has ended its collaboration with BioXell on its sepsis drug TREM-1. BioXell says it will seek another company with which to partner on the drug. Report

> Shire is expanding its U.S. operations, adding 360 jobs in Pennsylvania. Release

> According to a new report, pressure to reduce costs and time-to-market has lead to a rapid growth in the CRO market, which was valued at $14 billion in 2006 and is predicted to balloon to $24 billion by 2010. Release

> Galapagos has gained a milestone payment in its collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim. Release

And Finally... The biotech and technology industries are at odds over a new bill designed to revamp the patent process. Article