ALSO NOTED: FDA asks for more data on Rebif; Genta to appeal Genasense decision; and much more...

> Merck KGaA says that the FDA is requesting more information on a new version of the MS drug Rebif, possibly delaying its entry into the U.S. market. Report

> Genta plans to appeal the FDA's December rejection of the cancer therapy Genasense. Release

> The government of Singapore has fiercely rejected the World Bank's position that its ambitious move to fund the development of a biomedical industry has only a 50-50 chance of success. Report

> Laureate Pharma has announced a collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim that will give it access to Boehringer's manufacturing technology platform for biopharmaceutical products produced by mammalian cell culture. Release

> New research indicates that Natrecor may be beneficial in the prevention of renal dysfunction after coronary artery bypass grafting requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. Release

> Stratagene has obtained the last of the four co-exclusive licenses to more than 150 microRNA sequences available from Max Planck Innovation. Release

> Health Discovery filed a patent for U.S. and foreign protection for a newly discovered prostate cancer biomarker expression signature. Release

And Finally… Lonely, isolated seniors face a significantly higher risk of dementia and Alzheimer's, according to a new study. Report