> The FDA has put Cell Therapeutics' cancer drug Xyotax on its fast track. Report
> Pfizer may sell its $4 billion over-the-counter division. Article
> Valera Pharmaceuticals of Cranbury, NJ raised $34.8 million in its IPO. Release
> San Diego-based Accumetrix has raised $8.25 million in its third round of venture capital. The company is developing a diagnostic test for determining platelet functions in patients. RiverVest Venture Partners and Kaiser Venture Partners led the round. Report
> Oscient Pharmaceuticals has struck a deal to acquire the antibacterial drug Ramoplanin from Vicuron Pharmaceuticals. Report
> NPS Pharmaceuticals has extended its research collaboration with AstraZeneca to discover, develop and market new drugs targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors. Release
> The biotech industry around the Boston area applauded President Bush's new budget proposal, noting that it includes $1.9 billion in bio-defense support. Article
> Allergan's CEO says he's interested in acquiring therapies for neurological and urological conditions. Report
> The Tech Council of Maryland and MdBio are merging into a new trade group. Report
> A prominent physicians' group has criticized Gilead Sciences for breaking its 2003 promise to make its AIDS drug widely available in the Third World. A spokesperson for the company said that the approval process for Viread was taking longer than anticipated. Article
> New York-based Callisto Pharmaceuticals has raised $5.14 million through a private placement. Release
And Finally… Remember all that advice over the years about low-fat diets? Researchers now say it was nothing more than a "missed opportunity." Article