> NeoPharm says the FDA has requested that it undertake a new clinical trial to support its application for approval of a new formulation of the cancer drug liposomal paclitaxel. Report
> The Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Australia has found a new antibody for inflammatory diseases and that Novo Nordisk had agreed to provide up to $100 million to take it through clinical trials. Report
> GlaxoSmithKline is signaling its interest in bidding for Pfizer's OTC unit. Report
> Pfizer has filed suit against Teva and Sandoz over a generic form of the antibiotic Zithromax. Article
> Merck claims that Mark Lanier, the attorney who won a $253 million Vioxx settlement, had been courting prominent cardiologist Eric Topol--one of Merck's chief critics--as a paid consultant. Article
> Doctors report that pregnant mothers taking antidepressants are more likely to give birth to a child suffering from a rare breathing disorder. Report
> Insert Therapeutics of Pasadena, CA has filed an IND to begin a Phase I trial of a new compound to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic solid tumors. Release
> Samaritan Pharmaceuticals has announced a $40 million common stock purchase deal. Release
> Shares of GTC Biotherapeutics took a dive, but company officials say they don't know why. Report
And Finally… Despite intense criticism that too many drug plans are creating confusion about the new Medicare drug benefit, Medicare chief Mark McClellan says he has no intention of reducing the number of plans in play. Article