ALSO NOTED: Knopf tapped to run Acceleron; FDA clears Samaritan IND; Wockhardt in hunt for Par; and much more...

> Chutes & Ladders: Acceleron Pharma has named John L. Knopf, Ph.D., as its new CEO. Dr. Knopf, a founder of Acceleron, has served as the executive vice president of corporate development and recently, as president. Release 

> The FDA has cleared Samaritan Pharmaceuticals' IND for SP-6300, a treatment for Cushing's syndrome. Samaritan can proceed with its proposed Phase II clinical study of Cushing's syndrome SP-6300's efficacy in patients experiencing Hypercortisolism. Release

> Rumor Mill: Ranbaxy, Wockhardt, and Sun Pharma are all said to be courting U.S.-based Par Pharmaceuticals. Report

> New York State and New York City have sued Merck to recoup more than $100 million they spent on Vioxx, joining six other states suing on behalf of their Medicaid plans. Report

> The feds will investigate whether ADHD drugs actually increase the risk of heart problems. Report

> Big kudos to the Novartis osteoporosis drug Reclast: A New England Journal of Medicine study showed that patients with broken hips were more likely to survive if they were given a yearly dose of the drug. Report

And Finally... It's not by chance that the lonely tend to get sick and die younger. Researchers say that the lonely are statistically much more likely to suffer from dysfunctional immune systems. Report