> Merck and Lundbeck have pulled the plug on their timeline for the closely-watched sleep therapy gaboxadol. Researchers from the two companies, which are collaborating on the drug's development, say that much slower than expected enrollment into a Phase III trial will make it impossible for them to file for FDA approval in the first quarter of next year. They have pushed back their timeline for an NDA to mid-2007, which would delay any potential approval until the end of 2008. Release
> J&J and Pfizer have struck a deal to sell the U.S. marketing rights to the nonprescription heartburn drug Zantac to Boehringer Ingelheim for $509 million. The deal is contingent on the successful completion of J&J's acquisition of Pfizer's consumer business and is meant to ease approval of that deal from the FTC. Report
> Schering-Plough CEO Fred Hassan says his company will stay independent and that he'll be focusing on the productivity of the company's research work. Report
> The FDA has approved AstraZeneca's Nexium for Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, a rare disease that causes tumors and ulcers. Three in every million Americans have the disease. Report
> The FDA approved Zolinza for lymphoma that affects the skin. Report
> Pharmacopeia announced a $25 million stock offering. Release
> Advancis cut its financial guidance for 2006, noting that the stocking rate of its antibiotic Kefex is lower than anticipated. Report
> Isolagen reach agreement with the FDA on a Phase III trial design for its wrinkle therapy. Release
And Finally... The UN has opened a new crisis management center in Rome to help deal with any outbreaks of bird flu or other health-related emergencies. Report