ALSO NOTED: OrthoLogic CEO resigns; Tapestry Pharmaceuticals raises $25.5M; and much more...

> Chutes & Ladders: OrthoLogic announced that president and CEO James M. Pusey, MD, has resigned to pursue other opportunities. Release

> Tapestry Pharmaceuticals of Boulder, CO has raised $25.5 million through a private placement. Release

> In a new report, the Center for Public Integrity says that drug makers spent $52 million in 2003 and 2004 lobbying state governments and supporting local candidates for office. The surge in state lobbying efforts was directly tied to the growing debate over how states handle drug prices and mandates. Article

> GSK has licensed Kissei's experimental diabetes drug, which is still in the preclinical stage. Report

>  Congressman is calling for an investigation into VaxGen's $877 million contract for an anthrax vaccine, citing concerns over reports that VaxGen's program is off schedule and the company has made false claims about its effectiveness. Report

> Researchers say they have discovered new factors that could contribute to better pain drugs. Report

> Barr Pharmaceuticals has pulled its application for low-dose Seasonale after determining the FDA would need new clinical trial data to support it. Report

> The UK's IOMAI has announced positive results for its Phase 1/2 clinical trial of its dry vaccine patch for travelers' diarrhea. Release

> Roche says that Xeloda was as effective as standard therapy for treating stomach cancer. Report

> Valera Pharmaceuticals has completed the clinical portion of its Phase III study of Supprelin LA, for treating for treating the early onset of puberty and plans to file an NDA in the second quarter. Release

> FIBREX Medical says it has successfully completed a first dose in man study with its lead product, the anti-inflammatory peptide FX06 for preventing reperfusion injury. Release

And Finally…The prospects of a bird flu pandemic has analysts speculating on which life insurers face the biggest risks. Article (WSJ sub. req.)