ALSO NOTED: Pharmacopeia gains funds in research deal; Serono sees better response for Rebiff formulation; and much more...

> Pharmacopeia Drug Discovery is gaining new research funds from an extension of its development pact with Schering-Plough. Schering-Plough is funding 10 full-time researchers along with milestones for new drug candidates. The collaboration is being extended to April 2007. Report

> Serono announced that new data shows that a new formulation of its bestselling Rebiff for MS shows that it has improved tolerability and antibody formation. Report

> Nitec Pharma announced positive results in a Phase III clinical trial with Lodotra, a modified-release tablet that has been developed to optimize the efficacy of orally administered low-dose prednisone in rheumatoid arthritis. Release

> Inyx Pharma has inked a deal to buy Pharmapac UK, a contract pharmaceutical production and packaging provider, for $17 million. Release

> Shares of Germany's MediGene were buoyed by the news that it had received a patent on its cancer drug candidate EndoTag-1. Report

> Discovery Laboratories says it has addressed the FDA's concerns on Surfaxin and is seeking a meeting with regulators to push for approval of the lung therapy. Report

> EpiCept's stock jumped after its collaborator Myriad Genetics reported positive Phase I data for a new brain cancer therapy, Azixa. Report

> Threshold Pharmaceuticals has won orphan drug status for its pancreatic cancer therapy glufosfamide. Report

> Researchers have concluded that the active ingredient in Accutane appears to cause depression-related symptoms in mice. Report

> GlaxoSmithKline has licensed a Chinese company to manufacture Relenza for stockpiles against a potential bird flu pandemic. Report

> XOMA announced it will manufacture and supply AV-299, AVEO's anti-HGF antibody, in support of early clinical trials. Release

And Finally…In an editorial, The New York Times supports the IOM's position urging additional funding for the FDA. Editorial