ALSO NOTED: Sankyo gives up on pactimibe; PacMab raises $5M in IPO; NicOx, Topigen ink development deal; and much more...

> Sankyo has given up on developing pactimibe CS-505, Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitor after it failed to hit clinical endpoints. Analysis of the secondary endpoints showed a lower effect of pactimibe on atherosclerosis than standard of care alone and no beneficial effect on the frequency of cardiovascular events. Release

> Australia's PacMab plans to raise $5 million in an IPO. Report

> NicOx and TOPIGEN Pharmaceuticals announced they have signed a license and development agreement for NicOx's phase IIa compound, NCX 1020, in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and other respiratory disorders. Release

> Chutes & Ladders: Alberto Martinez, M.D., has assumed the position of president and CEO of Talecris Biotherapeutics; John Hanson has assumed the position of CFO, and Mel Asbury has been named senior vice president of human resources. Release

> Schering-Plough beat Wall Street estimates for its latest quarterly earnings. Report

And Finally... An expert panel has recommended that every child be immunized against hepatitis A. Article