> Indianapolis-based Semafore Pharmaceuticals has completed a $9.5 million second round of venture financing. Much of the money will be used to advance Semafore's clinical program for SF1126, its lead PI3 Kinase inhibitor for the treatment of cancer. "This is an exciting time for Semafore, as we prepare to initiate Phase l clinical trials of our lead PI3 Kinase inhibitor SF1126 and transition into a clinical stage company," said John Sima, interim CEO and COO of Semafore. Release
> Fresh from losing a big contract for an anthrax vaccine, speculation is heating up about how VaxGen will restructure. The company got a $51 million boost from the sale of its Celltrion stock. Report
> BioCryst has won a $102 million contract from the U.S. government to develop peramivir as a therapy against seasonal and avian flu. Report
> A new study has provided data that shows that Herceptin combined with chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer improves the chance of surviving three years after treatment. Report
> Enzon Pharmaceuticals has submitted an INDA to the FDA for its HIF-1alpha (hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha) antagonist. Release
> Software-maker Accelrys is closing its R&D center in Bangalore, India and laying off 60 workers. Report
> MediciNova has established a subsidiary in Japan. Release
> Chutes & Ladders: Xytis Pharmaceuticals has named Vincent F. Simmon, Ph.D., president and CEO. Release
> Scientists at Taiwan University have developed a five-gene test that can help illuminate which lung cancer patients are likely to benefit from chemotherapy. Report
And Finally... Government plans to prevent the creation for animal-human embryos has attracted criticism from the country's scientific community. Article