ALSO NOTED: Swiss approve Lucentis; ViroPharma shares buoyed by hep C data; and much more...

> Novartis has announced that Switzerland has approved Lucentis for age-related macular degeneration, marking its first European approval for the drug. The FDA approved Lucentis two months ago. Novartis says it will start supplying the drug in September. Report

> ViroPharma shares were buoyed by positive results from an early trial of its drug for hepatitis C. After 14 days of doses of HCV-796 with another therapy patients had an average viral reduction close to 100 percent. Plans for Phase II are underway. Report

> Eli Lilly and India's Suven Life Sciences will collaborate on the preclinical development of new therapies for CNS disease. Suven gains upfront and milestone payments to identify new compounds. Report

> Bausch & Lomb has expanded its development pact with Talecris Biotherapeutics, gaining development rights for rPlasmin, a recombinant derivative of the human blood component plasmin that helps to dissolve blood clots. Bausch & Lomb is enlisting volunteers for an early-stage trial of rPlasmin. Report

> The FDA has approved a generic version of the injectable antibiotic Cipro. Report

> Purdue Pharma and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA have agreed to end their lawsuit concerning certain Purdue Pharma patents on OxyContin Tablets. Release

And Finally… St. Jude's Dr. Mary Relling has emerged as a leading advocate of genetic testing for providing the right drug prescription. Article