> Cell Therapeutics reported that more than half of the patients in a small Phase I dosing study of its cancer therapy Xyotax saw tumors shrink or disappear. Of 12 patients with cancer limited to a local region, four saw tumors disappear and seven had their tumors shrink by more than 50 percent. Report
> Wyeth says its encouraged by a recent decision by the FDA to cancel an advisory committee meeting to discuss its antidepressive desvenlafaxine succinate extended release, saying the agency didn't need the additional input to make a decision. Report
> The board of Croatia's Pliva is backing a $2.3 billion acquisition bid from Barr Pharmaceuticals. Barr has been in a bidding war with Actavis for Pliva. Pliva's board warmly endorsed Barr's plans to boost its operations and hire more staffers. Report
> The FDA has approved the use of Keppra (levetiracetam) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy. Release
> An independent data safety board has recommended that YM Biosciences continue its Phase III trial of its tesmilifene breast cancer treatment. Report
> Celera Genomics has won a $900,000 NIH grant to develop a rapid diagnostic test for bird flu. Report
> And Finally… New research indicates that baby boomers who are only modestly overweight still face a significantly higher risk of death. Report