> Altus Pharmaceuticals has filed an IPO to sell $115 million in stock. The Cambridge, MA biotech is developing oral and injectable protein therapeutics for chronic gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders, with two product candidates in clinical development. Report
> The UK's Hikma Pharmaceuticals plans to raise £70 million in an upcoming IPO. Report
> Elan and Biogen Idec got a big boost as researchers reported that a new safety evaluation of Tysabri revealed no new cases of PML. The companies are trying to win the FDA's approval to return the drug to the market. Three cases of PML had been reported earlier this year, two of which were fatal. Report
> A growing number of ophthalmologists are using Avastin as an off-label therapy for macular degeneration. The results are anecdotal, but South San Francisco-based Genentech said it will not mount any clinical trials for Avastin in macular degeneration. Genentech has been focused on developing Lucentis for the condition. Article
> Eyetech has begun enrolling patients for a Phase III trial of Macugen in patients with diabetic macular edema. Release
> Dynogen Pharmaceuticals has begun a Phase II trial of DDP225 for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. Release
> Millennium Pharmaceuticals of Cambridge, MA, has begun a Phase I/II trial of MLN518 in combination with standard induction chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed acute myelogenous leukemia. Release
> The venture capital group Morgenthaler announced the closing of its eighth fund with $450 million. Release
> Chutes & Ladders: Las Vegas-based AXM Pharma has appointed Madam Wang Weishi as its new CEO. Release
> London's Evolutec has raised £10 million in new funding. Release
And Finally… A new feel-good advertising campaign in Germany tries to counter depression and anxiety, the country's single greatest cause of absenteeism. Article