> Barr Pharmaceuticals has raised its bid for Pliva to $2.5 billion. Report
> Synta Pharmaceuticals has released positive Phase IIB data for STA-4783, a heat shock protein 70 inducer that activates natural killer cell-mediated tumor killing in metastatic melanoma. Median progression free survival for patients receiving STA-4783 plus paclitaxel was 112 days versus 56 days for those receiving paclitaxel alone, a statistically significant difference that met the primary endpoint. STA-4783 was well-tolerated in the study, with adverse events typical of those expected for paclitaxel alone. Release
> The FDA's regulatory staff has raised questions about the risk of skin rashes from Oscient's Factive antibiotic. Report
> Light Sciences Oncology has detailed plans to raise $96.6 million from the sale of 6 million shares. Report
> J&J is touting new, mid-stage data on Natrecor. Report
> GlaxoSmithKline will settled a U.S. tax dispute for a reported $3.1 billion. Report
> Venture capitalists and other investors have shown some real passion for India's pharma sector, but biotechnology is still largely being overlooked. Report
> Acuity Pharmaceuticals is touting positive results from its Phase II trial for bevasiranib sodium (formerly Cand5), its lead compound for the treatment of wet age-related macular degeneration. Release
> Amphora Discovery has created two stand-alone business units. The Amphora Pharmaceuticals Business Unit, based in Los Altos, CA, will focus on leveraging the company's high-value drug candidates and creating partnerships with pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The Amphora Discovery Business Unit, based in Durham NC, will offer a contract research offering. Release
> Codexis announced it hit a milestone in its research pact with Schering-Plough. Release
And Finally… A new and frighteningly lethal strain of TB is spreading in South Africa. Report