ALSO NOTED: BMS staggered by generic competitor; NicOx hits endpoints; and much more...

> Staggered by generic competition for Plavix, Bristol-Myers Squibb says it saw sales decline by $600 million in the third quarter. In addition, BMS said that one of the federal probes into its conduct is now centered on potential securities violations. Report

> France's NicOx announced that its late-stage trial of naproxcinod (HCT 3012) in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee hit all of its primary endpoints with statistically significant results. Report

> Vertex is touting early-stage data on its VX-950 therapy for hepatitis C. Report

> Idenix has agreed to pay $2 million up front to Metabasis to collaborate on a strategic initiative to improve its hep C pipeline. Release

> InterMune has agreed to pay $36.9 million to settle claims it promoted off-label uses of Actimmune. Report

> Ligand Pharmaceuticals has sold its corporate headquarters and land in Torrey Pines Science Center for $47.6 million. Release

> Argos Therapeutics has won a $21 million NIH contract to develop HIV immunotherapy candidates. Release

> Morgellons: New disease or mental illness? Report

And Finally… Researchers say people who eat curry have sharper minds, a fact that may be attributed to the spice curcumin, which is rich in antioxidants. Article