> Dynogen Pharmaceuticals is going public in a buyout deal with Apex Bioventures Acquisition Corp. Dynogen shareholders will initially receive $98 million in the deal, with Dynogen merging with a subsidiary of Apex. Dynogen will be left with about $65 million in cash on hand for development work. Dynogen has been focused on irritable bowel syndrome, nocturnal gastroesophageal reflux disease and overactive bladder. Release
> Alpharma plans to sells its active pharmaceutical ingredients unit to 3i for $395 million and use the proceeds to grow its drug and animal health business. Release
> A group of Arizona biotech leaders has created the state's first venture fund for early-stage developers. Translational Accelerator gets started with $20 million for the biotech field, with the money slated for developers either in the state or coming to the state. Companies engaged in research for cancer and central nervous system diseases and diagnostics can qualify for loans of $500,000 to $2 million. Report
> Investor Carl Icahn (photo), who has specialized recently in upending several biotech companies, says he's planning to start blogging about some of his favorite issues, like executive compensation. Report
> Researchers are focusing on a more efficient method for breeding transgenic animals to produce proteins. Report
> The FDA has agreed to review UCB's Cimzia for rheumatoid arthritis. Report
> Cook Pharmica, a contract manufacturer, is planning an $80 million expansion of its Bloomington, IN plant. Report
> MethylGene and EnVivo Pharmaceuticals today announced that MethylGene has exercised its right to opt-out of further funding in its collaboration with EnVivo signed in February 2005. Release
> Biogen Idec reported a surge in profits in the fourth quarter as revenue from its two biggest therapies--Rituxan and Avonex--spiked. Report
> Puerto Rico is the birthing center for 13 of the 20 top-selling drugs in the U.S., but plants there have had repeated quality-control problems, according to an investigation by the Associated Press. Report
> The UK's Wellcome Trust says it will pump up its research spending by 60 percent over the next five years as it ambitiously seeks a better understanding of diseases at a genetic level. Report
> Reporters took Fosamax's patent expiration today as an opportunity to remind us all that 20 billion worth of drugs will go off patent this year, cutting big-time into Big Pharma's sales. Report
> Think before you click. That's the moral of today's tale, the story of a lawyer, a reporter and a $1 billion potential settlement that Eli Lilly wanted to keep quiet--but ended up all over the news. Report
And Finally... DNA from the Black Rat can be used to show how diseases have spread around the globe. Release