ALSO NOTED: Experts gird for pandemic; CollaGenex touts Phase III results; Celltrion gains rights to tumor drug; and much more.

> The Los Angeles Times looks at the struggle to prepare the world against an outbreak of avian flu and the chances that a pandemic will hit at some point. Report

> CollaGenex Pharmaceuticals of Newtown, Pennsylvania, is touting its Phase III results from two trials for Oracea for rosacea. Both trials hit their primary endpoints. Release

> Austria's Igeneon has licensed an experimental tumor therapy -- IGN 311 -- to South Korea's Celltrion for commercialization in some Asian markets. Release

> The new anti-epileptic drug Lyrica has been linked to a case of bran swelling in a patient who was abruptly taken off the drug. Some physicians say a special warning is needed, but not all doctors agree with that assessment. Article

> Sanofi Pasteur has begun shipping Adacel vaccine in the US. Release

> Novacea and Pierre Fabre Medicament in Paris will collaborate on the development of a chemotherapeutic agent for tumors. Release

> Cincinnati-based Prasco Laboratories has inked a distribution and supply agreement with Aventis Pharmaceuticals for leflunomide tablets. Release

And Finally... Columnist Michael Hiltzik examines the fight in California over competing drug subsidy initiatives and the drug industry's feverish attempt to defeat a proposition that would give consumers the right to sue drug companies for "profiteering." Column