> The FDA's decision yesterday to require a new trial of Novartis' Galvus is seen as a big win for Merck, which is promoting its competing diabetes drug Januvia. Galvus is seen as a blockbuster drug that could compete head-to-head with Januvia. Report
> Israel's Rosetta Genomics is looking to raise up to $32 million from its IPO, its second attempt at going public. The company has developed algorithms to discover micro-RNA sequences. Report
> Tongjitang Chinese Medicines has filed for a U.S. IPO. Report
> Chutes & Ladders: Elkan Gamzu, Ph.D., has been appointed CEO of Pharmos, effective March 31, 2007. He will succeed Haim Aviv, Ph.D., who will be retiring on that date. Dr. Aviv will continue as Chairman of the Board. Release
> Due to the high efficacy rate of Gardasil in a clinical trial an independent monitoring board has suggested that patients taking a placebo be switched to the HPV vaccine. Report
> Merck KGaA has launched a Phase III trial of Stimuvax for lung cancer. Report
> Emisphere Technologies gained a milestone on the news that Novartis and Nordic Bioscience have initiated a Phase III trial for the treatment of osteoporosis with an oral form of salmon calcitonin using its technology. Release
And Finally...The FDA's Office of Women's Health has had a quarter of its budget quietly sliced off, which some insiders contend is political payback for the controversy over Plan B. Article