> Researchers have discovered a genetic mutation that accounts for more than one-in-five cases of Parkinson's for Arabs, North Africans and Jews. This is particularly surprising as genetics was not thought to play a major role in the disease. Article
> Altus Pharmaceuticals has priced its IPO of 7 million shares at $15 a share. Release
> Rigel Pharmaceuticals of South San Francisco will receive a $5 million milestone for the advancement of its cancer therapy, R763. Release
> Par Pharmaceuticals has divested FineTech Labs, which employs 42 people in Israel. Release
> The Dutch biotech Pharming Group has raised €17.1 million to develop its recombinant human C1 inhibitor. Release
> Pfizer has sued Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma over a hypertension drug, demanding the return of any data for the drug and a cessation to any marketing efforts. Report
> Callisto Pharmaceuticals has signed an agreement with The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center for the licensing of a new class of cancer drugs called Degrasyns for development as anti-cancer agents. Release
> ViroPharma is moving to eliminate its long-term debt. Release
> Amgen and Genentech have entered into a licensing contract for antibody patents. Release
And Finally… Racial differences play a large role in determining who gets lung cancer, according to researchers. Blacks are 55 percent more likely than whites to suffer from the disease. Article