> Hollis-Eden has decided to shelve its radiation sickness drug Neumune after it was rejected by the HHS. Report
> Abeille Pharmaceuticals and SymBio Pharmaceuticals have signed a development and commercialization pact for AB-1001--Abeille's transdermal patch for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The agreement covers Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Abeille stands to earn up to $21 million in upfront fees and milestones. AB-1001 is slated to begin a Phase III trial in the second quarter as researchers study its ability to deliver the 5HT3-antagonist through the skin. Release
> Analysts are nervously awaiting clinical trial data for AGI-1067, saying that it is widely expected to fail a key study. If they're wrong, though, AstraZeneca could see its stock rise sharply. AstraZeneca agreed to pay up to a billion dollars for the licensing rights to the drug, which is being developed by AtheroGenics. Report
> The FDA has informed Endo and Vernalis that it will need an additional three months to review Endo's sNDA for Frova. Release
> MedImmune will lease a portion of the HGS headquarters facility located in Rockville, MD, for the development and manufacturing of clinical trial material for cell culture-based seasonal and pandemic influenza vaccine. Release
> Roche is returning rights to IP regarding HIV fusion inhibitor peptides to Trimeris. Report
> Emergent BioSolutions has forged a licensing deal with Coley Pharmaceutical to use VaxImmune to develop new anthrax vaccines. Report
> Hit by increased competition from generic drugs, Sanofi-Aventis says it will cut 200 manufacturing jobs in Ireland. Report
> France's Sanofi-Aventis is rolling out its disposable insulin pen in Europe next month. Report
And Finally… A new report on China's pharma industry says that new efforts to bolster R&D work there are designed to propel the country to the top ranks of global pharma leaders. Report