ALSO NOTED: ImClone kicks off liver cancer trial; PhRMA boosts lobbying efforts; and much more...

> Did a big boost in drug industry lobbying pay off last year? The industry's top trade group, PhRMA, spent more than $22 million lobbying in 2007--a 25 percent increase from the year before. Report

> ImClone has kicked off a Phase II trial of IMC-1121B, an experimental therapy for liver cancer. Release

> Chutes & Ladders: Neurochem announced that Dr. Andreas Orfanos, Executive VP of Strategic Planning and Scientific Affairs, and Ms. Christine Lennon, VP of Business Development, are leaving the company. The company says the changes come "in light of Neurochem new strategic direction." Release

> A jury hit AstraZeneca with $215 million in damages as payback for overcharging the state of Alabama for drugs for 15 years. And AstraZeneca is just the first of 70 drug makers to go to trial. Report

> Pharma's favorite dynamic duo, Reps. John Dingell and Bart Stupak, are threatening to force the FDA to inspect foreign plants before drugs or ingredients are exported to the U.S. Report

And Finally... Humans aren't the only ones struggling with obesity. According to a recent study, the prevalence of obesity in dogs is between 22 and 40 percent; cats are also suffering from excess weight. Release