> Seattle-based Omeros Corporation announced that the Stanley Medical Research Institute will provide up to $9 million in equity and grant funding toward the development of Omeros' proprietary drug candidate for the treatment of schizophrenia. The funding is expected to advance Omeros' schizophrenia program through the completion of Phase 1 clinical trials. Release
> Cephalon announced positive results for its pain medication Fentora, saying its effective in treating breakthrough pain in patients with chronic pain. The drug is already approved for patients with cancer pain. Release
> Pfizer has struck a deal with Madison, WI-based Mirus Bio to use its nucleic acid delivery technology in its development of gene silencing (RNAi) therapies. Release
> Atlas Venture has led a first round of venture finance for San Diego-based Proprius Pharmaceuticals that starts at $11 million and scales up to $17 million for new programs. Much of that money will finance the development of Indaflex, a Phase II therapy for osteoarthritis. Release
> Icagen says it is advancing compounds that have worked in animal studies to relieve chronic pain. Report
> Cell Therapeutics has filed a special protocol assessment with the FDA as it prepares a Phase III trial of Xyotax for non-small cell lung cancer. Report
> The EU has approved the use of Roche's Neorecormon for anemia in patients with solid cancers. Report
> Biopure has received a provisional opinion letter from the United Kingdom Commission on Human Medicines containing comments and questions based on its review of the company's marketing authorization application for Hemopure. Release
> Fortune has named its annual list of 100 of the best places to work in the U.S. and included Genentech (third), Amgen and Genzyme. Report
And Finally… Avian flu has dropped off the front page, but there's a new rash of human infections creeping up in Asia. Two new cases have been reported in Indonesia and a farmer in China has fallen ill with the virus. Report