> A new study shows that one quarter of the patients taking two therapies for Parkinson's--pergolide or cabergoline--have moderate to severe heart valve problems. This comes after a German study linking both drugs to a risk of leaky heart valves five to seven times higher than normal. Pergolide is sold as Permax and is also prescribed for restless leg syndrome. Article
> Shares of OraSure were buoyed this morning by news that it had signed a development deal with Schering-Plough to create a quick test for hepatitis C. Report
> Denmark's ALK-Abello is gaining a $35 million payment from Schering-Plough for a development alliance covering its allergy therapy program in North America. ALK-Abello will also be eligible for up to $255 million in milestones. Schering-Plough gains commercialization rights for grass pollen allergy, house dust mite allergy and ragweed allergy. Report
> Chutes & Ladders: Aerovance of Berkeley, CA has named Mark L. Perry, currently the company's executive chairman, as president and chief executive officer. Release
> AVEO Pharmaceuticals has acquired an exclusive license to develop and commercialize Kirin's once-a-day, oral VEGF receptor inhibitor, KRN951, in all territories outside of Asia. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Release
> Elusys Therapeutics has inked an exclusive collaborative research and license agreement with Pfizer to develop new therapeutics for select infectious diseases using Elusys' HP Antibody technology. Release
> MTM Laboratories is opening new subsidiaries in Italy (Milan), France (Paris) and Spain (Madrid) in order to commercialize its CE-labeled diagnostic products in Europe. Release
> Stem cells demonstrate ability to repair brain damage. Report
> Researchers expect to advance nanoparticle tumor therapies into the clinic this year, hoping to develop a radical new approach to fighting cancer. Report
> Poll shows support for Democrats' stem cell agenda. Report
And Finally… The New York Times tells the story of one man whose death was allegedly triggered by massive weight gain that followed a prescription for Zyprexa. Article