> New reports are surfacing that Bristol-Myers and Sanofi-Aventis may not be in merger talks, after all. But the companies are officially staying mum, and the silence has spurred intense activity for shares of both company. Report
> Lexicon Genetics is changing its name to Lexicon Pharmaceuticals to reflect that it is focusing its operations on drug discovery and development activities related to its 10to10 Program. The 10to10 Program is an ongoing company initiative with the goal of advancing ten drug candidates into human clinical trials by 2010. Release
> The FDA has granted orphan drug status to Alfacell's Onconase for malignant mesothelioma. It's currently in Phase IIb. Release
> Wyeth says that it doesn't plan a U.S. launch of Pristiq for hot flashes before the third quarter and will wait until late 2007 or early 2008 to launch the drug to treat depression. Report
> Inex Pharmaceuticals has sold about $14 million in shares. Report
> The FDA has approved Novo Nordisk's diabetes therapy NovoLog for pregnant women. Release
> AlphaVax says it has received FDA approval to begin trials of vaccines for influenza and cytomegalovirus. Report
> Mylan Pharmaceuticals has won FDA approval for a generic version of an extended release lung drug. Report
> The FDA is too slow to approve new drugs and medical devices, according to a survey of orthopedic surgeons released today. Eighty percent would also like to see the painkiller Vioxx available once again. Release
And Finally… A new study finds that children who grow up within a third of a mile of a freeway may suffer permanent respiratory problems. Article