> Rumor Mill: Sanofi-Aventis' CEO is refusing to comment on reports that it has emerged as a possible buyer for Altana pharma division. Article
> NUCRYST Pharmaceuticals, a division of Westaim, has filed to go public in an IPO designed to raise up to $80.78 million. NUCRYST develops therapies for infection and inflammation. Report
> Savient Pharmaceuticals has garnered a $13.75 million payment in the settlement of patent litigation involving Barr's generic version of Mircette. Release
> Innogenetics and Abbot have terminated a 10-year licensing deal for HLA LiPA tissue typing products. Release
> Ligand Pharmaceuticals announced promising results reported by GSK in Phase II studies of eltrombopag, a small-molecule drug that mimics the activity of thrombopoietin, a protein factor that promotes growth and production of blood platelets. Release
> In a new survey, two-thirds of US companies say they've done little to prepare a plan for dealing with a possible avian flu pandemic and 39 percent say there really isn't much they can do, anyway. Microsoft is a notable exception, with plans for company-wide telecommuting and the distribution of protective masks for employees and their families. Article
> Alder Biopharmaceuticals and Schering-Plough have formed a collaboration to identify new antibody therapeutics. Release
> The Medicines Company said that the FDA has approved the use of Angiomax in patients with or at risk of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Release
And Finally… The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has given $84 million to support programs that reduce the number of unnecessary infant deaths. Report