ALSO NOTED: Solvay drug 'approvable'; ChemGenex touts trial results: Asuragen raises $18.5M in venture cash; and much more...

> FDA staffers say that Solvay's experimental therapy for atrial fibrillation is approvable--with conditions. Report

> Shares of ChemGenex, a biotech with facilities in the U.S. and Australia, were boosted on the news that its experimental therapy for chronic myeloid leukemia showed promise in a clinical trial. Speaking at ASH, researchers said that omacetaxine triggered a response in 91 percent of the 21 patients taking the drug. The patients were selected after the T3151 mutation made them resistant to existing therapies. Release

> Austin-based Asuragen, a molecular diagnostics company and molecular biology service provider, has raised $18.5 million in Series B financing. Release

> Fundamental Applied Biology has completed a $21 million Series B financing. Release

> ZymoGenetics is touting positive early stage data on its cancer therapy IL-21. The drug may boost the effectiveness of Rituximab in killing cancer cells. Report

> The Jordanian pharma company Arab Pharmaceutical Manufacturing has accepted a $163 million cash offer from Hikma. Report

> Acura Pharmaceuticals has received a $30 million cash payment from King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development. Release

> GE Healthcare and Novavax have agreed to collaborate on the development of a manufacturing process for a pandemic influenza vaccine. Release

> The rise of generic drugs has been bad news for Big Pharma, but not so bad for copycat makers like Mylan. Report

> Third time's the charm? Merck is going to the FDA again, hat in hand, asking for approval to sell the statin drug Mevacor over the counter. Report

> News flash: Experts are using the words "Velcade" and "blockbuster" in the same sentence. Report

And Finally… Scattered in the American Southeast, you'll find pockets of some of the country's highest mortality rates. Release