> Tacere Therapeutics has inked a development deal with Pfizer for its preclinical hepatitis C drug. The deal is worth up to $145 million in potential milestones and Pfizer is paying an undisclosed upfront fee. Release
> Shares of InterMune jumped after the company announced that the Phase Ib trial of a new hepatitis C therapy delivered positive results. Report
> U.S. regulators have canceled an advisory board meeting regarding Jerini's icatibant, removing a possible obstacle to its approval. Release
> The CEOs of ArQule and Isolagen have announced plans to leave their respective companies. Report | Report
> Watson Pharmaceuticals says that its experimental gel therapy for overactive bladder met its goal in a late-stage trial. Release
> NextGen Sciences and Paragon Bioservices announced a marketing deal for their development services. Release
> NicOx signed an extension of its March 2006 collaboration agreement with Pfizer covering the exclusive right to apply its proprietary nitric oxide-donating technology to drug discovery research in the field of ophthalmology. Release
> China's biotech sector is small compared to its pharma activities, but it's growing fast. Report
> The very drugs prescribed to strengthen bones can spark stabbing limb and joint pain, according to a reminder from the FDA. Report
> A peptide produced by the brain to ward off the effects of fatigue could be the key to combating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, according to new research. Report
> Looking to boost New York's reputation as a thriving center of scientific research, Gov. Eliot Spitzer has handed out the first series of grants from a new $600 million fund designed to support stem cell research programs. Report
> Prescription drug spending surged in 2006 as the government's benefits for the elderly kicked in, according to a federal study. Report
And Finally... House Democrats are investigating whether consumers are being misled by commercials in which Dr. Robert Jarvik (photo) endorses of Pfizer's Lipitor. Though Jarvik invented the artificial heart, he has never practiced medicine. Report