ALSO NOTED: Ziopharm raises $30M;hunt on for new NC Bio Center chief; and much more

> Ziopharm Oncology has inked a deal to raise $30.9 million through a private placement. Lead and new investors were Essex Woodlands Health Ventures and PTV Sciences. Release

> Chutes & Ladders: The North Carolina Biotechnology Center has formed a search committee to begin its pursuit of a new president to succeed Leslie Alexandre. Release

> Elite Pharmaceuticals says a mid-stage trial has demonstrated the euphoria-blocking effects of ELI-216. Release

> The FDA has issued a warning letter to Abraxis Bioscience regarding one of its manufacturing plants. Release

> SGX Pharmaceuticals has updated investors in its pipeline. Release

And Finally... Researchers say that depression worsens atherosclerosis. Report