> ZymoGenetics is chopping 80 jobs--mostly in R&D--after facing some tough reviews for the potential of its newly released drug Recothrom--a genetically engineered form of thrombin to prevent surgical bleeding. Several analysts have cast doubt on the future of the drug, which was independently released, as well as ZymoGenetics other lines of research. Those prognostications have weighed heavily on the company's stock at a time the stock market has been roiled by speculation of a looming recession. The Seattle Times also notes that the cutbacks reflect the difficulty biotech companies face when moving from pure research to a combination of R&D and marketing. Release | Report
> Evotec stands to gain up to $37 million through the extension of its collaboration with the CHDA Foundation for new therapies to fight Huntington's disease. Release
> Officials in West Virginia are highlighting a new report that calls for an investment in new drug research, noting that the state is near the bottom of the 50 states in research funding and venture capital. Report
> Iomai is touting the results of a mid-stage study of its vaccine patch for traveler's diarrhea. Report
> Sanofi Pasteur has struck a licensing deal with the Statens Serum Institut of Denmark covering the use of its technology for a new tuberculosis vaccine. Report
> A Chinese plant never inspected by the FDA turned out an active ingredient in the heparin vials recalled last month. The Baxter-made blood thinner has been implicated in hundreds of adverse reactions and four deaths. Now, the FDA is investigating, planning an expedited examination of that plant and its records. Report
> The feds are accusing Cephalon of bribing drug makers to keep copycat Provigil off the market. Report
> Biogen Idec and Cardiokine have launched a late-stage trial of Lixivaptan for congestive heart failure patients suffering from hyponatremia. Release
> Alex Gorsky has left the building. As Novartis' U.S. pharma CEO, Gorsky (photo) had been with the company four years; he's now "pursuing opportunities outside of the company." Report
> It's not personal, it's political. When the Republicans were in charge on Capitol Hill, drugmakers were in favor--or so it appeared to the minority party. Now that the Dems run Congress, they're turning the tables. Report
And Finally… Generic drug makers are enthusiastic about the Bush administration's decision to back a regulatory pathway for follow-on biologics. Article