@FierceBiotech: Sanofi ejects two R&D sites, forges $2.2B pact with Covance. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech
> The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center has received a $3.9 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The Center, in connection with obesity and addiction specialist Embera NeuroTherapeutics, will use the funds to continue working on EMB-001, a cocaine dependence drug. Embera release
> Emergent Biosolutions acquired fast track status for its monoclonal antibody, AVP-21D9, which is used to treat anthrax inhalation. The antibody is currently in a Phase I clinical trial. Emergent release
> Thanks to a $106 million deal with CMIC Co. Ltd., Dyax's hereditary angioedema drug, Kalbitor, will go through the Japanese regulatory process. The deal pays Dyax $4 million upfront, with the rest coming through milestone payments and sales. Report
> Ablynx will receive another €3 million ($4.2 million) in milestone payments from its deal with Boehringer Ingelheim. So far, Boehringer has paid €12 million in milestones as part of its potential €125 million agreement. Ablynx release
> Frederick, MD-based Vaccinogen has named Michael Kranda as its new President and CEO. Kranda was previously President and CEO of Anesiva, COO of Immunex (now Amgen) and sits on the boards of several companies. Vaccinogen release
And Finally... Women looking to extend their lives should ignore the eight hour sleep rule, while still getting enough sleep. According to a 14-year study at the University of California, San Diego, scientists have found that 5 to 6.5 hours of sleep a night was the optimum level for women's longevity. Story