@FierceBiotech: Lab tech firm rounds up $17M in Series B cash. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
> Shares of Dara BioSciences were buoyed by the news that its neuropathic pain drug generated promising data in a mid-stage trial. Report
> Nektar Therapeutics plans to push ahead on the cancer drug NKTR-102 without a partner for now. Nektar execs say they want to complete the mid-stage trial process before making any decisions on pacts. Article
> Avalon Ventures is backing the fledgling biotech RQx Pharmaceuticals with a $1 million investment. Report
> The FDA approved a once-daily dose of the HIV drug Prezista (darunavir), combined with ritonavir. Story
> Pulmatrix has nabbed a $5.7 million grant from DARPA. Pulmatrix release
And Finally... Researchers at Columbia University say that one of the best ways to prevent Alzheimer's may be to make sure you have the right levels of "good" cholesterol. Report