@FierceBiotech: Biomarkers vs. pen-and-paper tests for Alzheimer's: which wins? Story | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: After a shakeup, iPierian names Nancy E. Stagliano, co-founder of CytomX, as new CEO. | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Researchers use neural #stem cells (of iPS variety) to study impacts of potential bipolar-disorder treatments Article | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Discovery Labs says it has responded to the FDA's 2009 CRL on Surfaxin, a long-delayed treatment for respiratory distress syndrome in infants. The biotech says it expects a decision on the drug in six months. Two years ago the FDA questioned certain aspects of a Surfaxin biological activity test (a quality control stability and release test). Discovery Labs has been trying to win an approval for this drug since 2004. Report
> The FDA has approved Sagent's injectable formulation for the antipsychotic drug haloperidol. Story
> Following a management shakeup, iPierian says that it has recruited Nancy Stagliano, the co-founder of CytomX, as its new CEO. iPierian release
> Exelixis reports that the pre-specified number of progression-free survival events required for un-blinding the Phase III data on cabozantinib has been reached. Top-line data is expected early in the fourth quarter of 2011. Release
> Debiopharm and Ascenta Therapeutics struck a licensing deal on AT-406, an early-stage apoptosis molecule. "We are very excited about this collaboration with Ascenta Therapeutics. This company has an impressive scientific team and expertise in the field of apoptosis", said Dr Rolland-Yves Mauvernay, president and founder of Debiopharm. "It should be possible to combine AT-406 (or Debio 1143) with other pro-apoptotic agents, which can potentially bring huge benefits to patients by enhancing the efficiency of the treatment." Release
> Dynavax won a $600,000 SBIR grant to back its research on the role of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase in preclinical models of skin autoimmune inflammation. Dynavax release
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Quirky Medicaid rules gave generics firms a loophole to hike prices on capsules, but not tablets, whistleblower says Report | Follow @FiercePharma
> Par used Medicaid rule to overcharge for meds, suit says. Article
> Longtime liberal advocate to lead generics industry group. More
Medical Device News
> St. Jude gets CE Mark for migraine device. News
> GI Dynamics starts trading on ASX. Report
> Veracyte thyroid test could reduce unnecessary procedures. More
> Urologix signs deal to sell Prostiva RF therapy system for BPH. Item
Drug Delivery News
> Virus sent on seek-and-destroy mission against cancer. Article
> Needle-free delivery market to double in 5 years, analyst says. Story
> Probiotics researcher says he's found a better delivery polymer. Article
> BDSI moves forward with anti-opioid drug, delivery method. Report
> Molecular motor could--someday--power drug delivery device. Piece
> Making sure your nanoparticles are pure. More
And Finally... UN officials say there's no reason to hit the panic button yet on a new mutant strain of bird flu that has popped up in Asia. There is no evidence, they say, that this new strain is any deadlier than the original version. Story