> GSK has returned the worldwide rights to Entereg as a therapy for chronic opioid bowel dysfunction to Adolor as it scales back on its commitment to the drug. Glaxo is retaining the rights to the drug as a therapy for post operative ileus. Adolor plans to pursue the work on chronic opioid bowel dysfunction. Release
> Shares of Spain's Almirall dived on the news that its key lung disease therapy was less effective in advanced studies than researchers had seen in earlier trials. Report
> In an effort to conserve cash, Seattle-based ZymoGenetics has handed responsibility for the development and commercialization of atacicept for autoimmune diseases to its development partner, Merck Serono. Report
> Novartis says that its blood pressure drug Tekturna was effective in treating obese patients. Analysts have pegged Tekturna as a potential blockbuster drug. Report
> UCB announced today that the European Commission has approved Vimpat (lacosamide) as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients with epilepsy aged 16 years and older. UCB Release
> Gardasil is "remarkably safe," according to a new study by Australian researchers published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, even though the study found the vax significantly increased the chances of patients developing allergic reactions compared to other vaccines. Report
> The editor in chief of Psychiatric Times, a leading psychiatric journal, has stepped forward to say the journal will disclose conflicts of interest of its editorial board to "help ensure fair and accurate reporting, as well as balanced and scientifically grounded opinion and commentary." Report
> Yesterday, Wall Street wasn't so kind to Merck and Schering-Plough, both of which watched stock prices drop after experts warned consumers to avoid Vytorin if at all possible. Report
> After yesterday's news hit that Atlanta-based Sciele Pharma would accept Japan's Shionogi's generous buyout offer, shares of the drug company's stocks jumped nearly 60 percent. Report
> A new study by the American Lung Association finds that patients taking Singulair (montelukast) are no more likely to suffer from depression or to have an increased risk of suicide. Report
And Finally... Reports of chickenpox have dropped by 90 percent as a result of the national vaccination program implemented in the 1990s. Report