Portola CEO Homcy to retire from post; OXiGENE raises cash for cancer trial

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> Dr. Charles Homcy says he will retire as CEO from Portola Pharmaceuticals, stepping into a new role as co-chairman of the developer. Chief Operating Officer William Lis will succeed Dr. Homcy as the new CEO. Homcy has been CEO for seven years. Release

> OXiGENE says it has raised $7.5 Million in financing. The money will be used for the developer's cancer programs, including its ongoing trials of Zybrestat in non-small cell lung cancer and of OXi4503 trials in solid tumors. Release

> Neurologix announced that Clark A. Johnson, the vice chairman, has been appointed as president and CEO to replace John E. Mordock, who resigned. Release

> Cel-Sci has received a $125,000 check from Byron Biopharma from a deal that gives Byron marketing rights of the biotech's lead drug in South Africa. Report

And Finally... A newly discovered ability for people to taste fat could hold the key to reducing obesity, Deakin University health researchers believe. Release