> Spectrum Pharmaceuticals says that the FDA has asked for more data on its experimental colorectal cancer drug Fusilev, which the agency rejected last October. The developer says that it expects to submit that data in the third quarter of this year. Release
> Caprion Proteomics has acquired the biomarker services division of PPD. "By acquiring this business, we will expand our capacity and be able to better meet the growing biomarker needs of our current and future clients," Caprion President and CEO Martin LeBlanc says in a statement. Release
> In an interview, the CEO of Ablynx says the company's first product could be on the market in 2013. Ablynx is developing nanobodies, very small antibodies that can hit targets too small for regular antibodies. Story
> Xconomy features Cubist Pharmaceuticals, which has suffered from a flat share price despite pushing itself to profitability. Article
> The former COO of Australia's Genetic Technologies has pleaded guilty to insider trading. Report
Pharma News
> Yet another state is joining the gift-ban lineup. New York's governor is pushing for legislation that would bar sales reps from offering free meals, brand-name tchotchkes, et al, to doctors. Story
> Does healthcare reform have a chance? Over the weekend, we got plenty of assurances that it does--and that it doesn't. Report
> As U.S. healthcare reform appeared to be nearing passage at year's end, drugmakers stepped up their spending on lobbying, BNet Pharma reports. Story
> It's not often that we get data on patients switching from a branded med to a rival generic. But complaints about Teva Pharmaceutical Industries' version of the antidepressant Wellbutrin XL drove FDA to study the matter. Report
> As last week closed out, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for more investment in the pharmaceutical industry--practically a clarion call to Big Pharma to pair up with Brazilian drugmakers. Story
Biotech IT News
> If you're trying to convince the executive suite to automate clinical trial functions and share data among other corporate resources, a new study can help you make the case. Story
> As reported last week, Barcelona-based Almirall, a long-time customer of Perceptive Informatics, has gone back to the well to prep for upcoming trials of respiratory therapeutics. Report
> Phase Forward has released version 7.2 of its Empirica Signal product, a member of its Empirica pharmacovigilance and risk management product collection. Story
> Agile clinical development--expanding the adaptive research concept to all clinical trial functions--may be the key to improving success rates for new drugs. Report
> The field of clinical research informatics--the art and science of improving information flow during clinical studies--is exploding, driving demand for those so skilled. Story
> Drug developers using the SAS technology platform can expect enhanced service from MDS Pharma, thanks to the CRO's adoption of the platform across preclinical through Phase IIa activities. Report
And Finally...Scientists say it may be possible to push back man's natural biologic limits, allowing some people to run as fast as 40 mph. Story