> That personalized medicine trend you've been hearing so much about isn't just a bunch of hype. A new study from the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development concludes that the personalized drug development strategy is a key feature among biopharma companies. And an increased use of biomarkers to gauge patient response to these drugs is a common feature--even though stiff regulatory challenges remain. Report
> A British group in search of a gastrointestinal cancer vaccine has partnered with London Genetics Limited to seek out a set of biomarkers which will allow investigators to clearly define a population of patients who can benefit from it. Story
> Bioniche Life Sciences nabbed a $4 million milestone payment from its development partner, Endo Pharmaceuticals. This milestone is the fourth achieved by Bioniche subsequent to the parties executing their agreement in July, 2009. Bioniche release
> The Ares Life Sciences fund plans to buy out all the shares of Stallergenes it doesn't already own. Story
> Using a well-known colorectal tumor tissue biomarker, researchers were able to track the efficacy of a commonly used gout drug against precancerous polyps that frequently go on to trigger lethal cases of colon cancer. Article
> Xenon Pharmaceuticals is partnering with Isis Pharmaceuticals to develop RNA-targeting drugs for anemia. No financial details were released. Item
> In an effort to drum up fresh funds Hungary is expected to change the write-off rules for pharma R&D, a switch which could hit Egis and Richter. Story
> Accentia Biopharmaceuticals and its subsidiary Biovest have exited Chapter 11. News
And Finally... Middle aged women who drink a moderate amount--one or two alcoholic drinks a day--stand a much better chance of staying healthy well into old age. Story