> ImClone Systems has hired Kenneth Zuerblis as its new chief financial officer. Zuerblis has been CFO at Enzon before his resignation in 2005 for personal reasons. Report
> After posting a $2.6 million loss for last year, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals announced that it will merge with Protiva Biotherapeutics. Release
> Argos Therapeutics says its Phase I trial of AGS-004 for HIV demonstrated positive safety and feasibility data. "Initial data revealed no serious adverse events," said Jean-Pierre Routy, M.D. "Mild adverse events observed were consistent with immune response induction and typical of similar therapies." Release
> Japanese regulators have approved Naglazyme for as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome. The drug is being developed by AnGes MG and Biomarin Pharmaceuticals. Report
> Business leaders in Arizona are touting a $1.4 billion bond package that would provide funds to expand biomedical research in the state. Story
> Crucell has pushed its rabies monoclonal antibody combination into Phase II, hitting a milestone in its development deal. Report
> Genta announced that the Data Safety Monitoring Board for its Phase III trial of Genasense Injection, its lead oncology product, has recommended that the trial be continued as originally planned after initial review of blinded safety data from the study. Release
> Encorium Group has inked a $1.6 million contract with Protherics for a Phase II trial of its novel immunotherapeutic vaccine, Angiotensin Therapeutic Vaccine for hypertension. Release
> Neurosearch has begun an early-stage trial of NSD-788, an experimental therapy for anxiety and depression. Report
> If Merck and Schering-Plough really expected their Enhance presentation to turn the tide on Vytorin and Zetia, then they were sorely disappointed this weekend. Report
> Some cholesterol med-makers do have reason to rejoice today. AstraZeneca stopped a study of its blockbuster Crestor, saying the pill had already demonstrated clear benefits over placebo. Report
>What's the long-term impact of the heparin scare? It's shattered U.S. claims of "it can't happen here," for one thing. Report
And Finally… A new study links pesticides with Parkinson's disease. Release