March 31, 2006 – EpiCept soared after announcing publication of positive data for Ceplene, a treatment for myeloid leukemia; Cytokinetics said its candidate for a non-small cell cancer drug failed a Phase II trial; Vical reported positive results from a laboratory test of a new DNA flu vaccine; Schwarz Pharma of Germany reported that Lacosamide provided a reduction in diabetic neuropathic pain; Gen-Probe completed its response to FDA questions about a blood assay; Medarex began a trial of ipilimumab as a metastatic melanoma therapy; the board of Serono will propose a two-year authorization to issue an additional 7.6 million shares, presumably for acquisitions; Astellas Pharma won FDA approval for Prograf as an immunosuppressant with heart transplants; and NitroMed cut about 30 research and development positions, as slow sales of BiDil cut revenues. The CBT 200™ gained half a point, closing at 3966.58, a gain of .01%. More details...
