May 4, 2006 – The HHS Department made $1billion in grants to five companies with vaccine expertise, at once preparing for pandemic flu and broadening the domestic manufacturing capacity of flu vaccine; Ariad gained 25% after winning a patent suit against Lilly; AstraZeneca discontinued any further development of Galida, a late-stage diabetes drug; GlaxoSmithKline and Adolor released positive data from a Phase IIb of Entereg, their therapy for opioid-induced constipation; Ista Pharma presented positive data on its Xibrom ophthalmic solution; Cephalon reported positive results from a Phase III trial of a buccal tablet for cancer pain; Endo Pharma said its oxymorphone drugs were helpful against low back pain; Connetics dropped after saying it would restate earlier financial reports; Myogen said that ambrisentan enabled patients to increase their six-minute walk distance; ViroPharma continued its slide after it reported disappointing Q1 sales and earnings; and Cotherix moved higher on a smaller-than-expected loss. The Centient Biotech 200™ was 19 points higher at 3737.84, an increase of .51%. More details...
