May 22, 2006 -- Vertex released data showing VX-950 reduced plasma RNA traces of the hepatitis C virus to undetectable levels; Medtronic launched a radio frequency device for benign prostatic hyperplasia; XenoPort said XP19986 reduced number of acid reflux episodes; Nektar won fast track designation for an inhaled anti-fungal drug; CombinatoRx said CRx-102 reduced C-reactive protein in patients suffering from inflammation; Cytomedix out-licensed its wound healing therapy to Biomet; InterMune presented preclinical data detailing the mechanisms of two pulmonary fibrosis compounds SkyePharma will develop a controlled-release version of an anti-hypertensive for First Horizon; Cell Genesys said its bladder cancer drug provoked a complete response in 33% of the patients; Cytogen released data detailing the expression of prostate-specific membrance antigen in kidney cancer; Targacept reported positive data on a drug for age-associated memory impairment; and Exact Sciences scored a big win by announcing positive data for its new stool-based colorectal cancer test. The Centient Biotech 200™ was 37 points lower at 3587.50, a loss of 1.01%. More details....
