ALSO NOTED: Merck clings to AstraZeneca drug rights; GSK recalls malaria drug, stops trial;

> Merck said it would not relinquish its rights to a host of AstraZeneca drugs it markets for the British drug maker in the U.S., including blockbuster heartburn meds Nexium and Prilosec; AstraZeneca had offered to buy back the rights. Report [1]

> AstraZeneca officially asked the FDA to extend approval of its schizophrenia drug Seroquel to cover major depressive disorder as well; the company last month submitted apps for Seroquel use in bipolar disorder. Report [2]

> GlaxoSmithKline will recall its malaria drug Lapdap and halt development of another malaria treatment, after halting a clinical trial that showed both meds increased the risk of anemia. Release [3]

> The FDA gave the nod to AstraZeneca's acid reflux med Nexium for use in kids 1 to 11 years. Report [4]

> The FDA also approved Jazz Pharma's once-a-day version of Luvox, a treatment for social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. Report [5]

> Looking to expand the market for its anti-insomnia pill ramelteon (otherwise known as Rozerem), Takeda Pharmaceutical applied for approval from Japanese regulators. Release [6]

> Generics maker Teva Pharmaceutical plans to appeal a court ruling that upheld a Procter & Gamble patent on the osteoporosis drug Actonel. Report
[7]
And Finally… Researchers have found a gene that can block the spread of HIV. Report [8]