> Almost one-third of rheumatologists have changed their approach to treating juvenile arthritis as a result of the FDA's investigation into child-cancer risks associated with TNF-alpha inhibitors, Decision Resources has found. Release
> Led by Democrats, the Michigan House approved three bills that would repeal the state's immunity from lawsuits for pharmaceutical companies. Report
> Wall Street types are speculating that Biovail founder Eugene Melnyk is lightening up his holdings in the company, as an unnamed investor unloaded a large block of shares earlier this week. Report
> J.P. Morgan analysts upgraded Amgen to "overweight," citing upcoming data from a key trial of its bone drug candidate denosumab. Report
> India's Lupin said it has acquired a 51 percent stake in Multicare Pharmaceuticals Philippines in a first foray into the $2.5 billion Philippines pharmaceuticals market. Report
> Sagent Pharmaceuticals got the FDA nod for its version of the injectable antibiotic azithromycin. Report
> After battling a tender offer from a major shareholder, Avigen announced today that it will liquidate the company barring a shareholder vote to dump its board and replace it with a slate of directors nominated by the Biotechnology Value Fund. Report
> Elan's stock is on the rise as rumors circulate that the Dublin-based developer could be the target of a takeover attempt by H. Lundbeck. Elan report
> Neuraltus Pharmaceuticals, a biotech developing small molecule drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, has wrapped a $17 million Series A round. Report
> Biogen Idec rolled out the red carpet to analysts and journalists alike as it touted its research program and talked up its mid- and late-stage drug prospects. Biogen report
> Ernst & Young inserted a 'going concern' warning into Lexington, MA-based Epix Pharmaceuticals' recently released annual report, raising doubts about the company's ability to survive the ongoing credit crunch. Report
And Finally... As patients cut back on cosmetic surgeries because of the recession, they're opting for less-invasive approaches such as Botox injections--which increased by 8 percent to 5 million last year. Report