VU divests drug program to Cumberland Pharma

Through a JV-type development entity, Vanderbilt University has divested to Cumberland Pharmaceutical a program original developed by BMS, which BMS gave to the JV entity, or something like that. Cumberland notes there's no approved treatment yet for Hepatorenal Syndrome, at which the program is aimed. The release is here.

N'ville lifesciences unsung?

Biotech, life sciences, pharmaceuticals... these are domains most Nashville entrepreneurs and investors feel are beyond their ken. Yet, there are amazing things going on here, as we report from Vanderbilt's new drug discovery center.

GTx Ipsen team ends

Memphis-based GTx, backed by Pitt Hyde and others, yesterday announced the end of its toremifine collaboration with Ipsen, which had stepped into the partnership slot after Merck left. The MDN reports.

FDA industry basics website

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has launched an FAQ site for industry seeking FDA approvals.

Jacobs to Cumberland Pharma board

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals (Nas:CPIX), which has gotten some tough scrutiny from analysts, added former Pyschiatric Solutions CEO Joey Jacobs to its b.o.d. Cumberland recently announced its voluntary recall of Acetadote. The Jacobs release.

Ethics: VUMC leads on Bioethics, randomized trials

VUMC Reporter shares a glimpse of a potential ethical dilemma in conducting randomized trials, in which some patients benefit and live, and others are dealt a different card. Elsewhere, VU reports Nita Farahany (left) is a member of the Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues.

Diatherix H1N1 test greenlighted

DIATHERIX Laboratories, based in Huntsville, with offices in Middle Tennessee, announced it has been granted emergency use authorization by the FDA for its DIATHERIX H1N1-09 Influenza Test.