Biotech investors interested in seeing more details about these companies and a full list of their related stories can do so by typing the stock ticker symbol into the Stock Quotes box on the right side of the page.Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACOR) announced Ron Cohen, M.D., President & CEO, will present at the upcoming Lazard Capital Markets 6th Annual Healthcare Conference on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 3:10 p.m. ET at the St. Regis Hotel in New York, NY.Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) announced it has purchased the MassCode Tag technology from Eurofins MWG Operon, a division of Eurofins.

ArQule, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARQL) presented data at the AACR-NCI-EORTC meeting in Boston demonstrating the capabilities of the Company’s proprietary drug discovery platform to generate a class of small molecules with significant therapeutic potential.Art's Way Manufacturing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARTW), announces its wholly owned subsidiary, Art's Way Scientific, Inc. - Buildings For Science - will be providing 6 modular swine facilities for breeding, gestation, farrowing, nursery and finisher operations.BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPAX), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing products for female sexual health, including LibiGel® for th treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), applauds the efforts of Boehringer Ingelheim to develop a therapy to treat this unmet medical need. Cannabis Science Inc. (NASD OTCBB: CBIS) an emerging pharmaceutical cannabis company, is hailing the call by the American Medical Association's House of Delegates for “marijuana's status as a federal Schedule I controlled substance be reviewed with the goal of facilitating the conduct of clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines."Cadus Corporation (OTC Bulletin Board: KDUS) announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.Derma Sciences, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: DSCI) a specialty medical device/pharmaceutical company focused on advanced wound care, announced it has filed an S-1 Registration Statement to offer 1,500,000 shares of its common stock. Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENZN) announced data from its pipeline programs will be presented at the 2009 EORTC-NCI-AACR (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-National Cancer Institute-American Association for Cancer Research) annual meeting being held November 16-19, 2009 in Boston, Massachusetts.Exact Sciences Corp. (Nasdaq: EXAS) announced it will present at the Lazard Capital Markets Sixth Annual Healthcare Conference, which is being held Nov. 17-18, at the St. Regis Hotel in New York.Health Grades, Inc. (Nasdaq: HGRD), the leading healthcare ratings company, announced Kerry Hicks, President and Chief Executive Officer of Health Grade, will be presenting at the Sidoti & Company, LLC New York II Emerging Growth Institutional Investor Forum at The Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York on Friday, November 20, 2009, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time.Inovio Biomedical Corporation (NYSE AMEX: INO) reported financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009.Mead Johnson Nutrition Company (NYSE: MJN) announced it intends to file a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), which includes details of a proposed exchange offer whereby Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (BMS) shareholders can exchange some, none or all of their shares of BMS common stock for shares of Mead Johnson common stock.Metabolix, Inc. (NASDAQ: MBLX), a bioscience company focused on developing sustainable solutions for plastics, chemicals and energy, announced the complete on of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 3,450,000 shares of its common stock at a price of $9.00 per share for gross proceeds of approximately $31 million.  NovaDel Pharma Inc. (NYSE:NVD), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing oral spray formulations for a broad range of marketed treatments, reported financial results for its third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.Neogen Corporation (Nasdaq: NEOG) announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 3-for-2 stock split. OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: OSIP) announced the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) will review the use of Tarceva® (erlotinib) as a first-line maintenance therapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not progressed following first-line treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy at its December 16, 2009 meeting.PPD, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPDI) announced it has entered an agreement with Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V. to develop and commercialize two Phase II-ready therapeutic compounds, one to treat diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-d) and the other to treat complicated skin and skin structure and respiratory infections.Roche`s (SWX:RO) (SWX:ROG) (Pink Sheets: RHHBY) RealTime ready Influenza A/H1N1 Detection Set for the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus has received emergency use authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NasdaqGM:SPPI), a commercial-stage biotechnology company with a primary focus in oncology, announced it has been selected for addition to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index® (Nasdaq: NBI).Targacept, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRGT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as NNR Therapeutics™, announced it has been selected for addition to the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (NASDAQ: NBI) effective with the U.S. market open on Monday, November 23, 2009.ZOLL Medical Corporation (Nasdaq GS: ZOLL), a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced the R Series® defibrillators with new monitoring capability added as well as its new intravascular temperature management solutions are being exhibited in Booth #1417 at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2009 November 15-17th at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando.

Biotech investors should take note that some of their favorite stocks may soon be listed as part of index for the first time. On Friday, the NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc. announced their semi-annual re-ranking of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (Nasdaq:NBI) , which will become effective with the market open on Monday, November 23, 2009.

The re-ranking will result in the following eight securities being added to the Index:

{tiny;SPPI;3}Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:SPPI). Prior to this news, this company had no index memberships. SPPI is a commercial-stage biotechnology company with a focus on oncology, develops and commercializes a portfolio of drug products. Its marketed products include ZEVALIN, a form of cancer therapy called radioimmunotherapy for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL); and FUSILEV, which is indicated after high-dose methotrexate therapy in patients with osteosarcoma. The company is also developing apaziquone for the treatment of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. Its phase II products include Ozarelix, a drug being investigated for benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, and hormone dependent prostate cancer; and Ortataxel, a third-generation taxane. In addition, it has exclusive worldwide rights to Renazorb and Renalan and related compounds.

 

{tiny;PARD;3}Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:PARD), together with its subsidiary, NeoRx Manufacturing Group, Inc., focuses on the development and commercialization of oncology products for people with cancer. Its lead platform product candidate, Picoplatin, is a platinum-based cancer therapy that is designed to overcome platinum resistance associated with chemotherapy in solid tumors. Picoplatin is being studied in various cancer indications, combinations, and formulations. Poniard Pharmaceuticals is conducting a phase III clinical trial of intravenous picoplatin in small cell lung cancer; two phase II clinical trials in metastatic colorectal and castration-resistant (hormone refractory) prostate cancers; and a clinical trial of oral picoplatin in solid tumors.

 

{tiny;CSKI;3}China Sky One Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq:CSKI). Through its subsidiaries, the company engages in the development, manufacture, marketing, and sale of over-the-counter, branded nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter plant and herb based pharmaceutical and medicinal products primarily in China. The company?s products include sumei slim patch to foster weight loss and prevent weight gain; pain killer patch used for the treatment of various ailments, including fever, headache, dysentery, diarrhea, and stiffness and pain in the neck caused by hypertension; anti-hypertension patch that improves circulation and reduces blood pressure; and dysmenorrheal patch for pain relief from dysmenorrheal in a woman?s critical days, and for regulating pain and catamenia.

 

{tiny;HITK;3}Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co., Inc. (Nasdaq:HITK), develops, manufactures, markets, and sells generic, prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), and nutritional products in liquid and semisolid dosage forms in the United States. It produces a range of products for various disease states, including asthma, bronchial disorders, dermatological disorders, allergies, pain, stomach, oral care, neurological disorders, glaucoma, and other conditions. The company?s generic pharmaceutical products include oral solutions and suspensions, topical creams and ointments, and nasal sprays. Hi-Tech Pharmacal Co. also manufactures and sells liquid ophthalmic, otic, and inhalation products, as well as cough and cold products and prescription vitamins. It markets a line of branded products that include OTC, nutritional lines, and prescription products primarily for people with diabetes.

 

{tiny;VICL;3}Vical Incorporated (Nasdaq:VICL), engages in the research and development of biopharmaceutical products based on its DNA delivery technologies for the prevention and treatment of serious or life-threatening diseases. It develops DNA-based vaccines and therapeutics for the prevention/treatment of infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, including Allovectin-7 cancer immunotherapeutic, a Phase III clinical trial product for the treatment of metastatic melanoma; Therapeutic vaccine for cytomegalovirus, a Phase II clinical trial product to prevent viral reactivation and disease after transplant; Prophylactic vaccine for H5N1 pandemic influenza virus, which completed its Phase I clinical trial to protect against infection, disease, and/or viral shedding; Prophylactic vaccine for cytomegalovirus, a preclinical status product, which prevents infection before and during pregnancy to preclude fetal transmission; and Therapeutic vaccine for herpes simplex type 2 virus, a research status product that prevents recurring flare-ups.

 

{tiny;SIGA;3}SIGA Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:SIGA) is a biotechnology company, engages in the discovery, development, and commercialization of anti-infectives, antibiotics, and vaccines for the prevention and treatment of serious infectious diseases. The company focus on products for use in defense against biological warfare agents, such as smallpox, arenaviruses (hemorrhagic fevers), and other category A viral agents. Its lead product, ST-246, is an orally administered anti-viral drug that targets orthopox viruses. The company?s product candidates also include ST-294 and ST-193, which demonstrates antiviral activity in cell culture assays against arenavirus pathogens; and ST-669, a broad spectrum antiviral candidate, for various viruses in the Poxviridae, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae, Arenaviridae, Flaviviridae, Togaviridae, Retroviridae, and Picornaviridae families. In addition, it also has four drug series in the pre-clinical development stage, including ST-610 and ST-148 for dengue virus of the genus Flavivirus.

 

{tiny;TRGT;3}Targacept, Inc. (Nasdaq:TRGT), is a biopharmaceutical company, engages in the design, discovery, and development of neuronal nicotinic receptor (NNR) Therapeutics for the treatment of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system. It markets Inversine, which is for the management of moderately severe to severe hypertension and uncomplicated cases of malignant hypertension. The company?s clinical stage product candidates include TC-5214 in Phase 2b clinical trial that modulates the activity of various NNR subtypes, including multiple forms of the a4ß2 NNR; AZD3480 (TC-1734), a small molecule, which modulates the activity of the a4ß2 NNR and completed two Phase 2b clinical trials; and TC-5619, a small molecule for cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia or conditions characterized by cognitive impairment that completed a Phase 1 single and multiple rising dose clinical trial. It also has clinical stage product candidates, such as TC-2216, a product candidate for depression and anxiety disorders that completed a Phase 1 single rising dose clinical trial; and AZD1446 (TC-6683), a small molecule in Phase 1 clinical development that modulates the activity of the a4ß2 NNR.

 

{tiny;VNDA;3}Vanda Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:VNDA), is the Rockville, Maryland based biopharmaceutical company, engages in the development and commercialization of clinical-stage drug candidates for central nervous system disorders. Its product portfolio includes Iloperidone (oral), a compound for the treatment of schizophrenia completed Phase III clinical trial; and Tasimelteon, which completed Phase III clinical trials for transient insomnia and chronic primary insomnia. The company?s products also comprise Iloperidone (Injectible) for the treatment of schizophrenia and Tasimelteon for the treatment of depression, which are in the Phase II initiation status. The company was founded in 2002.

All of the companies are either classified as biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies and they all meet other Index eligibility criteria including minimum requirements for market value, average daily share volume and seasoning as a public company.

What does this mean? Well, investors should expect that this will end up being a net positive for the stocks involved. It may even affect the stock prices in a positive, albeit small way, relatively speaking.

At the end of the day, would you rather your favorite company be making the exclusive list or being taken off of it?

Well, just know that Matrixx Initiatives, Inc (Nasdaq:MTXX) is being removed from the Index.

According to NASDAQ OMX Group, the Biotechnology Index is the basis for the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index(SM) Fund (IBB), which seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index. In addition, options based on the NASDAQ Biotechnology Index and the iShares Nasdaq Biotechnology Index Fund trade on various exchanges.

Targacept , Inc.(NASDAQ:TRGT) said its licensing partner AstraZeneca has agreed to pay $10 million milestone payment to further develop Targacept's experimental treatment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

 

Yahoo! FinanceQuote for TRGT/

U.S.-based Targacept will be eligible to get over $100 million if development, regulatory and sales milestones are achieved for the drug, the company said in a statement.“We continue to be enthusiastic about neuronal nicotinic receptors as a promising new mechanism in the treatment of multiple cognitive disorders,” said Bob Holland, Vice President and Head of the Neuroscience Therapy Area, AstraZeneca. “We believe the therapeutic profile of AZD3480, a non-stimulant, may be an important advance for treating patients with ADHD and we also remain positive about the potential of NNR agonists to treat Alzheimer’s disease.”

The company may get stepped double-digit royalties on any future sales of the drug in any indication.

In May, the drug AZD3480 met the main goal of a mid-stage trial in adults with ADHD.

AstraZeneca also confirmed plans to continue development of another drug, AZD1446, for Alzheimer's disease. Targacept will be eligible for milestone and royalty payments for AZD1446 as well, Targacept said.

AZD1446 is currently being tested in early-stage clinical trials.

Targacept also said that it was well positioned to fund its operations for at least the next two years.

Shares of Targacept were up 21 percent at $2.95 in morning trade on Nasdaq. (Reporting by Esha Dey in Bangalore; Editing by Pradeep Kurup)

On 7/15/09, the Oncologic Drugs FDA Advisory Committee of cancer drug experts voted 14-1 against approval of Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) Yondelis (trabectedin) NDA, which seeks approval in combination with Doxil (doxorubicin) for the treatment of relapsed ovarian cancer in women. The expected PDUFA action date is 9/20/09 for a possible final FDA decision on this NDA. Final overall survival data for Yondelis is expected within about 18-24 months (early to mid 2011). The FDA Advisory Panel members were willing to reconsider the drug once final data is available and safety concerns were raised for the drug, including pulmonary embolism (blood clots in the lung), cardiac adverse events, and liver toxicity.

On 7/15/09, Cadence Pharma (NASDAQ:CADX) announced that its New Drug Application (NDA) for Acetavance (intravenous acetaminophen), its investigational product candidate for the treatment of acute pain and fever in adults and children, has been accepted for filing by the FDA and designated for a priority (six-month) review. The FDA has issued a PDUFA action date for the NDA of 11/13/09 for a possible decision by the Agency. The Company's 505(b)(2) NDA for Acetavance includes data from one pivotal clinical trial for the treatment of acute pain in patients following orthopedic surgery and one pivotal clinical trial for the treatment of endotoxin-induced fever.

The NDA is also supported by data from a total of nine placebo-controlled clinical trials, four active-controlled clinical trials, and seven other safety or pharmacokinetic clinical trials. The submission includes safety data from over 1,400 patients who received Acetavance in clinical trials, including 350 pediatric patients, from premature neonates to adolescents, and data from safety reports that collectively represent more than 53 million patient exposures to intravenous acetaminophen in countries outside of the U.S.

On 7/15/09, Watson Pharma (NYSE:WPI) announced the filing of an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) with the FDA seeking approval to market its trospium chloride extended-release 60 mg capsules prior to the patent expiration of the drug.Watson's trospium chloride extended-release capsules are the generic version of Allergan's (NYSE:AGN) Sanctura XR product (12-month U.S. sales of about $42 million thru 3/31/09), which is indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and urinary frequency.

AGN filed suit against Watson on 7/13/09 seeking to prevent generic competition prior to expiration of U.S. patent number 7,410,978, resulting in a stay of final FDA approval of Watson's ANDA for up to 30 months or until final resolution of the matter before the court, whichever occurs sooner. Watson believes it may be first to file an ANDA for generic trospium extended-release capsules.

On 7/15/09, Targacept (NASDAQ:TRGT) announced positive top-line results from a double blind, placebo controlled, flexible dose Phase 2b clinical trial of TC-5214 as an augmentation (add-on) treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in subjects who did not respond adequately to first-line treatment with citalopram (Celexa) alone. The result on the primary outcome measure for the trial, mean change between treatment (TC-5214 + citalopram) and placebo (placebo + citalopram) from baseline on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17, or HAM-D, was highly statistically significant in favor of TC-5214 on an intent to treat basis.

In addition, TC-5214 exhibited a favorable tolerability profile in the trial. The most frequent adverse events were headache, dizziness and constipation. TRGT plans to present detailed results from the Phase 2b trial of TC-5214 in October 2009 and expects Phase 3 clinical development to be initiated during 2Q10 following planned discussions with FDA and production of clinical trial material.

Disclosure: No positions.

Biotech investors interested in seeing more details about these companies and a full list of their related stories can do so by typing the stock ticker symbol into the Stock Quotes box on the right side of the page.

Curis, Inc. (NASDAQ:CRIS), a drug development company seeking to develop proprietary targeted medicines for cancer treatment, reported its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAG), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of a therapeutic iron compound to treat anemia and novel imaging agents to aid in the diagnosis of cancer and cardiovascular disease, reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:KG) announced the Company plans to report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009 prior to the market open on Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Sucampo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:SCMP) announced it will sponsor a conference call to discuss its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Genta Incorporated (OTC:GETA) announced top-line results from AGENDA, the Company’s Phase 3 trial of Genasense® (oblimersen sodium) Injection in patients with advanced melanoma.

Targacept, Inc. (NASDAQ:TRGT), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of drugs known as NNR Therapeutics™, announced it will report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009 on Thursday, November 5, 2009, after the U.S. financial markets close.

Inhibitex, Inc. (Nasdaq:INHX) reported the completion of its previously announced $23 million private placement of common stock and warrants.

Medidata Solutions (Nasdaq:MDSO), a leading global provider of hosted clinical development solutions, announced it will release its third quarter 2009 financial results following the close of the market on Thursday, November 12, 2009.

NPS Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:NPSP) announced it plans to report its third quarter 2009 financial results on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET.

NeoPharm, Inc. (Other OTC:NEOL.PK) announced the appointment of Dr. Aquilur Rahman to the position of President and CEO of the Company, succeeding Laurence P. Birch, who is stepping down as President and CEO to pursue other opportunities.

ArQule, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARQL) announced it will report its financial results for the third quarter of 2009 in a press release to be issued on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. eastern time.

Phase Forward (NASDAQ:PFWD), a leading provider of data management solutions for clinical trials and drug safety, announced a multi-year contract with renowned eye health company Bausch & Lomb.

Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN) announced operating results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009. Allergan also announced its Board of Directors has declared a third quarter dividend of $0.05 per share, payable on November 30, 2009 to stockholders of record on November 9, 2009.

Medidata Solutions (Nasdaq: MDSO), a leading global provider of hosted clinical development solutions, announced members of its executive team will deliver the following presentations at key industry events in November:  1st DIA China Annual Meeting November 2-3, 2009, Beijing, China.

XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq:XNPT) announced it will release its third quarter financial results on November 3, 2009 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLDX) announced positive results from Phase 1 studies of CDX-1307 in patients with advanced epithelial cancers, including breast, colon, bladder and pancreatic cancer.

Students at The Pennington School will have an unprecedented opportunity this year to conduct hands-on, high-tech science projects, thanks to sophisticated science equipment donated by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY).

PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE:PKI), a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment, reported financial results for the third quarter ended October 4, 2009.

Exelixis, Inc. (Nasdaq:EXEL) reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

PharMerica Corporation (NYSE:PMC), a national provider of institutional pharmacy and hospital pharmacy management services, reported the results of its third quarter of 2009 and nine months ended September 30, 2009.

Human Genome Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:HGSI) announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, and provided highlights of recent key developments.

ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq:IMGN), a biotechnology company develops targeted anticancer products using its antibody expertise and Targeted Antibody Payload (TAP) technology, announced financial results for the three-month period ended September 30, 2009 – the first quarter of the Company’s 2010 fiscal year (1QFY10).

Dynavax Technologies Corporation (Nasdaq:DVAX) announced the first clinical data for HEPLISAVTM investigational hepatitis B vaccine in chronic kidney disease patients.

Cumberland Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq:CPIX) and Phebra Pty Ltd., an Australian-based specialty pharmaceutical company, announced they have entered into an exclusive partnership for the commercialization of Caldolor® (ibuprofen) Injection in Australia and New Zealand.

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:SYNO), a leading biomaterial and surgical products company, will present at the Oppenheimer 20th Annual Healthcare Conference at 3:30 p.m. CT (4:30 p.m. ET) on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq:NVAX) a clinical-stage vaccine company, announced Dr. Rahul Singhvi, President and Chief Executive Officer, will be presenting at the Oppenheimer 20th Annual Healthcare Conference.

Depomed, Inc. (NASDAQ:DEPO) reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009.

Perrigo Company (Nasdaq:PRGO) announced its Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.0625 per share, payable on December 15, 2009 to shareholders of record on November 27, 2009.

Transgenomic Inc. (OTC:TBIO) announces the following Webcast: What: Transgenomic Inc. Third Quarter 2009 Earnings Release Conferece Call When: Thursday, November 5, 2009 @ 5:00 p.m. Eastern Where: http://www.transgenomic.com/events.asp?id=6 How:Live over the Internet -- Simply log on to the web at the address above. Contact:Investor Relations, 402-452-5400

Hospira, Inc. (NYSE:HSP) celebrates the 25th anniversary of its market-leading patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) infusion system. Introduced in 1984, Hospira's PCA was the first pump of its kind, revolutionizing pain management.

IntriCon Corporation (NASDAQ:IIN), a designer, developer, manufacturer and distributor of body-worn medical and electronics devices, announced it will be presenting at the 2009 TechAmerica AeA Classic Financial Conference on Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at 9:05 a.m. PT.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) announced its Board of Directors has approved giving shareholders an advisory vote on executive compensation.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK) and Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) announced they have received clearance from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Swiss Competition Commission and the Canadian Competition Bureau for their proposed merger.

CEO Thomas A. Moore of Advaxis, Inc., (OTC:ADXS), the live, attenuated Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) biotechnology company, will present at the 8th Annual BIO Investors Forum at the Grand Hotel in San Francisco, CA.

CNS Response, Inc. (OTC:CNSO) announced CEO George Carpenter will be conducting a conference call and simultaneous web conference to discuss top-line study results in a 12-week trial for patients with depression treatment failure on Tuesday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m. Pacific (PST), 11:00 a.m. Eastern (EST). Joining Mr. Carpenter will be CNS Response President and CMO Daniel Hoffman, M.D., and Charles DeBattista, M.D., Stanford University School of Medicine.

China Biopharmaceuticals Holdings, Inc. (OTC:CHBP), an integrated bio-pharmaceutical company, based in the People's Republic of China, announced its shareholders have approved the acquisition of CHBP by NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE AMEX: NBS) by an overwhelming vote in favor of approximately 80% of all issued and outstanding shares.

Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Onyx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq:ONXX) announced more than 25 studies evaluating the use of Nexavar® (sorafenib) tablets in liver cancer will be presented at The Liver Meeting®, the 60th Annual Meeting of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD).

MinuteClinic, the retail health care division of CVS Caremark (NYSE:CVS), and Allina Hospitals & Clinics of Minnesota and western Wisconsin have formed a partnership to pursue collaborative activities which will focus on enhancing high-quality health care services in the communities they serve.

VeriChip Corporation (NASDAQ:CHIP) announced its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Scott R. Silverman, will present at the ID World International Congress in Milan, Italy, which runs from November 3-5, 2009, and is the world's leading symposium on the future directions of identification technology.

ArQule, Inc. (NASDAQ:ARQL) announced it will report its financial results for the third quarter of 2009 in a press release to be issued on Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 7:00 a.m. eastern time.