American Academy of Neurology Roundup

• Merck KgA released results of its CLARITY study today, showing that Cladribine can reduce annual relapse rates by more than 50% in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). Analysts remain skeptical, however, as the drug still carries a high cancer risk. [MedScape]

• Novartis’ FTY720 for MS also showed promising results, but excitement was tainted as a result of a recent patient death. [WSJ]

• Elan says Tysabri helps to re-myelinize damaged nerves. [Xconomy]

Other News, Money and Drugs

• The SEC is starting an investigation to look at potential insider trading ahead of the Merck/Schering-Plough merger. [WSJ Health Blog]

• Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, AGTC, says it closed an $11.8M financing from InterWest Partners, Intersouth Partners and MedImmune Ventures. [Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News]

• Northfield Laboratories has received a complete response from the FDA for its PolyHeme BLA. With $4.6M in cash, it might be The Graveyard for Northfield. [Yahoo!Finance]

• Medicis gets Dysport, a different version of Botox, approved; comes with catch, warning label. [Forbes]

• Finally, Pfizer and Auxilium’s Xiaflex (collagenase) for Peyronie’s disease and Dupuytren’s contracture gets priority review from the FDA. [BNET Pharma]

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