While we were out drinking and expanding the Iguana Empire, a few things happened:

-Vertex Pharmaceuticals has acquired ViroChem Pharma for $375M. The deal includes $100M in cash for Canada-based ViroChem plus 9.9M Vertex shares. Vertex is interested in two of Virochem’s non-nucleoside HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitors, VCH-759, which is in a Phase 2 trial, and VCH-222, which is in a Phase 1. Vertex plans to initiate a dose-ranging study of VCH-222 as monotherapy in 1H09 and a trial that combines telaprevir with one of the compounds in 2H09. Goldman Sachs is getting paid again as it advises Vertex on the deal.

-Acusphere has canned 40 employees. The workforce reduction comes as the company tries to get Imagify (Perflubutane Polymer Microspheres) approved and continue their discussions with the FDA. Acusphere has also voluntarily filed a Form 15 with the SEC to suspend the company’s SEC reporting obligations.

Here’s what CEO Sherri Oberg said:

“These decisions are extremely difficult but both appropriate and necessary given the current financing environment for life sciences companies, our continued belief that Imagify will be approved and our improved prospects for financing on more favorable terms after reaching agreement with FDA on the regulatory path forward for Imagify. We greatly appreciate the dedicated efforts of employees who have enabled us to reach this critical point for Imagify. In particular, I want to extend my thanks and gratitude to Larry Gyenes who has been an excellent partner for me and a great leader for the Company as a whole.”

And that’s that…

Image from IguanaBio

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