Pipex Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: PP) recently announced that Nicholas Stergis, co-founder and vice chairman of the board of directors, has joined the executive management team as chief executive officer, replacing Steve H. Kanzer who will continue to serve as the company’s chairman. In addition, the company announced the resignations of Daniel J. Dorman, a director, and Dr. Charles L. Bisgaier, Pipex’s president, effective immediately.

As an original co-founder of Pipex Therapeutics, Inc., the predecessor company, Mr. Stergis has been vice chairman of the company’s board of directors since March 2007. He has also served as Pipex’s chief operating officer from 2001 until October 2006. Prior to co-founding Pipex, Mr. Stergis was co-founder, chief operating officer and director of Developmental Therapeutics, Inc., a cardiovascular drug development company. Mr. Stergis earned his his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University at Albany, State University of New York, and his Master of

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Provectus Pharmaceuticals Inc. (PVCT.OB) is a Tennessee-based development stage pharmaceutical company that specializes in oncology and dermatology therapies. Complementing the company’s lineup of proprietary drugs, Provectus has developed a number of intellectual properties and technologies in the areas of imaging, medical devices, and biotechnology.

In the biotechnology area, the company has developed groundbreaking technology to augment vaccine production and detect viruses. Another area that Provectus is focusing on is the dermatology space. The company is currently conducting Phase 2 clinical trials of their proprietary drug PH-10, to be used as a topical treatment for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.

Provectus Pharma’s main focus however is in the treatment of cancer. The company is developing advanced therapies to target and destroy the deadliest cancers - melanoma, liver cancer, and breast cancer - while eliminating side effects. Clinical trials for treatment of metastatic melanoma and recurrent breast carcinoma with the company’s PV-10 drug are

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Lev Pharmaceuticals Inc. (OTCBB: LEVP) develops and commercializes therapeutic products for inflammatory diseases. Its lead product candidate, Cinryze (C1 inhibitor), is for the treatment of angioedema (HAE).

The company today announced today a letter of agreement with the Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, which gives Lev the OK to file for European marketing authorization of C1 to treat the life-threatening attacks associated with HAE, such as inflammation of the larynx, abdomen, face, extremities and urogenital tract. Lev also received authorization from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) to submit an application for C1 for Community Marketing Authorization through the centralized European registration procedure.

An estimated 10,000 people in the United States suffer from HAE. Per the agreement with Sanquin, Lev holds exclusive rights to market and distribute C1 for the treatment of HAE in North America, and is in discussions with Sanquin to expand distribution to certain European countries.

Lev intends to submit

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China Yongxin Pharmaceuticals, a leading manufacturer, distributor and retailer of pharmaceuticals in Northeastern China, has signed a 10-year franchise agreement with one of the world’s largest US-based drug chains. The name of the chain was not released for competitive reasons, but the agreement will allow China Yongxin to use the drug chain’s brand name in operating drug chain stores in Jilin Province. According to the terms of the agreement, the company will have exclusive rights to the brand name in operations in Jilin Province, which includes the City of Changchun. China Yongxin will convert 87 of its existing stores in Jilin Province to branded stores during the first three years of the contract, as well as operate at least half of its new stores under this brand. By the end of the year, China Yongxin expects to have at least eight branded stores in operation, either through conversions or new ...

According to the American Cancer Society, about 11,000 to 12,000 neuroendocrine tumors and neuroendocrine cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. Carcinoid syndrome is a result of these tumors, which secret large amounts of serotonin that can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. There are limited therapeutic options, and the gastrointestinal symptoms usually return over time, prompting biotechnology companies to discover new agents.

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX) is one such company looking to give patients symptomatic relief. The company today announced it has received Fast Track status from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to accelerate the development of LX1032, an orally-delivered drug candidate for gastrointestinal symptoms associated with carcinoid syndrome.

“Fast Track status can accelerate the development and expedite the review of LX1032,” Arthur T. Sands, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Lexicon stated in the press release. “The FDA recognizes the serious unmet medical need

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