• Ascenion GmbH, of Munich, Germany, said it is taking an equity position in MBiotec GmbH, of Seefeld, Germany, a recently founded biopharmaceutical company seeking to develop and commercialize the compound MALP-2S for cancer. MALP-2 is a lipopeptide originating from mycoplasma developed at the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI). Ascenion has mediated a licensing contract between the HZI and MBiotec providing the start-up company with the exclusive right to develop and commercialize MALP-2 and derivatives for oncology applications. MBiotec has filed orphan drug applications for MALP-2S in pancreatic cancer with the FDA and the European Medicines Agency.

• Biopartners GmbH, of Baar, Switzerland, said it will request a reassessment from the European Medicines Agency in support of its interferon beta-1a, after receiving a negative opinion from the agency's Committee on Medicinal Products for Human Use for Biferonex, in the treatment of patients with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis.

The Biotechnology Industry Organization, of Washington, announced a new policy statement encouraging its members involved in the marketing of biologics or other pharmaceuticals to U.S. health care professionals to adopt "a transparent and rigorous code of conduct." BIO also announced its support for the principles contained in the "Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals" adopted by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America last year. In its new policy statement, BIO encouraged its members to adopt a code of conduct such as the PhRMA code.

• CV Therapeutics Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., said its board rejected an unsolicited acquisition proposal from Astellas Pharma Inc., of Tokyo, to acquire CVT at a price of $16 per share. CVT said the $1 billion offer "significantly undervalues the company" and is not in the best interests of CV Therapeutics and its stockholders. However, CVT said it remains "receptive" to measures that would enhance shareholder value. It is the second time CVT has rejected the proposal. It nixed the same offer on Nov. 21, 2008, when Astellas approached the company privately.

• Shire plc, of Basingstoke, UK, and Philadelphia, has signed an agreement with UCB SA, of Brussels, Belgium, to acquire the worldwide rights to Equasym IR and XL (methylphenidate hydrochloride) for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The rights exclude the U.S., Canada and Barbados. Shire will pay UCB €55 million (US$70.6 million). In addition, small milestone payments may become payable in 2009 and 2010 if certain net sales targets are met. As part of the transaction, about 20 sales and sales management personnel will transfer to Shire. Last month, UCB sold more than 50 of its smaller products and services to GlaxoSmithKline plc, of London, for €515 million.

• Targanta Therapeutics Corp., of Cambridge, Mass., has entered into a memorandum of understanding settling a shareholder lawsuit relating to the move by The Medicines Co., of Parsippany, N.J., to acquire all outstanding shares of Targanta. As part of the agreement, Targanta denied wrongdoing, but agreed to make supplemental disclosures regarding its solicitation/recommendation statement.