• ActivBiotics Pharma LLC, of Atlanta, said it mutually agreed with Triton Pharma AG, of Concord, Ontario, to terminate a merger. The decision was based on a lack of available funding. ActivBiotics continues to develop the antibacterial agent rifalazil for nosocomial infections and sexually transmitted diseases.

• Cardium Therapeutics Inc., of San Diego, reported that data from the company's Phase IIb study of Excellagen has been accepted for publication in Wound Repair and Regeneration and is expected to be published in early 2011. Excellagen formulated collagen topical gel wound care dressing was studied in a controlled, double-blind, Phase IIb study of chronic diabetic lower extremity ulcers. The company also said that changes to the manufacturing process will require modified regulatory submissions under the FDA 510(k) process, which are expected to be filed in first quarter 2011.

• Discovery Laboratories Inc., of Warrington Pa., amended its certificate of incorporation to consolidate shares, or reverse split, at a rate of 1 for 15. The number of shares will also be reduced from 380 million to 50 million. The combined effect of the reverse split and the share reduction will be to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance relative to the number of shares issued and outstanding, and will enable the market price per share to close higher than $1 in order to remain listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The amendment was effective Dec. 28.

• MannKind Corp., of Valencia, Calif., said the FDA extended its review period for inhaled insulin drug Afrezza by four weeks. A decision was originally expected by Dec. 29. The product received a complete response letter in March. (See BioWorld Today, March 16, 2010.)

• Santarus Inc., of San Diego, and Pharming Group NV, of Leiden, the Netherlands, submitted a biologics license application to the FDA for Rhucin (recombinant human C1 inhibitor) for attacks of acute angioedema in patients with hereditary angioedema. The companies have completed two randomized placebo-controlled studies supported by four open-label studies. Primary efficacy endpoints were achieved. In October, Pharming received marketing authorization for the drug in Europe.

Recombinant human biglycan (rhBGN) showed efficacy in a mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The drug is being developed by Tivorsan Pharmaceuticals, of Providence, R.I. The company intends to move it forward into human trials.