• Medgenics Inc., of Misgav, Israel, said it launched a Phase IIa trial in Israel testing Epodure Biopumps in anemia in patients with end-stage renal disease on dialysis. The study will evaluate the ability of the biopumps, which deliver sustained doses of erythropoietin (EPO), to replace most or all injections of EPO or other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents while maintaining blood hemoglobin levels within the desired range. Medgenics anticipates beginning a larger Phase IIb trial in dialysis patients in the U.S. before the end of this year.

• Nymox Pharmaceutical Corp., of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., said its safety monitoring committee meeting of July 12 was favorable and indicated no significant safety concerns for two pivotal U.S. trials testing NX-1207 in benign prostatic hyperplasia.