• Allon Therapeutics Inc., of Vancouver, British Columbia, is adding an imaging-biomarker component to the current Phase II trial evaluating AL-108 as a treatment for schizophrenia-related cognitive impairment. Three different imaging techniques will be used to investigate whether AL-108 treatment results in a change in the brain structures affected by schizophrenia. The effort is being made in collaboration with Treatment Units for Research on Neurocognition and Schizophrenia and with support from the National Association for Research in Schizophrenia and Affective Disorders.

• CuraGen Corp., of Branford, Conn., said enrollment has been completed in the Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating a single infusion of velafermin for the prevention of severe oral mucositis. A total of 390 patients at 33 centers in the U.S. were enrolled. Preliminary, top-line efficacy results are expected in mid-October. Patients will be followed for an additional year to assess long-term outcomes. Separately, the company said two of four advanced multiple myeloma patients enrolled in the Phase II open-label trial evaluating intravenous belinostat with Velcade developed acute deterioration in already-existing renal insufficiency in the first cycle of treatment. Three similar events were seen in previously conducted single-agent studies with belinostat in patients with MM. A Phase I trial of belinostat plus Velcade against solid tumors and lymphoma was not affected by the news. And the company began a Phase I/II trial in Europe of belinostat in combination with idarubicin in up to 70 patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

• EPIX Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Lexington, Mass., said a Phase IIa trial of PRX-08066 in patients with pulmonary hypertension associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease demonstrated statistically significant reductions in systolic pulmonary artery pressure vs. placebo (p=0.043). The product, a 5-HT2B antagonist that could represent a new mechanism for treating PH, generally was well tolerated. EPIX intends to conduct a right-heart catheterization study to better define the clinical parameters for responders, data that will be used to refine the patient inclusion criteria for subsequent clinical trials. EPIX's stock (NASDAQ:EPIX) gained 45 cents Tuesday, or 12.2 percent, to close at $4.14.