• Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., granted Integrated DNA Technologies Inc., of Coralville, Iowa, a nonexclusive license to provide RNAi research products and services under the Kreutzer-Limmer patent family, which covers small interfering RNAs and their use to mediate RNAi in mammalian cells. Financial terms were not disclosed.

• Artemis Pharmaceuticals GmbH, of Cologne, Germany, signed an agreement with New York-based Bristol-Myers Squibb Co., under which Artemis will generate genetically engineered murine models carrying selected genetic mutations for BMS to use in drug discovery research. The generation of the in vivo rodent models will be based on Artemis’ ArteMice and ArteMice Conditional technologies. Financial terms were not disclosed.

• Cell Therapeutics Inc., of Seattle, has hired as its executive vice president of corporate communications Dan Eramian, formerly the vice president of communications at the Biotechnology Industry Organization in Washington. Eramian worked at BIO for 13 years and previously served as assistant administrator of communications at the Small Business Administration; director of public affairs at the Department of Justice; and chief spokesman for the attorney general. He begins early this month.

• D-Pharm Ltd., of Rehovot, Israel, said results of a Phase II trial show that its DP-VPA, its lipid modified version of valproic acid, demonstrates a significant reduction in seizure frequency relative to placebo in epileptic patients, with no adverse effects. Results also suggest a once-a-day treatment regimen and possible anti-epileptic protection even after a missed dose. Data were published in Drugs of the Future.

• Interleukin Genetics Inc., of Waltham, Mass., signed two purchase agreements for genetic tests with Access Business Group International LLC, a subsidiary of Ada, Mich.-based Alticor Inc. These include a heart health genetics test and a general nutrition genetics test. Interleukin also reported that it amended its note purchase and stock purchase agreements with Pyxis Innovations Inc., another Alticor affiliate, to gain access to an additional $3.5 million of borrowing for general working capital purposes.

• Novavax Inc., of Malvern, Pa., formed a strategic alliance with San Diego-based PacificGMP Inc. to collaborate on the development of a commercial-scale production process for Novavax’s experimental pandemic flu virus (avian flu) vaccine and other biological products. Under this alliance, PacificGMP will use disposable bioprocessing technology to manufacture and produce Novavax’s Virus-Like Particle (VLP)-based avian flu vaccine. Financial terms were not disclosed.

• OrthoLogic Corp., of Tempe, Ariz., formed a strategic alliance with Quintiles Transnational Corp., of Research Triangle Park, N.C., to develop and commercialize Chrysalin, OrthoLogic’s synthetic peptide in Phase III development in fracture repair. Under the terms, Quintiles will be the exclusive provider of clinical research services within its range for Chrysalin, and has the right of first negotiation to promote Chrysalin upon FDA approval. Quintiles’ PharmaBio Development unit will make an equity investment in OrthoLogic of up to $5 million.

• Santarus Inc., of San Diego, said the FDA approved its new drug application for Zegerid (omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate) capsules for the treatment of heartburn and other symptoms associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The company already markets a powder for oral suspension formulation of Zegerid, an immediate-release proton pump inhibitor, and is awaiting FDA approval on a chewable tablet formulation.

• Zenyth Therapeutics Ltd., of Melbourne, Australia, exclusively licensed patents to antibodies targeting the receptor for the cytokine granulocyte-colony stimulating factor from the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR). The agreement also provides Zenyth with access to antibodies and reagents developed by researchers at the Melbourne LICR branch. The patents will support Zenyth’s collaboration signed last week with Victoria, Australia-based MuriGen Therapeutics Inc. to develop a drug to inhibit the activity of G-CSF.