ChondroGene in collaboration with Pfizer

ChondroGene (Toronto) reported that it has entered a new two-year research collaboration with Pfizer (New York) for the identification of novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the treatment and diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OA). This collaboration will continue the work in two research programs that were initiated in the first company collaboration with Pfizer that started in October 2002.

The collaboration provides Pfizer with access to ChondroGene's database of osteoarthritis tissue-specific clinical and gene expression information to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for OA. The agreement also will allow ChondroGene to accelerate its OA biomarker research program. Development of new biomarkers is essential for the early diagnosis of OA as well as for validating the effectiveness of potential disease-modifying therapies for OA, the company said.

The two-year collaboration is valued at up to $7.35 million, compared to $4.7 million for the initial collaboration.

ProxyMed files Form 10-Q

ProxyMed (Atlanta) reported that its share ticker symbol returned to PILL, reflecting the filing of its third quarter Form 10-Q with the SEC. As previously reported, the original change in status was the result of delay in filing the company's Form 10-Q for the period ended Sept. 30, pending completion of a limited review undertaken by the SEC in connection with the company's filing of a Form S-3 earlier this year.

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