* Aurora Biosciences Corp., of San Diego, agreed to provide a dedicated screen development and technology transfer resource to F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., of Basel, Switzerland, in an agreement that covers up to 12 Roche targets. Roche will make undisclosed payments for screen development; technology transfer services; and identified compounds, as well as royalties on sales of resulting compounds.

* Immusol Inc., of San Diego, reported preclinical data showing its in-stent restenosis inhibitor produced a substantial reduction of stenosis in the porcine coronary artery model as measured by both histology and angiography. The drug, Restenase, is a chimeric RNA-DNA ribozyme that targets proliferating cell nuclear antigen for destruction. Immusol is seeking licensing partners for the product, and expects to file an investigational new drug application later this year.