* Bioinformatics Inc., of San Diego, developed a number of small-molecule non-peptide lead molecules, in multiple chemical classes, active against the EPO receptor. The company will continue to develop and refine the compounds while seeking one or more corporate collaborators to commercialize the compounds.

* Glycodesign, of Toronto, Ontario, received Health Canada approval to expand its Phase II renal cell carcinoma trial to include colorectal cancer patients. The trial will assess the response of tumors in colorectal cancer patients to Glycodesign's lead compound, GD0039, a carbohydrate processing inhibitor developed with its glycobiology product platform.

* Immunex Corp., of Seattle, applied for a supplemental biologics license application for Enbrel (etanercept) to treat children and teenagers with moderately to severely active polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The FDA already notified the company that this indication will qualify for orphan drug status should the application be approved. Enbrel, which was approved Nov. 2, is indicated for moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis in patients who have an inadequate response to one or more disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs.