* Connective Therapeutics Inc., of Palo Alto, Calif., began a Phase IItrial of ConXn (recombinant human relaxin H2) for treatment ofscleroderma. The double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 60patients will be to evaluate safety of administration over 24 weeks, toconfirm efficacy and to determine endpoints for future pivotalstudies.

* Cortex Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Irvine, Calif., said it intends, withthe help of a placement agent, to raise $7 million to $10 million in aprivate placement. Proceeds would go toward research anddevelopment and general corporate purposes.

* Lidak Pharmaceuticals, of La Jolla, Calif., received FDApermission to use a placebo control of its choosing for an additionalPhase III study of Lidakol (n-docosanol 10 percent cream) for oralherpes. The placebo in previous studies apparently displayed activityagainst the virus.

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