* Cypros Pharmaceutical Corp., of Carlsbad, Calif.,started a Phase II trial of its small molecule compound,CPC-211, for stroke. CPC-211 was designed to reduceaccumulation of lactate, which causes brain damage instroke victims. The company said the drug transformsexcessive lactate into a beneficial metabolite (acetyl-CoA).

* Texas Biotechnology Corp., of Houston, said itssubsidiary, San Diego-based ImmunoPharmaceutics Inc.,will receive 1.4 million Texas Biotechnology shares forachieving a development milestone related toImmunoPharmaceutics' endothelin antagonistcompounds. The stock payment was included in TexasBiotechnology's take over of ImmunoPharmaceutics in1994. Endothelin antagonists may have applications astreatments for cardiovascular, renal, central nervoussystem and pulmonary disorders. Texas Biotechnologyexpects to begin Phase I tests for pulmonary hypertensionin early 1996.

* The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD),of New Fairfield, Conn., said the first 1,250 amyotrophiclateral sclerosis patients were chosen to receive Rilutek, adrug made by Rhone-Poulenc Rorer Inc., of Collegeville,Pa. The treatment is being made available free to peoplewith Lou Gehrig's disease pending the FDA's review ofthe company's new drug application. NORD, which iscoordinating the effort, said selections are made monthlyby lottery. Rhone-Poulenc Rorer is a subsidiary of theFrance-based Rhone-Poulenc Group.

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