y Scientists at BASF AG in Ludwigshafen, Germany, have succeededin identifying Endothelin-Conversion Enzyme (ECE) by molecularcloning of the enzyme from human and bovine sources. Therecombinant human enzyme has been expressed and its enzymaticproperties have been shown to be identical to the enzyme purified fromnatural sources.y Mycogen Corp. (NASDAQ:MYCO), of San Diego, Calif. will begintesting insect-resistant corn plants and combinations of fourgenetically-engineered Bacillus thuringiensis protein biotoxins asenvironmentally compatible biological insecticides and within the nextfew weeks under Experimental Use Permits granted by the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency.y Altus Biologics Inc., of Cambridge, Mass., a subsidiary of VertexPharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ:VRTX), has begun marketing twocatalyst products based on Cross-Linked Enzyme Crystal technology:ChiroCLEC-CR for the manufacture of optically pure products such asfine chemicals and pharmaceuticals, and PeptiCLEC-TR for enhancedreactions in peptide synthesis.y Athena Neurosciences Inc. (NASDAQ:ATHN), of South SanFrancisco, has completed dosing in three Phase I open-label clinicaltrials for BotB, the company's botulinum toxin type B developmentproduct for patients suffering from certical dystonia, and has submittedto the FDA a protocol for a double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-finding study to assess safety, efficacy, and tolerance of the product.y Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ/NMS:LGNDA), of SanDiego, has filed an investigational new drug application to beginhuman clinical trials of topical LGD1069, a compound whichselectively activates a subclass of retinoid receptors, in patients withAIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

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