Closing arguments in the patent suit brought by Xoma Corp.against Centocor Inc. are scheduled for Oct. 21-22. Thecompanies are battling for the market to treat gram-negativesepsis with rival antibodies.

Berkeley, Calif.-based Xoma claims that its U.S. patent, No.4,918,163, covers Centocor's Centoxin, a claim disputed byCentocor. The closely watched trial began in July in U.S.District Court in San Francisco.

Xoma stock (NASDAQ:XOMA) closed down 75 cents on Thursdayat $14.25. Stock of Malvern, Pa.-based Centocor(NASSDAQ:CNTO) was $45.38, down $1.63.

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