"Ruthlessly efficient" is how Jonathan Lewis, CEO and chief medical officer of Ziopharm Oncology Inc., last week described his firm's approach to research and financial management.

Sanofi-Aventis' expansion of its already-juicy deal with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. adds five years to the arrangement and at least $800 million, and may put some observers in mind of the historic partnership between Genentech Inc. and Roche Holdings AG. (BioWorld Today)

Chelsea Therapeutics Inc.'s earnings-call news last week that the firm is asking the FDA to allow an endpoint change in the still-blinded, second Phase III test with droxidopa for low blood pressure caused some Wall Street ripples, and sparked speculation on the wisdom of such a move.

The happy gist of Ziopharm Oncology Inc.'s interim Phase II news with palifosfamide for soft-tissue sarcoma came as little surprise, but details disclosed at a scientific meeting proved enough to tickle the stock again by 12 percent, and should lend strength to partnering talks. (BioWorld Today)