SAN FRANCISCO - The fewer-than-expected demonstrators who showed up at the BIO 2004 International Convention may have gained the media coverage they came for, panel sessions proved intriguing, and the exhibit hall was full of life, but the real activity likely went on behind the scenes.

SAN FRANCISCO - Given the reliance of some start-ups on biodefense contracts, it might be understood as ironic that Julian Chick, senior business development manager of Amrad Corp., borrowed phrases from U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld in a presentation here. (BioWorld Today)

Casting a dark cloud over Memorial Day weekend for Pozen Inc. was word the Friday before from the FDA that its second migraine drug is not approvable. But Wall Street's thunder was not heard until Tuesday, when Pozen disclosed the news and saw more than 37 percent of its stock value wash away.