After yielding promising interim Phase II data, Morphotek Inc.'s farletuzumab is set to enter a pivotal, Phase III trial in ovarian cancer under a special protocol assessment. (BioWorld Today)

Well under way with pivotal trials of Alzheimer's disease drug Dimebon, Medivation Inc. is moving into late-stage development with another product, MDV3100, an androgen receptor antagonist, in prostate cancer. (BioWorld Today)

The long-predicted wave of consolidation in the drug development industry could finally come rolling in this year, if the last two months are any indication, with Pfizer Inc. offering $68 billion for Wyeth, Merck & Co. Inc. merging with Schering-Plough Corp. in a $41.1 billion deal and Roche Holdings AG's $46.8 billion offer for the remaining minority stake of Genentech Inc.

Now that Roche Holdings AG and Genentech Inc. have (finally) reached a merger agreement, bringing an end to the hostile bidding and rampant speculation, industry observers are left to wonder what sort of ripple effect the deal might have on the overall biotech landscape. (BioWorld Today)

The acquisition everyone has expected since Roche Holdings AG first made an offer eight months ago finally looks to happen, as Genentech Inc. agreed to a takeover by its Swiss pharma partner in a deal valued at about $46.8 billion. (BioWorld Today)