Sangamo BioSciences Inc. reported promising early data from its Phase II trial of zinc finger protein therapeutic SB-509, showing that it improved muscle function in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients, though it remains to be seen whether those results will translate into a win for the company down the road. (BioWorld Today)

In what it's calling its "best and final offer," Biogen Idec Inc. upped its bid for daclizumab partner Facet Biotech Corp. to $17.50 per share, which values the Redwood City, Calif.-based firm at about $438 million. (BioWorld Today)

Ironwood Pharmaceuticals Inc. filed for an initial public offering, joining five other private U.S. biotechs that have filed for a public listing, as industry experts debate whether the IPO window is really opening up for drug development firms. (BioWorld Today)