Genentech Inc. and Biogen Idec Inc. said their investigational leukemia drug Rituxan (rituximab) passed a second Phase III study, meeting its primary goal of improving the period of time before the disease progresses compared to chemotherapy alone. (BioWorld Today)

San Diego-based Ligand Pharmaceuticals Inc. has agreed to buy Pharmacopeia Inc. in a deal valued up to $70 million, with $15 million of that payment contingent on whether Ligand enters into a deal for Pharmacopeia's DARA program by the end of 2011. (BioWorld Today)