Canadian firms Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp. and Protiva Biotherapeutics Inc. are merging to become a stronger international player in the RNA interference therapeutics space. (BioWorld Today)

The FDA is re-evaluating the appropriateness of using noninferiority trial designs for anti-infectives used to treat community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which could affect firms like Woodridge, Ill.-based Advanced Life Sciences Holdings Inc., whose new drug applications are in the works. (BioWorld Today)

As AIDS experts gathered in Bethesda, Md., Tuesday to examine a path forward for what so far has been an unsuccessful attempt to produce a vaccine to prevent the infection, one of the largest advocacy organizations called for an end in federal spending in the effort. (BioWorld Today)