> The genetic code of hepatitis C contains telltale patterns that reveal whether a patient will respond to the available drugs for the virus. Sections of the genetic code were found in the viruses of 94 people infected with hepatitis C that were always linked to drug failure. And John Tavis of the Saint Louis University school of medicine and his team of researchers say that a genetic test could be deployed that would prevent unnecessary treatment. FierceBioResearcher
> VIA Pharmaceuticals announced licensing agreements with Roche for two sets of compounds. The first was for Roche's thyroid hormone receptor beta agonist, a clinically ready candidate for the control of cholesterol, triglyceride levels and potential in insulin sensitization/diabetes. The second was for multiple compounds from Roche's preclinical diacylglycerol acyl transferase 1 metabolic disorders program. Release
> Paladin Labs has acquired all the outstanding shares ViRexx Medical Corp. Report
> Anyone looking for some insight into the new scientific direction being taken by the incoming Obama administration need look no further than the heavyweight researchers selected to advise the new president. Harvard physicist John Holdren, genetics researcher Eric Lander and Nobel Prize-winning cancer research Harold Varmus have been named co-chairmen of the President's Council of Advisers on Science and Technology. Report
> Northwestern University microbiologists Luciano Marraffini and Erik Sontheimer report in an upcoming issue of Science that they believe they have found a way to prolong the effectiveness of antibiotics against the growing threat of lethal bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Report
> Mountain View, CA-based Complete Genomics says that by next year it will be able to map the complete human genome for just $5,000--an enormous drop in price from the $100,000 to $350,000 currently charged by other companies. Complete Genomics report
> It may be the macroeconomic environment that's primarily driving AstraZeneca new-and-improved stock's performance, but CEO David Brennan (photo) has been doing his share of the work, too, the Financial Times reports. Report
> The Emory psychiatry researcher who found himself in hot water over his income from Big Pharma has stepped down from his role as chair of his department. The job change comes after a university investigation; in a statement yesterday evening, Emory said the probe found more than $800,000 of income from GlaxoSmithKline that Charles Nemeroff (photo) failed to divulge. Report
> Researchers found a genetic variation that could make the blood-thinner Plavix riskier for younger heart attack patients. Report
> Why should Hollywood have all the fun? That's In Vivo's philosophy this awards season, so it's nominating a slate of prospective Deals of the Year. Report
And Finally... A lab at the University of Michigan has created artificial human bone marrow in a test tube, and the end product can be used to test new drugs more efficiently, study the human immune system and potentially create an unlimited supply of blood. Report