Genetics researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and Thomas Jefferson University have developed a customized gene chip to rapidly scan tumor samples for specific DNA changes that offer clues to prognosis in cases of neuroblastoma, a common form of children's cancer. Rather than covering the entire genome, the microarray focuses on suspect regions of chromosomes for signs of deleted genetic material known to play a role in the cancer. The investigators say their technique may be readily adapted for other types of cancer. The proof-of-principle study appears in the August issue of "Genome Research." Read the press release.

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) have announced the award of a multi-million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that encompasses several projects, the first of which aims to improve the understanding and management of sepsis and community acquired pneumonia (CAP). This multi-year project is expected to further progress toward more rapid and accurate tools for treating patients afflicted by these deadly pathogens. Read the press release.

Pharmacopeia announced that it has closed a private placement financing of 2,470,000 common shares to institutional investors for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $8.47 million. Jefferies & Company, Inc. acted as financial advisor and sole placement agent for the financing. “Proceeds from this financing will allow Pharmacopeia to continue to advance its internal therapeutic programs,” stated Les Browne, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of Pharmacopeia. “With the added support of this new group of investors, we will continue to build our development capability and pave the way for our candidates to progress towards clinical trials.” Read the press release.

Mumbai-based Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Congenia, a biotechnology start-up promoted by Italy's Genextra SpA group to provide advanced fragment-based lead optimization solutions for drug discovery. The Life Sciences R&D Division of TCS will work on "P66" - a target protein identified by Congenia as a key protein involved in several age-related diseases - and will develop optimized drug leads based on this. Read the press release.