ELADUR(TM) Development Update: DURECT Receives Orphan Drug Designation For Bupivacaine For Post Herpetic Neuralgia (Medical News Today)
DURECT Corporation (Nasdaq: DRRX) announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted to DURECT orphan drug designation for bupivacaine for relief of persistent pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). Bupivacaine is the active pharmaceutical ingredient in ELADUR(TM), DURECT's investigational transdermal drug patch.

FDA Food Protection Plan Shows Significant Progress (Medical News Today)
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Food Protection Plan Progress Report, released today in conjunction with the Interagency Working Group on Import Safety Action Plan Update, shows significant areas of activity to further improve the safety of America's food supply since unveiling its Food Protection Plan in November 2007.

Acusphere Announces FDA Acceptance Of Imagify NDA For Detection Of Coronary Artery Disease (Medical News Today)
Acusphere, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACUS) announced that the New Drug Application (NDA) for approval to market its lead product candidate, Imagify (Perflubutane Polymer Microspheres for Injectable Suspension), has been accepted for review by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA).