WRAL Tech Wire

Golden LEAF's Choice of Venture Funds Raises Some Eyebrows

Foundation puts bulk of $42 million for biotech deals in firms with little investing background, especially in that sector. But officials cite experienced team one firm is assembling. Among its leaders is former AM Pappas President Ken Lee.

Another Win for Norak: A Licensing Contract With Roche

Deal includes upfront cash, milestone payments and access to Roche data. Norak has made four deals with firms already this year.

Deal With Merck Is Latest Positive News for Norak

Targacept Reorganizes After Drug Acquisition from Layton

RJR spin-off says it's beginning to focus on product development. Several executives get new titles and responsibilities.

Experts Predict More Consolidation Is Coming in Biotech Industry

Ernst & Young annual report on life sciences industry forecasts more integration among companies looking to develop drugs or find complementary technologies. 'How many companies do we need?' one observer asks. Funding also is drying up.

AtheroGenics Names New VP of Business Development

Week in Review: From the Lows of Layoffs at MCI to the Highs of an IPO and Two Deals for Norak

<b>New feature:</b> Beginning today and on every Monday, LTW will review the week in tech across the Carolinas and Georgia. There's more going on than many people think ...

Scynexis Signs Research Deal With Merck To Develop Drugs

Agreement includes 'significant' revenue potential for the Durham company, which last week closed N.C.'s biggest venture deal of the year. It also moves Scynexis closer to developing its own drugs.

Finding Value in Fat: Zen-Bio Plumps Profits With Fat Cell Line

Wanting to expand further, Zen-Bio Inc. seeks $3 million to fill out its research budget. RTP company is hunting targets for treating diabetes and obesity with strategic partners.

EMD Pharmaceuticals Buys Durham Site for $60 Million Headquarters

Division of Germany-based Merck KGaA, which is developing treatments for cancer and diabetes, could start building the headquarters in three years, depending on reaching some milestones.

Becton Dickinson BioVenture Center Gives Biotech Startups Room To Grow

RTP incubator counts Merix, Norak, StemCo, Serenex among its graduates. "They provided a very good setting for us to develop our company and get our feet under us," one former tenant says.

Biogen Names RTP Site Manager

SciQuest Adds to Board

MicroMass Names Pharmaceutical Veteran to Board of Directors

CEO says appointment comes as Cary-based company looks to expand presence in the industry.

Triangle Loses $75 Million in 2001; aaiPharma Names New Exec; Pozen Misses

Dr. Philip Tabbiner joins Frederick D. Sancilio as top management at aaiPharma; Pozen falls; Triangle did cut losses from 2000 but revenue fell, too; TriPath acknowledges 61-cent a share loss.