Biotech Notebook: Hythiam, Shire, Genentech

On the Avastin front, the adjuvant study in colon cancer continues. The latest analysis of the data took place a couple of weeks ago, with nothing to report. That means the study will continue into 2008, with the next look likely in the second quarter. Adjuvant use of Avastin in colon cancer (and other cancers) has the potential to add billions of dollars in sales to the company's top line.

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Neurochem's(NRMX Quote) attempt to develop Alzhemed as a new drug for Alzheimer's disease has been an expensive and dismal failure. But instead of just giving up, Neurochem CEO Francesco Bellini has decided to commercialize Alzhemed as a "nutraceutical."

After you stop laughing, consider the possibilities. That's what a friend of mine did, imagining who Bellini might pay to pitch his new product to late-night TV viewers everywhere:

"Hi this is Sally Struthers, do you have trouble remembering if you sent in your check for Save the Children? Do you have trouble remembering why I am a celebrity? If so, try this starter pack of Alzhemed..."