The value of new drugs is dropping – Jan 8th
"In 2008, the Food and Drug Administration approved 24 brand new
medicines, the most in three years. But medicines approved through June
produced lower sales than had been seen in the preceding decade."  And yet in oncology, the prices (and presumably revenues) have been rising over the last 5 years.  Interesting, perhaps it reflects the number of novel compounds rather than the me-toos seen in the consumer markets.

Skin cancer ups the risk of further cancers – Jan 8th
"Researchers studying nearly 23,000 cases of people treated for skin
cancer found that melanoma, the most severe form, was linked to double
the risk of having another primary cancer."

Poniard Pharmaceuticals to Present Data from Phase 2 Clinical Trials of Picoplatin in Colorectal and Prostate Cancers – Jan 7th
Lots of data coming out on picoplatin at ASCO and ASCO GI/GU meetings.

Human genomics in China – Jan 7th
An overview of progress in China – well worth a read.

Pfizer looks for a better way to detect drug risks – Jan 3rd
Although a general commentary, it is particularly relevant to oncology