Not-for-profit to link to biopharma research

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	Thursday, October 25, 2007
	Not-for-profit to link to biopharma research BioCrossroads said today it has formed a not-for-profit group to find ways to tie pharmaceutical research in San Diego and other biotech centers to Indiana companies and universities that that can turn the discoveries into marketable drugs. The not-for-profit, BioCrossroadsLinx, will tap more than 40 Indiana companies that support large pharmaceutical companies and small biotech firms. "Indiana is home to a fast-growing sector within the life sciences industry, and we're going to leverage our strengths to link our assets to complementary groups in other areas," BioCrossroads President David Johnson said in a statement. "Regional collaboration is a differentiating factor for us."
	Lilly stock hit after safety trials halted Analysts and investors turned sour on Eli Lilly and Co.'s stock overnight after the Indianapolis drug maker stopped enrolling patients in two small safety trials of a potential blockbuster drug. Lilly shares opened today at $52.15, down $3.74 or 6.6 percent from their close yesterday. Lilly announced yesterday after markets closed that it had temporarily halted two clinical trials of prasugrel, an anti-blood clotting drug, to adjust dosing for some patients.   Indy fights 20-plus cities for USA Basketball More than 20 cities-including Indianapolis-are bidding for the USA Basketball headquarters and national training facilities, which have been located in Colorado Springs since 1979. The official announcement came today from officials of USA Basketball, the national governing body for men's and women's basketball in the U.S. Bids are due Dec. 20, with a decision set to be announced during the summer of 2008.   Cummins' stock dips after earnings release Cummins Inc.'s stock price slid this morning after the Columbus diesel engine maker reported earnings that fell short of analysts' expectations. Shares dipped to $119 from yesterday's close of $133, but have rebounded slightly to trade near $121, a 9-percent decline from yesterday. Earlier this morning, Cummins reported that third-quarter profit was up 7.6 percent over last year, to $184 million, fueled by a 20-percent increase in sales.   Celadon stock skids on weak profit report Share prices of Indianapolis-based Celadon Group Inc. fell 15 percent this morning after it reported late yesterday that soft demand for its services caused profit to plunge in its first fiscal quarter. The stock fell to $8.16 from its close yesterday of $9.65, then bounced back to $8.35. The long-haul trucking service reported that it earned $2.5 million, or 11 cents per share, in the period ended Sept. 30-well below the 27 cents expected by analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial.   Climbing enrollment stokes ITT profit Profit at ITT Educational Services Inc. was up 20 percent, to $39.7 million, in its third quarter, the Carmel company reported today. The earnings of 98 cents per share exceeded the average estimate of 92 cents by analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial. The technical college operator said revenue of $217.9 million increased 14.9 percent from the same period last year.   Marion plant manager gets glowing send-off It isn't often managers of manufacturing plants earn an affectionate editorial in the local newspaper when they move on to their next job, but that's what Steve Brock received from the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion this morning. Brock, who managed General Motors Corp.'s stamping plant in the city between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, not only helped bring the plant recognition for quality and productivity, but also made big contributions to improving the quality of life, the newspaper opined.
	Kentucky chambers seek I-69 funding A dozen chambers of commerce in western Kentucky have started an alliance to ramp up efforts to attract funding to extend Interstate 69 though the state from the Evansville area. Chamber Leadership Initiatives for Northwestern Kentucky, or C-LINK, will try to persuade state lawmakers whose districts touch the proposed road to begin funding an extension, according to the Evansville Courier & Press.   From IBJ staff and Associated Press-Compiled by Norm Heikens IPS to detail school closures plan Parents of Indianapolis Public Schools students will learn tonight details of a plan to close five more schools. The district had planned to close three schools, but officials now say they will close five more and reconfigure another three. Tonight's meeting is in Anderson Auditorium at Arsenal Tech High School at 7 p.m. Fox 59 News will have the latest after the World Series.
	Staph cases on the rise More than a dozen cases of a feared bacteria have now been reported across the state. IPS has four cases. Schools in Muncie, Richmond and the Fort Wayne area also have reported cases. The strain of staph does not respond to penicillin and related antibiotics but can be treated with other drugs. The infection can be spread by skin-to-skin contact or sharing an item used by an infected person. Police arrest robbery suspect at hotel Indianapolis police had to get guests out of their rooms at the Relax Inn this morning while officers looked for a robbery suspect at the hotel, which is in the 100 block of South Tibbs Avenue southeast of downtown. Officers arrested James Bennet in the hotel after his girlfriend, who was in a car outside, told them he was inside. He is accused of committing two robberies in Avon and one on the north side of Indianapolis. Man critical after shooting on eastside Detectives say someone fired at a driver last night near Clyde Avenue and Terrace Avenue, striking him in the back of the head. The victim veered off the road and crashed into a tree, but was able to dial 911 on his cell phone. So far, investigators don't have suspect information. The crime happened near Southeastern and Emerson avenues. WellPoint 'test' might unnerve some doctors Fifth-graders don't like them, and physicians don't either. Tests, grades, report cards. But that's what physicians who see members in WellPoint Inc.'s health plans will get when the Indianapolis-based health insurer and Zagat Survey launch their online doctor-rating tool in January. The tool will allow patients to rate their doctor experience and share it with other WellPoint customers. "I'm sure there'll be anxiety about this," said Dr. Sam Flanders, an Indianapolis pediatrician and senior vice president for medical quality at Clarian Health.      Largest Indianapolis-Area United Way Allocations Largest Indianapolis-Area Full-Service Advertising Agencies When someone has a business proposal for you, how do you prefer to be approached: via phone, mail or e-mail? Why? Visit IBJ's Web site, www.ibj.com Indianapolis Business Journal has launched a redesigned Web site with news updated throughout the business day. At www.ibj.com you will find the latest business news from the Indianapolis area and around the state, video of IBJ events, CEO interviews from the Inside IBJ radio program, and our weekly podcast.
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