UPDATE 2-Merck to buy virus-based cancer drug firm Viralytics for $394 mln


The idea is to cause cancer cells to rupture and die, while also stimulating a wider immune system response in the body. The deal, which is conditional on no better offer emerging from a counter-bidder, represents a premium of 160 percent to the average stock price over the past month - another example of the outsized offers often needed to clinch biotech takeovers.



from Biotech News