Controversial autism study claims disorder may not be genetic (Morning Read)

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Controversial study: Autism may not be a genetic disorder. A controversial new analysis of autism in twins published in Archives of General Psychiatry challenges the autism genetics link. The study’s authors say they found that environment factors may be more important than genetics in a child’s risk for autism. Other autism experts are criticizing the study, saying they don’t see how the data could have led to such a conclusion.

Chantix may cause heart failure. Pfizer’s anti-smoking drug Chantix is being linked to a 72% increase in risk of cardiovascular problems by researchers who examined 14 clinical trials of the drug. The drug pulled in $755 million in worldwide revenue last year.

Biotech on the rise. Biotechnology and specialty pharmaceutical companies raised an astounding $32.7 billion — a record amount — in 2010. According to Signals, the sector’s fiscal health has been steadily improving since 2008.

Lung cancer drug on target for Phase 3 trials next year. Boston pharmaceutical company Syndax Pharmaceutical’s lung cancer drug entinostat is nearing critical Phase 3 trials as the company’s leaders are scheduled to present data at the International Association of the Study for Lung Cancer conference today. The drug, which is currently in Phase 2 testing, is one of several in the Boston area designed around epigenetics.

Guess what’s back again? Officials in several states have confirmed the presence of the West Nile virus in mosquitos again this year.