Trading Alerts & Updates on the following Companies; ME, AEZS & ANDS

Mariner Energy (ME)

will be acquired by independent energy company Apache Corp. for $2.7 billion to extend its deepwater projects in the Gulf of Mexico. Mariner’s deepwater portfolio includes nearly 100 blocks, seven discoveries in development and more than 50 prospects.

AEterna Zentaris Inc. (AEZS)

a late-stage drug development company specialized in oncology and endocrine therapy, today announced that it has requested Scientific Advice from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to assure the acceptability of the recently initiated Phase 3 programs for the development of its lead anticancer compound, perifosine, in its two lead indications, multiple myeloma and refractory advanced colorectal cancer.

Anadys Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ANDS)

said Thursday that a potential hepatitis C drug met key goals in a midstage clinical trial. The company said 72 percent of patients taking ANA-598 had undetectable viral levels by the eighth week, compared with 38 percent taking placebo. The company is presenting the data at the 45th annual European Association for the Study of the Liver meeting Thursday. The study analysis is preliminary, the company said. The results also confirm positive safety results from prior studies. Shares of Anadys jumped 52 cents, or 20 percent, to $3.13 in early trading.