ALSO NOTED: Humana profits up; Celebrex gets heart warning; and much more...

> Humana said its second-quarter net profit was up 4.2 percent, largely thanks to its booming Medicare business. Story

> Pfizer's Cox-2 inhibitor Celebrex will get a label warning of risks of heart disease. Story

> After Sen. Bill Frist's (R-Tenn.) change of heart on stem cells, Wall Street is showing interest in companies that pursue stem cell research; but the legislation may still lack the support it needs to become law. Story

> Atkins Nutritionals, the company behind the low-carb craze, files for bankruptcy protection this morning. Story

> A court in New Jersey deals Merck its latest blow in the Vioxx litigation, granting class-action status to a massive suit against the drug maker. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)

> Activist groups are angry with the FX Network for a new sitcom featuring three people with eating disorders who live together. Release

> New York Gov. George Pataki indicated he will likely veto legislation designed to make it easier for women to have access to the contraceptive Plan B. Story

> The New York Times examines the growing popularity of so-called "concierge practices," which offer patients additional services for a fee. Story

> Oregon is on track to become the first state in the nation to require a doctor's prescription for many commonly used cold medicines. Lawmakers seem to believe that this will help fight drug abuse. Story

> A new ad campaign in California backed by the drug industry takes aim at prescription drug measures on this September's ballot. Story

> Maine lawmakers propose legislation which would bar donors from accepting payment for organs they provide to transplant patients. Story

> Chutes & Ladders: Cathy Lancaster was named Senior Vice President and CFO for Kaiser Foundation Health Plan and Kaiser Hospitals. Story

> Chutes & Ladders: Medcath named Charles Slater CEO. Release

And Finally... 3Com's Tipping Point division has licensed its network security solutions to IU Medical Group in Indiana. They also take a swipe at Cisco, which has had other issues about its security this week. Release

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