Alkermes shares boosted by upgrade; Scientists blast cancer cells with lasers;

 @FierceBiotech: Glaxo to shutter neuro programs, creates new unit for rare diseases. Report [1] | Follow @FierceBiotech [2]

 @JohnCFierce: The Pfizer and GSK news shows that the focus is shifting from in-house to in-licensing. Less and less job security in Big Pharma R&D. Follow @JohnCFierce [3]

> Alkermes posted a smaller quarterly loss than expected as sales of Risperdal pushed the revenue numbers. The company's stock was up 9 percent this morning based on an analyst's upgrade. Report [4]

> Pfizer and a subsidiary of Qiagen have struck a deal to develop a new diagnostic test for PF-04948568 (CDX-110), an immunotherapy vaccine in development for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. Qiagen release [5]

> Syrris opened its new Brazilian subsidiary at the beginning of the year. The company supplies high-tech systems to the pharma industry and research sector. Story [6]

> Ariana Pharma says it won a 'significant' fee for a service collaboration deal with Fovea Pharmaceuticals. Ariana release [7]

Pharma News

 @FiercePharma: Bristol-Myers freezes 2010 salaries. Article [8] | Follow [9]@FiercePharma [10] 

> What's next for reform-less pharma? Article [11]

> What with all the job-cuts news this week, we weren't able to get to hit much more than the high points of Big Pharma's latest earnings reports. Here's a roundup of related news for your reading pleasure this weekend. Earnings [12]

> Ranbaxy Laboratories has received yet another missive from a displeased FDA. Dated December 21--but not posted at the FDA website until now--the letter chastises Ranbaxy for lackluster efforts to come up to manufacturing standard--and this in spite of previous warnings from the agency. Article [13]

> How can a new Type 2 diabetes drug compete? Take a look at Novo Nordisk's plans for marketing its newcomer Victoza. Medical Marketing & Media reports that Novo reps are in workshops now, prepping for next month's launch. And at the top of their to-do list is highlighting the drug's potential weight-loss benefits. Report [14]

> The FDA's border inspectors are getting a new computer system. Designed to help overloaded inspectors better target their work, the system will score products coming into the U.S. according to a.) the manufacturer's safety history and b.) the product's own susceptibility to contamination. That way, the riskiest shipments will be flagged, and inspectors can focus in on them. Report [15]

And Finally... Using lasers and nanoparticles, scientists at Rice University have discovered a new technique for singling out individual diseased cells and destroying them with tiny explosions. Release [16]