> Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Susan Collins (R-ME) have introduced a bill that would provide a faster path for approving generic biotech drugs, and cut biologic marketing exclusivity down to five years. The Schumer-Collins bill closely resembles a bill proposed by Rep. Henry Waxman two weeks ago. Report
> Taiwan's Cabinet has proposed a $1.76 billion dollar VC fund to attract biotech business to the region. Report
> There's a lot of rumbling in the blogosphere about the Merck job-chopping block. Last fall Merck announced it would shed 6,800 jobs--and now, the drugmaker is lowering the boom. Report
> Mylan plans to purchase the remaining interest in Matrix Laboratories for $133 million. Mylan release
> Akela Pharma is buying Nventa Biopharmaceuticals stock in a deal worth C$1.4 Million. Release
> Almost one-third of rheumatologists have changed their approach to treating juvenile arthritis as a result of the FDA's investigation into child-cancer risks associated with TNF-alpha inhibitors, Decision Resources has found. Release
> Wall Street types are speculating that Biovail founder Eugene Melnyk is lightening up his holdings in the company, as an unnamed investor unloaded a large block of shares earlier this week. Report
> J.P. Morgan analysts upgraded Amgen to "overweight," citing upcoming data from a key trial of its bone drug candidate denosumab. Report
> New data from a big federal study of ADHD meds appears to show that long-term use of the drugs isn't very helpful, and may even be harmful. Report
> Let's assume, for discussion's sake, that some large pharma is kicking tires at Allergan. And let's assume that Allergan thinks it just might do a deal. What incentive would company officials have to push a merger through? Some $37 million, according to a proxy analysis at BNet Pharma. Report
And Finally... Biotech companies are not filling property void in Bay Area, and bioscience building vacancies are on the rise. Report