> Israeli's BiolineRX is touting results from a Phase IIb trial of its schizophrenia treatment BL-1020, saying that the drug had a positive impact on the cognitive function of patients. Report
> The NIH says it's now accepting accepting requests for human embryonic stem cell lines to be approved for use in NIH-funded research. Release
> New York announced $600 million in grant money for the state's research institutions. Release
> In a clinical trial, Interleukin Genetics found that subjects who stuck to a diet matched to their genotype lost more weight than those on a general diet. Report
Pharma News
> Lately, the small-and-nimble theory has captured the pharma imagination. Even massive drugmakers are splitting their operations into smaller chunks, in hopes of fostering the sort of innovation that drives biotech. But what if big really is better? Article
> PhRMA's out-front position on healthcare reform may end up backfiring. When the Senate Finance Committee launched hearings yesterday on the latest reform bill, that $80 billion cost-cutting deal got roundhouse kicks from Democrats and Republicans alike. Article
> Eli Lilly is fleshing out its organization chart in the wake of its recent restructuring into five business units. Today's news: Lilly's G.M. in China will climb the company ladder to president of U.S. operations. David Ricks will replace Enrique Conterno in that slot, left vacant when Conterno was tapped to take on one of those five new units, the Diabetes Business Unit. Lilly report
> Last week, the chatter was that GlaxoSmithKline might buy a chunk of India's Dr. Reddy's Labs. Makes sense; GSK has been on an emerging-markets push for some time. But it appears that Glaxo is spreading its acquisition net a tad bit wider than that. LiveMint reports today that the drugmaker hired investment bank Lazard & Co. to evaluate potential buyouts on the subcontinent. Report
Manufacturing News
> A Shanghai drug maker is trying out an alternative freeze-dryer technology. Shanghai Pharmaceutical affiliate Shanghai The First Biochemical & Pharmaceutical Co. is acquiring a Praxair NCOOL cryogenic heat exchanger system in a pharmaceutical freeze dryer. Report
> Some collaborative gerrymandering on the part of local politicians has convinced Bayer to upgrade a Berkeley, CA, plant and continue production rather than begin outsourcing a blood-clotting treatment used by hemophiliacs. Report
> Novasep has become the third contract manufacturer in less than two months to announce potent compound safety certification. The certification, granted by SafeBridge, applies to portions of its Le Mans, France, facility used for the manufacture of highly potent active pharmaceutical ingredients. Article
And Finally... Working Mother magazine unveiled its list of the 100 best companies for women, and nine of those--almost 10 percent--were drugmakers. Report