EMA group drafts guidelines for copycat versions of interferon beta; Capstone Therapeutics hits brakes on key program;

@FierceBiotech: Quintiles to hire 500 for new BPO hub in China, where the giant CRO has a growing presence. Story | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Trounson on the effect of Geron ESC exit: "a very strong negative influence internationally." Item | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Sanofi's Viehbacher to FDA: We need clear risk-benefit guidance to invest in primary care drugs. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce

@MarkHFierce: Scientists are up in arms in CA about plunging state funding support for research. More | Follow @MarkHFierce

@FierceMedDev: Covidien CEO Elected Chairman of the Board. Release | Follow @FierceMedDev

> The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has issued draft guidance on a path for developing copycat versions of biotech drugs, called biosimilars, which contain the MS treatment interferon beta. A public comment period ends May 31. Report

> Two groups are interested in snapping up drug developer Geron's embryonic stem cell program, which the California company dumped last year over financial concerns. Item

> Capstone Therapeutics hit the brakes on development of its lead drug against dermal scarring, AZX100, in an effort to preserve cash at the struggling company. Release

> Seattle-based Cell Therapeutics ($CTIC) said today the CHMP could soon decide on whether to stamp an approval on Pixuvri for treating adults with multiple relapsed or refractory aggressive non-Hodgkin's B cell lymphomas. Release

Pharma News

@FiercePharma: Why do more than half of doctors oppose mandatory HPV vax? Check the latest from . Survey | Follow @FiercePharma

> Merck to pay up to $37M in Canadian Vioxx case. News

> Can AstraZeneca continue to swear off major M&A? More

> Foreign pharma deals snag on new Indian rules. Article

> New death reports prompt EMA review of Gilenya. Story

> Yaz plaintiffs ask judge to weigh alleged FDA conflicts. Item

And Finally... Doctors have taken a step toward refining the rules of the road for diagnosing autism. Report