> We all know specialty meds are expensive, and that they're getting more expensive, too. But now we know how much--and it's triple the inflation rate, a full percentage point higher than the rise in overall drug costs. That's according to a new AARP report based on prices of more than 140 specialty drugs Medicare beneficiaries often use. Specialty drug report
> Bill Gates announced today that the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will provide $168.7 million to PATH for its Malaria Vaccine Initiative to develop vaccines for the disease. Release
> Crucell affiliate Berna Biotech has stopped all animal testing The development of in-vitro alternatives and will therefore close the animal house in Bern in 2008. Berna release
> While the financial markets teeter, Pfizer stock closed 4 percent higher yesterday as rumors of more layoffs swirled. Pfizer report
> In The Pipeline breaks down the odds of how the ongoing BMS/ImClone battle will play out. Blog
> The pharma friend that is Medicare Part D will be more expensive for seniors next year. On average, premiums for the 10 most popular drug-coverage plans will leap by 31 percent. Part D report
> Subcontinent rising: A new report on India's pharmaceuticals industry predicts it will take over about $2.5 billion in drugmakers' outsourcing by 2012. Report
> Investigators are touting new data that shows Novartis' pre-pandemic flu vaccine Aflunov can deliver swift protection to people primed with the MF59-adjuvanted vaccine up to six years earlier. Report
And Finally... Good news for scientists and researchers: despite a number of layoffs and hiring freezes, there is still high demand in the biotech industry. And human resources managers are going above and beyond to attract good talent. Report