@FierceBiotech: Merck takes its case for boceprevir to the FDA panel. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Still glowing from yesterday's FDA review of telaprevir, Vertex stock is up another $1.57 so far today, as boceprevir faces a vote. Follow @JohnCFierce
> ISTA Pharmaceuticals reports that a mid-stage study of its nasal spray for seasonal allergic rhinitis demonstrated that it was safe and effective. Story
> Salt Lake City-based Myriad Genetics announced a deal to buy Rules-Based Medicine in Austin for $80 million. Report
> Philadelphia-based Iroko Pharmaceuticals says it forged a deal to acquire iCeutica to help strengthen its work on low-dose non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). "We are building an industry-leading pipeline to meet a clear public-health directive defined by the US Food and Drug Administration," said John Vavricka, Iroko's CEP. "That directive is to deliver NSAIDs, one of the largest classes of pain-relieving medicines, at the lowest possible dose for the shortest possible duration." Iroko release
> Omnicare Clinical Research, a CRO, has been acquired by Nautic Partners, a private equity firm based in Providence, RI. Omnicare release
Pharma News
> Pharma grows online ad spending, despite FDA delays. News
> AZ, BMS, Bayer profits up as Sanofi's drop. Story
> Ex-GSK lawyer put loyalty ahead of law, prosecutor says. Article
> Genentech lobbies for Lucentis as eye study looms. Item
> Is J&J figuring on more foreign acquisitions? Report
> Par to pay $153M in pricing lawsuit settlement. Story
Vaccines News
> FDA clears Menactra for infants. Story
> Merck, Sanofi start Ph3 pediatric vax trial. Item
> Immune Design recruits former Elan exec. News
> Caliber opens new TX manufacturing facility. Report
> Gates gives $8.9M to fund new malaria vaccine approach. News
Manufacturing News
> Label-error recalls highlight weak link. News
> Manufacturing-savvy generic cos. set for business boost. Report
> Finally, track/trace action instead of talk. Story
> FDA system would speed excipient screening. Article
> Drug-promo poster collection visits Philadelphia. Report
> Teva begins ramp-up at CA injectables plant. Article
And Finally... European scientists say they're concerned that a case before the European Court of Justice could sound the death knell for stem cell research on the continent. Story