@FierceBiotech: Roche diabetes drug taspoglutide performs like a blockbuster in Phase III. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: My take on taspoglutide: Roche knows it has a winner and is drawing out the data parade for max attention. Follow @JohnCFierce
> The Foundation for Research, Science and Technology has handed Life Cell Technologies a $4 million grant to support the company's work transplanting pig tissues into Type-1 diabetes patients. Article
> U.S. drugmaker Abbott Laboratories secured conditional European Union regulatory approval on Thursday for its acquisition of the drug unit of Solvay, boosting its emerging-market exposure. Report
> Eye-care products maker Alcon, which is being acquired by Swiss drugmaker Novartis, reported an 8 percent rise in fourth-quarter profit on Thursday, helped by double-digit sales increases in the U.S. and emerging markets. Story
> As the life sciences sector continues to navigate the changing seas of innovation in the new economy, Xconomy says Seattle and the Pacific Northwest have become a light shining on the horizon. Report
> Hemispherx BioPharma, the Philadelphia biotech company struggling to get FDA approval for a new drug candidate that's been under development for three decades, awarded more than $300,000 in bonuses to four key executives this week. Story
> MDRNA's top executive this week confirmed that the company has moved its bladder cancer program to the head of its pipeline, and that it would yield an investigational new drug application filing--the firm's first--in the fourth quarter. Article
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: No generics push for AZ, Brennan says. Report | Follow @FiercePharma
> Has healthcare reform done in Billy Tauzin (photo)? The pharma industry's top lobbyist and ex-U.S. Congressman says he's stepping down as of June 30, and according to news reports, the resignation comes amidst criticism from members of PhRMA. Item
> Former Schering-Plough CEO Fred Hassan, who presided over the company's $41.1 billion sale last year, says he expects to see more consolidation in the pharmaceutical industry. Story
> AstraZeneca is asking for patience. CEO David Brennan wants investors to hang in with the company through what may be "a period of fluctuating earnings. Report
> India has been something of a promised land for Big Pharma in recent years. Story
> A would-be Pfizer whistleblower has amended his lawsuit against the company, once again alleging marketing infractions related to the company's top-selling drug, Lipitor. According to the suit, the company ignored National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines to broaden the base of patients recommended for treatment with the statin med, Pharmalot reports. Article
And Finally... Cabernet and chocolate are potent medicine for killing cancer, according to research. Red grapes and dark chocolate join blueberries, garlic, soy, and teas as ingredients that starve cancer while feeding bodies, Angiogenesis Foundation head William Li said at a prestigious TED Conference. Report