@FierceBiotech: Biopharma execs predict a big spike in M&A deals. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Pfizer gets Wash U researchers to take a second look at its molecules. Report | Follow @JohnCFierce
> As part of a broad global manufacturing restructuring announced yesterday, Pfizer is chopping 300 jobs at its plant in Andover, MA. But despite the cutbacks Pfizer says it remains heavily committed to the state, with 2,000 workers in its facilities--including 750 doing R&D in Cambridge. Report
> Germany's Wilex AG says that a late-stage study shows that the combination of Redectane with positron emission tomography and computer tomography versus the standard use of CT alone significantly improved the diagnosis of renal masses. Sensitivity and specificity were the defined endpoints of the study. Release
> Cytogel Pharma, a Darien, CT-based biotech helmed by Pfizer veteran Dean Maglaris, has raised $2.2 million. Story
> Fibrogen says that an animal study of FG-3019 demonstrates the therapy reversed the tissue-scarring process in mice with lung fibrosis. Report
> Actelion says that iloprost, which is approved for pulmonary hypertension, may also help prevent lung cancer among people who have quit smoking. "Oral iloprost showed promise for preventing lung cancer in former, but not current, smokers in a phase II clinical trial," according to researchers. Story
> PregLem says it garnered positive Phase III results on Esmya (ulipristal acetate) for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. Release
> Argos Therapeutics today announced the presentation of data from the Phase IIa trial of AGS-004, demonstrating that the personalized immunotherapy has a positive impact on the genetic diversity of residual HIV virus. Release
And Finally... Thomas Salme became a commercial airline pilot by creating a fake license and flying for a few hours in a flight simulator. He went on to a 13-year career before he was finally caught. Story