@FierceBiotech: Though widely endorsed, deals may not be R&D panacea. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Silly op-ed in WSJ on Avastin. Decision will harm innovation? With 900+ cancer drugs in the pipeline, I doubt it. | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Pfizer has inked a pact to work with Russia's ChemRar High Tech Center to research and market new drugs in Russia and the region. Story
> Nuvo Research says that an osteoarthritis drug developed with Covidien hit its primary endpoint in a Phase II study, besting a placebo at reducing the pain associated with the affliction. Report
> The UK's Prosonix has concluded a £11.4M financing round led by Ventech with support from Gilde Healthcare Partners, Entrepreneurs Fund, Quest for Growth and Solon Ventures. Release
> Steven Nichtberger has resigned as CEO of Tengion. Story
> Canada's Medicago reported positive final results from a Phase II human clinical trial with its H5N1 Avian Influenza VLP vaccine candidate. Medicago release
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Icahn sues Forest for info on Solomon's woes. News | Follow @FiercePharma
> Par slashes 100 sales jobs at Strativa unit. News
> AZ's clotbuster wins prelim nod from NICE. Article
> Will Abbott's Niaspan fall short of blockbuster sales? Piece
> Congress pushes 10 drugmakers for heparin info. Story
> Australian pharmacies run short on Pfizer meds. Report
Vaccines News
> Transitioning to human models a big obstacle for DNA cancer vaccines. News
> Merck's Gerberding discusses advantages, challenges of vaccines. Report
> Type 1 diabetes vaccine flunks trial. Article
> Collaborations are key in vaccine industry. Item
Manufacturing News
> Brown prods FDA on foreign API link with drug shortages. Item
> DHL, BT team for RFID-secure supply chain. News
> Musty odor drives another Tylenol recall. Article
> Baxter gets warned on missing field reports. Story
> Expansion-minded Almac stays on task. News
> Merck, UPS grow closer in expanded logistics deal. Report
And Finally... One breast cancer patient who swears Avastin saved her life says she is left "numb" by the latest FDA panel vote against the cancer drug. With insurers now likely to stop reimbursing for the drug if the FDA Commissioner allows the vote to stand, she says only chemo remains. Story