@FierceBiotech: AP: Medicis gets FDA nod for pain, wrinkle treatment. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech @JohnCFierce: I wonder why any biotech company would have stars in its eyes when it comes to approaching this market with an IPO. | Follow John on Twitter
> Vertex Pharmaceuticals gave investors a thumbs up on the mid-stage data for its cystic fibrosis drug. In the mid-stage study of VX-809, patients who shared a genetic mutation showed a statistically significant drop in sweat chloride--a key biomarker. Vertex now plans to study VX-809 in combination with another of its experimental CF therapies in the second half of the year. Report
> Intent on turning the page on its recent manufacturing fiasco, Genzyme has hired Scott Canute as its new head of global manufacturing and corporate operations. Canute had run Eli Lilly's manufacturing ops. Report
> The genomics company Navigenics raised approximately $18 million of funding. Procter and Gamble has joined existing Navigenics investors Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers and Mohr Davidow Ventures in the round. "This Series C financing will help ensure that Navigenics has the ability to continue our groundbreaking research into the impact of genomics on preventive health care, expand our clinical offerings into exciting new areas and lead the way in making personal genomics an integral part of employer-sponsored preventive health and wellness programs," says CEO Dr. Vance Vanier. Release
> The Lancet has formally retracted a 12-year-old report that linked autism to childhood vaccines. Dr. Andrew Wakefield's study spurred a furious controversy over the supposed tie between autism and vaccines. And he still has a fierce band of defenders who adamantly believe there is a link, despite a mountain of scientific evidence to the contrary. A medical panel concluded recently that Wakefield's study included false information, and he may lose his license to practice medicine in the U.K. Report
> EUCODIS Bioscience, which provides customized enzymes to the pharmaceutical industry, has received a cash injection of 2 million euros from existing shareholders. Release
> Spectral Diagnostics has increased its previously announced brokered private placement by an additional $5.5 million, bringing the total amount to be raised to $19.5 million. Release
Pharma News
@FiercePharma: Pharmalot: FDA To Review Safety Of Controversial Dog Drug. Article | Follow @FiercePharma
> Is Teva Pharmaceutical Industries going to win the Ratiopharm prize? Story
> No, it's not your imagination: The FDA really has gotten tougher on drug promotions. Report
> Megamergers can be a drag ... on initial earnings, that is. Both Pfizer and Roche, which last year snapped up Wyeth and Genentech, respectively, saw their latest earnings suffer on expenses from those deals. Story
> Want a piece of Roche? If you're ready to write a $9 billion check, you might talk to Novartis. Story
And Finally... A horse genomics researcher at University College Dublin has ID'd the 'speed gene' in thoroughbred horses. Release