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Bristol-Myers Squibb will acquire privately held Amira Pharmaceuticals in an all-cash transaction worth up to $475 million.

The EMA said Takeda Pharmaceutical's diabetes pill Actos should carry new warnings about its possible link to bladder cancer.

The EMA has introduced some changes on package to contribute towards the safe and effective use of medicines.

One lot of calcium gluconate injections distributed by American Regent has been recalled due to silicone particle contamination.

Pfizer Inc. said Wednesday it will acquire the remaining stake in Icagen Inc.

Merck and Roche have expanded their recent collaboration to jointly promote hepatitis C treatment Victrelis.

The drug discovery outsourcing market has grown significantly over the past two decades and will be worth US$16.21bn by 2015.

DNDi will work with partners to create an affordable therapy for children suffering from HIV/AIDS.

InterMed Discovery will make its natural product screening libraries available and provide follow-on services to BioFocus.

Pfizer stated its decision to withdraw was based on the CHMP’s view that the data provided so far does not allow the Committee to conclude on a positive benefit-risk balance in the applied for indication.

South Africa has decided to take HIV drug pricing into its own hands by setting up its own drug company to help provide such medicines.

Roche plans to submit the study results of pertuzumab for global regulatory approval this year.

The FDA has approved the influenza vaccine formulation for the 2011-2012 vaccine. Six manufacturers are licensed to produce and distribute influenza vaccine for the United States during the upcoming season.

The Court's injunction extends until November 2013, after which Teva may sell Neutroval in the US.

The CPHI, ICSE & BioPh China 2011 and P-MEC China 2011 were held in Shanghai from June 21, 2011 to June 23, 2011. During the exhibition, “CPHI-Online” had an interview with Ms. Jiang Hua, the assistant president of Luye Pharma Group.

The deal was Valeant's second planned dermatology acquisition announced in the past week.

According to a survey by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, US pharmaceutical firms will be on the acquisition hunt over the next two years.

The outsourcing company Icon has acquired technology firm Firecrest Clinical to enhance site performance.

Singapore-based Aslan Pharmaceuticals and Array BioPharma have signed a license agreement to develop Array’s cancer drug called ARRY-543.

Particle Sciences and Absorption Systems have formed a partnership to provide clients with enhanced drug development services.

EMA will improve the search and data-output of its databases, supplying pharmaceutical manufacturers with tools on the ‘detection and analysis of signals on adverse reactions’ by 2015.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eisai shall acquire from Orion the exclusive rights to market the two products in China, and will distribute them through its Chinese subsidiary Eisai China Inc.

The projects will be open for scientists from universities, research institutions and private companies in India and Denmark conducting research within the health science biotechnology area.

The Medicines Patent Pool enables drug manufacturers to produce cheaper, generic versions of drugs currently under patents for use in developing or poorer countries.

For the first time in almost 50 years Canadians living with lupus have a new treatment option.

Under the terms of the agreement, Micromet will be primarily responsible for the discovery and preclinical development of the BiTE antibodies. Amgen will lead the clinical development, manufacturing, and commercialization of any products resulting from...

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International will acquire Dermik, a dermatology unit of Sanofi in the U.S. and Canada, for approximately $425 million.

The European Medicines Agency is reviewing the cardiovascular risk of the anti-arrhythmic medicine Multaq.

Teva has reached a compromise with Merck and will not sell cholesterol drugs Vytorin and Zetia until 2017.

Novo Nordisk and the advocacy organization Children with Diabetes, Inc will develop and distribute resources to help newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes adjust to their new lifestyle.

Bristol-Myers Squibb is the only company that has registered the drug Amphotericin B in South Africa to treat the AIDS defining-disease cryptococcal meningitis.

During the first quarter of 2011, Indian pharma companies filed 90 DMFs as compared to 75 and 91 DMFs respectively during first quarter of 2010 and 2009.

Biogen Idec has selected Unilabs to provide a companion diagnostic anti-JCV antibody assay test.

Malaysian Biotechnology Corporation is boosting Malaysia’s biotechnology industry through a series of agreements and collaborations.

Under the terms of the agreement, Bristol-Myers Squibb will fund the development of IPH2102, make an upfront payment of $35 million and additional payments of up to $430 million.

A new report says the growing prevalence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes is ensuring rapid growth for insulin management systems.

The FDA inspections in the last few weeks are raising hopes among some of Indian companies they will shortly be able to export medicines to the world’s largest drug market.

A recent gathering of science journalists in Qatar was treated to a look at the dark side of trend.

GlaxoSmithKline signed a long-term agreement with the World Anti-Doping Agency to help detect emerging performance-enhance drugs in sport.

Two Thai agencies have signed a strategic research collaboration agreement to focus on drug discovery using nanotechnology.

Canada and UK will work together to strengthen collaboration between the biotechnology sectors in the two nations.

Under the terms of the agreement, AstraZeneca will make an undisclosed up-front cash payment for the initiation of the first target in the collaboration plus committed research funding to PTC.

The purpose of the discovery programs is to identify new compounds with anti-inflammatory potential to be developed for respiratory conditions characterized by a high unmet medical need such as COPD and cystic fibrosis.

A survey finds that American voters embrace a continued federal commitment to biotechnology priorities such as research dedicated to finding alternative sources of energy, life-saving medicines and cures.

The Ontario-India programme has now called for proposals for collaborative projects with a view to develop innovative products and products, especially in the life science and medical devices sectors.

Proteros will provide protein crystallization and X-ray structural analysis services that complement AMRI’s existing drug discovery capabilities.

This collaborative effort provides an opportunity for present and future partnerships between the United States and Italy, and will unite their respective Life Sciences communities and tremendous bases of scientific talent.

Drugs becoming cheaper as of 1 July include Pfizer's Liptor and Xanax medications, used to treat high cholesterol and anxiety disorders respectively, and Merck's Januvia, which is used to lower blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Janssen will transfer ongoing efforts on selected drug discovery targets to Jubilant. Jubilant will carry out research services and deliver preclinical candidates to Janssen.

Under terms of the deal Flamel will primarily be responsible for formulation and process development, with Digna shouldering preclinical and clinical development activities.

This project was initiated in October 2009 and the two firms will continue this research collaboration until April 2012.

Under the initial three-year term, Evotec and Roche will conduct multiple biomarker programs for therapeutic antibodies or small molecule inhibitors.

BioMarin will acquire a bulk biologics manufacturing plant from Pfizer for $48.5 million. The deal is expected to close around September.

The initiative will promote healthy individuals, families and communities by identifying and supporting the most promising solutions to challenge health problems.

Fujifilm and Mitsubishi have signed an agreement for biopharma contract manufacturing.

Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. said Monday it completed its $2.9 billion purchase of American Medical Systems Inc., a leading pelvic-health device provider.

More than 400,000 Australians will benefit from 13 subsidised medicines from September.

Under the terms of the agreement, Sanofi has an option to license technology rights from Audion related to research conducted under the collaboration.

Lundbeck expects to file its alcoholism drug nalmefene in Europe following positive results from the final trial in the drug's Phase III clinical programme.

A report says the poorest countries in the world have an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment in the pharmaceutical sector.

The recalls stem from two consumer reports of an uncharacteristic odor thought to be caused by trace amounts of TBA.

The agreement gives Boehringer Ingelheim global development and commercialisation rights to ZP2929, Zealand Pharma's lead glucagon/GLP-1 dual agonist drug candidate.

Takeda claims patent infringement by the 18 defendants companies and seeks provisional injunctions to prevent them from infringing its patents by manufacturing and selling generic products of ACTOS.

After reviewing data from a clinical trial, the FDA says it is changing the labeling on Chantix to incorporate new cautionary language for patients with heart disease.

AstraZeneca is planning to set up a Predictive Science Center in St. Petersburg in 2012 to strengthen its investments in Russia.

The transaction will give Qiagen access to a range of assays covering 15 biomarkers for the diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of blood cancers.

Pfizer began its court proceedings in Virginia on Wednesday to try to extend its patent on the erectile dysfunction drug Viagra.

GSK and Arecor will work to develop new approaches that could offer significant improvements to the administration of several vaccines in development.

The two companies will also collaborate on the development of multi-layer films with improved product characteristics to be employed in single-use bioreactors. The first product innovations from are expected in approximately one year.

Eli Lilly and Co. has signed a deal with Synthes to co-promote the bone drug Forteo and develop other potential orthopedic treatments.

FDA says the number of drug shortages has nearly tripled over the last six years, jumping from 61 drug products in 2005 to 178 in 2010.

Sanofi-Aventis chief executive Chris Viehbacher has warned that Canadian pharmaceutical companies need more comprehensive patent protection.

Merck Serono will have worldwide exclusive rights to develop and commercialise selected compounds. The contract also includes a research collaboration focusing on P2X7 antagonist optimisation.

Under the terms of the alliance, Quintiles will make an undisclosed investment in Kareus through an equity investment and access to clinical service on a shared-risk basis.

The UK's promise for more funding follows last week's announcement that major pharmaceutical companies would make cuts to the prices of their vaccines in the developing world.

Hovione and Particle Sciences Inc have inked a collaboration deal to speed development projects targeting poorly water-soluble drugs.

Celerion's several facilities have been approved by the Brazilian regulators to enter the Brazilian market.

Bachem would successfully conclude the integration of fine chemicals firm Sochinaz into the group as of June 30.

Covidien has hired JP Morgan to handle the potential sale of its drugs business, and the deal could be worth up to $4 billion.

GSK's offer has been made in response to a UNICEF request for rotavirus vaccines. If accepted, large scale vaccination against rotavirus could begin later this year.

Pfizer is planning another $1 billion in cost reductions by 2012. The initiative appears to be aimed at reducing administrative duplications in New York City and worldwide.

AustarPharma will use its proprietary technologies to develop and manufacture products for Amerigen to commercialize in the United States and other territories.

The two companies plan to combine Pfenex’s Reagent Proteins product offerings in the area of vaccine components with SAFC’s expertise and facilities for bioconjugation to support development of conjugate vaccines.

Elite Pharmaceuticals has signed a commercial manufacturing and supply pact with Mikah Pharma.

Several drugs companies are to cut the prices of their vaccines in the developing world.

Teva has settled a patent lawsuit brought by Pfizer Inc. over a drug for treating seizures and pain caused by shingles.

This investment will establish a dedicated GMP lab to provide a range of analytical development and quality control testing services.

Under the agreement, the two companies will conduct a Phase I/II study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination.

The two companies aim to strengthen the ability to reach more patients with high-quality and low-cost medicines in the branded generics arena.

Evotec said the transaction would substantially augment its early drug discovery, provide critical mass to its existing compound management offering, and add profitable revenues.

The Merck Bioethics Advisory Panel will provide the company with recommendations on how to take bioethical aspects into account when discovering and developing new products and processes.

Specialty chemical company Ashland plans to acquire chemical manufacturer International Specialty Products in a $3.2 billion all-cash deal.

Bayer HealthCare will relocate its production of blockbuster multiple sclerosis drug Betaseron to Germany for greater flexibility in the marketplace.

Johnson & Johnson plans to seek approval for 11 new drugs by 2015 as it revives its pharmaceuticals business.

Emergent has delivered more than 42 million doses of BioThrax to the US Government, and more than ten million doses have been administered to military personnel.

Pharmascience, the largest generic pharmaceutical company in Quebec, announced last Friday the acquisition of Aegera Therapeutics Inc., a Montreal-based clinical-stage biotechnology company.

The growth rate of pharma exports from India to Italy in the recent past has been below 10 per cent and the joint working group. The working group will boost the exports through closer cooperation.

Intercell AG is recalling batch JEV09L37 of vaccine Ixiaro throughout the EU. The CHMP recommends that revaccination with a different batch should be considered.

Pfizer has selected Boston-based Parexel, and Dublin, Ireland-based Icon, as its two preferred CROs for the provision of clinical development and trials services.

Watson Pharmaceuticals has purchased privately-held Greek multinational Specifar Pharmaceuticals which comes in fifth in its home country's branded generics market.

It is reported that the UK's third largest pharmaceutical firm could make a $2bn bid for US-based Cubist Pharmaceuticals.

The alliance will combine Proteostasis’ discovery technology, novel targets and compounds that modulate key Proteostasis Network pathways with Elan’s strength in proprietary animal models, biology, medicinal chemistry and clinical development...

The study indicates that many young adults are at risk of developing heart disease, but are unaware that they have hypertension.

This acquisition is a strategic move into gastrointestinal diagnostics,' says Luis Cantarell, CEO of Nestlé Health Science.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc. will acquire a Lithuanian specialty pharmaceutical company in a two-stage deal worth $441.3 million.

GSK has formed a new partnership with three NGOs to deliver its reinvestments to improve health outcomes by supporting frontline health workers in LDCs.

Under the agreement, AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo will co-promote denosumab after it is approved for use in Japan.

The court's decision would prevent Apotex from bringing its generic version of the drug to market prior to the Patanol patent expiration in 2015.

Eli Lilly and private investors Care Capital and NovaQuest Capital agreed to jointly create a biotechnology company to focus on Lilly's severe sepsis drug Xigris.

Par Pharmaceutical Cos. will acquire India-based generic drugmaker Edict Pharmaceuticals for up to $37.6 million.

The California companies are developing 188 of 887 drugs for more than 20 types of cancer and 55 of 299 medicines for heart disease and stroke.

The decision was taken because serious and sometimes fatal neurological and cardiac side effects, mainly related to accidental or intentional overdose, continued to occur.

Nycomed's significant business infrastructure in Europe and high-growth emerging markets are expected to enhance Takeda's regulatory development expertise and commercialization capability.

Bill Gates and his foundation calls on leaders to increase investment in vaccines and immunisation to make vaccines affordable for poor countries.

Dalton Pharma Services announced that it has entered into a manufacturing services agreement with Zafgen Inc.

BMS will have a first right to negotiate a licensing agreement on certain RNAi products developed by Tekmira that result from gene targets validated by BMS.

Goodwin Biotechnology and RAFAGEN jointly announced their collaborative agreement for cell line engineering and biological contract manufacturing.

Over the next five years, the emerging markets are expected to nearly double their spending on medicines, to $285-315 billion, compared with $151 billion in 2010.

Israel's Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is about to acquire Taiyo Pharmaceutical Industry, the third largest generic drug producer in Japan.

The two companies will apply large-scale genomic analyses to test clinical hypotheses and correlate biomarkers of disease prognosis and drug responsiveness.