ALSO NOTED: FDA assails King promo for omitted risks; Schering drug approval boosts stock;

> Boehringer Ingelheim has stolen a march on arch rival Bayer, winning European marketing approval for a new anti-clotting agent--Pradaxa--that is likely to provide Lovenox with considerable competition. Report [1]

> The FDA warned King Pharmaceuticals that a promotional brochure for its painkiller Avinza was "false or misleading" because it overstated the drug's effectiveness and downplayed its risks; the promo card completely left out the boxed warning that's part of Avinza's labeling. FDA called the omissions "egregious and alarming." Report [2]

> Schering-Plough shares ballooned by 3.2 percent to $19.30 yesterday, on news that the FDA gave its OK to Schering's antiviral drug Rebetol for treatment of hepatitis C. Report [3]

> Atypical antipsychotics are no better than their older rivals at managing a first schizophrenic episode, according to a new study in The Lancet. Report [4]

> A Sanofi-Aventis-funded study showed that the company's once-daily insulin shot Lantus controlled blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients as well as insulin varieties requiring three shots per day. Report [5]

> Actavis won the FDA's nod for its generic extended release Wellbutrin for use as an antidepressant and a stop-smoking remedy. Release [6]

> Drug makers spent more than $16 million on hospitality and travel for Australian doctors and nurses over the last six months of 2007, new required disclosures show. Report [7]

> The FDA is warning consumers that two dietary supplements--Total Body Formula and Total Body Mega Formula--are being recalled after 23 people suffered serious reactions, including significant hair loss and diarrhea. Report [8]

Most popular this week: Companies saw Vytorin threat in 2005. Report [9]

And Finally... What should patients with a sinus infection do? Wait until it goes away, a new study says. Report [10]