Big pharma inspection flunkies; packagers and repackagers unite;

> Abbott Labs failed 59 percent of 111 inspections; Pfizer flunked 57 percent of 202 inspections; Merck bombed out on 52 percent of 134 visits and Johnson & Johnson failed 48 percent of 161 inspections. Story

> Aphena Pharma Solutions combines four packagers and repackagers: Celeste Contract Packaging, PrePak Systems, TestPak and Integrated Pharmaceutical Packaging. Release

> Contract manufacturer SCM Pharma is expanding its U.K. footprint to meet growing U.S. demand for high-potency drugs. Article

> Genzyme and International Chemical Investors Group have closed the deal: ICIG now owns the pharma intermediates business and has renamed it Corden Pharma Switzerland. Release

> Rwanda is getting a $65-million pharma manufacturing plant thanks to a partnership between Cadila of India and U.S.-based Holtzman group. Story

> Almac is now equipped to package, store and distribute schedule I-V controlled substances at its Souderton, PA, facility. Release

> A University of Wisconsin chemistry professor is investigating the use of air as an environmentally benign oxidant for pharmaceutical synthesis. Story

> The FDA wants drugmakers to consider removing zinc from denture cream due to a possible link between neurological problems and zinc poisoning. Article

> Merck's expansion of a clinical supplies manufacturing, packaging and warehouse operations in Summit, NJ, has earned a Facility of the Year Award from ISPE, INTERPHEX and Pharmaceutical Processing. Article