Capsugel nabs FDA approval for French plant; Neostem facility passes Chinese inspection;

> Pfizer subsidiary Capsugel has won FDA approval for a manufacturing facility based in France that will be used to manufacture naproxcinod, NicOx's candidate drug for osteoarthritis. Report

> Suzhou Erye, a subsidiary of NeoStem Pharmaceutical, has passed inspection by the Chinese FDA, clearing the way for manufacture of penicillin and cephalosporin powder for injection. Story

> Colorcon has added processing and formulation development capacity at its technical service laboratory in Cotia near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Report

> High diesel prices have put the squeeze on Indian drugmakers, which use the fuel not only to transport materials and ship product, but also to run their plants during frequent power outages. Article

> Schott Pharmaceutical Packaging completed facility and equipment validations on its syringe production line at its recently expanded plant in South Lebanon, Pa. Story

> Martek Biosciences said it plans to cut 45 jobs at its Winchester, Kentucky manufacturing plant, and will consider selling or leasing a part of it, to offset a portion of price reductions from infant formula contract extensions. Report

> JHP Pharmaceuticals, a contract manufacturer specializing in sterile injectables, vaccines, ophthalmics and otics, announced that it has inked a multi-year supply agreement with an undisclosed ophthalmic company. Release

> Avrio Biopharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical manufacturing and development organization announces the addition of David Gelber as its director of manufacturing. Release

And Finally... Could edible microtags help solve pharma's current counterfeiting woes? Report