> Counterfeit versions of Roche's ($RHHBY) cancer drug Avastin that recently surfaced in the U.S. were found in Syria and in Shanghai in the last three years. Story
> American Regent is recalling vials of phenylephrine HCl injection, USP, 1% 5 mL after finding some that contained visible particles. Release
> The Seraing, Belgium, manufacturing facility of contract manufacturer Eurogentec has completed an FDA preapproval inspection and been given acceptable status, thus allowing it to make a bulk parenteral biopharmaceutical for one of its U.S. customers. Item
> Merck KGaA in Germany says it will cut an undisclosed number of jobs across all divisions and all regions to reduce costs. Story
> Expecting to juice its financial results, Pfizer ($PFE) has acquired--for an undisclosed amount--Alacer, the maker of the leading branded vitamin C product in the U.S. Release
> The state-owned Nepal Drugs, which closed in 2011 because of financial losses, will receive a $628,000 loan from the Nepal Finance Ministry to resume production. Story
> The European Medicines Agency says heparin manufacturers must demonstrate they have traced sources for ingredients to the slaughterhouses. Story