> Novartis has embarked on an "efficiency drive" in which it will optimize its manufacturing network via cross-division centers of excellence; goal: 80-percent utilization at strategic sites. Novartis release
> Roche wants to improve global capacity utilization, too, and its "operational excellence program" involves a reorganization of the manufacturing network to the tune of 1,350 position cuts via job eliminations and the selling of plants. Roche release | Article
> HHS will exclude Marc Hermelin, former chairman of the K-V Pharmaceutical board, from participation in federal health care programs due to his felony guilty plea for failing to report manufacturing problems to the FDA; Hermelin has resigned. K-V release | Article
> Cleanroom garments have seen improvements in operator comfort and in the promotion of correct donning techniques. Article
> The European Trade Commission has published the final text of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement. Document (PDF)
> Lee County, Florida is considering spending $5 million to attract an unnamed international pharmaceutical company interested in building a headquarters and manufacturing plant. Article
> Vaccines delivered as nasal drops may hold the key to cold chain headaches. Article
> The FDA and the Philippine Pharmacists Association have teamed to warn people about counterfeit drug proliferation. Article