> Novartis says it will likely close its manufacturing plant and reduce its development unit in Horsham, West Sussex, UK, eliminating more than half of 950 full-time positions. Story
> Smith & Nephew is recalling IV Prep antiseptic wipes in a follow-on to the recent Triad recall. Release
> All dosage forms of Pfizer unit King Pharma's opioid painkiller Embeda (combination morphine sulfate and naltrexone hydrochloride) have been recalled, likely unavailable for months. Article
> DEA agents have confiscated the Georgia prison system's supply of sodium thiopental, for use in inmate executions, over safety concerns surrounding the British exporter. Story
> Some Florida state senators are squaring off against House leaders and Governor Rick Scott, who oppose a prescription drug monitoring database to crack down on drug dealers. Report
> In new guidance, the FDA encourages manufacturers of "medically necessary drug products and their components" to develop emergency production plans for times of high absenteeism at production facilities. Guidance
> A web-based software platform helps patients and caregivers manage complex medication regimens. Article
> A survey finds that one in four Brits take expired medications. News
> Berry Plastics says it will begin offering closed-loop shipping services of pharma products on plastic pallets. Item
> A USDA proposal would end the free and easy travel of wooden pallets between Canada and the U.S.by requiring them to have the same chemical treatment as those shipped to most other countries. Release