Pfizer, Merck detail ops savings; BMS aids Brazil in becoming HIV drugmaker;

> Pfizer ($PFE) reports $65 million in savings at its Kalamazoo site from 2006 to 2009, thanks to solvent recovery. Article

> Merck ($MRK) reports $2.8 billion in "net synergies" since merging with Schering-Plough. Release

> Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) has agreed to a technology transfer with the Brazilian Ministry of Health for HIV treatment Reyataz, putting the South American country on a path to become its own sole source provider. Release

> FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg says the agency has been underfunded for decades. Video clip

> Drug distributors now handle 87% of the $307 billion market, up from 82% in 2006. Release

> China has fined two middlemen for attempting to control the market for a blood pressure drug, driving up the price of a medicine subsidized by the government. Story

> Metrics's potent facility in Greenville, NC, now boasts a Capsugel Xcelodose powder micro-doser and automated encapsulator for directly placement of API into capsules. Release

> Packaging line specialist Xyntek says it has integrated machine vision solutions to support global serialization, track and trace and e-Pedigree requirements. Announcement

> Chinese officials have busted another counterfeiting operation in Henan province, this one involving fake asthma capsules sold via telephone and mail. Story