> U.S. Senators will probe the FDA and drugmakers on supply chain issues as they consider attaching changes to Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) legislation before its expected reauthorization by next summer. Story (sub. req.)
> Japan is branching out: Shionogi & Co says it will buy Singapore-listed China drugmaker C&O Pharmaceutical Technology for about $182 million. Story
> Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Fujifilm have formed a joint venture to penetrate Japan's generic drug market. Article
> India is branching out: Sun Pharmaceuticals said it's open to acquisitions in both developed and emerging markets. Report
> Also in India, Chennai-based Shasun Pharmaceuticals says it plans to invest around $23 million, in part for existing product capacity expansion. Item
> Aenova France will lease the pharma manufacturing business to SkyePharma Group, including facilities in Lyon. Story
> Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control says it will require N200 billion to put the country's pharma industry on the track to self-sufficient manufacturing. More
> Electronic prescribing done using the FDA-administered National Drug Code identifiers sometimes misrepresents the prescriber's intent through over-specification. Item
> Ethertronics's active antenna technology has been selected by MEPS Real-Time for its Intelliguard system, which uses RFID technology in its pharmacy reader, automated dispensing cabinet and patient bedside reader. Release
> West is offsetting the rise in raw material costs by passing on a surcharge to customers. Item