Spotlight On... Side-effects analysis gives Merck's new hep C med Zepatier an edge over older drugs; Lilly's Portrazza nabs NSCLC approval in Europe; Allergan's Avycaz gets FDA priority review for new use; and more...

Merck & Co.'s ($MRK) hep C combo Zepatier has just hit the market, but the drug is already winning kudos for its side-effects profile. In a new analysis of clinical trial data, Zepatier turned up proportionally fewer serious side effects than Gilead Sciences' ($GILD) hep C combo treatment Harvoni and its veteran hep C med Sovaldi. Overall, Advera Health Analytics' report deemed Zepatier safer than Sovaldi and on par with Harvoni. More from FiercePharmaMarketing

> European regulators blessed Eli Lilly's ($LLY) oncology med Portrazza as a treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Report

> Allergan ($AGN) is a step closer to a new use for its infection-fighter Avycaz, as the FDA granted priority review to a new indication in complicated intra-abdominal infections. Release

> Astellas and Medivation ($MDVN) said the FDA is now reviewing an application to add new trial data to the labeling for their prostate cancer treatment Medivation. Release

> South Africa's Adcock Ingram says it's in advanced talks for a potential sale of its Indian sales and marketing unit. Report

And Finally... European drugmakers say a "Brexit" from the EU would threaten scientific research and jeopardize the current system of drug regulation in the region. Report