Actos trial opens with accusations that Takeda hid cancer risks; Actelion says profits may return earlier than expected;

@FiercePharma: Branded drug companies deny samples to would-be generics makers. How? REMS, partly. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

@EricPFierce: Merck starts up $120 million China packaging plant but cuts manufacturing operations elsewhere. Story | Follow @EricPFierce

> Takeda Pharmaceutical knew about the possible cancer risks of its diabetes drug Actos 7 years before reporting data to regulators, a lawyer said during the first day of a bellwether trial over the drug. Report

> Swiss biotech Actelion ($ATLN) says it may get back into the black sooner than it had expected after sales of its flagship drug Tracleer beat expectations in the first quarter. Report

> Allergan ($AGN) lost out on FDA approval for Levadex, its inhalable version of a 60-year-old migraine treatment. Report

> Two investors snapped up Pfizer's ($PFE) former research facility in Plattsburgh, NY, with plans to move a Texas manufacturing operation there. Report

> Nestle made a deal with Mexican regulators to approve its acquisition of Pfizer's nutrition business there. Report

Medical Device News

@FierceMedDev: At long last, Sony and Olympus launch medical device joint venture. News | Follow @FierceMedDev

@MarkHFierce: The tech behind your old DVD player may have a second life as an HIV Dx tool. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce

 @DamianFierce: JNJ CFO says company still "going through the process" of deciding whether to sell/spinoff diagnostics business. | Follow @DamianFierce

> Synthes buy props up weak device sales for J&J. Report

> Panasonic to sell stake in healthcare division. Item

> Is $13.6 Billion too steep for Life Tech? More

> Supreme Court questions validity of Myriad's gene patents. Article

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Analysis: 2012 life sciences VC fundraising and new bets shrivel. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@RyanMFierce: Eli Lilly reports positive top-line results from 2 PhIIIs of GLP1 drug, but are they positive enough to rival others? Release | Follow @RyanMFierce

> Johnson & Johnson tops pharma rivals in 10-year test of R&D productivity. Report

> Sarepta slips as FDA seeks more data on eteplirsen. News

> Judge turns down motion to appoint examiner or trustee in Biovest bankruptcy case. Report

Pharma Manufacturing News

> U.S. contract manufacturers kick off expansions. Article

> Hospira again names an exec to get manufacturing in order. News

> Bristol-Myers Squibb marries early-stage processes to biologics manufacturing. Article

Biotech Research News

@EmilyMFierce: Is the World's Top Neuroscience Group Quashing Dissent on the U.S. BRAIN Initiative? More | Follow @EmilyMFierce

> Scientists develop technique to rebuild brain cells destroyed by MS, cerebral palsy. Report

> Mersana's cancer drug technology cures tumors in mice at low doses. Story

> New rat model could help scientists better understand, treat Alzheimer's. Article

> Role of brain enzyme linked to neurodegeneration in mice. Item

And Finally... Sanofi ($SNY) fires surprise torpedo at Alzheimer's drug research. Report