> Bristol-Myers Squibb will close its plant in Barceloneta, Puerto Rico, as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts. About 225 people will lose their jobs with the closure. Release
> Ranbaxy Laboratories can launch a copycat version of GlaxoSmithKline's Imitrex in December under a new agreement that settles a patent dispute between the two companies. The migraine med sold at a rate of $985 million in the 12 months ended in September. Release
> Novartis got the FDA's blessing for its blood pressure remedy Tekturna HCT, a combo of the already on-the-market Tekturna--which targets an enzyme responsible for high blood pressure--and hydrochlorothiazide, a water pill commonly used to treat hypertension. Report
> The FDA has given the nod to Johnson & Johnson's new anti-HIV med Intelence (etravirine), which is the first drug in its class to show efficacy against resistant strains of the virus. Release
> The FDA is warning women about a new study showing increased risk of blood clots in users of the Ortho Evra Contraceptive Transdermal Patch; the drug's label will be revised to include this new information. Report
> Merck's diabetes drug Januvia won additional indications in Europe; now the product can be used not only as a single treatment, but also as an add-on to a sulfa drug or a sulfa drug plus metformin. Report
> A new study suggests that nearly one-fifth of office-based physicians refuse to see sales reps from the drug and device industry, and nearly 23 percent more won't see the reps unless they set an appointment. Report
And Finally... The number of overall abortions is declining steadily, but use of the RU-486 "abortion pill" has been increasing by 22 percent a year. Report