> Solvay's third-quarter profits rose 20 percent on a company reorganization; it intends to continue with its plan to cut $428 million in costs by 2010. Release
> To better focus on its vaccine business, Novavax is pulling the plug on Estrasorb, a soy-based lotion used to treat hot flashes. Report
> Daiichi Sankyo has bumped up its sales and profits forecasts for fiscal 2007; it expects sales to be 4.7 percent higher at $876 million and operating profits to be 1.9 percent higher at $157 million. Release
> Japenese regulators gave the nod to NPS Pharmaceuticals' Cincalcet drug for hyperparathyroidism, which will be marketed under license in that country by Kirin Pharma. Report
> The average pharma sales call lasts just 90 seconds these days, according to Eye for Pharma. Report
> The University of Connecticut Health Center may become the next academic medical institution to set limits on drug- and medical device-maker gifts to staff and students. Report
> Eli Lilly and its partner Daiichi Sankyo moved swiftly to try and contain any damage from the news that they were suspending dosing in two small trials of the blood clot preventer prasugrel--one of Lilly's most closely watched experimental programs. Report
> The FDA is criticizing Aventis for Ketek study failures. Report
> In new approach, more India-based generic drugmakers are spinning off their R&D units. Report
AND FINALLY … Can a high-tech aftershave keep five o'clock shadow at bay? Maybe, maybe not. Report