@FiercePharma: RT @reutersBenHir: #Novartis talks up Alcon (up to low-double digit growth + $350M synergies) as development head jumps to Gates Foundation. | Follow @FiercePharma
> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) partner Aspen Pharmacare posted a 20% increase in full-year profits, as revenues and profits from markets outside South Africa exceeded domestic numbers for the first time. News
> Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said the FDA has cleared its Jerusalem plant, which had been cited in January for manufacturing violations, after a reinspection of the facility. Story
> Medicis Pharmaceutical agreed to sell its technologies unit, which recently won approval for the Liposonix device, to Solta for $15 million. Item
> An analyst hiked sales projections for Optimer Pharmaceuticals' C. difficile treatment Dificid, sending shares up. Article
> GlaxoSmithKline sued Impax Laboratories, which is working toward a knock-off version of GSK's prostate drug Jalyn. News
> Prescription drugs in Australia are among the most expensive in the world, a new study has found. Story
> The Scottish Medicines Consortium approved Celgene's Vidaza for use in patients with advanced myelodysplastic syndromes after the company proposed a patient access scheme. Article
> People who regularly use painkillers similar to ibuprofen and naproxen may be run a higher risk of kidney cancer. Report
> According to a new study, statins appear safe to use after stroke; data suggested use of the drugs does not increase the risk of brain bleeding. News
> Two meta-analyses found that lifestyle changes and statin therapy not only improved cardiovascular risk factors, but also led to better sexual function in men. Item
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Novartis hasn't cut R&D spend, unlike some drugmakers. Has logged 17 new drug approvals over the past 1.5 years in U.S., Europe | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Dutch biotech AM-Pharma raises €29.2 million in D round. Report | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Kiwi firm (not fruit) Biomatters, which sells scientific software, has opened its first U.S. offices in NJ and CA. Item | Follow @RyanMFierce
@MaureenFierce: Pharma hiring on the rise for the fourth quarter in a row. Story | Follow @MaureenFierce
> On a winning streak, Novartis maps bullish ophthalmology R&D strategy. Article
> Termeer launches cancer research center with $10M in seed cash. Story
Biotech Research News
> From a poisonous crocus, comes an anti-cancer smart bomb. News
> Drugs in search of LTR with right protein. Report
> New obesity drugs will tell the brain that enough is enough. Article
> Green-glowing cats light the way to possible new AIDS treatment. News
> Embryonic, induced pluripotent stem cells found to be similar. Report
Manufacturing News
> Survey: Pharma hiring on the rise. Story
> iPad can be lean enabler in hands of execs. Article
> Patheon reveals strategy amid poor financials. Report
> German trial a step toward upcoming track/trace mandate. News
> Roche tops DJ healthcare sustainability index. Story
And Finally... A small study suggests that an insulin nasal spray may help delay Alzheimer's disease; researchers caution that follow-up is needed. Report