@FiercePharma: Merck KGaA says it won't offload its consumer health unit, despite promise of big $$. Report | Follow @FiercePharma
> AstraZeneca ($AZN) and Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) launched their new diabetes drug Forxiga in the U.K. after its European approval earlier this month. Report
> Seattle Genetics ($SGEN) said its cancer treatment Adcetris won orphan drug status for treating mycosis fungoides, the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; it's already approved for two other types of lymphoma. Report
> The common blood thinner warfarin is associated with more serious bleeding events in real-world use than in clinical trials, a study found, but the study author cautioned against interpreting the results as an endorsement of newer warfarin alternative drugs. Report
> South Africa's Cipla Medpro said its CFO resigned, soon after CEO Jerome Smith quit amid allegations of financial irregularities. Report
> Despite opposition to vague language in the Massachusetts legislature's provision relaxing the pharma gift ban, the state's Public Health Council implemented it mostly as-is. Report
> Lundbeck hired Ogilvy PR Health to help launch its new antidepressant vortioxetine, which is awaiting approval from European and U.S. regulators. Report
> The British pharma association is once again urging the country's National Health Service to quickly adopt new drugs recommended by the cost-effectiveness watchdog NICE. Report
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: In case you missed it: Top 50 Industry Voices in Biotech Twittersphere -- 2012. Special Report | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Updated Acadia story with CEO comments on pimavanserin dev plans. Confirm Ph3, pursue schizophrenia and Alzheimer's psychosis. Story | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Why Big Data alone lacks the punch pharma needs. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce
> China fosters biosimilar drug R&D with new set of custom guidelines. More
> Pfizer gets Rhythm with $8M bet on diabetes, obesity drug work. News
@FierceMedDev: New special report: Top 10 Diagnostics Companies 2012. Report | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: Venture funding lives: TriReme Medical pulled in $18 million in a new round. Release | Follow @MarkHFierce
@DamianFierce: As Mindray Medical knows, being a Chinese company gives you cost advantages but can come with some PR hurdles. More | Follow @DamianFierce
> India's Trivitron expands Dx reach with $20.4M buy. Article
> Merit buys GE unit for $167M. News
Pharma Manufacturing News
> Some 'misbranded drugs' turned up in Avastin probe came from Roche plant. News
> Switzerland, home of Roche and Novartis, gets pass from EU API rule. Story
> EMA wants manufacturers to offer up drug shortage 'risk analysis'. Article
> Novartis gets FDA OK for faster flu vaccine production at U.S. plant. More
Biotech Research News
> German team combines 2 old drugs for new MS treatment. More
> Stem cell-reliant HIV vaccine launches animal studies in January. Article
> Anti-cancer virus could gain new power with patient immune cell tweak. Story
> McGill scientists link autistic behavior to brain protein mutation. Item
And Finally... Short bursts of exercise have an immediate effect on memory in healthy older adults--and in those with mild cognitive problems. Report