@FiercePharma: NYT: Genzyme chief may not go gently. Article | Follow @FiercePharma
> The Dutch health authority RIVM said the deaths of three infants last year were not related to a vaccine produced by U.S. pharmaceutical company Wyeth, now part of Pfizer. Report
> AstraZeneca began a courtroom battle to protect its biggest-selling drug, Crestor, against generic competition on Monday, a fight that may hinge on the intentions of three Japanese office staffers who worked on patent applications almost two decades ago. Report
> German drug maker Merck KGaA made a net profit in the fourth quarter, compared with a loss a year ago, as revenue rose sharply, but shares in the company slumped on a weak outlook and lowered dividend. Report
> High blood pressure is a "neglected disease" and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must do more to fight it by helping Americans eat better and encouraging doctors to treat it more aggressively, an expert panel said. Report
> Gilead Sciences received FDA approval for its Cayston drug as a treatment to improve respiratory symptoms in cystic fibrosis patients with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Report
> Watson Pharmaceuticals said it is being sued by Biovail after it sought federal approval for a generic version of that company's anti-depression drug Aplenzin ER. Report
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Was Rigel's $1.2B RA deal over-hyped? Article | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: New note from canaccord Adams predicts that Protalix will sell its Gaucher's drug for 25% less than Genzyme's Cerezyme.| Follow @JohnCFierce
> Genzyme insiders are predicting a showdown between CEO Henri Termeer and Carl Icahn. Article
> Tiny Viamet Pharmaceuticals in Morrisville, NC has snared a $200 million licensing option deal with the venture arm of Swiss pharma giant Novartis. Viamet report
> A fresh batch of positive, mid-stage asthma data has persuaded Cephalon to exercise its option to buy Ception Therapeutics for a minimum of $250 million. Article
> As expected, Gilead Sciences has earned the FDA's approval for Cayston, a new drug that will be used to treat lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. Report
Manufacturing News
> VaxGen story goes beyond manufacturing. Article
> Roche envisions China as generics-maker. Report
> Sea transport option becoming viable for drug shipments. Item
And Finally... As Washington dissects President Obama's healthcare plan, employers are saying their biggest cost problem lies at home. Report