> European antitrust authorities extended to July 6 the deadline for their review of Pfizer's $68 billion takeover of Wyeth, to consider remedies offered to address competition concerns. Report
> An expert FDA panel is meeting to consider ways to reduce acetaminophen overdose risk, possibly by cutting dosage or abolishing multisymptom products that contain the painkiller and fever-reducer. Report
> The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is challenging a Virginia State Water Control Board decision that allows Merck to increase its pollution discharge into the Shenandoah River. Report
> Teva Pharmaceutical Industries said the FDA approved its partner Antares Pharma's needle-free device to administer the Israeli company's human growth hormone. Report
> Paladin Labs agreed to buy a bundle of products currently marketed in Canada by U.S. drugmaker Wyeth to boost its over-the-counter portfolio. Report
> India's Lupin acquired worldwide rights for AllerNaze, a branded steroid nasal spray, from Collegium Pharmaceutical. Report
Biotech News
> Juvaris has taken a significant new step in its development as a vaccine company. Originally focused primarily on its experimental vaccine adjuvant JVRS-100, Juvaris will announce later today that it has inked a collaboration deal with Antigen Discovery to identify antigen targets for new vaccines. Report
> Takeda confirmed today that the FDA won't approve its critically important diabetes drug alogliptin without a new clinical trial that fully explores the drug's cardiovascular effects. Report
> The UK's Alizyme is mounting an 11th-hour effort to stay alive. In a statement released today the developer said that its cash reserves would only carry the company through August and that it would be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation unless it raised fresh cash. Report
> Novartis appears ready to cherry pick some of Elan's prime assets, if it can come to terms on the details. Citing sources, The Sunday Times in London reported that the pharma giant is in talks to buy Elan's interest in Tysabri--which it markets with Biogen Idec--as well as its development programs for Alzheimer's. Report
> The number of suspected swine flu cases in the U.S. spiked to 6,300 last week, with health care officials across the country confirming that virtually all newly diagnosed flu cases are being caused by the H1N1 virus. Altogether more than 27,000 probable and confirmed cases have been recorded at the CDC. Report
Research News
> A group of researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh have been developing a novel approach to preventing the onset of Type 1 diabetes. The researchers in Pittsburgh are at work on a vaccine that scrambles the signals white blood cells send to call T cells to the pancreas. Report
> This morning the share price of Geron shot up 23 percent after the biotech company announced that it is teaming up with GE Healthcare to develop embryonic stem cell products that researchers can use in drug discovery work and tox screening. Report
> An animal study is shedding new light on the complicated chemistry of the brain, and how a drug intended to do one thing can have entirely unintended consequences. Report
> A key protein that plays a critical role in nicotine addiction--the alpha-7 receptor--could also be a key player in the fight against obesity, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and a long list of other such ailments. Report
> Researchers for Australia's EnGeneIC have outlined a strikingly successful new approach to conquering cancer. In several preclinical studies the scientists injected minicells into animals which are designed to deliver a payload of toxins and gene inhibitors and are coated with an antibody that latches on to tumor cells. Report
And Finally... A specialist's new prescription for infertility: Have sex daily. Report