FDA approves first generic versions of Levaquin; Abbott falls prey to cargo thieves;

@FiercePharma: Report: Lilly must buy company or be acquired. News | Follow @FiercePharma

> The FDA has approved the first generic versions of Levaquin (levofloxacin), an antibiotic approved to treat certain infections in people ages 18 and older. FDA release

> Abbott Laboratories is the latest drugmaker to fall prey to cargo thieves, losing a full truckload of diabetes testing equipment last weekend from a carrier facility lot in Louisville, KY. Item

> Greek hospitals could face drug shortages if the government falls further behind on payments to foreign pharmaceutical companies, the chief executive of Swiss drug maker Nycomed said. Story

> The Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation today announced the formation of "Accelerating Cancer Cures," a historic collaboration of the biopharmaceutical industry and academia with a strong commitment to achieving key breakthroughs in cancer treatments. Charter participants include Eli Lilly, Celgene, Merck, Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company, Pfizer, and The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). Damon Runyon release

> Abbott Laboratories said Monday the FDA has approved a new six-month dosing option for its Lupron Depot medication used for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. News

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Is Pfizer's new R&D plan doomed to failure? Item | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Investigators at Mayo/collaborators say they cured prostate tumors in mice using human vax. Story | Follow @JohnCFierce

> EU leapfrogs FDA, approves once-weekly Bydureon for diabetes. Item 

Biotech Research News

> Musicians rock on with energy drinks, pharma misuse. Item

> Brain-in-a-beaker gives scientists a peek into Parkinson's. Article 

> iPS stem cell scientists fight back against bad press. News 

> Scientists take another look at the genetics of crime. Story 

> Vaccine turns body's defenses against prostate cancer tumor. Report

Manufacturing News

> Plant radiation leak sends four for decontamination. Item 

> Pharmacies bolster supply chain role by giving flu shots. News 

> FDA outlines next steps to ensure safe products. Story 

> J&J revs recall machine for Risperdal. Article 

> Novartis, AZ, Sanofi advance in Russia. Report

> Pfizer shows sustainability/cost balance at packaging plant. Story

And Finally... Merck today announced that Rock 'n Roll Hall of Famer Gregg Allman will work together with the company and the American Liver Foundation on Tune In to Hep C, a public health campaign to help raise awareness of chronic hepatitis C virus infection.  To help turn up the volume around hepatitis C a benefit concert featuring The Allman Brothers Band will be held in New York on July 27, the eve of World Hepatitis Day. Merck release