FDA flags potential heart risk with GSK's Zofran; Elan adds von Eschenbach, Hasler to board;

@FiercePharma: Prices for Indian deals going up? RT @Nick__Taylor: Takeda 'actively' seeks M&A in India, VP says. Item | Follow @FiercePharma

> The FDA has warned of a potential increase in the risk of heart arrhythmias in patients using GlaxoSmithKline's ($GSK) anti-nausea drug Zofran. GSK will perform a follow-up study with results to come in 2012. Story

> Elan has added two non-executive directors to its board--former FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach and former Biogen Idec ($BIIB) COO Hans Peter Hasler--after years of shareholder pressure to bring more independent voices into the group. Article

> Fitch Ratings' latest pharma industry assessment found that generic competition and price-conscious governments are putting a damper on the positive effects of a big year for new drug approvals. Piece

> Bayer is folding its contrast agents business into its Medrad business, which makes devices used to diagnose and treat cardiovascular conditions, because both target radiologists and cardiologists. News

> Two U.S. men were arrested and charged in an alleged trading scheme involving insider knowledge of Takeda Pharmaceutical and Dainippon Sumitomo deals. Item

> Actavis' U.S. unit has launched its version of the UCB seizure drug Keppra XR. Story

> Fidia Farmaceutici is getting back the U.S. marketing rights to Hyalgan, an injectable form of sodium hyaluronate used to treat knee pain, from Sanofi ($SNY). News

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Progenics slashes staff, closes facility and narrows focus in latest restructuring. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Interesting piece here RT @InVivoBlogChris: Merck, previously a wallflower at the corp venture dance, busts $500m move. Story | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Science lists top biopharma employers this AM, it goes 1. $VRTX 2. $REGN, 3. Genentech--Genzyme slips from top 10. Report | Follow @RyanMFierce

@MaureenFierce: RT @LKrauskopf: Hang on to your hats, $BIIB investors: Stock could rise 10% , drop 20% on impending MS data. News | Follow @MaureenFierce

@FierceMedDev: GE looks to Russia with 2 new JVs. Item | Follow @FierceMedDev

> Teva bets $7.5M on hep C program at upstart Cocrystal. Article

> Survey: Vertex, Regeneron top list of biopharma employers. News

> Pfizer nurtures talent for China R&D hubs. Report

And Finally... Hospital accreditation board the Joint Commission listed 405 hospitals best at following treatment protocols for key conditions--and none of the most prestigious medical centers qualified. More