GSK unit snaps up Basilea skin drug for $226M; India's Wockhardt projects big U.S. sales growth;

 

 @FiercePharma: Analysts see Glaxo boosting its bid for Human Genome, but only by $1 or $2 per share--BloombergStory | Follow @FiercePharma

> GlaxoSmithKline's ($GSK) dermatology unit, Steifel Labs, nabbed worldwide rights to Basilea's eczema drug Toctino for $226.7 million plus milestones dependent on U.S. approval; the drug is already marketed in 14 countries. Report

> India's Wockhardt, a generic drugmaker, expects U.S. sales growth of about 25% annually over the next few years, based on current U.S. sales of $375 million for the last fiscal year. News

> New research links the diabetes drugs Avandia, from GlaxoSmithKline, and Actos, from Takeda Pharmaceuticals, to increased risk of vision problems. More

> The Malaysian health ministry inked a memorandum of understanding with Novartis ($NVS) on a partnership to build the country's healthcare capabilities, with the Swiss drugmaker reportedly establishing a $700 million fund "for the possible support" of Malaysian healthcare startups. Item

> AIDS patient advocates called on Gilead Sciences ($GILD) to price its forthcoming Quad pill no higher than its Atripla drug, the most prescribed HIV-fighting medication. Release

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Stanford spinoff Syapse debuts cloud-based R&D software. News | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Ain't it cool: Novartis/UCSF team develop computer program to spot potential adverse side effects in experimental drugs. More | Follow @JohnCFierce

> Lilly takes aim at blockbuster Lantus with promising PhII diabetes drug data. Story

> Buzz: GlaxoSmithKline interested in BioMarin buyout? Article

> Third Rock takes lead on $33M C round for antibody upstart Igenica. Item

> Sanofi presents parallel apps for blockbuster MS hopeful Lemtrada. Report

Medical Devices News

 @FierceMedDev: BSX CEO Michael Mahoney says the company plans to make a splash in the renal denervation race this year. More | Follow @FierceMedDev

> Boston Sci is joining the renal denervation race. Article

> Aurora Diagnostics pulls plug on IPO. News

> CDRH's Shuren: Device approval process is already improving. More

Biotech Research News

> Anti-rejection drug for bone marrow transplants to hit human trials by 2016. Story

> 2 HIV drugs prevent breast cancer metastasis in preclinical trials. Article

> New drug shows reduces post-stroke brain damage risk in mice. More

> Enzyme revealed to be bacteria-killing maestro after all. Item

Pharma Manufacturing News

> Siemens faces more issues with U.S. regulators.  Story

> Fresenius' Kabi unit prospering on mistakes of competitors. Article

> Lilly expands manufacturing in China with Novast deal. News

> Out of the box FDA says Perjeta faces shortage challenges. More

And Finally... Cholesterol-fighting statin drugs may sap the energy of patients who use them, particularly women, a new study finds. Report