@FiercePharma: It's official: Merck makes Kenneth Frazier (photo) president, heir apparent. Article | Follow @FiercePharma
> The health industry spent $137.9 million on lobbying--about $1.5 million per day--during the first three months of 2010, when Congress passed healthcare legislation, according to a new report by the Center for Responsive Politics. Report
> A low-profile couple have become China's wealthiest people overnight after the initial public offering of their drug company, Shenzhen Hepalink Pharmaceutical. Report
> Shire CEO Angus Russell told reporters that he sees some benefits from U.S. healthcare reform as measures to extend insurance coverage will likely help sales of its hyperactivity medicines, and extensions to periods of market exclusivity for drugs for rare diseases may also help. Report
> Astellas Pharma, which is building its headquarters for the Americas in a Chicago suburb and creating 150 jobs there, is getting $4 million in tax credits from the state. Report
> Seasonal influenza vaccination coverage for the 2009-10 season surged in children and rose moderately in healthy young adults, perhaps because of increased awareness triggered by the H1N1 flu pandemic. Report
> Generic drugmaker Impax Laboratories was sued by Shionogi Pharma over its cholesterol drug Fenoglide. Report
> Drug developer Novavax said a clinical trial showed that its seasonal flu vaccine is safe for adults age 60 and older. Report
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: PhDs face a tough job market as biotechs get lean and mean. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: I'm getting shout-outs from other cancer vax developers on Provenge. Makes it easier for all when the pioneer gets a win. | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Protox gets $3M upfront in $75M deal with Kissei. Report
> NeurogesX, Cowen Royalty enter $40M royalty agreement. Story
> Novartis drug shows early promise fragile X syndrome. Article
> Repros: FDA may lift Proellex clinical hold. Item
> The Twitter newsroom is packed with biopharma writers. Report
> Study highlights potential benefits of GSK heart drug. Story
And Finally... Low vitamin D levels may be associated with more advanced physical disability and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis patients. Report