@FiercePharma: Barclays downgrades Pfizer, cuts target to $19: Not impressed enough with near-term pipeline. News | Follow @FiercePharma
> Interim analysis of the data in Merck's ($MRK) Vytorin outcomes trial has been postponed to 2012, rather than late this year. The full trial is still expected to be wrapped in 2013. Report
> Japan's top court has upheld the patent on Eisai's Aricept treatment for Alzheimer's disease, confirming its protection through June 2013. Item
> Sanofi's ($SNY) U.S. unit has teamed up with Barry Manilow on an atrial fibrillation awareness campaign; the French drugmaker's Multaq drug is an AFib treatment. Report
> Barclays Capital downgraded Pfizer stock ($PFE) to "equalweight" and cut its price target slightly to $19, citing perceived shortcomings in the company's near-term pipeline. More
> Boehringer Ingelheim's planned $382 million expansion in Ridgefield, CT, is moving forward with two new building projects. Story
> SuperGen changed its name to Astex Pharmaceuticals after closing its acquisition of Astex Therapeutics; its ticker will change to ASTX from SUPG. Piece
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Patch works as a method to deliver fenretinide to the mouth for oral cancers. Patch is applied to inner cheek. Item | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Details on our Boston breakfast with Vertex's Peter Mueller, Biogen's Doug Williams, Omid Farokhzad and Steven Knight. More | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: My quick take on Vertex CEO's tiff with analyst: Sounds brave but not sure if it's in the best interest of $VRTX shareholders. We'll see... | Follow @RyanMFierce
@MaureenFierce: Researchers develop micromotor which could one day swim through a patient's blood stream, repair body. Story | Follow @MaureenFierce
> Vertex CEO Emmens offers analyst a barbed review of his own. News
> Abbott deals beef up late-stage platform of blockbuster contenders. Report
Medical Device News
> Boston Sci snags J&J exec as next CEO. News
> Intersect ENT sees positive data on Propel from pivotal trial. Article
> Zimmer gets pediatric clearance for spinal fixation system. Piece
> RF Surgical closes $12M round. More
> Keltjens tapped as Endosense president, CEO. Story
> Miracor raises $10M in Series B. News
Drug Delivery News
> Adenosine used to break through BBB, deliver large-molecule drugs. Report
> Patch works as delivery method for oral cancer. Article
> Nasal delivery of insulin appears to help Alzheimer's patients. Story
> Marina Biotech pins new hopes on patents for RNAi revival. Piece
> 'Trojan Horse' sneaks into cells using tumor's own defense mechanism. Item
> Smuggling drugs across the blood-brain barrier. Story
And Finally... Drug-resistant tuberculosis is spreading rapidly, WHO says. Report