Lilly loses appeal on Gemzar patent; Sanofi posts 61% hike in Q2 profits;

 @FiercePharma: Novo's Victoza drains new scrips from rivals. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

> A federal appeals court ruled Wednesday that an Eli Lilly patent for anti-cancer drug Gemzar is invalid, a decision that may clear the way for generic competition to the drug late this year. Report

> Sanofi-Aventis reported a 61 percent rise in second-quarter net profit as favorable currency movements helped the French drugmaker beat sales expectations, despite generic competition to some key products. Story

> Bayer's second-quarter profits missed analyst estimates because of legal charges and costs to write down the value of its Zevalin cancer treatment; income fell to $683 million, and the company cut its 2010 financial forecasts for its drugs unit. Article

> Mylan reported lower second-quarter earnings, in line with Wall Street forecasts, on declining sales in Europe and negative foreign currency factors; profits came in at $51.5 million, or 16 cents per share. Report

> German drug and chemical maker Merck KGaA says its second-quarter earnings were up 69 percent--led higher by strong increases in revenue at its liquid crystals and chemicals businesses. Item

> Australia's competition watchdog cleared Novartis' planned buyout of Alcon, after Novartis agreed to sell one of Alcon's products to eye care company Bausch & Lomb in Australia. Story

> Allergan says its drug Ozurdex has become the first drug in Europe approved to treat a eyesight-endangering condition in which fluid builds up in the retina because of a clogged vein. News

> Researchers in Japan have designed a test to identify patients who are likely to be resistant to imatinib, the standard drug for treating leukemia. News

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Top 5 Biotech VC Deals of 2010. Article  | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: New Idea: offer EMA-approved drugs in U.S., fostering reg. competition. I'll expect this 3 days after hell freezes. Story  | Follow @JohnCFierce

> AZ's blockbuster Brilinta wins landslide FDA panel vote. Story

> Athersys buoyed by upbeat PhI stem cell data. Item

> With losses rising, Vertex rolls out its telaprevir app. Article

Vaccines News

> Vax nanopatch offers stick-on alternative to a needle. News

> Vaccination gaps contribute to pertussis outbreak. Article

> Merck, Sanofi outline plans for new animal health JV. Report

> Biovest wins orphan drug status for cancer vax. Story

 Manufacturing News

> Oracle debuts pedigree product. Article

> Merck supply issues delay hep B vax in Canada. Item

> Warning letter delineates brandholder/CMO roles. Story

> FDA softens tone when addressing unapproved drugs. News

> Cease-production order against Cody Labs stands. Report

Special Report: Top 5 Biotech Venture Capital Deals, H1 2010. Report

And Finally... Washington State's government is developing regulations meant to stop doctors from prescribing higher doses of powerful--and often dangerous--pain killers for patients who are not benefiting from them. Report