@FiercePharma: Roche's Avastin delivered in the first quarter, too: 11% growth, to 1.53B francs, almost back to 2010 levels. | Follow @FiercePharma
@EricPFierce: FDA did 813 inspections in 62 countries last year, but it says it needs even more money to keep up. Story | Follow @EricPFierce
> The Delhi High Court will hear Merck's ($MRK) appeal Friday in a fight over Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' generic versions of the U.S. company's patented diabetes treatments Januvia and Janumet. Report
> U.K. cost-effectiveness watchdogs gave a thumbs-up to Novartis' ($NVS) eye drug Lucentis for an additional use in macular edema patients. Report
> Sandoz has upped its supply of the tuberculosis drug isoniazid, helping to ease a shortage of the drug, which has been scarce since last year. Report
> The new avian flu strain H7N9 has a mutation that causes resistance to Tamiflu, the Roche ($RHHBY) antiviral stockpiled by many governments in case of influenza pandemic; WHO says tests so far haven't turned up resistance to the drug. Report
> Bayer sued the FDA to block a generic version of its livestock antibiotic Baytril from rival drugmaker Norbrook Laboratories, citing worries about off-label use. Report
> Eisai has developed sliding-scale pricing on its Halaven breast cancer drug for its launch in India this fall. Report (sub. req.)
@FierceMedDev: New radiation therapy companion Dx in the works. More | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: Roche's diagnostics division sales fell flat in Q1. Dx tests sold well, but its diabetes arm tanked. Story | Follow @MarkHFierce
@DamianFierce: We read the FDA's budget request so you don't have to: The agency wants an 11% raise for device approvals. Article | Follow @DamianFierce
> FDA slaps most serious label on Stryker's surgical recall. Article
> Doctor accused of performing unnecessary stent procedures begins civil trial. Item
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Still trending: Analysts rank the top 10 blockbuster duds in biopharma. Article | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Everywhere in the world Big Pharma cuts pretty much as it pleases. Sanofi in France? No way. No how. WSJ Report | Follow @JohnCFierce.
@RyanMFierce: In case you missed last night: J&J, Roche and others back platform to bolster translational drug research. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Omthera discounts IPO shares, prices at $8. Item
> NEA, Pfizer build a launch pad for a portfolio of orphan-drug biotechs. News
> GlaxoSmithKline stakes a pioneering effort to launch 'electroceutical' R&D. Report
> Bristol-Myers maps $250M manufacturing expansion to support growing R&D effort. Story
Pharma Manufacturing News
> FDA nails Pfizer plant for contaminated Torisel diluent. News
> Sanofi plant ramps up malaria treatment with cutting-edge technology. Article
> FDA budget would expand China office. Story
> Hamburg to face Congress again over compounding lapses. Report
> Mylan Napa plant to close by year-end. Article
Vaccines News
> U.S. works with Inovio in prep for bioterrorism vaccinations. Article
> China expects H7N9 vaccine in 7 months. Item
> Ovarian cancer vax makes good start on long slog to approval. Story
> Negative vaccine views spread like viruses on Twitter. Article
> H7N9 an early test for revised U.S. pandemic preparations. Report
And Finally... The share of Americans who get healthcare benefits from their employers dropped to 60% in 2011, 12 million fewer people than in 2000. Report