Merck withdraws bid for E.U. nod on Dulera; Crucell contamination cuts profits;

@FiercePharma: J&J chief talks up plans for rehabbing image. Article | Follow @FiercePharma

> Merck has withdrawn its application for European regulatory approval of its asthma treatment Dulera, citing outstanding questions by regulators. Report

> Crucell swung to a third-quarter net loss after writing down its contaminated pediatric Quinvaxem vaccine inventory and said it now expects full-year revenues will be in line with 2009. Story

> A new consensus document from three medical groups says that the benefits of combining the clotbuster Plavix with acid-reducing meds such as Prilosec sometimes outweigh the potential risks. News

> Chinese officials said their country's biopharmaceutical industry needs to tighten quality control measures and maintain its own standards to overcome barriers in overseas markets as well as secure an emerging domestic market. Article

> Pfizer's Wyeth unit beat back a challenge from generic drug makers against the patent on the extended-release form of its antidepressant Effexor in Australia. Report

> King Pharmaceuticals' third-quarter profit slid 7.7 percent, but revenue fell less than analysts had expected it would. Story

> Treating patients more intensively with statin drugs to safely lower cholesterol can lead to even greater reductions in the risk of heart attacks and strokes than giving standard doses, scientists say. Item

Biotech News

 @FierceBiotech: Dear Henri: Sanofi chief advises Genzyme against defensive moves. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

 @JohnCFierce: Skin into blood, without the stem cell step? Story | Follow @JohnCFierce

> Bavarian Nordic spotlights hopes for big cancer vax pact. Story

> Arena touts new obesity data as it campaigns for quick OK. Article 

> Will Moody's downgrade spur Lilly to rethink its strategy? News

Biotech Reasearch News

> After three centuries, quinine no longer best for malaria. News

> Finding the X-Factor in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Story

> Research grants harder to win. Article 

> Next big drug discovery made possible by video games. Report

> Canadian 'alchemists' turn skin into blood. News

> Cleveland Clinic's Top 10 List highlights medical innovation. Item

Manufacturing News

> Package test technology turns pacifist. News 

> It's time to halt product security decline. Article 

> Ops, QA staff escape Genzyme's job cuts. Item

> Merck's shingles vax bulk supply to rise slowly. Report 

> Celanese debuts controlled-release excipients. Story 

> Legacy facilities are getting tough to unload. Item

And Finally... The U.S. healthcare system will reap at least $70 billion in savings over the next four years as brand-name medicines become available as lower-cost generics, a top drug industry expert said. Report