@FiercePharma: Shire reports an enviable 47% spike in Q4 earnings, thanks to ADHD and rare-disease meds. Release | Follow @FiercePharma
> Patient-access discounts that drugmakers offer to the U.K.'s cost-effectiveness agency should be more transparent, a National Health Service advisor said. Story
> Bayer said it expects approval to launch its new stroke drug Xarelto in China within two years. More
> Hospira ($HSP) asked the FDA to approve its version of the Cubist antibiotic Cubicin, and the branded drugmaker said it plans to sue for patent infringement within the required 45 days. Report
> Elan posted a larger net loss for the fourth quarter, but saw its share of sales of the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri grow to $270.6 million from $229.4 million. Item
> Hungary's Egis saw sales drop during its fiscal third quarter but managed to hike profits by 14% on cost-cutting and currency effects. Article
> The U.S. auditing watchdog group fined Ernst & Young $2 million in a settlement related to Medicis Pharmaceutical's ($MRX) 2005, 2006 and 2007 financial statements. News
> Ireland plans to offer a 30% tax cut for expatriates in a bid to attract more highly skilled jobs in industries such as biopharma. Story
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Soligenix' proprietary vaccine thermostabilization technology passed through preclinical proof-of-concept studies. Release | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Celgene pays $15M for front-row seat on Acetylon myeloma program. Article | Follow @JohnCFierce
@FierceMedDev: EU wants more medical device controls after PIP scare. News via @Reuters | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: A U.S. trial will test umbilical cord stem cells to treat /reverse hearing loss in babies. It worked in mice. More | Follow @MarkHFierce
> Cytomedix snaps up stem cell biotech Aldagen for a bargain price. Story
> Celgene pays $15M for front-row seat on Acetylon myeloma program. Article
> GSK's Slaoui opts for more flexible approach in DPU change-up. Report
Manufacturing News
> Pakistan Supreme Court interjects itself in drug death scandal. News
> Being more like Coca-Cola takes days out of GSK's pharma supply chain. More
> Decision on new GSK plant location to come soon. Item
> ViroPharma responding quickly to FDA delay of Cinryze manufacturing expansion. Piece
CRO News
> AZ's China R&D strategy calls for outsourcing. Item
> Takeda opens new drug development center in China. Article
> Quintiles report highlights the challenge of the 'value proposition.' Report
> AstraZeneca's latest restructuring spurs debate over outsourcing R&D. Story
Vaccines News
> Merck's RotaTeq not linked with bowel problems. More
> Novartis' Bexsero successfully protects vast majority of infants. Article
> Researchers target vaccines for the First Nation. Story
> Hints of a heroin vaccine from Mexico. News
> Bacterial cancer vaccines show glimpses of activity. Piece
And Finally... An off-Broadway comedy, "Rx," satirizes pharmaceutical marketing by featuring a pill for people who hate their jobs. Report