Novartis wins new EU approval for Afinitor; Pfizer's tender offer for Icagen succeeds;

@FiercePharma: Biogen takes over marketing JVs that had been selling its MS meds Avonex, Tysabri in 29 countries. Article $BIIB | Follow @FiercePharma

> European regulators approved Novartis' ($NOVN) mTOR inhibitor Afinitor for a rare type of pancreatic cancer on the heels of FDA's nod for the same use. Article

> Pfizer ($PFE) wrapped up its tender offer for Icagen, ending with 54% of the North Carolina-based biopharma, announced a bid of $6 per share to minority shareholders, beginning Sept. 12. News

> San Diego law enforcement officials confirmed a determination of suicide in the death of Medicis Pharmaeutical ($MRX) CEO Jonah Shacknai's girlfriend. Report

> Berlin Pharmaceutical inked a deal to market a range of Swiss-based Acino Pharma's current and future products in Thailand. News

> Drugmaker logos will continue to appear in disclosures of corporate support for continuing education, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education decided following a mixed reaction to a proposed logo ban. Item

> Eisai is launching two more over-the-counter products in its Selbelle line of stomach drugs. Piece

> Hikma Pharmaceuticals launched its version of the heparin blood thinner in U.S. in single- and multi-use vials. Article

> The British animal health firm Dechra Pharmaeuticals saw increasing sales of branded products lift profits by 15% during the past year. Article

> New Hampshire passes law to allow pharmacists to give vaccines against pneumonia and shingles, as well as seasonal flu. Story

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Fierce 15 is now live! See the 15 outstanding private biotechs we've selected this year. Report | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: One of my favorites is RJ Kirk/Intrexon talking about what he likes in a partner and why he won't work with Big Pharma. Piece | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: Researchers use neural stem cells (of iPS variety) to study impacts of potential bipolar-disorder treatments. Item | Follow @RyanMFierce

> FDA review drops a bombshell on Bayer, J&J anti-clotting drug Xarelto. More

> Sanofi singles out top pipeline prospects, new cost cuts. News

> Vertex tracks encouraging IIa data for JAK3 rheumatoid arthritis drug. Report

Biotech IT News

> Merck taps Zymeworks' high-tech antibody shop in $187M deal. News

> Facebook app shows how people swap germs. Piece

> Glencoe, Aridhia team to develop life sciences tech. Story

> Impact Corelab sprouts with clinical tech from Radiant Sage. Piece

> Social networking rallies volunteers in Mayo Clinic study. Story

> MedNet seeks funds to compete in EDC game. Item

Manufacturing News

> Abbott exec tapped for H&P manuf. ops. Report

> Lilly looks eastward with generics deal. Article

> Pharma deal-making minimizes manufacturing. Item

> No penalties for stunning gray price hikes on cancer, anesthesia drugs. Story

> GSK sees resistance to wind turbine project. More

> Vax maker CSL on road to GMP compliance. Article

Biotech Research News

> Researchers find new target for PTSD treatment. Read more

> New drug-discovery center lost in translation. Article

> Researchers report promising new TB vaccine. News

> Stem cells open new front against bipolar disorder. More

> Pimple treatments pocked with poor supporting science. Item

> Get fat stem cells talking to follicles and up sprouts hair. Story

And Finally... Menopause may not be the culprit in women's increasing heart risks. Report