Omnicare bids for rival Pharmerica; AZ's dental unit sale gets regulatory OK;

@FiercePharma: Another cancer-drug rejection for NICE: Watchdog says AstraZeneca's Faslodex doesn't beat current therapy. News | Follow @FiercePharma

> Regulators approved AstraZeneca's ($AZN) sale of its Astra Tech dental unit to Dentsply International for $1.8 billion. Article

> Merck ($MRK) has tapped Richard DeLuca, Jr., to head up its animal health unit, succeeding Raul Kohan, who will retire. Report

> Lundbeck protested the use of its pentobarbital in a Virginia execution and promised that new distribution controls would keep the drug out of death-row prisons. Story

> Sangart's planned European headquarters and manufacturing plant in Cork, Ireland, will employ 250, twice as many people as originally announced. Item

> New evidence bolsters the idea that bisphosphonates such as Merck's ($MRK) Fosamax and Roche's Boniva might suppress development of cancer. Article

> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) bought 2 million shares for prices between 1238.5 pence and 1299 pence, as part of its ongoing buyback program. Story

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: Stem cells from ear can create new cartilage. News | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: Wondering if the dread "Dendreon effect" will alter any biotech's future marketing plans for cancer drugs. Leave it to the experts? | Follow @JohnCFierce

@RyanMFierce: U.S.'s brand as 'land of opportunity' is in jeopardy, I think. China biotech entrepreneur's quote says it all. Article | Follow @RyanMFierce

@MaureenFierce: Genzyme VP: Rare-disease drug developers in it for 'long-haul.' Story | Follow @MaureenFierce

> Bayer, Algeta shares spike as FDA fast-tracks blockbuster hopeful. Article

> Upstart biotech banks $13M for new eye drugs. News 

> Soured motavizumab deal triggers MedImmune suit against partner Abbott. Report

> 'Lilly effect' helps drive a life sciences boom in Indiana. Story 

Biotech Research News

> At last, a cause found for Lou Gehrig's disease. News

> Researchers build against body's natural defense against C. difficile. Article

> Stem cells from ears can create new cartilage. More

> Genzyme VP: Rare-disease drug developers in it for 'long haul.' Report

> A recipe for drug variation: Just add sugar. Story

> Stem cells to heart parts in 5 years, researchers say. Details

Manufacturing News

> WHO sends Panacea to remediation. More

> Meth makers to be foiled by jelly. Story

> Lilly, Genentech bolster QA functions. News

> Takeda parlays Baxter's vax methods into Japanese subsidies. Details

> Turbulence ahead for cancer drugs with Ben Venue exit. Report

> Sagent's vecuronium launch a hope against drug shortages. Article

And Finally... Duke University researchers identify a link beteween stress and DNA damage. Report