@FiercePharma: Merck Serono's final answer: We'll close the Geneva HQ as planned. Protesting workers did win a few concessions. More | Follow @FiercePharma
> Pfizer ($PFE) released study results showing its targeted lung cancer drug, Xalkori, boosted progression-free survival in previously treated patients with advanced ALK-positive disease. Report
> Eli Lilly ($LLY) is joining the share-buyback club by resuming a long-ago-authorized $2.58 billion plan; it expects to wrap up the remaining $420 million by year's end. News
> In more consolidation for the pharmacy business, Walgreen agreed to buy 45% of U.K.'s Alliance Boots for $6.7 billion, with an option to acquire the rest. Story
> GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) and Novartis ($NVS) won U.S. government contracts to develop and manufacture medicines and vaccines to fight pandemics and bioterror threats. Item
> Patient groups are lamenting the U.K. cost effectiveness watchdog's draft decision to deny reimbursement for Roche's ($RHHBY) new targeted melanoma drug Zelboraf. Article
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: The Fierce team has landed in Boston. Check out our dedicated BIO2012 page. Special Coverage | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Thanks to Bernard Munos, Jim Burns, Jason Gardner, Jill Milne, Mene Pangalos and 300+ of my closest friends for a great conversation this a.m. | Follow @JohnCFierce
@RyanMFierce: Danish biotech Nuevolution snagged €11 Million in new financing round. Release | Follow @RyanMFierce
> Millennium wants to rival top 10 drugmakers in oncology. Story
> E&Y: Biotech looks stable, but warning signs cloud the future. Article
> Novartis, Emergent headline $400M HHS plan to combat health threats. News
> Roche, Seaside join forces against autism and Fragile X. More
> Biotech beats overall economy in jobs report. Item
Medical Devices News
@FierceMedDev: We have extended the nomination deadline for the 15 fiercest medical device developers to July 13. Spread the word. Survey | Follow @FierceMedDev
@MarkHFierce: Our coverage of the 2012 BIO International Convention continues. Roundup | Follow @MarkHFierce
> Medical device/Dx VC funding has gotten 'a little' better. Report
> China Medical's investors petition for liquidation. News
> At BIO, experts rethink how to make companion diagnostics viable. Article
> A declining rupee could spell trouble for India's medical equipment imports. Item
Pharma Manufacturing News
> Amneal Pharmaceuticals quadruples manufacturing. Item
> Just about everyone agrees: drug shortages are a complex puzzle. Story
> Canadian Internet pharmacy leader faces federal charges. Article
Biotech Research News
> In life sciences R&D, China is reaching for the stars. Editor's corner
> Pluristem's placental stem cells spur bone marrow growth. Story
> Genetic markers uncovered for rare children's brain tumor. Report
> Breakthrough: Human Microbiome Project maps healthy body microbes. More
And Finally... Exposure to antibacterial chemicals and preservatives in soap, toothpaste and the like may promote allergies in children. News