@FiercePharma: Layoffs down, construction up for 2010 pharma. Story | Follow @FiercePharma
> Basilea Pharmaceutica stock rose the most in 11 months in Zurich trading after Helvea said the company's low valuation, cash reserves and portfolio of anti-infectives make it an "imminent" takeover target. Report
> GlaxoSmithKline launched new commercials for its weight loss drug Alli, in time for New Year's resolutions and holiday overeating remorse, and handed off five OTC products to Meda Pharmaceuticals. News
> A traveler's diarrhea drug, Xifaxan, can ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, lending weight to the theory that IBS is caused by bacteria in the gut, clinical investigators said, and adding data for manufacturer Salix Pharmaceuticals' bid to expand use of the drug. Item
> Adding a PARP inhibitor to standard chemotherapy led to improved survival in patients with "triple-negative" breast cancer, a study showed. Story
> Teva Pharmaceutical Industries completed the acquisition of Théramex, which was part of Merck KGaA's European-based women's health business, for an undisclosed price. Article
> Healthcare spending growth slowed last year as the recession affected people's use of services, but that spending still amounted to 17.6 percent of U.S. GDP; spending on drugs grew by 4 percent. Report
> Hungarian pharmaceuticals producer Egis will replace CFO Laszlo Marosffy, who is retiring, with Csaba Poroszlai, the company said. Story
> Johnson & Johnson's psychiatric drug Invega has become the first drug to be licensed in Europe to treat schizoaffective disorder. News
Biotech News
@FierceBiotech: Forest's COPD drug bounces back with positive Ph3. News | Follow @FierceBiotech
@JohnCFierce: Alfred Mann doubles down on MannKind stock -- as others short it. CFO says he has close to a billion invested now. Report | Follow @JohnCFierce
> Biogen Idec taps two ex-CEOs to head R&D, corporate development. Story
> Seattle Genetics scores $208M Pfizer pact for ADC tech. Report
> Is Basilea likely to get a buyout offer? Article
> Lexicon shares shoot up on positive oral diabetes drug data. News
> Symphogen lines up record $131M venture round. Story
Vaccines News
> J&J/Crucell deal might snag on bid issues. News
> Parts of the U.K. sees flu vax shortages. Report
> For chicken pox, two vaccines are better than one. Item
> Vax for cocaine addiction could be on horizon. Story
> Journal calls autism study "an elaborate fraud." Article
Manufacturing News
> Cleanroom wipes to see improvements. Report
> FDA will stay course post-Sharfstein. News
> CA prison official cloaks thiopental find. Article
> Drugs, food top 2010 recalls; few consumers aware. Item
> FDA recalls old business in warning to Klinge. Story
> FDA steps aside for execution drug import. News
And Finally... The number of emergency room visits resulting from misuse or abuse of prescription drugs has nearly doubled over the last five years, according to new federal data. Report