Teva's Copaxone grows as U.S. generics drop; Vanda's Fanapt delivers slow sales;

 @FiercePharma: DoJ adds weight to Abbott whistleblower suit. Report | Follow @FiercePharma

> Teva Pharmaceutical Industries posted record sales of its multiple sclerosis drug Copaxone and a one-third rise in adjusted quarterly earnings, but U.S. generics sales slipped and profits fell short of forecasts. Story | Report

> First year sales of Fanapt, a schizophrenia drug developed by Vanda Pharmaceuticals and sold by Novartis, totaled just $31.4 million, a fraction of the amount analysts expected. News

> Irish drugmaker Elan said its losses narrowed in the fourth quarter as it cut operating costs and revenues rose, driven by sales of multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri. Item

> Hungarian drugmaker Richter expects 2011 revenues to stay around 2010's $1.35 billion and predicts operating margins will fall to 16 percent from 23.3 percent because of higher marketing costs and an expansion of its sales network. Article

> Elliott Advisors stepped up pressure on Actelion, asking in a second letter within a week that the Swiss biotech rethink its stand-alone strategy. Report

Biotech News

@FierceBiotech: AZ's oral prostate cancer drug fails another Ph3 trial. News | Follow @FierceBiotech

@JohnCFierce: AZ and Wellpoint are teaming up on comparative effectiveness studies. If the government won't do it, private payers will. News |  Follow @JohnCFierce 

> Genzyme and Sanofi edge ever closer to the $20B "sweet spot." Article

> As early hype fades, pharma steadily backs away from RNAi. News

> Novartis balances the risks and rewards of pro bono R&D. Report

> Hedge fund pushes Actelion to open up on takeover talks. Story

Biotech Research News

> Stem cell skin gun developed for wound treatment. News 

> Scientists find new pathway for antidepressants. Article 

> Tufts launches website/HUB for pharma partnerships. Item

> Researchers discover key to macular degeneration. Article 

> Researchers find genetic cause for sleepwalking. Story

> Light-up peptides could prevent nerve damage in surgery. News

Manufacturing News

> Bottle shortens home life of Pradaxa. Item 

> UK defines supply chain roles during shortages. Report 

> Weak pound drives exports, UK drug shortages. Story 

> Consider leasing non-core equipment. Article 

> Pharma fights retail Oxycontin thefts. Report 

> Glass flakes prompt two American Regent recalls. News 

And Finally... Atypical antipsychotics may lead to loss of brain tissue or exacerbate declines in brain volume caused by schizophrenia, a study in the Archives of General Psychiatry found. Report