> China's contract research organization (CRO) industry will reach RMB83.2 billion ($13.6 billion) by 2018, from RMB42.6 billion in 2014, as favorable policies combine with demand for testing and development, according to a summary report from Research and Markets. Domestic firms such as WuXi AppTec ($WX), Hangzhou Tigermed Consulting, Guangzhou Boji Medical Biotechnological, ShangPharma Corp, China Medical Technologies, Asymchem, HD Biosciences and Porton are set to benefit along with multinationals Covance, Parexel ($PRXL), Quintiles ($Q), Catalent ($CTLT), Charles River ($CRL) and PPD. Release
> China Resources will buy generic and traditional Chinese medicine maker Zhejiang Zhongyi Pharmaceutical for RMB1.3 billion ($209 million). The transaction will be carried out through China Resources subsidiary Sanjiu Medical & Pharmaceutical under terms that include a possible partial rebate of the sale price if profit goals for Zhejiang Zhongyi Pharmaceutical are not met. Release (Chinese language)
> The first gene sequencing system on the market in China could arrive early next year with a system called BIGIS, combining a reagent and a device that was jointly developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Jilin Zixin Pharmaceutical Industrial, China Daily reported. Report
> Japan's Takeda Pharmaceutical and Lundbeck said that a supplemental New Drug Application for Brintellix to treat aspects of cognitive function in adults with major depressive disorder was accepted by the U.S. FDA. The group is expected to take action by March 28, 2016. Release
> DKSH Business Unit Healthcare said it has signed a regulatory, distribution and logistics services agreement with Actelion ($ATLN) in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore that initially covers Tracleer and may Opsumit pending registration nods. Release
> India's Wockhardt said that its June quarter net profit rose to INR1.14 billion ($17.9 million) from INR199.5 million a year ago. Release (PDF)
> NYSE-listed WuXi PharmaTech ($WX) said it has successfully completed a joint testing effort with Hawaii-based TruTag Technologies on a digital scan product that can confirm a drug's authenticity and data such as manufacturing location. WuXi Venture Fund is an investor in TruTag. Release
> Singapore-based Vela Diagnostics has signed an investment and collaboration deal with Hong Kong-listed Luye Group to bring together products and workflows focused on patient outcomes. "This new investment will not only enable Vela Diagnostics to continue to invest in its PCR and NGS workflow innovations but it will also strengthen Vela's customer focus and support in existing markets and especially leverage Vela's entry in the Chinese diagnostics market," Michael Tillmann, CEO of Vela Diagnostics, said in a press release. Release
> San Diego-based Orexigen Therapeutics ($OREX) said its wholly-owned subsidiary in Ireland has signed a distribution agreement for Contrave with an upfront payment of $7 million from South Korea's Kwang Dong which will be responsible for regulatory approval and all commercialization activity and expenses. In addition, Orexigen is eligible for approximately 35% to 40% of net sales, potential sales-based milestone payments, and other fees. Kwang Dong expects to begin marketing Contrave in the second half of 2016. Release
> Japan's JCR Pharmaceuticals has applied to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare for a liquid formulation of growth hormone preparation Growject (recombinant somatropin), according to a press release, adding that an injector device is being developed for the product. Release (PDF)
> Philips Healthcare India has said it will invest as much as $60 million within the next 5 years to double manufacturing capacity of its Pune facility, the Economic Times said, citing a story from Press Trust of India. Report
> Researchers at China's Harbin Veterinary Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences said a new kind of antiviral treatment to restrain the function of envelope glycoprotein in HIV/AIDS offers a possible new pathway to a cure, the People's Daily Online said. The findings were published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and have implications for other serious infections such as that of influenza virus, hepatitis C virus, Dengue fever, and MERS, the online site said. Report
> Japan's Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency has updated its medical devices safety information for August as part of surveillance started in 2010 to provide more detailed regulatory guidance to medical institutions. Release
> China-listed Dongcheng has won regulatory approval to buy a controlling stake in Yunke for $120 million. Release (PDF) (Chinese language)
> China listed Zhejiang Pharma has secured regulatory approval for to issue an unspecified amount of shares for a private placement. Release (Chinese language)
> India's Lupin said it will open a Center of Excellence for Inhalation Research in Coral Springs, Florida to focus on R&D for inhalation products for the treatment of asthma, allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and other lung diseases. Release