Fresenius opens R&D center in China; Tasly in $784M healthcare fund;

> German renal specialist Fresenius Medical Care said it has opened a new R&D center in the Caohejing Hi-Tech Park in Shanghai. Release

> The Drugs Controller General of India has issued a circular stating that there is no need to repeat preclinical or toxicological drug studies already conducted and approved abroad, the Times of India said. Report

> China's Nantong Jinghua Pharma inked a $50 million deal for China rights for two oncology mAbs from and U.S.-based Kadmon that includes a $10 million equity payment along with a potential $40 million in milestones and 10% sales royalties. Release (Chinese language)

> A RMB5 billion ($784 million) China healthcare fund was launched, China Money Network said, by Tianjin Tasly Holding, Tasly Pharmaceutical's parent, and Taikang Life Insurance with targets across devices, nutritional products and hospitals, but not pharmaceuticals. Report

> Aurobindo Pharma said it has received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to make and sell a generic version of Pfizer's ($PFE) Revario (sildenafil citrate) which is used to treat high blood pressure in the lungs. Report

> Indian startup STEERLife said it has developed a "technology solution" moving drug production from conventional batch processing to continuous processing that could cut manufacturing costs by 25% to 30%. Report

> Despite its success as the generic maker to the world, India lags in developing new drugs, according to government officials. Report

> Mindray Medical International ($MR) and Masimo said they have settled their patent, contract and antitrust claims against each other. Release

> The health and finance ministries of the Japanese government are planning to introduce tax breaks for over-the-counter drugs as a way to decrease the number of hospital visits for minor ailments. Report

> Chugai Pharma USA, the American subsidiary of Japan's Chugai Pharmaceutical, said it has opened a new translational clinical research facility in New Jersey. Release

> China's Society of Cardiology has established a subgroup to research precision cardiovascular medicine and plans to produce a database dealing with monogenic inherited cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular pharmacogenomics. Report

> New biotech companies in Melbourne, Australia, say they will develop the world's first vaccine against peanut allergies and a heart failure drug. Report (sub. req.)

> Drug importers and pharmaceutical companies in Nepal say they may have to stop delivery medicines after a truck carrying drugs was attacked. Report

> Japan's Eisai said it has entered into a license deal with Roivant Sciences for its phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor E6005. Roivant was granted a worldwide license to develop, manufacture and sell the drug. Release

> Sekisui Chemical said it has purchased the Eisai subsidiary EDIA, which manufactures clinical diagnostic reagents, analyzers, laboratory reagents as well as physical and chemical equipment. Release (PDF)

> Indonesia's PT Kimia Farma is planning to raise $146 million in a rights issue in the fourth quarter of 2016. Report