Business & Deals 2010

• GSK R&D head says no plan to bid for Genzyme-paper
  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L) will not step in as a rival bidder for U.S. biotech Genzyme (GENZ.O) and take on Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA), the British drugmaker's head of research and development told a French newspaper.
  read more >>
  
  
• Bausch + Lomb to Acquire Miochol-E
  Bausch + Lomb, the global eye health company, has announced that it has concluded its acquisition of a portion of the assets and intellectual property for Miochol®-E from Affiliates of Novartis AG. Bausch + Lomb intends to complete the acquisition of the remaining assets and intellectual property upon the necessary regulatory clearance.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott ends auction of vaccines business-company
  Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) has decided against the sale of its European flu-vaccine business after initial bids came in below its expectations, a company spokeswoman confirmed.
  read more >>
  
  
• IBA considers IPO for pharma unit
  Radiopharmaceutical firm Ion Beam Applications (IBA) of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, is considering listing its pharmaceuticals business unit on the stock market to focus on its more profitable equipment business.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott Calls Off Sale of Flu Vaccine Business In Europe
  US drugmaker Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) has abolished plans to sell its European flu vaccine business due to undervaluing initial offers, Abbott's spokeswoman Melissa Brotz said yesterday, confirming a previous report by The Wall Street Journal.
  read more >>
  
  
• Analysis: Genzyme units attract interest, what about Sanofi?
  Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O) is entertaining suitors for a small part of its business, even as it seeks a higher offer for the entire company from France's Sanofi-Aventis SA (SASY.PA), which may want to keep them.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer to Acquire FoldRx Pharmaceuticals
  Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and FoldRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held drug discovery and clinical development company, today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Pfizer will acquire FoldRx.
  read more >>
  
  
• Endo on the hunt for more acquisitions
  Endo Pharmaceuticals' CEO David Holveck, a Johnson & Johnson alum, is modeling his company after the Big Pharma.
  read more >>
  
  
• TiGenix announces spin-out of its targeted drug discovery activities in newco Arcarios
  TiGenix (NYSE EURONEXT: TIG) has entered into an agreement with its academic partners, the Catholic University Leuven (KULeuven) and Ghent University (UGent), the Dutch company Therosteon and a consortium of investors for the creation of a new small molecule drug development company, Arcarios.
  read more >>
  
  
• Genzyme board rejects Sanofi bid
  The board of directors at US biotechnology firm Genzyme has unanimously rejected an 18.5-billion-dollar takeover offer from French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi-Aventis, Genzyme said Monday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi top 2 shareholders seen wary on Genzyme bid
  Sanofi-Aventis shareholders L'Oreal and Total worry that the French drugmaker will pay too much for U.S. biotech company Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O) and are not convinced it is the best fit, bankers said.
  read more >>
  
  
• Stryker Announces Plans to Acquire Privately Held Gaymar Industries for $150 Million
  Stryker Corporation (NYSE: SYK) announced today a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Gaymar Industries.
  read more >>
  
  
• Nestle Completes Sale of Alcon to Novartis
  Nestlé yesterday completed the sale of its remaining shares in Alcon to Novartis, representing around 52% of Alcon's share capital, for USD 28.3 billion.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi's bid for Genzyme stalls on price
  An analyst predicted it, and now it's happening. Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) and Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) are playing chicken--deal talks between the two companies are hung up on price, sources tell the Wall Street Journal, with Sanofi reluctant to boost its buyout offer much, and Genzyme intent on getting more.
  read more >>
  
  
• FACTBOX-Novartis banking on Swiss law for Alcon deal
  Swiss drugmaker Novartis (NOVN.VX) is seeking to use Swiss merger law to push through its buy of a minority stake in U.S. eyecare group Alcon (ACL.N), which would give it full control of the group.
  read more >>
  
  
• Life Technologies Announces Agreement to Acquire Ion Torrent
  Life Technologies Corporation, a provider of innovative life science solutions, today announced a definitive agreement to acquire Ion Torrent for $375 million in cash and stock.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 2-Novartis inches towards closure of Alcon deal
  Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG (NOVN.VX) moved another step closer to securing its buyout of Alcon (ACL.N) after shareholders of the U.S. eye care group elected Novartis-nominated directors to the Alcon board.
  read more >>
  
  
• Medtronic Signs Agreement to Acquire Osteotech
  Medtronic Inc., (NYSE: MDT) and Osteotech, Inc., (NASDAQ: OSTE) today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Medtronic will acquire Osteotech for $6.50 per share in cash for each share of Osteotech common stock.
  read more >>
  
  
• Aspen buys Sigma’s pharma unit for A$900 million
  Following months of speculation Australia’s Sigma Pharmaceuticals has finally agreed (in principle) to sell its pharmaceuticals division to South African generics giant Aspen for A$900 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• US WorldMeds Acquires Solstice Neurosciences
  US WorldMeds, LLC, a Kentucky-based specialty pharmaceutical company that develops unique products to address unmet medical needs, today announced it has acquired Solstice Neurosciences, Inc. for $35 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• Emergent BioSolutions to Acquire Trubion Pharmaceuticals
  Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE: EBS) announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Trubion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TRBN) for upfront consideration of $96.8 million of value and up to $38.7 million of success-based milestones, resulting in a total consideration of up to $135.5 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• Becker & Associates Forms Strategic Alliance with China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation
  China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation (Sinopharm Group) of Beijing and Becker & Associates Consulting (BECKER & ASSOCIATES) of Washington, DC announced today that the two companies, both dominant players in their respective countries, have formed a strategic alliance designed to bring high-level clinical and regulatory consulting services to China
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 2-Elan puts sale of drug delivery unit on hold
  Irish drugmaker Elan Corp PLC (ELN.I) announced on Monday plans to restructure its debt and said it has temporarily shelved plans to spin off its drug delivery division due to unfavorable market conditions.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi faces long summer haggling over Genzyme bid
  Paris-based drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis (SASY.PA) may need weeks of haggling to get a deal on buying U.S. biotech firm Genzyme (GENZ.O) as the two appear wide apart over price.
  read more >>
  
  
• Teva Completes Acquisition of ratiopharm
  Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) announced today that it has completed the acquisition of ratiopharm, Germany's second largest generics producer.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi offer a nail-biter for Genzyme employees
  The potential marriage of Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) and Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) has gossips a-talking. While analysts debate about prices in the press, employees are whispering amongst themselves, some worried that a buyout could cost them their jobs.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Cypress Bioscience rejects Ramius' buyout overture
  U.S. drugmaker Cypress Bioscience Inc (CYPB.O) on Friday rejected the $154 million buyout proposal floated by hedge fund Ramius LLC in July, saying the deal grossly undervalues the company.
  read more >>
  
  
• DEALTALK-UPDATE 1-Sanofi's best bet still may be smaller deals
  Sanofi-Aventis has grabbed the headlines with its $18.4 billion bid for Genzyme Corp, but the French drugmaker may be wiser to stick with smaller, bolt-on acquisitions.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer CFO says co eyeing emerging mkt deals-paper
  Pfizer (PFE.N) is on the lookout for further acquisitions in the area of emerging markets, established products, inflammatory diseases as well as cancer and alzheimer, German daily Handelsblatt said, citing the drug maker's chief financial officer.
  read more >>
  
  
• GlaxoSmithKline and Amplimmune Form Global Strategic Collaboration
  Amplimmune, Inc. today announced that it has entered into a broad strategic alliance with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to further develop PD-1 targeting therapies that may be effective in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
  read more >>
  
  
• Shire forges $565M buyout deal for Movetis
  Seeing a nice fit in the GI arena of specialty pharma and an open door to a bigger European presence, Shire has agreed to pay $565 million for Movetis (MOVE), a Belgian biotech which has one product on the market.
  read more >>
  
  
• PerkinElmer to Acquire VisEn Medical, Inc.
  PerkinElmer, Inc., a global leader focused on the health and safety of people and the environment, today announced that it has acquired VisEn Medical, Inc., an in vivo molecular imaging technology company based in Bedford, Massachusetts.
  read more >>
  
  
• Will Sanofi turn hostile to get Genzyme?
  What will Genzyme's directors do? That's the operative question, now that Sanofi-Aventis appears poised to deliver a formal offer for the company. And according to Bloomberg, the directors are likely to drive up that bid to at least $80 per share.
  read more >>
  
  
• Charles River, WuXi call off $1.6B deal
  Shareholder opposition has forced Charles River to call off its $1.6 billion plan to purchase China's WuXi PharmaTech.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi chief plays the politician on Genzyme deal
  It's tough for us to watch Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) dance with a Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) bid without thinking about politics.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Astellas, Regeneron extend antibody technology deal
  Astellas Pharma Inc (4503.T) said it will pay up to $295 million to Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc (REGN.O) for extending the license agreement with Regeneron to discover new drugs.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sinopharm and Merck Sign Statement of Mutual Intent
  Merck, known outside the U.S. and Canada as MSD, and Sinopharm (China National Pharmaceutical Group Corporation) today announced the signing of a statement of mutual intent. Under the statement, Sinopharm and Merck will cooperate on HPV vaccine and other mutually-selected vaccine products in China, and will also discuss the potential for promoting and marketing Merck’s pharmaceutical products in China.
  read more >>
  
  
• Rumour: Genzyme rejects sanofi-aventis takeover offer
  According to two people familiar with the matter, sanofi-aventis' rumoured takeover approach for Genzyme was rejected by the biotechnology company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Glaxo eyeing small targeted acquisitions: paper
  Drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline (GSK.L) is hunting for small bolt-on acquisitions, its chief executive told French daily La Tribune.
  read more >>
  
  
• Merck buys vax unit from bankrupt Hawaii Biotech
  Merck (NYSE: MRK) has agreed to purchase bankrupt Hawaii Biotech's dengue fever vaccine unit for an undisclosed sum.
  read more >>
  
  
• Lilly Announces Completion of Alnara Acquisition
  Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that it has completed the acquisition of Alnara Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately-held company developing protein therapeutics for the treatment of metabolic diseases.
  read more >>
  
  
• Millipore Corporation And Biooutsource Ltd. To Collaborate
  Millipore Corporation, a leading provider of technologies, tools and services for the global life science industry, jointly announced with BioOutsource Ltd. that they have formed a strategic alliance.
  read more >>
  
  
• Merck KGaA Completes Millipore Acquisition and Launches New Merck Millipore Division
  Merck KGaA announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Millipore Corporation, a leading Life Science company based in Billerica, Massachusetts, USA, for an aggregate purchase price including debt and cash of approximately EUR 5.2 billion (US$ 7.0 billion).
  read more >>
  
  
• Mylan to Acquire Bioniche Pharma Global Injectable Pharmaceuticals Business
  Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL) today announced plans to acquire Bioniche Pharma Holdings Limited, a privately held, global injectable pharmaceutical company for $550 million in cash.
  read more >>
  
  
• Johnson & Johnson Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire Micrus Endovascular
  Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) and Micrus Endovascular Corporation (Nasdaq: MEND), a global developer and manufacturer of minimally invasive devices to address hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, today announced a definitive agreement whereby Micrus Endovascular will be acquired in a cash for stock exchange.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pharming inks supply deal with Sanofi Chemie
  Pharming has entered into a toll manufacturing agreement with Sanofi Chemie to boost capacity, secure supply and lower costs of Ruconest (conestat alfa).
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott exploring sale of vaccines unit
  Abbott Laboratories has confirmed it is considering the sale of the vaccines unit it gained with the €4.5bn ($6.2bn) acquisition of Solvay Pharmaceuticals in February .
  read more >>
  
  
• Merck Plans to Lay Off About 15% of Workers
  The $41 billion merger last year of the drug giants Merck and Schering-Plough has a human cost for pharmaceutical industry employees. By Natasha Singer
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi to buy TargeGen for $560 million
  Sanofi-Aventis has once again hit the acquisition trail and has this morning revealed it has agreed to purchase privately-held US biopharmaceutical company TargeGen, a cancer specialist.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott targets sale of Solvay flu-vax unit
  Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) doesn't plan to hold onto Solvay's flu vaccine business. The company started marketing the unit last week, sources tell the Wall Street Journal, by sending out materials to several large healthcare companies.
  read more >>
  
  
• Celgene to buy Abraxis for $2.9B in biotech deal
  Biotechnology company Celgene said Wednesday it is expanding its array of cancer treatments with a deal to buy Abraxis BioScience Inc. for $2.9 billion in cash and stock.
  read more >>
  
  
• Novartis needs directors' support for Alcon buy
  Swiss drugmaker Novartis AG (NOVN.VX) must have the backing of Alcon Inc's (ACL.N) independent director committee (IDC) to complete the buyout of minority shareholders, a legal expert hired by the committee said.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Gilead to acquire CGI for up to $120 mln
  Gilead Sciences Inc (GILD.O) said on Friday it agreed to acquire privately held drug discovery company CGI Pharmaceuticals Inc for up to $120 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• Merck to Expand Business in South Africa
  Merck (Merck is known as MSD outside the United States and Canada) today announced a strategic collaboration between MSD South Africa and Adcock Ingram, a publicly held South African company, to co-promote and distribute a number of established MSD products in South Africa.
  read more >>
  
  
• Daiichi Sankyo scouting for new biotech buyouts, partnerships
  With late-stage data on an experimental blood thinner with blockbuster potential due next year and ambitious plans to push revenue, Daiichi Sankyo's European chief tells Bloomberg that the Japanese pharma company would like to do some more deals along the lines of its $235 million buyout of Germany's U3 Pharma AG.
  read more >>
  
  
• Regulus, Sanofi-Aventis Team Up In $750M Alliance
  Biotech drug maker Regulus Therapeutics Inc. said Tuesday it will team up with Sanofi-Aventis SA, one of the world’s largest drug companies, in a drug development deal that could be worth more than $750 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• Drugmaker Biovail to buy Valeant in $3.3 billion deal
  Canada's Biovail Corp (BVF.TO)(BVF.N) will buy Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (VRX.N) in a complex deal worth roughly $3.3 billion engineered by the U.S. drug maker to preserve a lower tax structure.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi-aventis to Acquire Canderm, a Leading Canadian Skin Care Company
  Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement under which an affiliate of sanofi-aventis Canada Inc. is to acquire the assets of Canderm Pharma Inc. (Canderm), a privately-held leading Canadian skin care company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Cardinal Health to Expand in Specialty Pharmaceutical Services With Definitive Agreement to Purchase Healthcare Solutions Holding
  Cardinal Health today announced plans to expand its presence in specialty pharmaceutical services with a definitive agreement to purchase Healthcare Solutions Holding, LLC in an upfront $517 million all-cash transaction.
  read more >>
  
  
• Lilly CEO eyes deals to enhance pipeline
  Eli Lilly and Co (LLY.N) will look to do deals that enhance its pipeline of products in development, but the drugmaker remains uninterested in matching the big mergers of rivals, the chief executive said on Wednesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi CEO: Still in the hunt for new drug deals
  Chris Viehbacher wasted little time in shaking things up at Sanofi-Aventis when he stepped in as CEO. Whipping out the company checkbook he has spent more than $9 billion on acquisitions, adding new programs and dropping others.
  read more >>
  
  
• Stada open to takeovers, seeks driver's seat
  German drugmaker Stada (STAGn.DE) aims to take part in consolidation of the generics sector and could use acquisitions in the medium term to complement the growth it generates itself, Chief Executive Hartmut Retzlaff said.
  read more >>
  
  
• Lilly CEO: Looking for deals, but not megamergers
  Eli Lilly CEO John Lechleiter hasn't budged from his vow not to pursue a megamerger, as many of the pharma's rivals have done.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi R&D chief eager to strike new deals on eye drugs
  Sanofi-Aventis R&D chief Marc Cluzel tells Reuters that the French pharma giant is opting to build up a pipeline of new drugs for back-of-the-eye ailments, a strategic plan that will trigger a series of new collaborations and buyouts.
  read more >>
  
  
• Amgen eyes deals in global expansion
  Amgen (NASDAQ: AMGN) has about $20 billion on hand to finance new deals. But while the U.S. and Europe are the biggest markets, CEO Kevin Sharer says his company will be looking for deals in emerging markets due to the greater potential for growth there.
  read more >>
  
  
• J&J's Centocor buys RespiVert
  Centocor Ortho Biotech, a division of Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ), announced today that it has acquired RespiVert, a private company that's developing small-molecule, inhaled therapies for the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Pfizer sells China swine vaccine unit to Harbin Pharma
  Pfizer Inc (PFE.N), the world's biggest drugmaker, is selling its swine vaccine business in China to Harbin Pharmaceutical Group (600664.SS) for $50 million, a source with direct knowledge of the deal said on Monday.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Sanofi-Aventis, Nichi-Iko to ink generics deal - Nikkei
  French drugmaker Sanofi-Aventis (SNY.N) (SASY.PA) will form a capital and operational tie-up with Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Co (4541.OS) as part of a foray into the Japanese generic-drug market, the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi animal health attracts suitors: sources
  Sanofi-Aventis SA (SASY.PA) has attracted strong initial interest for its animal health operations, with at least four suitors lining up to bid, sources familiar with the situation said.
  read more >>
  
  
• Novus International Acquires Spain's IQF Group and Mexico's IQF-ENAMEX
  Novus International, Inc. has made two acquisitions. The animal nutrition firm has acquired IQF Group, based in Tarragona, Spain; as well as IQF-ENAMEX and its sister company, Operadora ENAMEX, both based in Cordoba, Mexico, from Grupo Porres and the Sanromà family.
  read more >>
  
  
• Stryker Enters Strategic Marketing Agreement with Acuitec
  Stryker’s Communications business unit and Acuitec announced today that they have signed an agreement that will integrate both companies’ technologies within the operating room to provide customers with a comprehensive offering that combines in-room integration with desirable workflow solutions.
  read more >>
  
  
• Aspen-Sigma deal would create No. 1 Aussie drugmaker
  While Abbott Laboratories was capturing headlines for its acquisition of a chunk of India's Piramal, a Southern Hemisphere deal took aim at the top spot in Australia's prescription drug market.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott to acquire Piramal business for $3.7 bln
  Abbott Laboratories  said Friday that it's agreed to buy the healthcare solutions division of Piramal Healthcare for a total of around $3.7 billion.
  read more >>
  
  
• i3 Acquires ChinaGate, Providing Customers with Greater, More Efficient Access to Chinese Market
  i3, a global life sciences services company and subsidiary of Ingenix, has acquired ChinaGate, a contract research organization (CRO) that provides product-development regulatory services for pharmaceutical, medical device and biotechnology companies looking to enter and access the Chinese market.
  read more >>
  
  
• Japan's Astellas To Buy US Drug Co. OSI For $4 Bln
  Astellas Pharma Inc., Japan’s No. 2 drug maker, said Monday it will buy U.S. cancer drug company OSI Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $4 billion in cash in a bid to expand its cancer drug business worldwide.
  read more >>
  
  
• GSK Extends Presence In Asia With New Strategic Alliance in South Korea
  GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) today entered into a strategic alliance with Dong-A Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. (Dong-A), the number one pharmaceutical and OTC Company in South Korea.
  read more >>
  
  
• Endo Buying Healthtronics For $223 million
  Drug developer Endo Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. is buying HealthTronics for $223 million in a move to expand its urology and diagnostic products, the companies said Wednesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• AstraZeneca sees more deals to fill out pipeline
  Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN.L) is aggressively meeting potential acquisition partners as it prepares for generic competition from some of its best-selling drugs.
  read more >>
  
  
• Valeant to Acquire Vital Science Corp. in Canada
  Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE: VRX) today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Valeant Canada Limited, has signed an agreement to acquire Vital Science Corp., a leading over-the-counter (OTC) dermatology company located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer in talks to buy Brazil's Teuto
  A little over a month after losing its bid for Germany's Ratiopharm, Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) again is looking to expand its generic reach--this time in Brazil, the Dow Jones reports.
  read more >>
  
  
• BioTime, Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire ES Cell International
  BioTime, Inc. (NYSE Amex:BTIM), a biotechnology company that develops and markets products in the field of stem cells and regenerative medicine, today announced that it has agreed to acquire the Singapore-based company ES Cell International Pte Ltd (ESI).
  read more >>
  
  
• Genzyme open to selling noncore businesses
  Genzyme (NASDAQ: GENZ) is open to selling off some of its noncore businesses, CEO Henri Termeer said Tuesday at the Health Blog HQ, according to the Wall Street Journal Health Blog.
  read more >>
  
  
• Healthcare overhaul's price tag grows to $105B
  The drug industry will shoulder more than $80 billion of the cost of healthcare reform--more even than the $90 billion bandied about as a compromise just before the bill finally hit the U.S. House floor.
  read more >>
  
  
• RedPath Integrated Pathology, Inc. Acquired By ExonHit Therapeutics, S.A.
  RedPath Integrated Pathology, Inc. ("RedPath"), a cancer molecular diagnostics company headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, announced today that it has entered into a binding agreement to be acquired by ExonHit Therapeutics, S.A. ("ExonHit") (Alternext: ALEHT), a leading French diagnostics and therapeutics biotech company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Charles River Labs buys China's WuXi for $1.6B
  Charles River Laboratories (NYSE: CRL) is wagering $1.6 billion that the future of contract research organizations lies in China. The Boston-based CRO announced early today that it has struck a deal to buy WuXi PharmaTech for $21.25 a share in cash and stock.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott Completes Acquisition of Facet Biotech
  Abbott (NYSE:ABT) has completed its acquisition of Facet Biotech Corporation, strengthening its pharmaceutical pipeline in immunology and oncology.
  read more >>
  
  
• Boehringer looks to biotech for "targeted acquisitions"
  Germany's Boehringer Ingelheim is planning to bring out the check book as it scours everything from early-stage biotechs to developers with marketed products for "targeted acquisitions" that can help the pharma company make up for the revenue being lost to new generic competitors.
  read more >>
  
  
• Hospira to acquire Javelin Pharmaceuticals for $145 million news
  Hospira, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company has yesterday agreed to acquire Javelin Pharmaceuticals, a development stage drug company for $145 million in cash to expand its pain management portfolio.
  read more >>
  
  
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Acquires Proteomics Workflow Solution Provider, Proxeon
  Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO), the world leader in serving science, announced today that it has acquired Proxeon A/S, an innovative supplier of products for proteomics analysis headquartered in Odense, Denmark.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abraxis mulls sale of company
  Abraxis Bioscience has retained Goldman Sachs and Lazard to explore the possible sale of the company, sources tell dealReporter.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi inks $335M diabetes deal with CureDM
  Sanofi-Aventis (NYSE: SNY) has signed a $335 million deal for the exclusive worldwide license of CureDm's Pancreate, a treatment for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sinopharm may buy Nanjing Pharmaceutical - report
  Sinopharm (1099.HK), China's largest drug distributor, is considering acquiring Nanjing Pharmaceutical Group Ltd to expand its presence in eastern China, according to a mainland media report.
  read more >>
  
  
• Accelrys, Inc. and Symyx Technologies, Inc. Announce Merger
  Accelrys, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACCL) and Symyx Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SMMX) today announced that they have signed a merger agreement that will establish a new leader in scientific informatics software.
  read more >>
  
  
• Hospira Buys Orchid's Generic Injectable Pharma Business - Update
  Specialty pharmaceutical company Hospira, Inc. (HSP: News ), Tuesday said it has completed the acquisition of the generic injectable pharmaceuticals business of India-based Orchid Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. for about $400 million.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-DSM continues search for Pharma partnerships
  Dutch chemicals group DSM NV (DSMN.AS) will continue to seek partnerships to prop up its struggling pharma unit, which is expected to report lower earnings in 2010, its chief executive said on Wednesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• GSK and Isis Pharmaceuticals Collaborate on RNA Therapeutics for Rare and Infectious Diseases
  GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE: GSK) and Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ISIS) announced today a new strategic alliance that will apply the Isis antisense drug discovery platform to seek out and develop new therapeutics against targets for rare and serious disease, including infectious diseases and some conditions causing blindness.
  read more >>
  
  
• Eli Lilly CEO looks to Europe for deals
  We all know Eli Lilly has its sights set on China. Just yesteday, CEO John Lechleiter (photo) told an audience in Shanghai that he's shooting for 15 new products in that country within five years.
  read more >>
  
  
• OSI opens door to new Astellas offer
  Astellas Pharma and OSI Pharmaceuticals have come to a truce. Under a confidentiality agreement, OSI will open its books to the Japanese drugmaker, which recently made a hostile bid for the U.S. company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Stada CEO says would not block a good takeover bid-UPDATE 2
  Generic drugmaker Stada, which sources say is in the sights of U.S. drugs major Pfizer, would not block a takeover bid that was attractive for shareholders, its chief executive said.
  read more >>
  
  
• GSK looks to Japan for new biotech deals
  GlaxoSmithKline is taking its cash and development strategy to Japan, where it's planning to strike a series of new development deals with small and medium-sized biotech companies.
  read more >>
  
  
• BioClinica Acquires TranSenda International, LLC
  BioClinica™, Inc., (NASDAQ: BIOC), a global provider of clinical trial management services, today announced its acquisition of substantially all of the assets of privately held TranSenda International, LLC (“TranSenda”).
  read more >>
  
  
• Thermo Fisher Scientific and Lilly Announce Expanded Clinical Trial Materials Relationship
  Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, and biopharmaceutical company Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), announced today that they have expanded their clinical trial materials supply chain relationship.
  read more >>
  
  
• Bayer still out to buy, not sell, vet businesses
  Bayer AG (BAYGn.DE) has not given up on deals to boost its veterinary unit despite its absence so far in the shake-up of the animal health industry, three sources told Reuters.
  read more >>
  
  
• Swiss Lonza eyes stake in India drug firm-report
  Swiss drugs industry supplier Lonza (LONN.VX) is in talks to buy over 51 percent stake in India's Aptuit Laurus in a deal valued at $77 million to $99 million, the Business Standard reported on Wednesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott Completes Acquisition of STARLIMS Technologies
  Abbott announced today that it has completed its $123 million acquisition of STARLIMS Technologies Ltd., a leader in laboratory information management systems.
  read more >>
  
  
• Icahn still plotting to sell off Biogen Idec to Big Pharma
  Carl Icahn's recent deal for another board seat at Biogen Idec--avoiding yet another proxy fight--doesn't mean he's changed any of his strategic plans for the big biotech outfit.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sigma-Aldrich Further Expands In Vivo Biology Offering by Signing an Agreement to Acquire Ace Animals, Inc.
  Sigma-Aldrich® (NASDAQ: SIAL) today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire Ace Animals, Inc., a Berks County, PA.-based provider of high quality research rodents to the biomedical industry.
  read more >>
  
  
• Teva to Acquire Ratiopharm
  Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (NASDAQ: TEVA) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ratiopharm, Germany's second largest generics producer and the sixth largest generic drug company worldwide, for an enterprise value of €3.625 billion.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer to make bid for Ratiopharm on Wed -source
  Pfizer (PFE.N) will on Wednesday place an offer in the final round of bids for German generic drug maker Ratiopharm, a person briefed on the matter told Reuters on Wednesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Tekmira and Pfizer Initiate New Research Collaboration
  Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corporation (TSX: TKM), a leading developer of RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutics, announced today the initiation of a new research collaboration with Pfizer (NYSE: PFE).
  read more >>
  
  
• BRIEF: Pfizer nears European animal-products sale
  A division of Eli Lilly & Co. is purchasing the European rights to several Pfizer Inc. animal-health products.
  read more >>
  
  
• Astra Boosts Generic Exposure with Torrent Deal
  AstraZeneca PLC announced a supply partnership with India’s Torrent Pharmaceuticals on Thursday, its first such link with a generic drugmaker as it seeks to boost its presence in emerging markets and counter patent losses on blockbuster medicines.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi-aventis Successfully Completes the Acquisition of Chattem, Inc.
  Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that it has completed its acquisition of 100% of Chattem, Inc., which is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the sanofi-aventis Group.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 3-Abbott to buy Facet for $27/shr, topping Biogen bid
  Facet Biotech Corp (FACT.O) has agreed to be acquired by Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) for $27 a share, topping a failed hostile offer of $17.50 a share made last year by Biogen Idec Inc (BIIB.O).
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi-aventis and Merck to Create a Global Leader in Animal Health
  Sanofi-aventis (Paris) and Merck & Co., have announced that Sanofi-aventis has exercised its option to combine its Merial unit with Intervet/Schering-Plough (Boxmeer, the Netherlands), Merck's animal health business, to create a global leader in animal health.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer woos Ratiopharm with ramp-up pledge -sources
  Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) wheeled out its chief executive and pledged to invest in growth as it sought to win the bidding to buy German generic drugmaker Ratiopharm GmbH, sources familiar with the situation said. By Frank Siebelt
  read more >>
  
  
• Lilly to Acquire European Rights to Pfizer Animal Health Assets
  Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), today announced that Lilly has signed an agreement to acquire the European rights to a portfolio of certain Pfizer Animal Health products.
  read more >>
  
  
• German Merck has more takeover ideas: report
  Germany's Merck KGaA (MRCG.DE) is eyeing further acquisitions following its agreed $6 billion cash purchase of U.S. biotech tool maker Millipore (MIL.N), Merck's chief executive told a German newspaper.
  read more >>
  
  
• Farfield group Ltd joins Biolin scientific
  Biolin Scientific has agreed to acquire the analytical instruments provider Farfield Group.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Pfizer to outline Ratiopharm offer this week-sources
  Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) is set to present a nearly $4 billion offer for German generic-drug maker Ratiopharm GmbH this week, competing against rival bids from Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd (TEVA.TA) and Actavis, sources familiar with the situation said on Tuesday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Astellas makes $3.5B hostile bid for OSI
  Astellas Pharma announced today that it has made a $3.5 billion hostile bid to acquire OSI Pharmaceuticals, which is developing molecular targeted therapies for oncology, diabetes and obesity.
  read more >>
  
  
• New Novartis CEO targets vaccines, generics buys
  Joe Jimenez, the new chief executive of Swiss drugmaker Novartis (NOVN.VX), is targeting bolt-on acquisitions as the group digests the multibillion dollar acquisition of eyecare group Alcon (ACL.N).
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 3-Germany's Merck to buy Millipore in $6 bln deal
  Germany's Merck KGaA (MRCG.DE) on Sunday said it agreed to buy U.S. biotech tool maker Millipore Corp (MIL.N) for around $6 billion in cash, as the company looks to build its lab equipment business.
  read more >>
  
  
• Thermo Fisher To Acquire Millipore?
  Is another major merger in the works? According to a Bloomberg story released earlier this week, Thermo Scientific has made an unsolicited $6 billion offer to take over Millipore Corp. A source close to the situation told Bloomberg that a deal could be reached by next week. By Lori Clapper
  read more >>
  
  
• Novartis venture arm inks $200M deal with tiny Viamet
  Tiny Viamet Pharmaceuticals in Morrisville, NC has snared a $200 million licensing option deal with the venture arm of Swiss pharma giant Novartis.
  read more >>
  
  
• Lilly, Merck, And Pfizer Join Forces To Accelerate Research And Improve Treatment Of Lung And Gastric Cancers In Asia
  Eli Lilly and Company, Merck (also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) outside the USA and Canada), and Pfizer Inc. today announced the formation of the Asian Cancer Research Group, Inc., (ACRG), an independent, not-for-profit company established to accelerate research and ultimately improve treatment for patients affected with the most commonly-diagnosed cancers in Asia.
  read more >>
  
  
• Report: Icahn to launch bid for Genzyme control
  According to TheStreet's source, activist investor Carl Icahn is launching a battle for control of Genzyme.
  read more >>
  
  
• Thermo Fisher Spokeswoman Calls Reported Millipore Bid A Rumor
  A spokeswoman for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) said Monday afternoon that reports the laboratory-instrument maker has made a takeover offer for Millipore Corp. (MIL) are "definitely a rumor."
  read more >>
  
  
• Genentech and UCSF to join forces on drug development
  In the most recent example of the growing relationship between drug developers and academic research teams, Genentech has inked a partnership deal with investigators at UC San Francisco to develop new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
  read more >>
  
  
• AMRI Acquires Excelsyn Ltd.
  AMRI (NASDAQ: AMRI) today announced the acquisition of Excelsyn Ltd., a well recognized leader in providing chemical development and manufacturing services to the pharmaceutical industry in Europe.
  read more >>
  
  
• Teva, Actavis remain in contest for Ratiopharm
  And then there were two: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Actavis Group are said to be the last two bidders standing for a final round in the battle for German generics maker Ratiopharm.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott Secures Conditional EU Approval for Solvay's Drugs Acquisition
  Abbott Laboratories has secured conditional EU approval for the acquisition of the drug unit of Solvay. Abbott will need to divest the cystic fibrosis testing business of Solvay pharma's subsidiary Innogenetics in Europe, as part of the approval.
  read more >>
  
  
• The art of the deal, Sanofi-style
  The deal's the thing for Sanofi-Aventis. In announcing street-beating earnings and a 2 percent to 5 percent growth forecast for this year, CEO Chris Viehbacher emphasized how last year's acquisitions helped offset sales lost to generic competition for key drugs.
  read more >>
  
  
• Allergan acquires Serica's graft technology
  Botox maker Allergan Inc. has acquired Serica Technologies' cosmetic and reconstructive surgery unit.
  read more >>
  
  
• Sanofi-aventis Successfully Completes Tender Offer for Chattem, Inc.
  Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that it has successfully completed its tender offer for all outstanding shares of common stock of Chattem, Inc.
  read more >>
  
  
• Deadline looms for Sanofi-Merck vet combo
  There's a loose end hanging from Merial, the animal health company now wholly owned by Sanofi-Aventis.
  read more >>
  
  
• Ratiopharm fields decisive takeover bids-sources
  Generic-drug makers Teva and Actavis, backed by Swedish buyout firm EQT, have placed make-or-break bids for German peer Ratiopharm but drug major Pfizer is expected to also be a contender, sources said.
  read more >>
  
  
• BioMarin to Acquire LEAD Therapeutics
  BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. (Nasdaq: BMRN) announced today that it has entered into a stock purchase agreement to acquire LEAD Therapeutics, Inc. (LEAD), a small private drug discovery and early stage development company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Galapagos acquires Argenta Discovery's service operations
  Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announces the acquisition of Argenta Discovery 2009 Ltd., a privately held contract research drug discovery company with 140 employees.
  read more >>
  
  
• Novartis: no comment on talk may sell Roche stake
  Swiss drugmaker Novartis (NOVN.VX) declined to comment on Tuesday on market talk it could sell its stake in local rival Roche (ROG.VX) to help fund its purchase of eyecare company Alcon (ACL.N).
  read more >>
  
  
• Flexion Therapeutics Announces Agreements with Four Major Pharmaceutical Companies
  Flexion Therapeutics today announced agreements with four major pharmaceutical partners, acquiring the rights to four clinical-stage compounds, and gaining investment from the world's biggest pharmaceutical company.
  read more >>
  
  
• Abbott scouts for emerging-markets deals
  It looks as if 2010 will be another big year for emerging-markets M&A. As the Wall Street Journal Health Blog reports, Abbott Laboratories is looking to grow its "geographic footprint," and it's on the lookout for deals that would augment its operations around the world, especially in emerging markets.
  read more >>
  
  
• Enzon Stockholders Approve Sale of Specialty Pharmaceutical Business
  Enzon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ENZN) ("Enzon") announced that at a special meeting held this morning, its stockholders approved the sale of Enzon's specialty pharmaceutical business to the sigma-tau Group ("sigma-tau").
  read more >>
  
  
• New biotech venture firm targets private/public deals
  A group of biotech veterans which includes the prolific Corey Goodman has come together to launch a new life sciences venture firm dubbed VenBio. And they're not planning to stick with developers solely in the private sphere.
  read more >>
  
  
• Medtronic to buy Invatec for $350 million
  Medtronic Inc (MDT.N) said on Monday that it would buy Italy's Invatec, a provider of stents and angioplasty balloons, for an initial payment of $350 million to expand its peripheral vascular business.
  read more >>
  
  
• After Starlims, Abbott Seeks More Israeli Acquisitions
  Abbott Laboratories Inc. (NYSE: ABT) has not yet completed its acquisition of StarLIMS Technologies Ltd. (Nasdaq:LIMS); TASE: LIMS), and it is already hungry to buy more Israeli companies.
  read more >>
  
  
• Ipsen and Inspiration join hands in $259M pact
  France's Ipsen SA has mapped out a deal to acquire a chunk of Inspiration Biopharmaceuticals for $85 million and pay up to $174 million in milestones as they collaborate on the development of a blockbuster portfolio of new hemophilia drugs.
  read more >>
  
  
• Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc (NYSE:TMO) to Acquire Ahura Scientific
  Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. has signed a definitive agreement for the acquisition of Ahura Scientific.
  read more >>
  
  
• Alcon Directors Say Novartis Bid Grossly Inadequate
  Novartis AG's offer to buy out minority shareholders in Alcon Inc is "grossly inadequate", independent directors of the eyecare group said on Wednesday, setting the stage for a prolonged battle.
  read more >>
  
  
• UPDATE 1-Molina to buy Unisys' health info business for $135 mln
  Molina Healthcare Inc (MOH.N) said it agreed to buy the health information management business of Unisys Corp (UIS.N) for about $135 million in cash, to expand Molina's services and product offerings beyond managed care.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pfizer, Teva set to tussle for Ratiopharm: report
  The race for German generic-drug maker Ratiopharm has practically narrowed to Israel's Teva (TEVA.TA) and U.S. drug major Pfizer (PFE.N), German business daily Handelsblatt reported on Monday.
  read more >>
  
  
• Celgene Completes Acquisition of Gloucester Pharmaceuticals
  Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced it has closed its acquisition of Gloucester Pharmaceuticals following the early termination of the applicable waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.
  read more >>
  
  
• Patheon Inc. signs two 5-year manufacturing agreement renewals with Sanofi-Aventis
  Patheon (TSX: PTI) a global provider of drug development and manufacturing services to the international pharmaceutical industry announced today that it has signed two 5-year manufacturing agreements with Sanofi-Aventis.
  read more >>
  
  
• Investor calls for Genzyme divestments
  Should Genzyme pare away at its business? That's what a key investor is saying. Ralph Whitworth, chief of Relational Investors and Genzyme-director-in-waiting, told Bloomberg that he thinks the company's renal business should be sold off.
  read more >>
  
  
• RPT-DEALTALK-Novartis may nudge up bid for rest of Alcon
  Novartis (NOVN.VX) will likely nudge up its lowball bid to minority shareholders in eyecare group Alcon (ACL.N) to push a deal through cleanly, even though it appears to hold all the trump cards.
  read more >>
  
  
• Pharmaxis Ltd. acquires TOPIGEN Pharmaceuticals Inc.
  TOPIGEN Pharmaceuticals Inc., a Canadian-based clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative respiratory therapeutics announced today that it has signed an agreement to be acquired by Pharmaxis Ltd (ASX:PXS).
  read more >>
  
  
• Galapagos and Roche initiate strategic alliance in COPD
  Galapagos NV (Euronext: GLPG) announced today that it has entered into a global multi-year strategic alliance with Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) to develop potential new therapies in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
  read more >>
  
  
• Novartis to acquire Alcon
  Novartis intends to acquire the remaining 75 per cent of Alcon for $39.3bn (€27.3bn), adding to the shares it bought in April 2008 and giving the big pharma control of the ophthalmic specialist.
  read more >>
  
  
• Amcor gets US approval for Alcan takeover
  The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has given partial approval for Amcor’s takeover of Alcan after announcing it would now limit its review to Alcan’s Medical Flexible operations.
  read more >>
  
  
• DMV-Fonterra builds pharma lactose biz with Domo deal
  Ownership of FrieslandCampina Domo’s pharmaceutical lactose business will be transferred to DMV-Fonterra Excipients, the 50/50 JV set up by Domo owner Royal FrieslandCampina and partner Fonterra.
  read more >>
  
  
• Luitpold buys PharmaForce for generic injectables
  Daiichi-Sankyo subsidiary Luitpold Pharmaceuticals has acquired PharmaForce, giving it a 40,000 sq ft cGMP compliant sterile manufacturing facility and a 20,000 sq ft API production plant.
  read more >>