BioPharm International Editors

The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) announced the companies confirmed to present at the 2013 BIO International Convention.

Ajinomoto Co. Inc. reported the completion of a previously announced acquisition of Althea Technologies.

At Pittcon 2013, Bruker introduced a range of instruments and software updates including two LC-triple quadrupole (LC-TQ) mass spectrometers.

Metrohm and FOSS have entered into a strategic alliance in which Metrohm will become the sole global distributor of FOSS NIR instruments for the pharmaceutical sector.

The 2013 Excipient Information Package (EIP) User Guide is now available for free download from the International Pharmaceutical Excipients Council (IPEC)-Americas.

The Excellence Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer DMA 1, introduced by Mettler Toledo offers six different deformation modes to gauge materials performance.

Rigaku Raman Technologies announced an updated version of the FirstGuard handheld Raman analyzer at Pittcon 2013.

Shimadzu Scientific Instruments introduced several new products at Pittcon 2013.

At Pittcon 2013, Water Corp. announced improvement to chromatography systems and software.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. launched new software, instruments, consumables, and services for analytical applications at Pittcon 2013.

Scientists and instrument manufacturers gather in Philadelphia for Pittcon 2013.

Archie Cullen has been named the new president of BioReliance, SAFC's biologics and early development services business.

INTERPHEX 2013 to be held April 23–25, 2013, at the Javits Center in New York will highlight pharmaceutical regulation QA/QC, product development, facility, process design, manufacturing, packaging, and supply chain programs.

The HHS has awarded a $44 million contract for the development of Nitazoxanide to treat influenza in adults and teens.

The Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences Foundation, dedicated to celebrating scientists and generating excitement about the pursuit of science as a career announced the initial recipients of the foundation?s awards.

Scripps Research Institute Team Shows How DNA Sequences Long Considered ?Junk? Are Involved in Gene Regulation

Merck and Samsung Bioepis have formed an agreement to develop and commercialize multiple prespecified and undisclosed biosimilar candidates.

Biopharmaceuticals-the major source of new medicines and a key knowledge industry for the future-faces another rough year from empowered payers as it makes its slow passage to a renewed product base. This is the main finding from Pharmaceutical Executive magazine's annual survey of trends and issues facing the biopharma world in the year ahead.

Mylan has entered into a definitive agreement with Biocon Limited for an exclusive collaboration on the development and commercialization of generic versions of three insulin analog products.

The biopharmaceutical company lycera has announced a collaboration agreement with Merck, Sharpe & Dohme (MSD) that will focus on developing and commercializing small-molecule therapies for treating a range of autoimmune diseases.

Biogen Idec has agreed to acquire full Tysabri rights from Elan, and will use its existing cash reserves to make a payment of $3.25 billion to Elan upon the closing of the transaction and make future contingent payments to Elan.

The European Commission claims that Johnson & Johnson and Novartis may have breached European antitrust rules.

Pfizer has reported financial results for fourth-quarter and full-year 2012. Fourth-quarter 2012 revenues were $15.1 billion, a decrease of 7% compared with $16.1 billion in the year-ago quarter, which reflects an operational decline of $802 million, or 5%, and the unfavorable impact of foreign exchange of $271 million, or 2%.

Following its recent acquisition, Actavis (formerly Watson Pharmaceuticals) unveiled its long-term growth strategy during its investor meeting in New York.

FDA has approved Protein Sciences's FluBlok, a seasonal influenza vaccine made with novel technology. FluBlok uses recombinant DNA and a modified baculovirus (a virus that infects insects) to produce a safe and effective human flu vaccine. FDA approved FluBlok for people 18–49 years old.

The PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative and Inovio Pharmaceuticals have announced a follow-on collaboration to advance the development of malaria vaccines and new vaccine delivery technologies.

The management board of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has endorsed the agency?s work programme and budget for 2013, which includes a budget of EUR231.6 million, a slight increase over 2012.

GlaxoSmithKline has formed a partnership with Vodafone to use mobile technology to help vaccinate more children against common infectious diseases in Africa.

Vivalis and Intercell have agreed to the terms of a merger to create a new European biotechnology company called Valneva that will specialise in vaccines and antibodies.

The Court of Justice of the European Union has dismissed an appeal by AstraZeneca concerning a 2005 decision that found the company guilty of abusing its dominant position in the marketplace.