The news summaries appearing in BIO SmartBrief are based on original information from news organizations and are produced by SmartBrief, Inc., an independent e-mail newsletter publisher. The information is not compiled or summarized by BIO. Questions and comments should be directed to SmartBrief at bio@smartbrief.com.

Today's Top Story

• Merck is shopping for biotech deals, CEO says
  Merck & Co. is "actively looking" to partner with or acquire biotech companies valued at "single-digit" billions of dollars, although a takeover similar to its purchase of Schering-Plough is "off the table right now," CEO Richard Clark said. The drugmaker will first review the Merck-Schering pipeline before deciding on therapeutic areas in which to expand, Clark said. The Wall Street Journal (11/5)

Health Care & Policy

• FDA program to curb medication errors
  The FDA plans to better prevent errors in dosing and dispensing of pharmaceuticals through the Safe Use program. As part of the program, the agency released guidance on dosage for makers of over-the-counter drugs that come with droppers or other dosing devices. The Washington Post (11/4) , CNN (11/4)

• Zebrafish may offer clues to organ regeneration
  U.S. scientists studying zebrafish have discovered a cellular mechanism that seems to activate genes critical to organ regeneration. They also identified a biological catalyst protein, an enzyme that appears to play a role in the regeneration process. Telegraph (London) (11/4)

Company & Financial News

• 3 restraining orders placed on ZymoGenetics regarding Recothrom
  A federal court in Tennessee granted three temporary restraining orders against ZymoGenetics, preventing it from marketing Recothrom, a drug used to control hemorrhage. The orders came after King Pharmaceuticals and three other firms filed a lawsuit accusing ZymoGenetics of unfair competition and false advertising, among other claims. In a regulatory filing, the biotech firm denied wrongdoing and said it plans to "vigorously defend" itself against the allegations. American City Business Journals/Seattle (11/4)

• Anemia drug Hematide shows promise in study
  Anemia drug Hematide eliminated the need for patients with pure red-cell aplasia to undergo blood transfusions and significantly reduced levels of antierythropoietin antibodies in a clinical trial. Study authors said it is too early to affirm Hematide as a superior anemia treatment, although it may offer benefits to patients who don't respond to Procrit. U.S. News & World Report/HealthDay News (11/4)

• FDA expedites review of Shire's Gaucher disease drug
  The FDA gave Shire's velaglucerase alfa priority-review status as a treatment for Gaucher disease and a potential alternative to Genzyme's Cerezyme, which is in limited supply. The agency is expected to hand down its approval decision by Feb 28. The Boston Globe/The Associated Press (11/4) , Boston Herald (11/4)

• FDA grants orphan-drug status to GenVec's TNFerade
  GenVec received orphan-drug designation from the FDA for pancreatic cancer drug TNFerade. "The designation will strengthen the TNFerade program at GenVec by offering potential clinical development and commercialization benefits," CEO Paul Fischer said. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (11/4)

Industry Deals

• GSK, Pfizer unveil HIV drug firm ViiV Healthcare
  GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer launched ViiV Healthcare, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on HIV drugs. The firm has 17 products in its portfolio, including Pfizer's Selzentry and GSK's Kivexa, and intends to launch 10 treatments. PharmaTimes (U.K.) (11/4)

Featured Content

Food & Agriculture

• Monsanto unveils biotech research facility in China
  Biotech seed developer Monsanto announced the launch of its Biotechnology Research Center in Beijing that will spur partnerships between the company and Chinese scientists. "The establishment of the center will give Chinese researchers access to our global research network and to our industry-leading product development pipeline," said Steve Padgette, the company's vice president of biotechnology. St. Louis Post-Dispatch (11/5) , San Francisco Chronicle/The Associated Press (11/4)

Industrial & Environmental

• "Revenue-raiser" in health reform bill impacts biofuel sector
  A provision in the health care reform bill that would limit the tax credits given to biofuel companies would bring the government an additional $24 billion in revenue over 10 years, writes David M. Herszenhorn in this blog post. The provision is an example of how lawmakers meet the challenge of raising money without resorting to tax hikes, Herszenhorn adds. The New York Times/Prescriptions blog (11/4)

News from BIO

• Grant-funding opportunities
  In this tough funding climate, biotech companies must be even more diligent at looking for new sources of capital. BIO has partnered with FreeMind Group, a firm specializing in raising funds from government agencies through grants and contracts. In 2008, FreeMind Group assisted companies in winning over $300 million in grants and contracts for its clients, including small, midsize and large life sciences companies. As a BIO member, your company can take advantage of FreeMind's grant identification and application assistance at a discounted rate of 20% off upfront fees. Learn more.

SmartQuote

There is no such thing as a great talent without great willpower." --Honoré de Balzac, French novelist