AstraZeneca to Cut 1600 Positions in R&D Reorganization
AstraZeneca announced that it will consolidate its R&D capabilities into three centers located in Cambridge, UK; Gaithersburg, MD in the US; and Sweden. The reorganization will result in a net loss of 1600 positions, mainly in the UK and the US.

INTERPOL and Pharma Collaborate to Fight Counterfeiting
INTERPOL and 29 of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies have joined forces in an initiative to battle counterfeit drugs.

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More than 900 Biologics in Development
America’s biopharmaceutical companies are using biological processes to develop 907 medicines and vaccines targeting more than 100 diseases, according to a new report.

CDER Runs into Trouble with Generic Drug Reorg Plan
After less than a year on the job, the head of FDA’s Office of Generic Drugs (OGD) has announced his departure, a sign that all is not well with plans for major organizational changes at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

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• Ajinomoto has agreed to acquire the CDMO Althea Technologies for approximately $175 million.
• Catalent Pharma Solutions has announced two joint ventures in China for its Softgel Technologies and Clinical Supply Solutions businesses.
• Galapagos and Roche have agreed to end their alliance in fibrosis.
• Phenomenex has launched a redesigned website, featuring industry-specific gateways function as complete digital consultants, helping users find answers by providing customized content and newsletters along with product selection and method development tools.
• The Parenteral Drug Association (PDA) announced that three high-level regulators from the US and Europe will speak at the 2013 PDA/FDA Process Validation Workshop, May 20–21, 2013, at the Hyatt Regency in Bethesda, Maryland.
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