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WESTON, Mass. and ZURICH — In a deal that will bolster its drug development capabilities, Biogen Idec has acquired a subsidiary of Swiss-based Neurimmune Holding AG.

Among other assets, the agreement gives Biogen the worldwide rights to three preclinical immunotherapy programs. The three programs are focused on the discovery and development of novel human antibodies that address three central nervous system targets: alpha-synuclein, tau and TDP-43.

INDIANAPOLIS — One month after announcing it would acquire a leader in molecular imaging development, Eli Lilly announced it has completed its acquisition of Avid Radiopharmaceuticals.

LONDON — An Anglo-Swedish drug maker said it is discontinuing further development of a drug that is designed to prevent a respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages.

AstraZeneca has requested the withdrawal of its pending biological license application for motavizumab from the Food and Drug Administration. Motavizumab is an investigational monoclonal antibody that could prevent serious respiratory syncytial virus disease.

AstraZeneca said it will incur a financial impairment charge of $445 million in fourth quarter 2010.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — Abbott has made a pact with a biopharmaceutical company to develop new cancer treatments by making small-molecule inhibitors.

Under the terms of the agreement, Abbott will provide EpiTherapeutics with an up-front payment and will receive funding of research activities conducted at EpiTherapeutics. The biopharmaceutical company also is eligible, under certain conditions, to receive milestone payments as well as potential royalties on future revenues.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — Manchester College has received a $35 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to launch a new school of pharmacy.

Manchester College, a college of 1,278 students affiliated with the Church of the Brethren and based in North Manchester, Ind., said the grant would allow it to develop its first doctoral program on a campus in the nearby city of Fort Wayne, Ind. The Lilly Endowment was founded in 1937 with stock in Indianapolis-based drug maker Eli Lilly.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — Valeant Pharmaceuticals' former SVP and corporate controller has been appointed to the role of interim CFO.

Philip Loberg immediately replaces the drug maker's current CFO, Peggy Mulligan. The company has initiated a search to identify a permanent replacement.

WILMINGTON, Del. — The Food and Drug Administration has turned down AstraZeneca’s regulatory approval application for a drug to treat heart disease, the drug maker said.

The agency sent AstraZeneca a complete response letter requesting additional analyses of data from a clinical study of Brilinta (ticagrelor), but did not request additional studies. The drug is designed to treat acute coronary syndromes.

A complete response letter means that the FDA has completed its review of a drug application, but issues remain that preclude final approval.

FRAZER, Pa. — Frank Baldino, the founder, chairman and CEO of Cephalon, has died, the company said.

Cephalon announced that Baldino, 57, had died Thursday evening while on medical leave, calling him a pioneer in the biotechnology industry and an inspirational leader who would be “sorely missed.” Baldino, who received his doctorate in pharmacology from Temple University, founded the company in 1987 after several years at E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.