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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Biotech company Genzyme still is saying “no thanks” to French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis’ tender offer of $18.5 billion, or $69 per share, to acquire it, saying the offer “substantially undervalues” the company.

The offer has been extended until Jan. 11, Genzyme said.

Sanofi has sought to buy Genzyme since August. Genzyme, based in Cambridge, Mass., specializes in treatments for rare genetic disorders, such as Fabry disease and Gaucher disease.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A drug made by Amgen was able to delay certain bone problems in patients with advanced breast cancer better than a competing drug, according to study results presented at the 33rd annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.

Amgen said Xgeva (denosumab) was able to delay weakness and fracturing resulting from the cancer spreading to the bones five months longer than Novartis’ Zometa (zoledronic acid).

The Food and Drug Administration approved Xgeva on Nov. 18.

SAN DIEGO — A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee has recommended approval for an investigational diet pill.

Orexigen Therapeutics and Takeda Pharmaceutical announced Tuesday that the FDA Endocrinologic and Metabolic Drugs Advisory Committee voted 13-7 that clinical trial data demonstrated that the benefits of the drug Contrave (naltrexone and bupropion) outweighed its risk and supported approval. The committee also voted 11-8 to recommend a study to examine Contrave’s effect on risk for cardiac disease.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson made its courtship with Dutch biotech company Crucell official by acquiring all of the company for $2.3 billion, the two companies said Wednesday.

In a deal that won the full support of Crucell’s management, J&J will pay $32.74 per share for the remainder of Crucell that it doesn’t already own; J&J indirectly controls around 18% of Crucell’s stock through a Dutch affiliate, while Delta Lloyd Asset Management, Robeco and the Van Herk Group control around 15.5%, according to published reports.

BURLINGTON, Mass. — Chemotherapy drugs made by Johnson & Johnson and Merck will become the standard second-line treatment for ovarian cancer within the decade, replacing a treatment made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and generic versions, according to a new report by market research firm Decision Resources.

NEW YORK — The power of a professionally driven social networking and information platform is now within reach of pharmacists and pharmacy students. And students are taking a lead role in its development and growth.


The new network is called Pharmacist Society. It was conceived and developed as a Web-based networking, information and practice tool by pharmacist Ted Search, president of Skipta — a provider of networking technology for health professionals — and by pharmacy students and educators.


Supplier News — Fera Pharmaceuticals has recently launched two new topical ointments. The New York-based company has developed Ilotycin (erythromycin) and Garamycin (gentamicin) ophthalmic ointments, both for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye. “Our goal is simple: to keep more quality healthcare choices alive for the people who need them,” company co-founder Frank DellaFera said.


PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has accepted for review a supplemental approval application for an arthritis drug made by Bristol-Myers Squibb, the drug maker said Monday.

Bristol is seeking approval for Orencia (abatacept) injected into the skin as a treatment for adults with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis. The drug already is approved for intravenous injection.