Pharma Roundup: Wyeth Slimming Distribution Network, Pfizer Suppressed Study, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Wyeth eliminates East Coast distributor -- Next year, Wyeth will shut down a distribution center in Virginia, a move which will terminate 61 jobs and consolidate its east coast distribution network into one Tennessee-based facility. The Virginia operation once shipped 30% of Wyeth's U.S. sales. [Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch, via Pharmalot]
Pfizer suppressed study -- When clinical results on epilepsy drug Neurontin brought back less-than-satisfactory results, Pfizer marketing employees plotted to minimize the data's exposure. One internal email from 2002 said, "We are not interested at all in having this paper published because it is negative!!" Neurontin was developed by Warner-Lambert; when Pfizer took over the company they promised an end to improper marketing tactics. [Source: WSJ Health Blog]
Entrepreneur urges rescue of U.K. biotech industry -- Sir Chris Evans, a leading entrepreneur in British biotech, warned that, without government intervention, his country's place in the global industry (currently second, after the U.S.) will probably slip. He suggested billions of pounds in aid are necessary to save the sector. [Source: WalesOnline, via FierceBiotech]
Pharma companies now contributing to McCain -- In a trend reversal, pharma PACs are now increasing their donations more quickly to McCain than they are to Obama. [Source: Pharma Marketing]