Pharma Roundup: Novartis Pipeline, AstraZeneca Layoffs, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Robust pipeline at Novartis -- During a meeting with investors, the drug maker revealed that it currently has 139 products in clinical development. Novartis also discussed three products it hopes will help it survive patent expiry on Diovan, a blockbuster worth billions. [Source: PharmaTimes]

AstraZeneca cuts 1,300 jobs -- The layoffs occur across Europe, with workers in Spain, Belgium, and Sweden affected. They will take effect by 2013. [Source: WSJ Health Blog]

Merck promotes self as altruistic -- Full-page newspaper ads emphasize the company's supposed commitment to helping patients afford medicine, at a time when the American government and people are quick to demonize Big Pharma. [Source: CNBC]

Lessons from Detroit's problems -- Sure, pharmaceutical companies are faring better than U.S. automakers right now, but as the In Vivo blog points out, there are timely lessons to be glimpsed in the ashes of the car industry, especially since pharma companies have made--or are making--many of the same broad mistakes. [Source: In Vivo blog]