Pharma Roundup: Lilly and Prasugrel, Roche and Genentech, and More

Prasugrel's FDA approval looks closer -- Prasugrel, the blood thinner on which Lilly is pinning so much hope, got a boost in a newly-published FDA document stating that "the Division recommends approval of prasugrel." The briefing is meant to sway the outside committee that will convene next week to advise the FDA on the drug. [Source: WSJ Health Blog]

Roche lowers Genentech bid, but Genentech might be worth more in spring -- Genentech is not pleased by Roche's reduced buyout offer; BNET's Jim Edwards has the story. Meanwhile, some analysts say Roche's move is foolish, since many expect Genentech to announce good experimental results on cancer drug Avastin, results which could raise the company's worth. [Source: Pharma's Market]

Deerfield buys NitroMed -- A smallish saga on the biotech front has ended, with NitroMed rejecting Archemix (whose buyout looked like a done deal before Deerfield walked onto the scene) for Deerfield Management, the company which already owns 12%. [Source: FierceBiotech]

U.K. flu deal for Glaxo and Roche -- GSK will provide 10.6 million doses of flu treatment to the government of the United Kingdom; Roche will provide 7.6 million. The deal will give the U.K. a drug stockpile to treat half of its population. The financial terms of the contract have not been disclosed. [Source: Reuters, via Corey Nahman]