1) MassBio: biotech R&D jobs grew fastest in Mass Mass High Tech – 09/13/2012

Biotech research and development jobs grew faster last year in Massachusetts than in any other state, according to an annual report released today by the Massachusetts Biotechnology Council. The 2012 MassBio Industry Snapshot shows that the state’s biopharma industry employment reached an all-time high in 2011, continuing the industry’s eight year pattern of growth, and now accounts for more than $6 billion in payroll. Link

Check out our Industry Snapshot highlights here, or the full report here.

2) FDA approves new multiple sclerosis treatment Aubagio CBS News – 09/13/2012

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new medication for the treatment relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis on Thursday. Aubagio (teriflunomide) is a once-a-day tablet made by Genzyme, a subsidiary of Sanofi Aventis, that is intended for the treatment of adults with the disease. Link

3) Abiomed gets FDA OK for Impella device Mass High Tech – 09/11/2012

Abiomed Inc. received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for a new catheter-based Impella device that provides four liters of blood per minute. The 510 (k) clearance by the FDA allows for the Impella CP to have the same indications for use as the Impella 2.5. Cambridge-based Abiomed plans to have a controlled launch with top cardiac hospitals in the U.S., with full commercial availability by the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013, the company said Monday. Link

4) FDA endorses Pfizer Inc. drug for treating atypical blood cancer TheMarketsAreOpen.com  – 09/10/2012

FDA has declared their endorsement of a new Pfizer Inc.(NYSE:PFE) drug as an authentic antidote for treatment of rare group of blood cancer as they have certified this medicine effective for treatment of a rare group of bone marrow and blood cancer disease. The name of the drug is Bosulif. Link

5) Pfizer Is Headed Higher On Impressive Pipeline Seeking Alpha – 09/12/2012

Pfizer is at a transformational point in its history. The company, which is the largest drug manufacturer in the world, is now splitting up and downsizing. In April, it sold off its profitable infant formula business to Nestle for $11.9 billion. On Aug. 13, it announced that it had filed to sell a 20% stake in Zoetis, its animal health care unit. Zoetis is estimated to have a value of as much as $15 billion, and its IPO is scheduled for the early part of next year. Link