Editor's Note: BioWorld has always kept a watchful eye on big pharma developments as they relate to the biotech space. Now we're making it easier for readers by separating pharma business and clinical news into these columns of brief news.

• APP Pharmaceuticals Inc., of Schaumburg, Ill, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fresenius Kabi Pharmaceuticals Holding Inc., said it received FDA approval to market preservative-free methotrexate injection. The company already manufactures methotrexate injection with preservative and has been collaborating with the FDA to expedite approval of a preservative-free version to address the nationwide shortage. (See BioWorld Today, Feb. 22, 2012.)

• Shire plc, of Dublin, Ireland, said the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use approved the production of Vpriv (velaglucerase alfa) in the firm's new manufacturing facility in Lexington, Mass. The European Commission's decision is expected shortly. Vpriv is an enzyme replacement therapy marketed for Gaucher disease.