HONG KONG — A new gene conferring resistance to polymyxins, the last antibiotic defense against resistant microorganisms, has been found to be widespread in Enterobacteriaceae from pigs and patients in southern China, raising fears of emergence of strains of gram-negative bacteria with resistance to all currently available antibiotics. Read More

NEW DELHI – There has been mixed reaction – by and large welcoming – among India's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry to a proposal by the Indian government to simplify corporate tax laws and end a "sunset" clause for companies that receive tax benefits as part of setting up in special economic zones (SEZ). Read More

SHANGHAI – Glaxosmithkline plc has had a rough couple of years in China. But the big pharma is seeking now to emerge from the dust of a scandal that forced it to pay a $3 billion fine for giving bribes to boost drug sales and led to suspended prison sentences for five executives and the embarrassing deportation of GSK's China general manager. Read More

Chugai Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., of Tokyo, said that Chugai Pharma Marketing Ltd., its wholly owned subsidiary in London, has changed its corporate name to Chugai Pharma Europe Ltd. The name change is part of Chugai's reorganization to accelerate its overseas operation, announced on June 25. Read More

HONG KONG – South Korea's Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning has big plans for the biotech and med-tech industries, with plans to invest tens of millions of dollars into 10 companies. The aim of the ministry's plan is to provide a strong springboard to spur sector growth in South Korea. It would include investments of 80 million won (US$68.3 million) for the next three years. Read More