Otsuka's purchase of Neurovance is part of a larger strategy to replace revenues lost to patent expiration of Abilify. Meanwhile, its Japanese counterpart Takeda is overhauling its R&D engine with help from contract manufacturer Bushu.

The 2014 Heart Rhythm Society Scientific Sessions ended May 10 in San Francisco with a big study from Boston Scientific on the benefits of implantable cardioverter defibrillator remote monitoring, and data on a smartphone-enabled electrocardiogram and the use of a spinal stimulator for heart failure patients. Earlier in the meeting, data were reported on the success of pacemaker remote monitoring and other studies.

The British pharma opens new innovation centers in San Diego and Cambridge, Mass., to connect with those academic, business and venture investment communities. Also, Roche and Biogen Idec make moves in neurodegenerative disease, Retrophin makes two deals for different forms of the same drug, and GSK makes the latest alliance in the cancer immunology arena.

A startup called Crealta Pharmaceuticals will acquire most of Savient’s assets, including the marketed gout drug Krystexxa, for $120.4 million following a bankruptcy court auction.