Medtronic layoffs, cancer FDA approvals (Weekend Rounds)
Among the life science current events from last week: 2011 Medtronic layoffs, ViewRay FDA approval, Medtronic will try to divest Physio-Control, Pozen's new recruit from Biogen Idec, and a top GSK executive goes on video to talk about the company's future plans.

Biotech Calendars: 2011 FDA Drug Approvals
BOSTON (TheStreet) -- I've updated the 2011 FDA drug approval calendar. For easy reference, I've organized this regulatory calendar in chronological order based on the drug approval decision date. I've also included information on pending FDA advisory panels. At the end of the calendar is a list of companies with potential regulatory milestones in 2011 based on expected but not yet completed ...

FDA Approves New Drug To Treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved roflumilast, a pill taken daily to decrease the frequency of flare-ups (exacerbations) or worsening of symptoms from severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a serious lung disease that makes breathing difficult. Symptoms can include breathlessness, chronic cough, and excessive phlegm. An exacerbation can last up to several weeks ...