He runs Schering-Plough, you know, and he took it on the chin in a recent investor note by Prudential Equity’s Tim Anderson for not buying Kos Pharmaceuticals (Abbott Labs scooped them up) and not doing enough, in general, to make a big splash to bolster the pipeline.

Trial balloons about acquiring Bristol-Myers Squibb don’t count, by the way.

So today, the drugmaker announces a deal with a privately held firm, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, to develop fungus meds. The deal could be worth $575 million, according to Anacor’s press release.

Schering-Plough’s statement actually didn’t say anything about the amount of money involved. But it was headlined as being “the latest in a series of deals.” And seven others, going back to last March, were then listed.

Apparently, Fred wants to make sure Wall Street is aware he isn’t sitting around Kenilworth, N.J., doing nothing. If that’s the case, at least tell us how much these companies might get paid.

[tags]Anacor, Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough[/tags]