Intercell won’t comment on market rumours of a possible takeover bid by Novartis in coming days, following a research alliance announced earlier this week by the Austrian vaccine maker and the big drugmaker. A Novartis spokesman also declined to comment to Thomson Financial. The $363 million deal gives Novartis access to more than 10 Intercell projects in pre-clinical and early-stage development and dealers say they were hearing talk of an offer to be made in the coming days.

Glaxo may be interested in buying a stake in Veropharm, a Russian drugmaker. Neither company would confirm any talks, but unofficial sources report that Troyka Dialog is advising the parties on the acquisition, The Polish Market reports. Glaxo may be interested Veropharm to increase its market share and gain access to state social programs that offer preferences to local producers.