We have to make a presentation shortly to some folks interested in the Pharmalot way of doing things. No, we are not paid for such engagements. And we are equal opportunity informers - we talk about what we do to all manner of interested groups. So until we return, we thought it may be helpful to offer a few tidbits that we came across before heading out. See you shortly…

Pfizer will restart TV advertising for its Chantix anti-smoking drug on Sunday, nine months after voluntarily putting the campaign on hold as worries about a link between the medicine and suicidal thoughts and actions grew, Forbes points out. Look for slightly longer, 90-second spots featuring the familiar hare and tortoise - and 41 seconds of side-effect info.

Novartis is opening a new facility devoted to vaccine research in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and hiring an additional 150 people by the end of next year, boosting its employment in town to more than 1,800 workers. Researchers in the new center will study vaccines for widespread viruses, including HIV, flu, cytomegalovirus, and respiratory syntical virus, Xconomy.com reports.

King Pharmaceuticals launched its hostile, $1.6 billion bid for Alpharma, a day after Alpharma urged its shareholders to ignore the offer and maintaining “expressions of interest” were received from some unnamed companies (see statement). Cowen analyst Ian Sanderson writes in an investor note that he believes Alpharma is targeting a $38 to $42 price range, which could be obtained by negotiating with King. Look for an auction and maybe $40 from King, he adds.