Today's Globe: osteoporosis trial, Indian generics, BPA debate, life science workers, cystic fibrosis drug, Patrick Rooney

Amgen's experimental bone drug reduced the risk of spinal fractures in women with osteoporosis by 68 percent in a pivotal clinical trial, a robust result that raises the probability the drug can help restore the luster of the embattled biotechnology company.

The government closed US borders yesterday to more than 30 generic drugs - including popular antibiotics and cholesterol medicines - made by India's biggest pharmaceutical company, citing poor quality in two of its factories.

At a scientific hearing, the Food and Drug Administration defended its assessment that bisphenol A - or BPA - is safe, even as the first major study of health effects in people linked it with possible risks for heart disease and diabetes. The chemical is found in plastic baby bottles, metal cans, and other food packaging,

The University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute released its final version of a $250,000 study on how the state could help life sciences companies find qualified employees (second item).

Gilead Sciences Inc. failed to win Food and Drug Administration approval for its inhaled antibiotic for patients with cystic fibrosis (sixt item).

Insurance executive J. Patrick Rooney, who pioneered the marketing of medical savings accounts and briefly ran for governor of Indiana, has died, his attorney, John Sullivan, said Monday. He was 80.