Monday 27 February 2012

Lantheus ties up with Double-Crane for distribution & supply of Definity in China

Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc., a global leader in developing, manufacturing and distributing innovative diagnostic imaging agents, entered into a strategic distribution arrangement with Beijing Double-Crane Pharmaceutical Co., LTD. (Double-Crane), a leading pharmaceutical company, for Definity Vial for (Perflutren Lipid Microsphere) Injectable Suspension in the People’s Republic of China, including Hong Kong S.A.R. and Macau S.A.R.

USPTO grants patent titled 'method of therapeutic administration of DHE' to MAP Pharma

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued to the MAP Pharmaceuticals' US Patent No. 8,119,639, titled "Method of Therapeutic Administration of DHE to Enable Rapid Relief of Migraine while Minimizing Side Effect Profile."  

Vasan Eye Care Hospital performs first permanent eye colour change surgery in India

Vasan Eye Care Hospital, Trichy, the world's largest eye care provider has successfully performed India’s first permanent eye colour change surgery on a young lady of 25 years from New Zealand who wanted her brown eyes changed to her favourite olive green colour.

This surgery was performed by Dr Shibu Varkey and his team at the hospital. With the use of new and high tech surgical procedure the surgeons at Vasan Eye Care implanted artificial Iris in the young lady's eyes according to her colour preference.

Elder Pharma & Combe launch Vagisil range of feminine personal hygiene products in India

Elder Pharmaceuticals Ltd, one of the fastest growing pharmaceutical companies in the country, in association with New York based Combe Inc., a global brand leader in feminine care, has launched the Vagisil range of feminine personal hygiene products today in India.

Vagisil has been a world leader in feminine care for over four decades and is the most trusted and well accepted brand in over 40 countries across the globe. Combe Inc., and Elder Pharma are introducing three key solutions to help Indian women with their feminine needs: Vagisil Anti-Itch Creme, Vagisil Intimate Feminine Wash and Vagisil Intimate Feminine Lubricant.

TOP 25 PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS DRUGS IN INDIA


Glenmark recalls select lot of oral contraceptive in US

Glenmark Pharmaceuticals today said it has issued a voluntary nationwide recall in the US for seven lots of its oral contraceptive Norgestimate and Ethinyl Estradiol tablets due to a packaging error.

The recall is issued by the company's US arm Glenmark Generics Inc for tablets in strengths of 0.18 mg/0.035 mg, 0.215 mg/0.035 mg, 0.25 mg/0.035 mg.

"The recall is being implemented because of a packaging error, where select blisters were rotated 180 degrees within the card, reversing the weekly tablet orientation and making the lot number and expiry date visible only on the outer pouch," it added.

Saturday 25 February 2012

BioSante Pharmaceuticals Announces FDA Approval for Bio-T-Gel

Company: BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc.
Date of Approval: February 14, 2012
Treatment for: Hypogonadism -- Male
Bio-T-Gel (testosterone) is a once-daily transdermal testosterone gel for the treatment of male hypogonadism or low testosterone levels.

FDA Approves Korlym for Patients with Endogenous Cushing's Syndrome

Company: Corcept Therapeutics
Date of Approval: February 17, 2012
Treatment for: Cushing's Syndrome
Korlym (mifepristone) is a cortisol receptor blocker indicated to control hyperglycemia secondary to hypercortisolism in adult patients with endogenous Cushing's syndrome who have type 2 diabetes mellitus or glucose intolerance.

Total Unaudited and Audited Global Pharmaceutical Market By Region



Top 20 Global Therapeutic Classes, 2010, Total Audited Markets, IMS data

Top 20 Global Products, 2010, Total Audited Markets, IMS data


Sun Pharma to export generic version of cancer medicine Lipidox to US

The US drug regulator said it will import generic version of the cancer drug Lipidox from Sun Pharma to meet a supply shortage. A generic drug has to get clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration to be sold in the US market, but in this rare case, the drug regulator agreed to import because of an acute shortage of the approved drug.

Analysts said the decision opens up opportunities for Indian drug generic makers. There are close to 287 essential drugs that are in short supply in the US.

Indian pharma firm 'Panacea Biotec' launches drug against polio in Nigeria

A leading Indian pharmaceutical company has launched a polio vaccine, POLPROTEC in Nigeria to help combat the spread of polio in Africa's top oil producer.

To make the vaccine easily available, Panacea Biotec is partnering Emzor pharma which has a strong footprint across Nigeria. The country is still facing the challenge of polio virus. 

During the launch, Panacea and Emzor made a public declaration of a Joint Polio-Free Mission "To contribute towards achieving the goal of global polio eradication and to ensure that no child will ever again be paralyzed by WPV or Vaccine-Derived Polio Virus (VDPV)."

Wednesday 22 February 2012

Cadila Pharma signs pact with Bactiguard to sell products for prevention of hospital acquired infection

Ahmedabad-based Cadila Pharmaceuticals has entered into an agreement with company Bactiguard to sell the Swedish drug firm's products in India. The products are aimed at prevention of hospital acquired infections.

Bactiguard provides solutions preventing hospital acquired infections, which are the fourth largest cause of death in the western world. The company has the technology to use thin noble metal coating that has antimicrobial and biocompatible properties that can be used on all sorts of medical devices. The company's product can reduce health cost for the governments and lower the use of antibiotics and save lives.

Jubilant Biosys inks drug discovery pact with Mnemosyne Pharma

Jubilant Biosys has entered into drug discovery collaboration with Mnemosyne Pharmaceutical Inc to develop molecules for treating mental disorders resulting from diseases of the nervous system.

The alliance shall initially span a period of two years and may be extended on mutual consent across other therapeutic programs as well.

Amrita Centre for Nanosciences unveils drug for neuro tumours

The Amrita Centre for Nanosciences unveiled what is said to be a wonder drug to treat neuro-endocrine tumours.
The drug, Nanophotomedicine, was launched at a three-day conference organised by the Amrita Centre for Nanosciences.

According to Koyakutty, the nanomedicine for neuro-endocrine tumours can eliminate tumour cells much more efficiently than the available therapies.

US to import cancer drug,Lipodox, from India

The United States said it will import cancer drug manufactured in India to overcome the acute shortage of the medicine used in treatment of ovarian, bone marrow and AIDS-related skin cancer.

Exercising its enforcement discretion, the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) said the chemotherapeutic drug Lipodox will be imported as an alternative to Doxil.

Monday 20 February 2012

Marico buys Paras personal care brands from Reckitt Benckiser

Marico has bought the personal care business of Paras Pharmaceuticals from UK consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser, edging out Emami.
But two industry officials familiar with the negotiations said the maker of parachute hair oil has paid Rs 600-650 crore for the privately-held Paras Pharma's personal care brands such as Zatak deodorant, Set Wet hair gel and Livon hair serum.

Par Pharmaceutical Completes Acquisition of Edict Pharmaceuticals

Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc. (NYSE: PRX) announced  that it has completed the acquisition of privately-held Edict Pharmaceuticals Private Limited, an India-based developer and manufacturer of generic pharmaceuticals.

Sunday 19 February 2012

New Non-Drowsy CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R) Now Available

Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: SGP) has announced the introduction of new CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R), the first and only non-drowsy allergy medicine in an easy-to-swallow liquid-filled capsule. Now available over-the-counter, CLARITIN(R) Liqui-Gels(R) provide powerful liquid relief for the worst allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness.

Novel Drug for Chronic Management of Hyperuricemia in Gout Patients

Teijin Pharma Limited announced the European launch of TMX-67 (febuxostat), a novel drug discovered by for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with gout.

Ipsen, a global biotechnology specialty care group and the TMX-67 licensee in Europe, and its sublicensee the Menarini Group, the first Italian pharmaceutical group in the world, have began marketing the product in Europe under the brand name ADENURIC(r).

Orphan Drug Designation for the treatment of patients with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS)

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALXN) announced that Soliris(R) (eculizumab), its first-in-class complement inhibitor, has been granted Orphan Medicinal Product Designation by the European Commission for the treatment of patients with atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS).

AHUS is an ultra-rare, inherited, and life-threatening complement-inhibitor deficiency disease that often progresses to end-stage kidney disease or failure. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted orphan drug designation to Soliris for the same indication in May 2009.

FDA Grants IBsolvMIR Orphan Drug designation in the treatment of diabetes patients in the U.S.

TikoMed AB, a biotechnology company focused on treatments for immune diseases and cell therapies, announced that IBsolvMIR® has been granted orphan drug designation for the prevention of graft rejection of pancreatic islet transplantation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

IBsolvMIR is a unique new treatment which could transform islet cell transplantation into a standard treatment for severe type 1 diabetes patients with unstable diabetic conditions. TikoMed's product IBsolvMIR improves the survival of transplanted cells by inhibiting a destructive immunological reaction and through stimulation of growth factors.

Merck's once-daily, preservative-free ophthalmic medication, Zioptan gets US FDA approval

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Merck’s, Zioptan (tafluprost ophthalmic solution) 0.0015 per cent, the first preservative-free prostaglandin analog ophthalmic solution.

Zioptan (pronounced zye-OP-tan) is approved for reducing elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension. Open-angle glaucoma is the most common form of glaucoma, while ocular hypertension is a condition characterized by an increase in pressure inside the eye.

BioGaia and Nestle sign pact to extend collaboration in infant nutrition products

BioGaia, a Swedish biotechnology company and Nestlé have signed agreements to extend the collaboration in the field of infant nutrition products.

These agreements are of significant strategic value for BioGaia since they not only involve an extended close collaboration with Nestlé but also generate a greater financial freedom for BioGaia to further invest in its own brand, develop its own new products, research around new indications and increase the distribution of BioGaia-branded products.

DARA BioSciences enter pact with Uman Pharma for US commercialisation rights to gemcitabine

DARA BioSciences, Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company,  has entered into an exclusive US agreement with Candiac based Uman Pharma Inc. for commercial rights to gemcitabine, DARA's second newly licensed anticancer agent.

In 2010, gemcitabine generated branded (GEMZAR-Eli Lilly) sales of $780 million, according to IMS data. It went off patent in 2011 in the US, and a year earlier in Europe. The drug is widely prescribed as first-line therapy for ovarian, breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers.

USPTO grants patent for ARIAD Pharma's ponatinib

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has granted US Patent No. 8,114,874  to ARIAD Pharmaceuticals Inc., entitled, “Substituted Acetylenic Imidazo[1,2-B] Pyridazine Compounds as Kinase Inhibitors,” which provides composition-of-matter patent protection through at least December 22, 2026 for ARIAD’s investigational pan-BCR-ABL inhibitor, ponatinib.

NIPER to organise 3-day international conference on patient safety in Punjab from March 19

National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), SAS Nagar, Punjab is organising a three-day international conference on patient safety from March 19-21 at NIPER campus.

The conference is supported by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India.

BMCPER to hold national seminar on pharma education development in Gujarat

B M Shah College of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (BMCPER), Gujarat is organising a national seminar on 'pharmaceutical education development: need of academia and industry harmonization' on March 3, at the college auditorium. The seminar will be sponsored by Gujarat Council on Science and Technology (GUJCOST), Gandhinagar.

Alcohol-free spray introduced in India to control spread of avian influenza

The Indian Foundation for Influenza (IFI) has introduced an alcohol-free hand disinfectant spray, ‘Clinister’ developed by the scientists of Japan which offers to tackle the avian influenza.

The formulation contains sodium citrate – a food additive added to acidic electrolyzed water as the principle ingredient along with other added ingredients like trisodium citrate, dehydratecetyl pyridinium chloride and lactose.

Tetraphase receives contract worth $67 mn from BARDA for development of new antibiotic

Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, has received a contract worth up to $67 million from the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the development of TP-434, a potent new antibiotic effective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-negative pathogens and the lead product candidate in its clinical pipeline. Tetraphase will be working on this contract with New York based CUBRC, Inc.

Bayer signs agreement to buy animal health business from KMG Chemicals

Bayer HealthCare, a subgroup of Bayer AG, has signed an agreement to acquire the animal health business from Texas based KMG Chemicals Inc. for executing its strategy to strengthen animal health portfolio.

With a wide variety of innovative, time-tested and proven animal health product lines KMG offers one of the broadest insecticide product lines in the world, including the leading brand of insecticide ear tags for cattle in the United States.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Completes Acquisition of Inhibitex, Inc.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (NYSE: BMY) announced today the successful completion of the tender offer by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company ("Bristol-Myers") for all of the outstanding shares of common stock of Inhibitex, Inc. (NASDAQ: INHX) ("Inhibitex") at a purchase price of $26.00 per share. As of the expiration of the offer, 77,532,611 shares of common stock of Inhibitex were validly tendered and not withdrawn in the tender offer. As of the close of business on February 10, 2012, approximately 4,260,705 shares remained subject to guaranteed delivery procedures.

Merck Establishes Joint Venture with Supera Farma

Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside the United States and Canada, has announced the formation of a new joint venture (JV) with Supera Farma Laboratorios S.A., a Brazilian pharmaceutical company co-owned by Cristália and Eurofarma. The new JV will market, distribute and sell a portfolio of innovative pharmaceutical and branded generic products from Merck, Cristália and Eurofarma solely in the Brazilian retail sector.

Positive top-line result for UCB's Cimzia® in psoriatic arthritis

UCB intends to submit regulatory applications for Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) in psoriatic arthritis, by end of 2012. Top-line results from the RAPID-PsA™ phase 3 study evaluating the efficacy and safety of Cimzia® in patients with adult onset active psoriatic arthritis (PsA) demonstrated a clinically relevant and statistically significant improvement. Initial analyses suggest that no new safety signals were observed in this study and adverse events were consistent with those seen in other trials of certolizumab pegol.

EU and US Regulatory Update - Tykerb/Tyverb® (lapatinib)

GlaxoSmithKline has submitted regulatory applications in Europe and the US related to Tykerb/ Tyverb (lapatinib) and its use in combination with trastuzumab to treat patients with HER2 (ErbB2)-positive metastatic breast cancer.

Thursday 16 February 2012

Glenmark forays into cosmeceutical segment

Glenmark, the research-driven, global, integrated pharmaceutical company has  announced its foray into the high-end cosmeceutical segment in India with the launch of Canadian company Immanence-IDCs scientific and sophisticated anti-ageing product line in India.

A list of fixed dose combinations of drugs banned for marketing in India

Up to date there are several Fixed Dose Combinations that have been banned for marketing, distribution and manufacturing in India; Several reasons such as eports of diseases, uneficacy and side effects have lead to the removal of drug combinations from the market. Such combinations are:

A list of banned drugs for marketing in India

There are several Drugs that for different reasons have been banned for marketing, distribution and manufacturing in India; Side effects, eports of diseases, uneficacy between others, have lead to the removal of some drugs from the market. The latest drugs banned from the Indian market are:

Amidopyrine.

Some of the Internationaly banned drugs but freely available in the Indian market

Some of the banned drugs known to have serious side-effects, are readily available in the Indian market. Merck announced a worldwide withdrawal of their molecule rofecoxib, branded as Vioxx. In India however the drug was sold with impunity, and despite the litigation, warnings and media coverage of the adverse affects of the drug, it continues to be sold.

Sanofi Wins US Approval for Anti-Lice Shampoo

Drugmaker Sanofi said that it received U.S. approval for a prescription-strength shampoo to treat head lice in children six months old and up.
 
The company's anti-lice Lotion uses a parasite-killing drug called ivermectin, which has long been used in pill-form to treat various worm infestations. Sanofi said in a statement that antilice was developed to "meet the demand for an effective, convenient head lice treatment that works differently and is well-tolerated in children."

Osteoarthritis drug, Hyalgan launched in India

With the launch of Hyalgan (sodium hyaluronate), Lupin has forayed into the orthopaedic segment in India. Hyalgan is a therapy against degenerative joint disease-osteoarthritis. It is a type of intra-articular knee injection that delays the onset and progression of osteoarthritis in patients. It represents a painless, unique and qualitative therapeutic approach in the treatment of osteoarthritis available at affordable prices within the country.

Dr. Reddy's first to launch generic anaemia drug, Cresp

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has announced that the company has launched a generic anaemia drug Cresp, which is the first of its kind biosimilar Darbepoetin alfa in the world.

New drug, Cresp is indicated in treating anaemia which is associated with chemotherapy and chronic kidney disease.

Dr Reddy's launches Strea C10 in India


StreaTM C10 is a unique formulation of dermatological grade topical Vitamin C in the most potent and active form of L- Ascorbic acid at high concentration of 10% free from colouring agents, perfume and perspectives ensuring that active ingredient Vitamin C is delivered to skin in a precise, most stable and in purest form.
Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd has launched StreaTM C10, a New Age Vitamin C, in India. StreaTM C10 uses microsphere technology.

Dr Reddy's launches new age Vit, Strea A15

Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd has launched Strea A15, a pure topical Retinol 0.15%.
i.e. a New Age Vitamin A, in India. Strea A15 uses microsphere
technology.

Strea A15 is a unique formulation of Vitamin A in Retinol form, the
bio active Retiniod for modulating skin function at concentration
of 0.15% in micospheres, free from colouring agents,
perfumeand preservatives ensuring that active ingredient,
Retinol is delivered to skin in precise, most stable & in purest form.

Strea A15 comes in a pack of 28 single doses of Vegicaps in a unique rotating disc, easy to use one per day for 28 consecutive days. The product is easy to apply, absorbs easily into skin and non greasy.

Strea A15 is recommended to use as a daily skin care agent to refine the skin texture
and improves cellular regeneration. The product is ideal to complement the ongoing skin care
programme as a maintenance agent for best skin rejuvenation.
 

GE's new compact, portable ECG machine - MAC i

Since 1965, GE has introduced technology innovation which has profoundly impacted clinical guidelines and ECG standards. Through its collaboration with world-leading cardiologists, GE continues to develop ECG products to the highest standard of quality.

Novartis Recalls Excedrin and NoDoz, OTC Products.

Complaints of chipped, capped and broken pills as well as inconsistent packaging have promoted Novartis Consumer Health Inc. (NCH) to recall certain lots of its OTC products.
 
So far there have been no reports of adverse effects to patients, Novartis has also warned of possible mixing of product. Novartis have asked consumers to dispose the product or return unused bottles. They have also temporarily suspended operations in their Lincoln, Nebraska the production facility. 

Taro Pharmaceuticals' excellent Q4 performance may kill Sun Pharma buyout

Indian pharmaceutical major Sun Pharma's proposed buyout of Taro Pharmaceuticals might have been "killed" by the Israeli company's exceptional performance in the fourth quarter of 2011, a media report here said.

"The company's exceptional performance could kill an unwelcome and already tenuous buyout proposal of minority shareholders by parent company Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries of India, holder of a 67 per cent stake in the company," business daily The Marker reported today.

Sanofi signs deal with Emcure Pharmaceuticals to sell rabies vaccine

French drugmaker Sanofi said it signed an agreement with Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd to sell its rabies vaccine Verorab in India.

No financial details were provided.

Merck and Company firms up plan for emerging markets

World's second-largest drug company by sales Merck and Company, known as MSD outside the US and Canada, has firmed up a three-pronged strategy to consolidate its position in the emerging markets and emerge as first or second largest firm over the next 5-7 years from fourth now, said Kevin Ali, President, Emerging Markets.

Wyeth claims $960 mn from Sun Pharma in Protonix case

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking $960 million in damages from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries for alleged patent infringement in launching a generic version of acid reflux drug Protonix in the United States, the Indian company said.

The original patent relating to Protonix, known chemically as pantoprazole sodium, is held by Swiss drugmaker Nycomed and was licensed to Wyeth, which is now owned by Pfizer.

Strides Arcolab may fetch Rs 1250 cr from sale of domestic units


Bangalore-based Strides Arcolab has received more than ten offers for parts of its domestic generic pharmaceuticals business, the highest of which could value the units being sold at over Rs. 1250 crore, a person familiar with the sale process said on condition of anonymity.

Serum Institute of India Ltd to sell off overseas buys


Serum Institute, the over Rs. 1,000 crore privately held vaccine maker, has learned its lesson after picking up minority stakes in vaccine and pharma companies in India and abroad. It will stick to its core business, vaccines and immuno-biologicals, to emerge as a major global player in these businesses, a senior company official said.

Dr Reddy's Laboratories splits marketing division


Indian drug maker Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL) has split a key marketing division into two parts in a bid to resurrect its ailing domestic business. But analysts remain skeptical whether the move can help the company strengthen foothold in the intensely competitive domestic drug market.

Zydus Cadila acquires 100% stake Mumbai based Biochem


Drug firm Zydus Cadila today said it has acquired a 100 per cent stake in Mumbai-based Biochem for an undisclosed amount.

"Zydus Cadila has acquired a 100 per cent stake in Biochem, one of the Top 40 pharma companies in India," Zydus Cadila said in a statement.

Ind Swift to sell Roche's heart attack detection kits in India


Indian drugmaker Ind Swift Ltd said on Friday that it will sell heart attack detection kit developed by Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding in India.

Reacting to the news, shares of Ind Swift extended gains to more than 9 per cent. At 12:36 p.m (0708 GMT), the stock was up 6.14 per cent to 29.40 rupees in a Mumbai market that was up 0.6 per cent.

Dishman acquires Creapharm Parenterals for undisclosed amount


Dishman Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals today said its Switzerland-based subsidiary Carbogen Amcis AG has acquired Creapharm Parenterals for an undisclosed amount.

"The company's wholly owned subsidiary company, namely Carbogen Amcis AG, Switzerland, has acquired Creapharm Parenterals, a subsidiary of France-based
Greapharm Group," Dishman Pharmaceuticals and Chemicals said in a filing to the BSE.

Merck takes over SevenSeas


It's probably a brand most of us remember from childhood - SevenSeas Original cod liver oil and in some cases abhorred because of the strong fishy smell. The brand was recently taken over by pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA and will be handled by its consumer healthcare division. Merck has plans to push the brand further in the Indian market and has plans lined up to take the brand forward.

US drugmaker Eli Lilly, Jubilant Life call off joint venture


US drugmaker Eli Lilly & Company and Noida-based Jubilant Life Sciences have called off their equal drug-discovery partnership to develop molecules across several therapeutic areas.

PIL filed against illegal drug trials


The Supreme Court of India today admitted a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding the alleged illegal clinical trials that were conducted on adults, children and mentally ill patients across the country. The PIL was triggered by the recent news reports that found illegal and unethical drug trials were conducted on mentally challenged patients at the M G M Medical College in MP.

Daiichi Sankyo in buyout talks with 3 mid-sized companies


Japan's biggest pharmaceutical company Daiichi Sankyo has initiated buyout talks with at least three mid-sized firms in India, nearly four years after it acquired a majority stake in the generic drugmaker Ranbaxy Laboratories. 

The target firms have a product portfolio straddling anti-diabetes, rheumatology and woman's healthcare, persons familiar with the matter told ET. The promoter of one such firm also confirmed the development on the condition of anonymity. Daiichi Sankyo is focusing primarily on firms with an annual turnover of 300-500 crore and it has appointed IMS Consulting Services for the purpose.
While IMS refused to comment, Daiichi did not respond to an email query. "Daiichi is looking to expand in the Indian market and it believes that an acquisition of a company or specific brands will help it gain significant market share," a person referred to earlier said. In 2008, it had acquired a little more than 60% stake in Ranbaxy Laboratories for $4.6 billion.

The Japanese firm is looking to buy out smaller firms at a time when Ranbaxy is locked in a dispute with the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) for data tampering and poor manufacturing practices at two of its facilities in India. After three gruelling years, Ranbaxy reached an agreement with the FDA last year to improve its manufacturing practices, while the justice department filed a consent decree outlining pretty stringent settlement terms.

Daiichi had to write off $500 million from its books due to the Ranbaxy settlement. It posted a loss of $255million in the third quarter and its directors took a pay cut, following which the company revised its projections for net income from 26 billion yen to 15 billion yen. "It will take one to three years for Ranbaxy to come out of the consent decree in the US, and the European market is also dull as there is no growth in those markets," says Ranjit Kapadia, vice president,
Centrum Capital.

Ranbaxy has been faring well in the domestic market, though, clocking a turnover of 2,689 crore and recording an 18% growth in 2011, against the industry's 15%. It has a strong presence in the anti-infective, cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory segments, and some of its antibiotic brands like Cifran and Sporidex have been very successful. However, analysts say, the company is looking to beef up its presence in segments such as woman's healthcare, diabetes and rheumatology.

Pfizer to sell animal health biz to subsidiary for Rs 440 cr

Pharmaceuticals firm Pfizer today said it will hive off its animal health division to a wholly-owned subsidiary for a consideration of Rs 440 crore as part of a global internal re-organisation.

"The Board of Directors of the company, at its meeting held on February 6, 2012, has approved the sale of its animal health division by way of a slump sale to its wholly-owned subsidiary in consideration of approximately Rs 440 crore," the company said in a filing to the BSE.

CCI cracks down on pharma companies for unfair trade practices


The competition commission of India has cracked a whip on the Indian drug manufacturers for encouraging unfair trade practises by colluding with wholesale drug lobbies. The CCI last week has asked drug manufacturers to furnish various documents and details pertaining to the problems of drug stocks, the product information services, their dealing with pharma distributors and reasons for selling drugs at MRP and not at lower prices, and alleged threats, instances of boycott.

DRUG INSPECTOR Notification 2012


Awesome news to the aspirants of Govt. Post and Responsible Job.
Recently Govt. has given DI posts in this year 2011 and again released notification for Drug Inspector posts in 2012 in Andhra Pradesh.

ACTT™ 'Allergy Drops' - Needle Free Allergy Treatment


Narrowing the gap between human and veterinary medicine.

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Bio-Medical Services has received USDA approval and is now offering allergy drop immunotherapy as an alternative method for administering allergy treatment for pet allergy patients. An in-house pilot study is now underway, and preliminary findings are expected in the Fall of 2012.

Pharmacy Websites


AAPS – www.aaps.org
Information on officers, activities and membership from the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
ABPI -- www.abpi.org.uk/_private/welcome/default.htm
Info from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for companies producing prescription medicines.

Japan's Takeda Begins talks with Lupin, Cipla


Takeda, Japan's largest pharmaceutical firm has begun talks with two of India's biggest companies for purchasing either of their pharma businesses. The Osaka-headquartered Takeda, which unlike rival Daiichi Sankyo does not have a large presence in the country, has approached Cipla, India's second-largest drug firm by market share, and Lupin, the fifth-biggest by market share for talks.

Ipca Laboratories Plans Indonesian Acquisition


Mumbai-based Ipca Laboratories Ltd plans to acquire a pharmaceutical company in Indonesia with a view to enter the largest South-East Asian market.

The company has put together a USD 20 million war-chest for the acquisition, to be made within the next few months, said Kuala Lumpur-based Sugumaran, adding that a number of companies have been shortlisted, though he kept the names confidential.

Reckitt Benckiser to Convert Baddi Plant as an OTC Production Hub


British consumer goods major Reckitt Benckiser, which bought over local start-up Paras Pharmaceuticals for a staggering Rs 3,260 crore last year, is converting its acquired Baddi plant in Himachal Pradesh into a global hub for manufacturing over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical products.

Singapore's Invida to buy Shalaks Pharma for $25 mn


Singapore-based pharmaceuticals company Invida has agreed to acquire New Delhi's Shalaks Pharmaceuticals for $25 million (Rs 125 crore) or three times its revenue. Shalaks promoter and Chairman VK Nangia neither confirmed nor denied that a deal had been concluded.

Lupin Acquires I'rom Pharmaceuticals through Japanese Subsidiary


Pharma Major Lupin Limited (Lupin) announced that its Japanese subsidiary, Kyowa Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd. (Kyowa), has entered into an agreement with I’rom Holdings Co,, Ltd., an integrated Japanese healthcare provider, to acquire up to 100% of the outstanding shares of its subsidiary I'rom Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Abbott, Dabur, GSK to Acquire Jagdale's Energy Drinks Biz


A line-up of MNC and Indian bidders are in the fray to acquire home grown electrolyte energy drinks business of Jagdale Healthcare, which is on the block. GlaxoSmithKline Plc, Abbott Laboratories, Zydus Cadila, Wipro and Dabur are among the potential suitors for Jagdale's OTC business for an estimated valuation of Rs 500 crore, said sources.

Vivimed acquires Uquifa for $ 55 million


Hyderabad-based Vivimed Labs has acquired Uquifa, manufacturer of active pharma ingredients (APIs) and intermediates with operations in Spain and Mexico, for a consideration of $ 55 million.

Bristol-Myers, J&J Collaborate to Study Combination Therapy for Hepatitis C


Bristol-Myers Squibb Co. will collaborate with a unit of Johnson & Johnson to study a potential combination therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

The companies will study a regimen that combines Johnson & Johnson's drug TMC435 with Bristol-Myers Squibb's daclatasvir. The clinical trial of the drug cocktail will begin in the first half of 2012. It will include a combination of the two drugs, the drugs plus pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and the drugs plus ribavirin.

Nutra Pharma Announces Publication of a New Mechanism Study of Alpha-Cobratoxin in the Treatment of Pain


Nutra Pharma Corporation, a biotechnology company that is developing treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) and Pain, announced today that the journal Neuropharmacology will be publishing a mechanism study on the use of Alpha-Cobratoxin, a component of cobra venom, as a treatment for pain.

Sanofi Reports Positive Results of Lixisenatide Combination Therapy


Sanofi has announced the positive results from a Phase III GetGoal Duo 1study, that will assess the efficacy and safety of lixisenatide (Lyxumia) with Lantus (insulin glargine) in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Lixisenatide is an investigational once-daily GLP-1 peptide agonist, found to suppress glucagon secretion from pancreatic alpha cells and enhance insulin secretion by pancreatic beta cells.

Pfizer Takes First in Covario Study on SEO Health of Pharmaceutical Industry

Covario, Inc., the nation's largest independent provider of global search marketing agency services and technology solutions for search engine optimization, issued a white paper from a study on the SEO health of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies.

Indian Pharma Firms Supports Price Regulation


In what could be a shot in the arm for government, the domestic pharma industry has endorsed price regulation model as suggested in the draft policy, subject to certain exemptions for indigenous research drugs.

National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Policy may cost pharma firms Rs 3,000 crore: Industry


The pharmaceutical companies may suffer sales loss of Rs 3,000 crore if the government's span of control increases, as proposed in the new pricing policy for the medicines, a section of the industry said.

RBI notifies new FDI norms for pharma sector


The Reserve Bank on Friday notified new rules doing away with automatic approval for foreign direct investment (FDI) in existing pharmaceutical companies. Tightening the norms, the government had last month done away with automatic approval of FDI in the existing pharmaceutical companies.

Retail Pharma Market Records 21% Growth in Nov


Amid the gloom in the economy, the domestic pharma retail market in November proved not only resilient but also recorded its highest growth in the last 14 months. 

Merck to Pay $950M in Vioxx Marketing Settlement

Seven years after its painkiller Vioxx was yanked off the market, Merck ($MRK) has agreed to pay $950 million to resolve allegations about its marketing. Merck will pay a $321 million criminal fine, $426 million to wrap up federal civil claims and $202 million to state Medicaid programs. And in an arrangement familiar to anyone who's been following the saga of off-label marketing allegations and False Claims Act lawsuits, a Merck unit will plead guilty to one misdemeanor violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

Pharmexcil to Strengthen Its Relation with Middle Eastern Countries


With a view to strengthen its ties with the Middle Eastern regions, the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil) organized a high level business meet with the delegates from the Middle Eastern countries in Mumbai recently. This is the first time that Pharmexcil had organized such an interactive session with the Middle Eastern countries, to promote pharma exports to these regions.

India Pharma Industry Gearing up to Tackle Export Issues with China


Indian Pharma industry, which is facing tough competition from China in terms of cheaper Active Pharma Ingredients (APIs), will now concentrate on generic finished product exports to that country, according to Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council (Pharmexcil), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Concerns over Hurdles Faced By Pharma Exports to Australia


New Delhi raised concerns about the hurdles faced by its pharma exports to Australia, but welcomed Australia's decision to reverse the ban on selling uranium to India.

India, which is engaged with Australia in negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, also hoped to conclude the agreement by mid-2012.

BioAlliance Pharma launches Oravig


BioAlliance Pharma SA, a company dedicated to the supportive care and treatment of cancer patients, announces the launch in the United States of Oravig for the treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC) in adults by its commercial partner, Strativa Pharmaceuticals, the proprietary products division of Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.

GSK launches Convergence Pharmaceuticals for development of Novel High Value analgesic medicines


GSK has successfully launched Convergence Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a new company which focuses on the development of novel and high value analgesic medicines. Convergence Pharmaceuticals is an independent biotechnology company that has acquired clinical assets from GlaxoSmithKline ("GSK") to accelerate the clinical development of the Company's pipeline programme.

GE Healthcare launches GE centricity PACS reach


GE Healthcare has disclosed a newly designed low cost IT solution--GE centricity PACS reach, a Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS) aimed at affordably digitizing India's 15,000-plus small diagnostic centers and hospitals, a market that's traditionally lower in clinical image volume but is growing at a tremendous pace in India's tier-II and tier-III cities. Centricity PACS reach endeavours to bring this market faster image access, greater efficiency and lower operational costs.

Helvoet Pharma set up 1st plant in India


Belgium's Helvoet Pharma, part of the Daetwyler Group, is setting up its first greenfield production facility in Khandala Industrial Area, Phase I on the Pune-Bangalore Highway with an investment of Rs 120 crore. The new plant, spread across 36,000 square meters, will come up in the newly developed MIDC Special Economic Zone near Pune and will serve as a strategic hub for exports to European countries.

RMS Regrow to launch orthopaedic and wound healing theraform in India


Regenerative Medical Services (RMS) Regrow, a cell therapy service provider focusing on orthopaedic and wound healing segments, is planning to launch a bio derived atelocollagen suitable for reconstruction of human tissue in wound management, in collaboration with its strategy partner, the Korea-based Sewon Cellontech.

KV Pharma gets FDA nod to re-launch product


KV Pharmaceutical Co got U.S. regulatory approval to reintroduce its first product that was pulled out of market due to manufacturing problems, and expects to begin shipments next week, sending its shares up as much as 92 percent.

Eli Lilly on Launch of Humapen Luxura Hd, an easy-to-use Insulin Delivery Device for Diabetes Patients


Eli Lilly and Company ("Lilly") announced the launch of HumaPen® LUXURA™ HD, an easy-to-use insulin delivery device for patients who may require the precision of half-unit dosing (HD). The new dosing feature enhances safety and accuracy in maintaining glycemic control for patients, especially children with diabetes.

Cipla launches world’s first anti-chronic lung disease drug in India


Pharmaceutical firm Cipla has launched a generic version of Pirfenidone, a drug used against a form of chronic progressive lung disease, in India.

The company has launched its generic drug under the brand Pirfenex, for the treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).

Friday 10 February 2012

GSK Pharma launching two new drugs "Revolade and Votrient"


Drug major GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd after receiving approval from the regulatory Drug Controller General of India expects to launch Revolade, a drug for low platelet counts and Votrient, for metastatic renal cell carcinoma, in the first quarter of the forthcoming year.

Aventis Pharma may launch drug for prostate cancer next year


Aventis Pharma expects to launch a prostate cancer drug Cabazitaxel by next year for which it is currently in the process of getting approval from the drug regulator DCGI.

The company also has 15 to 20 molecules in the pipeline. 0ut of them half are in the third stage of development and these could be for therapeutic areas like diabetes, thrombosis and other types of cancer besides cardiovascular diseases.