Pharma News
Investor principles on biosimilars gained support
Amgen and Novartis (parent company of Sandoz, a leader in the biosimilars field) have both come out in support of a set of principles on biosimilars laid down by a coalition of 19 institutional investors.
Branded drugmaker could be sued for generic’s side effects
The Alabama Supreme Court has ruled, for the second time, that Pfizer could be sued for damages allegedly caused by its heartburn drug Reglan (metoclopramide), even if the plaintiff had only taken a generic version of the drug. The ruling follows a rehearing requested by Pfizer, which failed to overturn the original ruling.
Generics shortages continue to rise in the UK
There is growing anxiety around the supply of generic medicines in the UK, according to a statement released by the country’s All-Party Pharmacy Group (APPG). The problem is worse than it was two years ago [1], say the cross-bench Members of Parliament who make up the group, and it is not being addressed by the Department of Health’s (DoH) supply chain forum which was set up to address this very issue.
Generics deals for Mylan, Pfizer and Sun Pharma
Not to be beaten by biosimilars manufacturers, generics makers are also jumping on the ‘deals’ bandwagon, with a plethora of collaborations announced in the past weeks.
Endo to buy generics maker DAVA
Specialty pharmaceuticals maker Endo Health Solutions (Endo) announced on 24 June 2014 that it had reached a definitive agreement to acquire generics maker DAVA Pharmaceuticals for US$575 million in cash, with another US$25 million up for grabs depending on the achievement of certain sales milestones.
Abbott to buy Russian generics firm
US-based pharma company Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) announced on 23 June 2014 that it had signed a definitive agreement to acquire Russian generics maker Veropharm.
Pfenex looking for funding for its biosimilars pipeline
US biotechnology firm Pfenex is looking to raise more than US$45 million to further its biosimilars pipeline.
Views on biosimilars at Amgen and Actavis
Biotech giant Amgen and US generics maker Actavis entered into a collaboration for the development and commercialization of several cancer antibody biosimilars back in December 2011 [1]. Now the two companies have spoken to GaBI about their views on biosimilars and their biosimilar plans [2].
Top 10 most read GaBI Online articles in 2013
2013 was a busy year with lots of developments in the biosimilars arena, ranging from revision of regulatory guidelines to new biosimilar approvals. Biosimilars remain the hot topic of the year for GaBI Online during 2013 and in fact all 10 of the most read articles concern biosimilars.
Abbott expands generics business in Latin America
US-based pharma company Abbott Laboratories (Abbott) announced on 16 May 2014 that it was expanding its presence in Latin American and increasing its branded generics portfolio with the acquisition of CFR Pharmaceuticals (CFR).
