Pharma News
US FTC hopes to collect US$1 billion from pay-for-delay settlement
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is looking to collect more than US$1 billion from a settlement with pharmaceutical companies it has sued for their part in what the FTC terms ‘pay-for-delay’ deals.
Anticompetitive practices come under scrutiny in Australia
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has started proceedings in the Federal Court against Pfizer Australia (Pfizer) alleging that offers made by Pfizer to pharmacies before the expiry of the patents for its blockbuster cholesterol-lowering drug Liptor (atorvastatin) were anticompetitive.
Actavis to acquire specialty drugmaker Forest Labs
US-based generic drugmaker Actavis is set to grow even bigger, with the acquisition of US-based Forest Laboratories (Forest Labs), according to an announcement by the companies on 18 February 2014.
Actavis sells interest in China
US generic drugmaker Actavis has sold its interest in its Chinese subsidiary based in Foshan, Guangdong, to Zhejiang Chiral Medicine Chemicals. Actavis, the second biggest generic drugmaker by market capitalization, intends to continue further commercial operations in China in collaboration with its preferred business partners.
Aurobindo to acquire seven generics businesses from Actavis
US generics maker Actavis and Indian generics maker Aurobindo Pharma (Aurobindo) announced on 17 January 2014 the signing of an offer for Aurobindo to acquire generics commercial operations in seven markets in Western Europe from Actavis.
Pfizer’s generics business up for grabs
In 2013, Pfizer, the world’s largest drugmaker, split its business into two brand-name drug units and a generics business. Now it seems the generics unit, or its ‘established products’ unit, is being circled for a potential takeover bid.
Pricing dispute causing drug shortages in Pakistan
Pharmaceutical manufacturers in Pakistan are warning the Pakistan Government that shortages in life-saving drugs are a result of the ongoing dispute over drug prices.
Ireland’s IPHA hits back at high drug prices claim
The Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) has hit back at statements from the European Commission’s (EC’s) troika that drug prices in the country are unjustifiably high.
Health Canada approves generic oxycodone despite fears of abuse
Canada’s drug regulator Health Canada has approved a generic non-crush resistant form of oxycodone, despite the fact that US officials have been urging their Canadian counterpart to ban such formulation of the powerful painkiller.
Ireland high drug prices cannot be justified
The European Commission’s troika mission to Ireland has told Government TDs (Members of Parliament) that the cost of pharmaceutical drugs in the country cannot be justified. Drug prices in the country have been found to be at least three times more expensive than in the UK.
