Pharma News
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.
EMA launches public catalogue of drug shortages
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced on 4 November 2013 the launch of its public catalogue on supply shortages of drugs.
FDA announces two actions to combat drug shortages
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on 31 October 2013 that it is taking two important actions to further enhance the agency’s ongoing efforts to prevent and resolve drug shortages.
Australia should not copy New Zealand’s drug pricing system
Australia should resist ongoing pressure to adopt a New Zealand-style model of medicines funding, according to Medicines Australia, a group that represents originator manufacturers.
US state introduces law to allow meds to be bought over Internet
On 9 October 2013, the US state of Maine introduced a law allowing its residents to purchase foreign prescription drugs over the Internet.
India approves Mylan’s purchase of Agila
Generics giant Mylan announced on 3 September 2013 that its proposed acquisition of generics injectables maker Agila Specialties (Agila) from Strides Arcolab for Rs 5,168-crore (US$1.6 billion) had been cleared by the Indian Government.
