Pharma News
Aspen makes deals with Merck and GSK
Generics manufacturer Aspen Pharmacare Holdings (Aspen) is expanding its brand-name business, first signing a deal with Pharma giant Merck, and then offering to buy two brand-name heart medications from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
CFR pharma expands global ambitions with Adcock bid
Chile-based CFR Pharmaceuticals (CFR) has plans to become a global drugmaker. In its latest efforts it has made a US$1.3 billion cash-and-share offer for South Africa’s second-largest generics drugmaker Adcock Ingram (Adcock).
UK plans to cut drug prices by up to 20%
The UK’s Department of Health (DoH) has launched a consultation to strengthen the statutory pharmaceutical pricing scheme, which covers the prices the National Health Service (NHS) pays for brand-name drugs not covered by the voluntary Pharmaceutical Price Regulation Scheme (PPRS). The consultation is seeking views on a price cut on drug prices of between 10% and 20% to ensure the NHS continues to get good value for money.
Viagra generics hit the market in Europe
The patent on Pfizer’s blockbuster erectile dysfunction drug Viagra (sildenafil) expired on 21 June 2013 in the UK, along with several other European countries.
Nigeria needs to combat fake drugs and ageing facilities
Nigeria has ageing drug-manufacturing facilities and a problem with imports of fake drugs, according to Mr Olakunle Ekundayo, Group Managing Director, Drugfield Pharmaceuticals.
Sun Pharma looking to buy Sweden’s Meda
India-based Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) is reportedly in talks to acquire Swedish drugmaker Meda for US$5–6 billion.
Actavis makes definitive agreement with Warner Chilcott
US generic drugmaker Actavis (formerly Watson) and Irish drugmaker Warner Chilcott announced on 20 May 2013 that the two companies had entered into a definitive agreement under which Actavis will acquire Warner Chilcott in a stock-for-stock transaction valued at approximately US$8.5 billion.
Actavis in discussions to buy Warner Chilcott
US generics maker Actavis (formerly Watson) confirmed on 14 May 2013 that the company had entered into discussions to buy Irish drugmaker Warner Chilcott.
Valeant deal to acquire Actavis on hold
Drugmaker Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (Valeant) was in talks to acquire generics manufacturer Actavis for more than US$13 billion, in what would rank as one of the biggest healthcare deals this year. However, reports are that the deal is now on hold.
UK accuses GSK of delaying generics
The UK’s competition watchdog is accusing GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) of delaying the entry of generics to its antidepressant drug Seroxat (paroxetine) by paying rival companies to stay off the market.
