Pharma News
Sanofi to acquire Colombian generics maker
Healthcare major Sanofi announced on 2 October 2012 that it has signed an agreement to acquire Colombian generics manufacturer Laboratorios Genfar (Genfar), making Sanofi a market leader in Colombia and expand its portfolio of affordable pharmaceuticals in Latin America.
GPhA drug shortages plan gets FTC approval
On 8 August 2012 the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a positive advisory opinion to the Generic Pharmaceutical Association (GPhA) approving its Accelerated Recovery Initiative (ARI), which hopes to address drug shortage issues, after the FTC found the ARI will not be anticompetitive as sensitive information will be protected.
Fresenius cashes in on drug shortages
German healthcare conglomerate Fresenius has posted substantial growth across all regions and product areas during the first half of 2012 for its US business Fresenius Kabi. The growth has been largely attributed to rivals’ problems with supplying generics on the drug shortages list in the US.
Generics market set to increase in Japan
Japan has not been an easy place for drugmakers to do business. However, with government initiatives being introduced to increase generics use and taking into account the fact that Japan is currently the world’s second largest pharmaceutical market, it is perhaps not surprising that a new partnership is optimistic about the opportunities.
Sun Pharma finally gains full control of Taro
Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) and Taro Pharmaceutical Industries (Taro) announced on 13 August 2012 that they have entered into a merger agreement together. India-based Sun Pharma has agreed to pay out an additional US$600 million in order to finally gain full control of Israel-based Taro.
Fuji Pharma acquires OLIC Thailand
Fuji Pharma Co Ltd announced on 3 August 2012 that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the shares of OLIC (Thailand) Ltd, the largest pharmaceutical contract manufacturer in Thailand.
Generics makers Sun and Stada considering deal
Rumours are that Indian-based generics manufacturer Sun Pharma and Germany’s generics maker Stada Arzneimittel (Stada) may be looking at a deal in the near future, although both sides deny or refuse to comment on the matter.
Political battle over US health care continues
It was not the end of the story when the Affordable Care Act was passed in 2010. Its implementation is being fought every inch of the way; the Republican Party is split even though voter polls say 70% would scrap the whole Act or at least its central plank.
Drug shortages are persisting
The media are reporting continuing problems on drug shortages, and indeed a worsening situation around the world. Cancer drugs seem to be the most affected.
APPG reports on drug shortages and MHRA bans unlicensed stock trading
On 14 May 2012, the All-Party Pharmacy Group (APPG) published the results of its inquiry into drug shortages in the UK. In response to this the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has decided to ban unlicensed stock trading by pharmacists.
