Pharma News
Bristol-Myers Squibb looking stronger than expected
Plavix (clopidogrel bisulfate), which prevents blood clots in patients at risk of heart attack or stroke and is the world's second biggest-selling prescription drug, loses US patent protection in November 2011. Bristol-Myers Squibb markets the drug in the US, while its partner sanofi-aventis sells it in other countries. Bristol-Myers got almost a third of its 2009 revenue from Plavix—Euros 4.6 billion out of a total of Euros 14.1 billion—and is racing to find new drugs to fill the gap.
Mylan granted US restraining order over sales of paroxetine
Generics’ giant Mylan Laboratories was granted a US court order in September 2010 prohibiting Apotex, a Canadian pharma company, from selling paroxetine. The order also prohibits GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) from supplying Paxil CR (paroxetine extended-release tablets) to Apotex. Mylan has an exclusive agreement to sell a copy of GSK’s Paxil CR. If GSK were to authorise additional sales of generic paroxetine this would undercut sales and cause an “irretrievable loss of market share and customers” for generic Paxil CR, a Mylan spokesman said.
Spotlight on Bosnia
In today’s global business environment, companies battle for position all over the world. Today Bosnia’s pharmaceutical industry is making the headlines, with a battle to invest in the leading company, Bosnalijek.
Teva bruised in Copaxone fight
Copaxone (glatiramer acetate) is generic’s giant Teva Pharmaceutical Industries’ proprietory multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment, which netted the company Euros 1.17 billion in the first half of 2010. This success story, however, is now tainted with allegations that Teva performed an unethical clinical trial.
Sun Pharma finally wins battle for Taro
On 21 September 2010 India-based generics manufacturer Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (Sun Pharma) announced that it had acquired a controlling stake in Israel generics’ firm Taro Pharmaceuticals Industries after a prolonged legal battle.
AstraZeneca expands its generics business with Indian agreements
In line with its continued mission to supply branded generics to emerging markets, such as Africa and Latin America, AstraZeneca has entered into yet another agreement with an Indian generics firm.
Actavis plans entry to biosimilars market with Bioton agreement
In a press release on 7 September 2010, Icelandic generics’ manufacturer Actavis announced that it plans to enter into the field of biosimilars with an agreement with Polish biotechnology company, Bioton.
Ranbaxy to transfer R & D and focus on generics
On 2 July 2010, the Japanese Daiichi Sankyo Group and Indian-based Ranbaxy Laboratories announced that Ranbaxy’s New Drug Discovery Research (NDDR) has been transferred to Daiichi Sankyo India Pharma as part of the strategy to strengthen the global Research and Development (R & D) structure of the Daiichi Sankyo Group.
Ranbaxy to pay FDA to end impasse on manufacturing ban
Daiichi Sankyo hopes that its interventions may lead to a lift of the FDA’s import ban on 30 products from Ranbaxy, its Indian generic drugs arm.
Sun Pharma blocks Wockhardt settlement
Troubled generics’ firm Wockhardt is set to raise US$100 million via its foreign currency convertible bonds (FCCBs). However, fellow Indian generics’ manufacturer, Sun Pharma, has objected to the deal, amongst much speculation as to what Sun Pharma’s intentions are.
