09/30/09
Global AIDS Detection and Treatment Surge
There has been an increase in the number of people being tested for H.I.V. in developing countries, improving detection of AIDS and resulting in amajor surge in those being treated with antiretroviral drugs.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 Influenza Update: GSK’s H1N1 ‘Pandemrix’ vaccine receives European Commission Approval
GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) confirmed that the European Commission has granted marketing authorization of GSK’s pandemic (H1N1) adjuvanted vaccine Pandemrix™.
http://www.gsk.com/media/pressreleases/2009/2009_pressrelease_10094.htm
Biotech in the Middle East
Oil rich countries like the UAE and Qatar are pouring money into biotech initiative, trying to transform teh deser nations into true research centers.
http://www.dubiotech.ae/index.php?
http://www.the-scientist.com/toc/2009/10/
Biotech in the Middle East
Oil rich countries like the UAE and Qatar are pouring money into biotech initiative, trying to transform teh deser nations into true research centers.
http://www.dubiotech.ae/index.php?
http://www.the-scientist.com/toc/2009/10/
Americans willing to fund healthcare reform
Surveys show that most Americans would pay higher taxes to fund healthcare reforms that provide the best quality of care, but only a minority expects Washington to deliver it.
Surveys show that most Americans would pay higher taxes to fund healthcare reforms that provide the best quality of care, but only a minority expects Washington to deliver it.
Novartis MS Pill Works, May Launch As Soon As '10
Healthcare for poor strained by recession
The U.S. recession has ramped up demand for Medicaid and states that manage the healthcare program for the poor are worried they may not be able to cover future costs.
09/29/09
Senators Reject Pair of Public Option Proposals
U.S. Senate committee rejected two Democratic proposals to create a government insurance plan to compete with private insurers.
Abbott to acquire Solvay for $7.6 billion dollars
Abbott beat out Nycomed in its bid for Solvay. Seen as a good deal by investors, allows Abbott to gain full control over drugs TriCor (fenofibrate) and TriLipix, which were co-sold by the companies.
Abbott beat out Nycomed in its bid for Solvay. Seen as a good deal by investors, allows Abbott to gain full control over drugs TriCor (fenofibrate) and TriLipix, which were co-sold by the companies.
UK girl died soon after a Cervarix injection
Other girls at the school reported other mild symptoms. The cause of death is unknown, however.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h0LTAtQ3mNdBuKKhqkQgZ2hZk4oQD9B0VOH80
Other girls at the school reported other mild symptoms. The cause of death is unknown, however.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h0LTAtQ3mNdBuKKhqkQgZ2hZk4oQD9B0VOH80
J&J bought 18% stake in Crucell
Companies will co-develop monoclonal antibodies against infectious influenza.
Companies will co-develop monoclonal antibodies against infectious influenza.
GSK entered long-term contract with Brazil for a Pneumococcal Vaccine
Brazil has been very aggressive negotiating inexpensive drugs and this deal, says GSK, could be a model for deals with other developing countries.
Sanofi-Aventis to launch insulin research program; analyzing potential association between cancer and insulin use
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sanofi-aventis-to-launch-insulin-research-program-2009-09-29
New research that diabetes contributes to decreased bone density
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165525.php
Brazil has been very aggressive negotiating inexpensive drugs and this deal, says GSK, could be a model for deals with other developing countries.
Sanofi-Aventis to launch insulin research program; analyzing potential association between cancer and insulin use
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sanofi-aventis-to-launch-insulin-research-program-2009-09-29
New research that diabetes contributes to decreased bone density
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165525.php
09/28/09
EMEA recommends approval of GSKs and Novartis' H1N1 vaccines
More availability of H1N1 vaccines through accelerated approval processes.
Sciele Pharma Submits New Drug Application to FDA for Glycopyrrolate Oral Solution, a Treatment for Chronic, Moderate-to-Severe Drooling in Pediatric Patients
http://www.drugs.com/nda/glycopyrrolate_090929.html
Sciele Pharma Submits New Drug Application to FDA for Glycopyrrolate Oral Solution, a Treatment for Chronic, Moderate-to-Severe Drooling in Pediatric Patients
http://www.drugs.com/nda/glycopyrrolate_090929.html
Health Care Overhaul and Mandatory Coverage Stir States’ Rights Claims
Some lawmakers in more than a dozen statehouses across the country are pressing for state constitutional amendments to outlaw a crucial element of the health care plans under discussion in Washington: the requirement that nearly everyone buy insurance or pay a penalty.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/us/29states.html?ref=health
09/27/09
Microchip analyzes urine to test for prostate cancer
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/701781
09/27/09
Microchip analyzes urine to test for prostate cancer
http://www.thestar.com/comment/article/701781
09/25/09
Vaccine lowers rate of HIV by 30%
Study carried out in Thailand and sponsored by the US Army. The treatment is the first to show any effectiveness in immunizing against HIV.
FDA issues statement that Januvia causes pancreatitis, Merck denies link
http://www.drugs.com/news/merck-statement-januvia-sitagliptin-janumet-sitagliptin-metformin-20068.html
http://www.rttnews.com/Content/BreakingNews.aspx?Id=1077362
Roche halts enrollment in Avastin breast cancer trial after reports of congestive heart failure
Roche announced that enrollment into a late-stage trial of Genentech Inc.'s Avastin (bevacizumab) was halted after six patients experienced congestive heart failure (CHF).
Merck HPV Vaccine Gardasil will be Donated
Merck will provide drug for developing countries, but is looking for help administering the doses. Difficulty lies in ensuring the completion of the three dose regiment.
Merck will provide drug for developing countries, but is looking for help administering the doses. Difficulty lies in ensuring the completion of the three dose regiment.
09/23/09
Genzyme Allston Factory Back in Production
Genzyme Allston Factory Back in Production
The plant has recovered from a shutdown due to contamination. Demand for Cerezyme (imiglucerase) and Fabrazyme (agalsidase beta), produced at the plant, should be met.
09/22/09
Avastin Improves Metastatic Melanoma Survival Rate
Analysts believe if approved, the indication has a $1 Billion potential market
Is Inhaled insulin still a possibility?
Discusses benefits of inhaled insulin that are potentially underestimated, and that there are reasons it should not be abandonded.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165093.php (article)
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/dia.2009.0088?cookieSet=1 (full report)
Analysts believe if approved, the indication has a $1 Billion potential market
Is Inhaled insulin still a possibility?
Discusses benefits of inhaled insulin that are potentially underestimated, and that there are reasons it should not be abandonded.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165093.php (article)
http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/pdfplus/10.1089/dia.2009.0088?cookieSet=1 (full report)
09/21/09
GSK could buy 5% stake in Dr. Reddy
The deal would be valued at $150 mill. Will take stake in company to solidyfy relationship selling Dr. Reddy outside of India.
GSK could buy 5% stake in Dr. Reddy
The deal would be valued at $150 mill. Will take stake in company to solidyfy relationship selling Dr. Reddy outside of India.
Arena Obesity Drug, Lorcaserin, Meets Phase III Study Goals
However, the drug is not as effective as some other investigational drugs in clinical trials
However, the drug is not as effective as some other investigational drugs in clinical trials
Earlier
Denmark-based Zealand pharma develops a new dual Glucagon-GLP-1 agonist that both controls the blood glucose levels and reduces weight in obese diabetic models.
http://www.pharmaceutical-business-review.com/news/zealand_pharma_develops_zp2929_for_type_2_diabetes_090901
Highlights from ECCO-ESMO Conference from 09/20/09-09/24/09
- Amgen's Vectibix was effective against colorectal cancer, using KRAS biomarker testing is recommended
- Merck's Erbitux had mixed results for metastatic colorectal cancer, need for personalized care due to different types of KRAS genes
- Roche and Plexxikon PLX4032 shrinks metastatic melanoma
- Bayer and Onyx's Nexavar has good results with breast cancer
- Pfizer's Aromasin in effective for breast cancer Roche's Avastic improves neurocognition in glioblastoma
- Amgen announced denosumab is non-inferior to Novartis' Zometa, treating solid cancers (non-breast, non-prostate) in a head to head study
