EuroPharma Today

GSK Argues Its Strategy Is Delivering As Still More Cuts Are Made, Including in R&D

GlaxoSmithKline CEO Andrew Witty declared on Feb. 4 that his strategy of building a global, diversified business was delivering. And to prove his point, he announced a return to full-year sales growth in 2009 after a negative 2008, and an upbeat forecast for 2010 as well.

Austria's Apeiron Wins £11m GSK Respiratory Deal

Privately-owned Austrian biotech Apeiron Biologics on Feb. 3 attracted £11 million ($17.5 million) in upfront cash and equity from GlaxoSmithKline for full rights to its Phase I biologic for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

The deal signals GSK's continued interest in accessing compounds that address challenging and often specialist areas. ARDS affects about 1 million people per year in developed markets (an incidence roughly similar to that of colon cancer). But it isn't a primary event - ARDS is associated with a range of complex conditions such as sepsis, trauma and post-operative complications. There are currently no effective treatments.

Cephalon Buys Swiss Generics Firm Mepha, Talking Up Diversification

In a move that seems like an about face for a specialty pharma, Cephalon announced plans on Feb. 1 to buy the Swiss generics maker Mepha, citing international expansion and portfolio diversification. Under the arrangement, Cephalon will pay CHF 622.5 million ($590 million) in cash to the Merckle family-owned Mepha Holding AG.

Europe Matters, says Cephalon, with $590m Mepha Deal

"Europe hasn't been high-profile for a lot of you" [mostly US analysts], declared Cephalon's Chairman & CEO Frank Baldino, "but it should be." As a European-based (and minded) reporter, that was my favorite--whoops, should I say favourite--quote from the conference call today annoucing Cephalon's CHF 622 million ($590 million) cash acquisition of private Swiss generics firm Mepha.

European Switch Progresses, But Stronger Incentives Needed For OTCs

Europe needs to provide more incentives for consumer firms, otherwise the OTC industry will "make commercial decisions" that could reduce their presence in the area, suggested Manfred Scheske, Glaxo-SmithKline's Consumer Healthcare Europe president and VP of the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry, speaking at that organization's meeting in London Jan. 20.

Cimzia UK Access Scheme Reinforces Marketing Message

It seems that UK cost-sharing schemes - agreements whereby drug companies offer the National Health Service rebates or free doses of their medicines - aren't just about winning a favorable reimbursement policy. They can help further the product's marketing message too.

That, at least, is the idea behind UCB's scheme for its rheumatoid arthritis drug Cimzia (certolizumab), which was recommended for reimbursement by the UK's National Institute of Clinical Excellence in January 2010.

AstraZeneca Reports Higher Profits, But Cuts R&D Jobs

LONDON--Facing U.S. patent expiries on key drugs , AstraZeneca announced at its Jan. 28 results meeting a further restructuring of its R&D operations, with the expected net loss of 1,800 jobs, and annual cost savings of $1 billion by 2014.

Overall, the company expects restructuring in R&D and elsewhere in the company to affect more than 10,400 positions between 2010 and 2014 -8,000 more than in previous plans - and to produce annual savings of $1.8 billion.

Report Highlights Issues Facing EU Device Sector

A ¹ report on the future of the medical device industry in the European Union highlights the need for more standardized technology assessment systems among member states, and for more robust mechanisms to support innovation.

Posted on the European Commission Web site Jan. 28, the report is intended to concisely explain to the new European commissioners the broad range of challenges facing the device industry.

Novartis To Launch Nycomed's PPI Pantoloc Control In 14 European Countries

Novartis will launch the OTC proton pump inhibitor Pantoloc Control (pantoprazole 20 mg) in 14 European countries in the second quarter of 2010 under a co-marketing agreement with the product's originator Nycomed.

Is Teva Among Finalists In Bidding For Germany's Ratiopharm? (Part 2 of 2)

Rumors about Teva's next M&A step have been swirling around the company for the better part of a year, but so far management has been mum except for vague generalities ('The Pink Sheet,' DAILY, Jan. 12, 2010). ratiopharm, the second largest generics manufacturer in Germany. is up for sale, with a bidding deadline of Feb. 5. Finalists reportedly include Teva, Pfizer, and - less likely, according to reports - Sanofi-Aventis and EQT Partners, a private equity firm.