EuroPharma Today

Sanofi Cuts Development Of 14 Drugs In First Quarter, With More R&D Changes To Come

Sanofi Aventis' discontinuation of 14 pipeline projects is only the first part of a larger R&D transformation initiative. Now that the firm has completed a pipeline review, it will determine a set of key technologies and disease areas and come up with a new R&D organization.

Sanofi Hands Back TroVax to Oxford BioMedica, Signs Eye Deal

There was mixed news April 29 for UK-based gene-therapy firm Oxford BioMedica. Sanofi Aventis handed back worldwide rights to the biotech's Phase III cancer vaccine TroVax as part of a broader portfolio clean-up, but simultaneously announced a collaboration with the company to develop gene-based medicines for ocular diseases.

Victoza Clears European Regulators Without Thyroid Cancer Restrictions

LONDON - NovoNordisk is facing a much easier path for Victoza (liraglutide) in Europe than the rocky road the type 2 diabetes therapy is on in the U.S.

Solvay Confirms It Is Looking At Options – But For All Of Its Businesses

Solvay, far from being on the defensive, is looking at the best options for all of its businesses, including the pharmaceutical subsidiary, which could be divested, spun off into an IPO, merged, or retained in its current structure, Solvay Pharmaceuticals CEO Werner Cautreels says.

Galapagos Coasts Through Recession On Deals With Merck And Other Big Pharmas

LONDON - At a time when many biotechs are close to the brink of bankruptcy or praying for a Big Pharma merger as their last hope, Belgian biotech Galapagos is making the most of increasingly popular, option-based alliances to fund R&D, while pledging to stay single.

Just Published: Medical Devices & Diagnostics Industry – 2009 Market Outlook

FDC-Windhover announces the publication of a new Special Report: the “Medical Devices & Diagnostics Industry – 2009 Market Outlook.” 

Acquiring Pharmaceutical Companies And Businesses In Germany (Part 2 of 2)

By Dr. Felix von Bredow, Sidley Austin LLP, Frankfurt am Main

European Manufacturers Note Disconnect Between U.S. and EU Validation Programs

European pharmaceutical manufacturers noted a disconnect between FDA’s draft process validation guidance and the European Union’s approach and recommended a harmonized program between the two to avoid the development of “hybrid” systems. European manufacturers also plan to implement the lifecycle approach to validation as espoused in FDA’s draft guideline in very different ways, prompting the need for FDA to clear up what it means by this term.

EU Herbal Medicinal Directive Could Spike Supplement Firms’ Costs

The Traditional Herbal Medicinal Products Directive is poised to alter the landscape for herbal dietary supplements in the European Union.

Acquiring Pharmaceutical Companies And Businesses In Germany (Part 1 of 2)

By Dr. Felix von Bredow, Sidley Austin LLP, Frankfurt am Main