EuroPharma Today

What's the Hardest Job in the Biopharma World?

Maybe it's yours. Maybe it's Jeff Kindler's (keep Pfizer small? Yeah right.) Maybe it's Elan CEO Kelly Martin's(all those shenanigans with Biogen over the J&J Alzheimer deal, ouch).  Most likely, though, it's Andrew Dillon's--he, in case you forgot, is the CEO of UK cost-effectiveness watchdog, NICE.

Abbott Buys Solvay Pharma Unit But Is It Just A Short-Term Fix?

After some speculation--and with several bidders allegedly involved--the pharmaceuticals business of Belgian chemicals conglomerate Solvay was sold to Abbott Laboratories for $6.6 billion on Sept. 28.  The deal will broaden Abbott's geographic footprint, pave its entry into vaccines and strengthen its ownership stake in the blockbuster TriCor / TriLipix cholesterol-fighting franchise--but it won't be a complete salve.

NicOx Submits NDA for Osteoarthritis Drug, But Still Seeks a Commercial Partner

NicOx filed a new drug application with the FDA for its novel osteoarthritis drug naproxcinod, which would be used to treat relief of the disease symptoms, the French biotech announced on Sept. 25. But NicOx still is looking for one or more partners to help market the drug.

Switch Environment Makes U.K. A Sound Warm-up For Centralized Switch

The U.K.'s bullish Rx-to-OTC switch environment can make it an attractive place to try a switch before pursuing the EU-wide centralized procedure, which contains more potential pitfalls, experts say.

Dealing With Payors: Creative Strategies To Optimize Your Drug's Reimbursement In Germany And The U.S.

What are German insurers’ latest reimbursement tactics, and how are pharmas responding with novel deals of their own?

European Industry, Authorities Claim Minor Manufacturing Changes Still Burdensome to Report Under Revised Regulation

The European Union’s pharmaceutical industry and competent authorities complained that the new variations regulations may create a heavy workload in submitting – and processing – minor manufacturing changes, and urged the European Commission to exempt these changes from the annual reporting requirements. There were also complaints that pre-notification requirements on upcoming manufacturing changes are unworkable.

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U.K.'s Wellcome Trust Signs JV with Merck To Create Vaccines For Low-Income Countries

New opportunities like preventive vaccines for developing countries are throwing up newer alliances between disparate stakeholders. In one such deal, New Jersey-headquartered Merck has formed a first-of-its-kind equal stake collaboration with Wellcome Trust of the United Kingdom to work on research and development of vaccines that can prevent diseases mainly in low-income countries.

AstraZeneca pays $125m up-front for two Nektar candidates

AstraZeneca on Sept. 21 accessed from Nektar Therapeutics two drug candidates, NKTR-118 for opioid-induced constipation and NKTR-119, a combination follow up, significantly accelerating Nektar's transition from a drug delivery provider to a drug development company.

Boehringer Finds COPD Exacerbation Studies Can Be An Exasperating Experience

Private German Big Pharma Boehringer Ingelheim is seeking to expand its indication for Spiriva HandiHaler (tiotropium inhalation powder) to include its use against exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, something GlaxoSmithKline's market-leading Advair (fluticasone/salmeterol inhalation powder) did in 2008 that put it in a league of its own.