MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'elan'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:29:57 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829306&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYitdjBO2xI8%2F Hello, everyone, and welcome to the working week. We hope the weekend was refreshing. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine of meetings and deadlines. To cope - yes - we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation. After all, this is Monday morning. And we know you can relate. So please join us. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. Have a good one and stay in touch… US Supreme Court Declines To Hear Lilly Gemzar Patent Case (Bloomberg News) EMA Board Fails To Agree On A New CEO (Financial Times) Teva Buys Majority Stake In Japan’s Taiyo Pharma (Bloomberg News) Is Elan A Takeover Target? (The Irish Independent) Florida Man Sues Merck Over Propecia And Loss Of Sex Life (Lakeland Ledger) Sanofi Signs Crohn’s Disease Pact With Glenmark (Pharma Times) Glaxo To ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829306 Mon, 16 May 2011 12:05:19 +0100 4829306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658624&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Ft-aVCoVtrjA%2F Hard to believe, but that is the word from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, the outplacement consultants that track monthly changes in each industry. Their latest tally finds that job cuts in the pharmaceutical industry have fallen 87 percent, from 26,165 job cuts a year ago to 3,385 so far this year. This includes 960 planned layoffs announced in March. Consequently, the pharma biz no longer ranks near the top among industries that are laying off gobs and gobs of employees. For most of last year, the pharmaceutical industry had the unpleasant distinction of being the industy sector to consistently shed the largest number of people each month, trailing only the government sector. This time around, pharma did not even make the Challenger top ten (see the rankings here). Of course, jobs a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658624 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 12:52:37 +0100 4658624 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532570&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F8IsrwzAqM_A%2F Top of the morning to you. A sunny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are, once again, hustling short people off to this or that school house. Nonetheless, we are also reaching for our mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Cinnamon Cream Swirl - and looking about for interesting items. Please let us know if you spot something yourself. Meanwhile, have a great day… Daiichi To Buy Plexxicon For Up To $935M (Bloomberg News) Pharma Job Outlook Bleak In Europe As Sites Are Closed (Reuters) Forest And Nycomed Win FDA Approval For COPD Drug (Associated Press) Elan Pleads Guilty In Zonegran Marketing (Boston Business Journal) Feds Award $215M For Flu Vaccine Development (Associated Press) UK’s NICE Wants More Data On Roche Cancer Drug (Dow Jo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532570 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:02:23 +0100 4532570 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4522291&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEacgP4fZABY%2F And so another work week is about to draw to a close. And this means daydreaming about the weekend. Our agenda includes visiting with a favorite aunt and uncle, taking the short people to assorted sports activities and tackling our overwhelming to-do list. What about you? Will you make time to exercise? Catch a movie? You can always prepare your taxes (and perhaps your payments could narrow the deficit). Whatever you do, be safe and have a wonderful time. See you soon… Samsung And Quintiles Partner To Make Biologics (Bloomberg News) Elan And Celgene Settle Patent Lawsuit Over Abraxane (Reuters) Plague Kills Scientist In First Lab Case In 50 Years (Bloomberg News) UK Gang Jailed For Counterfeit Mecidines Plot (Securing Pharma) FDA Rejects Pfizer And Protalix Med For Gaucher’s (B... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4522291 Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:04:10 +0100 4522291 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517354&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcpY5QOLJzcA%2F Top of the morning, everyone. Another shiny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the short people are lollygagging because the local schoolhouse is closed for winter break. This requires an additional cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Rain Forest Nut. Please join us, or grab a bottle of water, if you prefer. Meanwhile, here are some assorted items from around the world, such as it is. Hope your day is rewarding and do stay in touch… Can Sanofi Retain The Genzyme Culture? (Nature) Germany Probes Wholesalers Over HIV Med Fraud (Associated Press) Pfizer Taps Brewer To Enter Insulin Market (Bloomberg News) Feds Raid Florida Pill Mills (Associated Press) NicOx Will Appeal FDA Rejection Of Its Painkiller (Reuters) Elan Inks Strategic Clinical Deal With PPD ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517354 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:04:44 +0100 4517354 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4399823&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9qQL1-8B_A4%2F How much does it cost to fire 130 workers? Well, if you belong to the Elan executive team, the tab could run $100,000, which could be used to pay a salary for, say, a scientist. But that apparently did not stop a handful of Elan execs, who flew to New York from San Francisco on a private jet to fire 130 employees, or 10 percent of its workforce, in a bid to save…money. This move comes after a recent brawl with angry investors and dissident directors over alleged conflicts of interest among some Elan board members and execs, as well as out-of-control expenses related, in part, to the use of private jets that have been used to fly between the drugmaker’s Irish headquarters and operations in New York and the San Francisco Bay area (see this). As noted by Reuters, which reported t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4399823 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 13:40:22 +0100 4399823 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281552&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FXw5i4ajxIVo%2F Hello, everyone, and top of the morning to you. Another shiny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are scrambling to do too many things at once. Sounds familiar, yes? To cope, we are quaffing yet another cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to help you along. Hope your day is productive and do stay in touch… Arena To Refile Obesity Drug By End Of 2011 (Reuters) Biogen And Elan Want To Update Tysabri Label (Bloomberg News) J&J Shareholders File Suit Over Manufacturing Gaffes (Bloomberg News) Novo Sales Rep Sues For Wrongful Termination (West Virginia Record) Teva And Takeda Settle Actos Patent Lawsuit (Reuters) Vertex Ends Part Of Telaprevir Study For Hepatitis C (Bloomberg News) Pharmacist Jailed For Mail Fraud (Standard Speaker) (Sou... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281552 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:17:56 +0100 4281552 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4265627&cid=t_120039_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F12%2Felan-eisai-settle-for-related-reasons.html The parade of legal settlements of bad behavior by major health care organizations marches on. The latest to shuffle by are Elan Corp, based in Ireland, and Eisai Inc, based in Japan, for actions taken in the US.  According to Bloomberg:Elan Corp. will pay $203 million and a U.S. unit of the Irish drugmaker will plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge to resolve an investigation of its marketing of the epilepsy medicine Zonegran.Elan will pay $102.9 million to resolve civil claims and $100 million in criminal fines and forfeitures, according to the U.S. Justice Department. Japanese drugmaker Eisai Inc., which bought the drug from Elan in 2004 for $128.5 million, also will pay $11 million to settle civil claims.The Elan Pharmaceuticals unit will plead guilty in federal court in ... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4265627 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 22:00:00 +0100 4265627 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4233424&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F69Q-JUDmm-A%2F Welcome to the working week. We hope the weekend was refreshing and restful, although now, of course, the routine resumes. To prepare, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, we would like to note that we are hosting a webinar on Thurs., Dec. 9 about the FDA’s Accelerated Approval process (please look here). Please join us. And now, the news of the world. Have a great day and if you run into Jeff Kindler, please send our regards… Celgene Stock Hurt By Revlimid Cancer Data (TheStreet) Elan Replaces Martin With Former Glaxo CEO Ingram (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Bloodthinner Gets EU Approval (Reuters) FDA Delays Decision On Benlysta Lupus Med (Associated Press) China To Lead Innovation By 2020: AstraZeneca Survey (PharmaTimes) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4233424 Mon, 06 Dec 2010 12:45:55 +0100 4233424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106063&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FKtFErbiCVU8%2F There have been numerous headlines lately about healthcare fraud and whistleblowers whose lawsuits eventually prompted huge settlements with the federal government. The latest tally, however, shows that the US Department of Justice recovered over $3.1 billion in fraudulent claims in the 2010 fiscal year that can be traced to lawsuits filed under the federal False Claims Act. Specifically, there were 145 FCA cases settled in the 2010 fiscal year and the 10 largest settlements involved health care fraud, with eight involving drugmakers, according to Taxpayers Against Fraud, a non-profit that supports whistleblower lawsuits. The 10 largest cases accounted for $2.7 billion recovered. Although fiscal year 2009 actually recovered a larger pot of money - $5.6 billion. It also worth that health ca... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106063 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:32:03 +0100 4106063 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3981016&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FnhV0EShxyos%2F After an especially nasty boardroom spat spilled into public view this month, Elan has reached a deal with a pair of dissident board members, who wanted to conduct their own corporate governance audit and threatened a lawsuit that the beleaguered biotech had to race to court to block (back story here). At issue were several transactions that raised questions about undisclosed financial conflicts of interest among Kelly Martin, the embattled Elan ceo, and still other board members. The revelations were not a secret - they were publicized by a dissident shareholder who went so far as to create a web site this year for agitators called Save Elan (read more here). In response to these developments, Martin earlier this month issued an extraordinary, 18-page letter touting his accomplishments an... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3981016 Fri, 17 Sep 2010 12:43:15 +0100 3981016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946685&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FUaWD5R0p9l4%2F Earlier this week, a behind-the-scenes brawl between at least two Elan board members and the rest of the directors, including CEO Kelly Martin, erupted into public view. At issue is corporate governance, but more specifically, a series of deals in which accusations of undisclosed conflicts of interests were raised concerning Martin and several board members. The dissident board members - Vaughn Bryson, a former Eli Lilly ceo, and Jack Schuler, a former president at Abbott Laboratories - hired their own law firm to conduct an independent review, but Elan raced to court and received a one-week injunction to stop them. Elan claims the separate review will undermine its own examination, a curiosu position because it contradicts the role of independent board members. Bryson and Schuler could no... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3946685 Wed, 08 Sep 2010 15:32:35 +0100 3946685 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3943029&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3o9Y7yzjjz8%2F First, a dissident shareholder launches a web site to write about undisclosed conflicts of interest involving Elan management, calls for ceo Kelly Martin to go and proposes his own board candidates (look here). Now, two dissident directors want to conduct their own audit of corporate governance issue and the beleaguered biotech had to race to court to obtain an injunction to stop them. The latest dust-up involves Vaughn Bryson, a former Eli Lilly ceo, and Jack Schuler, a former president at Abbott Laboratories, who are both Elan board members and have hired the Bird Marella law firm to review corporate governance, notably the controversial deal last year between Elan and Johnson & Johnson involving Alzheimer’s drugs and research, particlarly bapineuzumab. The transaction quickly... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3943029 Tue, 07 Sep 2010 12:35:45 +0100 3943029 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3933261&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FiGLdLFQj2Bg%2F Danish investor Ib Sonderby is stepping up the pressure on Elan. The dissident shareholder, who recently launched a web site called Save Elan in which he has launched tirades against Elan ceo Kelly Martin, will hold a conference call next Wed., Sept. 8, to introduce four people he would like to install on the board. The move is the latest step in Sonderby’s quest to overthrow Martin, who he has accused of having various undisclosed conflicts of interest and simply being overpaid. Earlier this week, for instance, Sonderby alleged that Martin (that’s him in the photo) has also been a board member of Kinsale Capital Management, a hedge fund, at the same time that he was ceo of the biotech. “Is Mr. Martin breaching his position of trust within industry by serving in such a co... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3933261 Fri, 03 Sep 2010 13:03:16 +0100 3933261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3854751&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6lHm55SyF5E%2F Good morning, everyone. Another balmy day on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are doing our best to keep cool. We trust you are doing the same. Meanwhile, deadlines and meetings continue to loom. As we prepare, please join us for a cup of stimulation and a bottle of water - a chaser, now and then, is a good thing. Have a great day and stay in touch… SciClone Probed By SEC & DOJ Over Activities In China (MarketWatch) WHO Declares Swine Flu Pandemic Is Over (Bloomberg News) Vertex Hepatitis C Drugs Work In Most Patients In 24 Weeks (Reuters) Merck Reacquires Pennsylvania Plant (The Daily Item) Looking For Clues Of Cognitive Impairment With Parkinson’s (The Wall Street Journal) Elan Delays Sale Of Drug Delivery Unit (Reuters) Roche Uncertain About Partnership For Ovar... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3854751 Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:59:33 +0100 3854751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780568&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcWzzDOL3w6Y%2F Kelly Martin is always pissing one big investor or another. Two years ago, one of them accused the Elan ceo of mishandling the marketing of the Tysabri multiple sclerosis treatment and failing to control costs (back story). He survived a protracted spat by closing offices and striking a complicated and controversial deal with Johnson & Johnson. Now, another shareholder wants his scalp. In an open letter to the Elan board, Danish investor Ib Sonderby writes Martin has “publicly misled investors, destroyed collaborations with Elan’s corporate partners and extracted millions of dollars in compensation…Every attempt at positive, shareholder-led change has been met with resistance and entrenchment. The list of deeply flawed business decisions and shameless self-dealing gr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780568 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 12:12:10 +0100 3780568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3761630&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FKQq7Yvuph-s%2F And so another working week will soon draw to a close. And what a week it was. How about those Avandia developments? Well, time to think of other endeavors. Perhaps a dip in the pool or a day at the beach? A night at the movies (a day at the races?) As for us, we plan to spend time with one or two short people and catch up on some rest. Whatever you do, we hope you enjoy yourself. Meanwhile, join us for a cup of stimulation and survive the day. See you soon… Toxicology Sinks Vernalis, Biogen’s Parkinson’s Drug (Reuters) UK’s NICE OKs Sanofi’s Multaq Heart Drug (Bloomberg News) Novartis Strikes Tentative Deal To Settle Zelnorm Lawsuits (Dow Jones) FDA Reviewers Question Avastin Breast Cancer Data (Reuters) Merck Ends Development Of HIV Drug (AIDSMeds) Adolor Cu... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3761630 Fri, 16 Jul 2010 11:59:28 +0100 3761630 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3625777&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fph5u0_86NrQ%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. A busy day is under way here at the Pharmalot corporate campus where we are chasing various short people off to the schoolhouse. And then there are those meetings and deadlines. No doubt, you can relate. So time to reach for the mandatory cup of stimulation and scan the news of the world. Have a good one… Elan CEO To Quit In 2012 (Reuters) Roche Ends Enrollment For Avastin NHL Trial (Reuters) USP Forges Stronger Ties To Russia And Ukraine (InPharmaTechnologist) Avandia Helps Prevent Diabetes In Low-Dose Combo (Bloomberg News) Orexo And J&J Sign Respiratory Disease Deal (PharmaTimes) FDA Panel Rejects AstraZeneca Infant Lung Drug (Bloomberg News) FDA Panel To Review Arena Diet Pill (Reuters) New Zealand To Review Recalls (Stuff) (Source: Ph... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3625777 Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:47:51 +0100 3625777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3416176&cid=t_120039_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fmultiple-sclerosis-ms-surpass-clinical.html Study Evaluating Rebif, Copaxone, and Tysabri for Active Multiple Sclerosis (SURPASS):ClinicalTrials.gov Description===Corporate press release=== (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3416176 Mon, 29 Mar 2010 00:32:00 +0100 3416176 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3404143&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FuzDwPCt43xM%2F Top of the morning to you. We are hustling about as we get ready to deliver the short people to various schoolhouses. But as you know, we enjoy challenges. Of course, another challenge beckons - preparing for the day ahead. With meetings and deadlines looming, here are a few items that should help. Good luck, everyone, and keep in touch… UBS Broker Charged In Insider Trading Pharma Case (NBC New York) Biogen And Elan Plan Tysabri-Comparison Study (MarketWatch) Medicare Panel Sees Anemia Drug Risks In Kidney Patients (Reuters) Two AVI BioPharma Directors Won’t Return (press release) Aspirin Use In Unexplained Recurrent Miscarriage Studied (HealthDay) Coffee pix thx to chichcacha flickr creative commons (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3404143 Thu, 25 Mar 2010 11:50:21 +0100 3404143 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3366428&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FGIIsu18_0a8%2F Elan has quietly given Johnson & Johnson the right to acquire its 49.9 percent stake in their joint Alzheimer’s disease venture, a move that could deter potential bidders for Elan and which has riled some shareholders, Reuters reports. The agreement, which is buried in Elan’s recently filed annual report, is part of a broader deal announced last July in which J&J agreed to pay $1 billion for 18.4 percent of Elan and take a 50.1 percent stake in a new company working on Elan’s experimental Alzheimer’s drugs, Reuters continues. The terms were revised after it was disclosed Elan and J&J reached a secret agreement in which J&J could gain 50 percent in the Tysabri multiple sclerosis drug, which Elan markets in a 50-50 partnership with Biogen Idec. As ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3366428 Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:24:04 +0100 3366428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3259246&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F67-CG6gJlqA%2F The snow is falling steadily here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, and so many other places today. We hope your shovel is at hand. Nonetheless, the world continues to spin and so here are a few interesting items to help you persevere. Elan Projects A Profit For 2010 (Reuters) Philippines Plans New Round Of Price Cuts (PharmaTimes) Dendreon Prepares Plants For Provenge Approval (Bloomberg News) Sanofi Looks To Vaccines For Growth (Reuters) Boehringer To Buy Japanese OTC Maker (Bloomberg News) snowman courtesy of ld flickr creative commons (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3259246 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:08:04 +0100 3259246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944098&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FruDvp4OyN3s%2F The patients died of a deadly brain infection known as PML, and 24 cases of the disease have been diagnosed since Tysabri was reintroduced to the market in 2006, the European Medicines Agency told Bloomberg News. The FDA confirmed the number of PML cases as 24, but declined further comment. “We’re not commenting on individual cases of PML,” Jennifer Neiman, a Biogen spokeswoman, tells Bloomberg. “The incidence of PML is rare and the rate remains consistent with what was seen in clinical trials and what is described in our current label.” Just last week, the number of reported PML cases was pegged at 23, up from the 13 previously disclosed. That 10 new cases emerged in the last six weeks is “of particular concern,” UBS analysts Guillaume van Renterghem and Martin Wale... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944098 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 22:29:38 +0100 2944098 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2615417&cid=t_120039_122_f&fid=34755&url=http%3A%2F%2Fneuropsychological.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Fhbos-alzheimers-project.html The HBO series The Alzheimer's Project can be viewed online at the HBO website: Click here (Source: BrainBlog) BrainBlog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2615417 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 21:41:00 +0100 2615417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040401&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F485928464%2F Yet again, the multiple-sclerosis medication has caused a serious brain infection, the same malady that prompted the drug to be withdrawn in 2005 for about a year. A German MS patient contracted PML, or progressive multifocal leukoencephalopthy, and remains hospitalized, according to a filing by Biogen with the Securities and Exchange Commission. This is not good news for Biogen and its marketing partner, Elan, which have issued three previous statements this year about four other MS patients contracting PML after taking Tysabri (back story). Nonetheless, the drug has been used by about 35,500 patients as of September, and about 9,500 have taken the injection for at least 18 months, The Wall Street Journal notes. Coincidentally, the disclosure comes just a few days after Novartis reported ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040401 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:17:27 +0100 2040401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2040407&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F485504482%2F The pressure on Kelly Martin is intensifying. Amid accusations that he has mishandled the marketing of Elan’s key drug, the Tysabri multiple sclerosis treatment, and has failed to control costs (back story), Jack Schuler, a former Abbott Labs president, whose firm holds 1 percent of Elan stock, has written the board seeking Martin’s ouster. “Lack of relevant industry experience, gross incompetence related to the management of Tysabri and its partnership with Biogen, and egregious misuse of company resources have caused investors to lose confidence in Mr. Martin and his management team,” according to Schuler, a former board member of Chiron, ICOS and Amgen, who co-founded Crabtree Partners. “Given the company’s unacceptable performance, the board has a fiduciary obligati... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2040407 Mon, 15 Dec 2008 12:32:49 +0100 2040407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2035948&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F482674675%2F The drugmaker is also cutting 114 jobs amid anger from shareholders who are unhappy about the slowing growth of the Tysabri multiple sclerosis drug, a 64 percent stock decline this year, decentralized management in far-flung offices and accusations of a lax approach to cost cutting and corporate governance. And so Ireland’s biggest drugmaker is eliminating about 7 percent of its workforce and closing offices in New York and Tokyo in hopes of savings $25 million annually. No word, though, on whether ceo Kelly Martin (pictured left) will end all those flights on corporate jets that have also irritated shareholders or relinquish a bonus to save money (back story and Elan statement). The move also follows the failure to sell the EDT drug-technology division, which was apparently nixed by... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2035948 Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:19:48 +0100 2035948 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1981290&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F460757785%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is something we hope to make a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that PDI, a contract sales organization, hired Nancy Lurker, 50, as ceo and also appointed her to its board. Previously, Lurker was senior vp and chief marketing officer at Novartis, and before that, ceo at ImpactRx, a market... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1981290 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:21:29 +0100 1981290 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924715&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F436842035%2F Top of the morning, everyone. We are actually a bit under the weather today, but are persevering, nonetheless. Of course, we are helped by an extra large cup of steaming hot stimulation. So while we gather our strength and hustle the short people along, here are a few items to enjoy… Roche Plans $100M Expansion At Ventana (Associated Press) Glaxo To Buy Genelabs For $57 Million (Reuters) Tysabri Patient Develops Brain Infection (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924715 Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:50:24 +0100 1924715 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1907886&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F430627967%2F Good morning, everyone. The end of the week is nearly upon us and that means the time has come to daydream about - what? - a drive in the country, a long snooze on the couch or searching for the Great Pumpkin, perhaps. First, though, we must survive the day. So here are a few items to help you along. Have a great weekend… Merck Is Hiring Scientists In Canada (The Montreal Gazette) Elan Revenue Lifted By Tysabri Sales (The Financial Times) Glaxo In $550M Deal To Develop Alzheimer’s Vaccines (Triangle Business Journal) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1907886 Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:29:00 +0100 1907886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1689194&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F358595602%2F A federal judge dealt Biogen and Elan a blow by refusing to move a lawsuit over the death of a patient, who had been treated with their Tysabri multiple sclerosis med, from a state court in Boston, where Biogen is based, to a federal court in Iowa. And in doing so, US District Court Judge Douglas Woodcock supported the arguments against preemption as a reason for his ruling, The Wall Street Journal writes. Preemption is the notion that FDA approval supercedes state law claims challenging safety, efficacy, or labeling. Drugmakers and the FDA argue preemption exists by maintaining agency actions are the final word on safety and effectiveness, and the concept shields them from liability claims under state law. The US Supreme Court this November will review a case involving a Vermont woman and... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1689194 Thu, 07 Aug 2008 20:08:25 +0100 1689194 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1679702&cid=t_120039_129_f&fid=36038&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.healthtalk.com%2Fmultiple-sclerosis%2Flife-with-ms%2Ftwo-new-cases-of-pml-reported-in-ms-patients-taking-tysabri%2F This past week, Biogen Idec and Elan Pharmaceuticals, reported to their respective regulatory agencies that two new cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) were conclusively diagnosed in European MS patients who were undergoing Tysabri (natalizumab) mono-therapy for multiple sclerosis. The details of the reports are somewhat vague. Extensive procedures taking approximately two months for each patient have proven that two separate patients in two different countries who were using Tysabri for two separate kinds of MS for differing periods of time have contracted PML. Both patients are reported as “stable,” though company officials were vague on the patients’ prognoses. It’s not like we didn’t expect to hear this news… eventually. Everyone on Tysabri knows that... Life with MS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1679702 Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:38:01 +0100 1679702 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1671773&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F352063264%2F Biogen and Elan have reported two confirmed cases of a deadly brain infection - progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy - in patients taking their Tysabri multiple sclerosis drug, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Both patients were in the European Union, and were confirmed earlier this week. One remains hospitalized and the other remains clinically stable and ambulatory at home. Biogen and Elan had pulled the drug from the market for a year after two other patients developed the infections, Bloomberg News reminds us. The FDA allowed sales to resume in July 2006 after deciding benefits for slowing MS relapses outweighed the risk. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1671773 Thu, 31 Jul 2008 23:41:03 +0100 1671773 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1664629&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F349831946%2F The closely watched med being developed by Wyeth and Elan failed to achieve statistical significance and also raised the risk of a potentially serious side effect, especially in people with a genetic risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to trial data released today at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s. The drugmakers reported that 12 people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s who were treated with the drug, called bapineuzumab, developed a build-up of fluid in the brain called vasogenic edema. And 10 of those cases were in people who have the ApoE4 gene, which significantly raises their risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The other two patients didn’t carry the gene. “Usually this occurred after the first or second dose,” Ronald Black, Wye... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1664629 Tue, 29 Jul 2008 21:38:41 +0100 1664629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1649306&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F343830430%2F Depends who you ask. But Contract Pharma magazine decided that a biopharma company is one that makes more than 40 percent of its drug revenues by selling biologic products, including biotherapeutics, vaccines and other proteins. As the mag’s editor, Gil Roth, says: No royalty-based companies allowed! (That means you, ImClone). This can be limiting, though. Gil could only find nine companies that would qualify for his Top 10 list. So to round it off, he threw in Elan, since it co-markets Tysabri with Biogen Idec. Good editors think creatively. 1 - Amgen - $14.3 billion 2 - Genentech - $9.4 billion 3 - Novo Nordisk - $7.7 billion 4 - Merck Serono - $6.1 billion 5 - Baxter BioScience - $4.6 billion 6 - Biogen Idec - $3.1 billion 7 - Genzyme - $2.8 billion 8 - CSL - $2.3 billion 9 - Alle... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1649306 Wed, 23 Jul 2008 19:06:15 +0100 1649306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1556507&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F323473344%2F Myriad Genetics is discontinuing development of Flurizan after the drug failed in a closely watched Phase III clinical study. In a statement, the drugmaker said the med didn’t improve cognition by a statistically significant amount compared to a placebo or improve the ability of patients to go about daily living. The failure is significant because Flurizan was one of the first drugs to reach late-stage testing that tried to prevent the buildup of amyloid plaque in the brain, a focus of much research into Alzheimer’s. Whether this will raise questions about other drugs targeting amyloid plaque remains to be seen. Wyeth and Elan are jointly developing a drug that tries to block amyloid plaque and, so far, have generated considerable interest, even though preliminary Phase II res... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1556507 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:37:33 +0100 1556507 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1512332&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F310353436%2F Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift. The morning mayor used to say that and it remains true. So no matter what hurdles you may face today, take heart. Those deadlines and meetings will come and go. They always do, yes? Meanwhile, here are a few items to help you move along… Genentech & MedImmune Settle Patent Fight (TheStreet.com) Jazz Pharmaceuticals Cuts 8 Percent Of Staff (San Francisco Business Times) Elan Alzheimer’s Vaccine Trial To Begin Anew (Yahoo/Reuters) Novo Nordisk Ends Trial Of Blood-Clotting Drug (Bloomberg News) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1512332 Thu, 12 Jun 2008 11:55:42 +0100 1512332 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1379580&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F272375930%2F The drugmakers say that a mid-stage clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s vaccine has been suspended while they look into a potentially serious side effect suffered by one patient in the study, Reuters reports. Dosing in the study of the experimental vaccine, ACC-001, was halted after the patient was hospitalized with skin lesions from what the physician serving as lead researcher suspected was a case of inflammation of blood vessels. “Following discussion with the FDA, all further dosing has been suspended while this particular event is fully evaluated,” Jonathan Birt, an Elan spokesman, tells Reuters. The drugmakers are in talks with health regulators and the physician to further understand the clinical and scientific issues, Birt adds. The patient, meanwhile, has been rele... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1379580 Thu, 17 Apr 2008 19:20:36 +0100 1379580 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1356374&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F266288922%2F An Alzheimer’s disease research paper published last September in Archives of Neurology failed to disclose the financial ties that one co-author had to Elan and Wyeth as a paid consultant to the drugmakers, TheStreet.com reports. The paper describes the use of a new test - the neuropsychological test battery (NTB) - to measure memory and mental status of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. John Harrison was paid by Elan and Wyeth to create the NTB as a new cognitive test for their experimental Alzheimer’s drug, bapineuzumab. You may recall that TheStreet previously noted that the drugmakers hope to convince regulators here and in Europe that NTB should be used as the basis to approve the med. Wyeth and Elan have argued that the NTB is a superior alternative to the ADAS-co... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1356374 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:10:21 +0100 1356374 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1268592&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F243478320%2F What would you think if the two drugmakers decided to use a new and unproven endpoint to measure the memory and mental status in patients in a Phase III trial of their closely watched, experimental Alzheimer’s treatment? Might Wyeth and Elan be searching for an easier route to win FDA approval for their medication, known as bapineuzumab? That’s the question raised in an interesting column by Adam Feuerstein at TheStreet.com. He writes that, by creating their own test to measure bapineuzumab’s efficacy, Elan and Wyeth are seeking an alternative to the so-called ADAS-cog, despite that test’s imprimatur as the gold standard measure of cognitive function. The ADAS-cog has been used as the basis for approval for all Alzheimer’s disease drugs to date. Elan has devis... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1268592 Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:20:47 +0100 1268592 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1263513&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F242375810%2F More problems with the multiple sclerosis med. In a letter posted on the FDA site, Elan and Biogen Idec, which co-market the drug, warned Tysabri may harm the liver within six days of the first dose. Some patients have displayed signs that are “generally recognized as an important predictor of severe liver injury that may lead to death or the need for a liver transplant in some patients,” according to the letter. Apparently, not all docs were aware of the risk, which was added to prescribing information in January when the drug was approved for Crohn’s disease. Biogen and Elan had pulled Tysabri from the market in February 2005 because two patients developed fatal brain infections. The drug was reintroduced in July 2006 after the FDA decided the benefits of slowing MS relapses o... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1263513 Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:08:46 +0100 1263513 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1215493&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F231093310%2F Are you reading this, Carl? A letter to The New England Journal of Medicine details two dramatic, but potentially cautionary tales about Tysabri, Biogen’s troubled mulitple sclerosis med. And the news prompts one Wall Street analyst to say Biogen’s forecast for growing the number of Tysabri patients is unrealistic, perhaps dampening prospects for the biotech and Carl Icahn’s hopes of boosting the stock price. A 46-year-old woman with MS received her first dose, but then a mole that had been on her shoulder for years suddenly took on a dangerous new character; it turned out to be a melanoma that spread like wildfire and she has just a few months to live, writes Health Day News. And 45-year-old woman with MS developed melanoma in her retina after receiving several doses. S... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1215493 Thu, 07 Feb 2008 16:50:00 +0100 1215493 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1027240&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F184741696%2F The agency expects to take up to four months to review data showing Maxipime, which is used to treat a variety of infections, was linked to a higher risk of death than antibiotics in the same class in an article published last May in The Lancet. Maxipime, which is also known as Cefepime, is made by Bristol-Myers Squibb and marketed by Elan. “FDA is working with the manufacturer of cefepime, Bristol-Myers Squibb, to further evaluate the finding of increased mortality in patients who received cefepime. It will take about four months to complete this evaluation at which time FDA will communicate the conclusions and any resulting recommendations to the public,” the agency wrote on its web site this morning. Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1027240 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:40:24 +0100 1027240 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=996643&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F178172662%2F Another day gets under way. The dog has pooped and one of the short people is already at school. And so the way is clear to provide some interesting items. Hope your day is pleasant…. AstraZeneca Says Cobalt Files To Sell Generic Crestor (Bloomberg News) SEC Charges Former Invitrogen Scientist With Insider Trading (Yahoo/Reuters) Elan Sues Actavis Unit Over ADHD Drug Patents (The Independent) Statins May Reduce Prostate Cancer Relapse Risk (PharmaTimes) Studies Clarify How Tamiflu Affects The Brain (The Daily Yomiuri) Eisai Delays Launch Of New Drugs (Bloomberg News) Dr. Reddy’s Eyes Emerging Markets (The Business Standard) LATE ADDITION: Medco Reports Increased Profits (Yahoo/AP) Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=996643 Thu, 01 Nov 2007 10:28:19 +0100 996643 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=982725&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F175516615%2F The first round could begin during the first 10 days of November, The Financial Times reports, citing unnamed buzz. But the paper writes that confidentiality agreements have been signed with speculation continuing to center on Pfizer and Novartis, since both companies have notably made public statements about their interest in improving their biologics offering. Although one of the people commented that with Biogen books not yet sent out, advisors are finding it very difficult to appraise the situation and to put a value on indications of interest based on public information alone. “If we don’t know the color of the cat, it is difficult to buy something you don’t know,” one wag told the paper. Another source who claimed direct access to Biogen’s management, however, said not to ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=982725 Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:53:07 +0100 982725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=950972&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F170096942%2F That’s what the billionaire is saying to reassure investors about his interest in the biotech. “If an offer was made, Elan would not activate its change of control provision,” for the Tysabri multiple sclerosis med, Icahn tells Bloomberg News. “I don’t think they wanted to be a poison pill. That’s very important. It opens the door a lot.” On Friday, Biogen put itself up for sale after investor Icahn made an offer and the biotech claim to have received “expressions of interest” from others. Icahn offered $23 billion last week and believes Biogen, according to Bloomberg, which notes that some analysts project Tysabri sales could exceed $2 billion in three years. Based on its market cap as of last week, Biogen is worth about $20 billion. ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=950972 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:01:40 +0100 950972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=764508&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F138273713%2F Why are agency reviewers hesitant to approve Biogen and Elan’s expensive treatment for the gastrointestinal illness? Potentially fatal side effects and a lack of safety studies the FDA asked the drugmakers to provide, according to documents posted on the FDA web site in advance of an advisory committee meeting this Tuesday in Maryland. The FDA staffers wrote they’re concerned patients taking Tysabri, which is already approved to treat multiple sclerosis, could develop a rare and incurable nervous system disease that is usually fatal after six months, the Associated Press reports. Biogen, which codeveloped the drug with Elan, is asking the FDA to approve Tysabri to treat Crohn’s disease, which causes inflammation of the intestines and affects about 1 million people worldwi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=764508 Sat, 28 Jul 2007 14:15:04 +0100 764508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=749709&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrugreptoys.blogspot.com%2F2007%2F07%2Fmaxipime-kit.html Another one I've never seen before. But it's got crayons, stickers and band-aids, which combination just oozes the bright cheer of a pediatrician's office. Very fun, though I admit I won't be getting much use out of crayons in my day-to-day practice. (Source: Drug Rep Toys) Drug Rep Toys blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=749709 Sun, 22 Jul 2007 20:22:00 +0100 749709 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=624600&cid=t_120039_150_f&fid=35603&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdrugreptoys.blogspot.com%2F2006%2F11%2Fmaxipime-scissors.html This is a great little scissors. Though I don't need them for bandages, they get a workout around the house. (Source: Drug Rep Toys) Drug Rep Toys blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=624600 Fri, 03 Nov 2006 03:52:00 +0100 624600