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 'eli'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:57:16 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182318&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FsjdNNNUnuXs%2F And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. To celebrate, we are rolling in the sidewalks very early to get a jump on the long holiday weekend. Our plans, though, are modest. We hope to take in some tennis with one of the short people and, otherwise, catch up on some reading. But what about you? Those of you affected by the storm, no doubt, can use a spot of rest. Elsewhere, this may be an opportunity to enjoy a day outside, spend time with someone special or simply count your blessings. Whatever you do, be safe and have fun. See you soon… FDA May Get Two More Months To Review Drugs (Reuters) Pfizer To Move Research Units To Leased MIT Space (Boston Globe) Lilly May Partner With Turkish Generic Drugmaker (Reuters) EU OKs Approval For Expanded Use Of Roche’s Tarceva ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182318 Fri, 02 Sep 2011 11:31:57 +0100 5182318 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5182324&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJLYJ6oSGdcE%2F Should one of the states that was involved in the investigation into Purdue Pharma and its notorious OxyContin painkiller withhold documents used to prosecute the drugmaker and three current and former executives? The question will be the subject of a hearing tomorrow in Massachusetts, where state Attorney General Martha Coakley has refused to release reams of pertinent paperwork. At issue are countless documents that were compiled by the US Department of Justice, which charged Purdue and execs with misbranding - they facilitated improper use of the drug and misled patients, regulators and doctors about addictive risks. All totaled, $634 million in fines were paid, and the execs were barred from doing business with federal healthcare programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid (back story). Th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5182324 Wed, 31 Aug 2011 15:35:40 +0100 5182324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159840&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0qGTbAcfmZ0%2F Six months after a federal appeals court decided a pair of GlaxoSmithKline sales reps are not eligible for overtime pay, they are now asking the US Supreme Court to review their case. And the implications for the pharmaceutical industry are likely to be far-reaching, given that drugmakers have been laying off thousands of sales reps as part of a massive wave of cost cutting in recent years. The petition, however, is not surprising, because there has been a split among appeals courts over this issue. Last year, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit ruled that Novartis reps are entitled to overtime (back story), and the Supreme Court earlier this year declined to review the decision (see here). That ruling came just two weeks after the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159840 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 12:07:40 +0100 5159840 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125967&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FLSYf4qbxl5I%2F In another instance in which a drugmaker appears to have bribed overseas officials, Pfizer has “voluntarily” provided the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission with information concerning “potentially improper payments” made by Pfizer and Wyeth personnel in connection with certain unspecified sales activities outside the US. The move comes amid increased scrutiny by the feds into the pharmaceutical industry and its interactions with foreign health care systems. In late 2009, the head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division warned drugmakers that there will be more criminal enforcement against interactions with foreign officials as they seek violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (see here). In April, Johnson & J... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125967 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:36:53 +0100 5125967 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118994&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FX-4k_OX50Ks%2F Top of the morning to you. And what a morning it is. A lovely sun is shining overhead and a cool breeze is wafting through the Pharmalot corporate campus. This calls for a celebratory cup of stimulation. Nonetheless, meetings and deadlines loom. So let us all get started. A few interesting items can be found below. Meanwhile, if you hear of anything interesting, drop us a line. Have a great day, everyone… FDA OKs Gilead And J&J Once-Daily HIV Pill (Reuters) Pfizer Pays First Compensation To Nigerian Trovan Victims (BBC) Vioxx Lawyers Get More Fees After Filing Objections (Bloomberg News) Pfizer To Shed 130 Jobs And Close Former King Plant (TriCities) FDA Sets Review Deadline For Amylin Diabetes Drug (Reuters) FDA Questions Adventrx Trial Run By CRO In Argentina (Outsourcing Phar... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118994 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:53:50 +0100 5118994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5078034&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FpESdhESRxXI%2F And so, another working week is drawing to a close. This is, of course, our signal to daydream about weekend plans. We have not yet finalized our agenda, but we do hope to catch up on some reading and spend time with our short people. We may even tidy up the Pharmalot corporate campus. And you? Anything special in the offing? A day at the beach? A night at the movies? Maybe a dinner with someone special? Or if you have a high pain threshold, you could track the children in Washington DC as they jeopardize the economy. Whatever your pleasure, have a great time, but be safe. See you soon… Pfizer Wins Prempro Case In West Virginia (Bloomberg News) Nevada Wins Right To Continue Hormone Replacement Lawsuit (Las Vegas Sun) Sanofi Won’t Make Genzyme Milestone Payment (The Boston Globe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5078034 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:10:06 +0100 5078034 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5078037&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzlP6m6NMZek%2F Last week, the Pfizer Facebook page was hacked by ScriptKiddies, setting off a flurry of chatter about not just hacking, but the extent to which this episode would affect the way drugmakers view the virtues of Facebook and, beyond that, social media (back story). This happened just as Facebook changes it rules so that drugmakers will no longer be allowed to disable comments, prompting some to consider walking away from Facebook (see this and this). We spoke with Rich Meyer, a former Eli Lilly marketer who worked on the Prozac and Cialis brand teams, and now runs Online Strategic Solutions and the World of DTC Marketing blog, for his thoughts on the implications… Pharmalot: How bad was the hacking incident? Meyer: For consumers and patients, I don’t think it was that bad. They know ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5078037 Thu, 28 Jul 2011 13:23:23 +0100 5078037 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5062499&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_zpfd5XXIyY%2F Early next year, a drug for cystic fibrosis is expected to be reviewed by the FDA and it is a moment the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been waiting years to occur. The non-profit has invested $75 million and approval of the drug - which was developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals with support from the foundation - would provide a new treatment for patients. And CFF will get a new revenue stream. Why? As Nature writes: CFF has a stake in the intellectual property underlying the drug and is entitled to royalties. So-called venture philanthropy is increasing among foundations, which are managing research projects, making funding dependent on projects reaching predetermined milestones and potentially reaping a return. They are also trying to keep control in the event obstacles emerge. Not surpris... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5062499 Mon, 25 Jul 2011 14:59:40 +0100 5062499 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008662&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fjg8EpAu81jA%2F And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. As always, this is the signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda calls for a dip in the pool, a little yardwork, hanging with assorted short people and catching up on some interesting R&D. What about you? Is a day at the beach in order? Or a drive in the country? Maybe catching up on some sleep or thinking big thoughts? Whatever you do, have a good time and be safe. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you soon… Bayer Loses European Patent For Yasmin (Reuters) PETA Proposes Procter & Gamble Stop Animal Testing (Dayton Business Journal) Republicans Complain FDA Review Procedures Slow Innovation (Bloomberg News) Bydureon Diabetes Med Passed The Test In Heart Trial (Reuters) FDA Bans Imports From Dr. Reddy&#8217... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008662 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:04:58 +0100 5008662 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992989&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fl9r_qs2CrEo%2F Three years after they were fingered in a US Senate probe into the interplay between academics who receive grant money from both pharma and the National Institutes of Health, three prominent psychiatrists from Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital have been sanctioned for violating conflict of interest rules and failing to report the extent of their payments. In a mea culpa addressed to their colleagues, Joseph Biederman, Thomas Spencer and Timothy Wilens wrote that “we want to offer our sincere apologies to HMS and MGH communities…We always believed we were complying in good faith with the institutional polices and our mistakes were honest ones. We now recognize that we should have devoted more time and attention to the detailed requirements of these polici... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992989 Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:04:29 +0100 4992989 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4992994&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQp-xlA4Oic4%2F Few topics are more contentious than ghostwriting - the mysterious practice in which an article lands in a medical journal with the names of various authors who, as it turns out, had little or nothing to do with the substance of the publication. The issue has caused several scandals for several drugmakers and medical journals, causing embarrassment and turmoil. However, keeping track can be difficult. So the Project On Government Oversight, a watchdog group that regularly probes the topic, has compiled a handy primer on recent episodes (read here, here, here, here and here), as well as the steps taken by various universities and government agencies to cope with the problem. In case you were wondering, though, allegations have been reported for the following journals: The American Journal ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4992994 Fri, 01 Jul 2011 12:30:53 +0100 4992994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4984689&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEygW_voyKzU%2F Rise and shine. Another glorious day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are moving along like a cool breeze. Of course, there is much to be done - phone calls, meetings, reading documents. You name it. And we know you can related. So grab that cup of stimulation - no excuses, please - and pick up your to-do list. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits from around your world. Have a good one… US Court Orders Seizure Of Cipla Pet Drug For Patent Violation (Dow Jones) Lilly Plans 10 Drug In Final-Stage Trials By End Of 2011 (Bloomberg News) Niaspan Prescriptions Fall After Negative Study Results (Dow Jones) Pfizer Signs Deal With Russian Venture Capital Firm For R&D (Associated Press) Forest Files COPD Drug For FDA Approval (Pharma Times) ‘Neurontin Kille... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4984689 Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:53:38 +0100 4984689 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976204&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F2jyWx_FI6TU%2F Now that Carl Icahn has scooped up nearly 7 percent of Forest Laboratories stock and wants to place four of his minions on the board (back story), Wall Street is eyeing the drugmaker as takeover bait. The premise is helped along by the fact that Forest has five newer products, including three that will be launched by September, and another four in the pipeline that, when taken together, could add up to an attractive package. To wit, these nine drugs have the potential to dramatically boost earnings over the next five years, according to an investor note from Credit Suisse analyst Catherine Arnold. In her view, a mere 5 percent rise in 2016 sales implies a 24 percent earnings gain. This is particularly important since the Lexapro antidepressant, which generated 53 percent of 2011 sales, los... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976204 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 12:57:12 +0100 4976204 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976206&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FvinqO6QozGE%2F Hello, again. And how are you this morning? A beautiful day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus - the birds are chirping, the official mascots are lounging about and the cup of stimulation is brewing. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to another day of R&D. We know you can relate. To help you along, here are some tidbits. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… Vertex Tops Merck In Hep C Drug Launch (The Street) Glaxo R&D Chief Says Advair Is Safe From Generics (Reuters) J&J Plans To Market More Products Under The Janssen Name (Financial Times) New Prostate Cancer Drugs Are Expensive (New York Times) Amgen Sells $3 Billion In Bonds To Pay For Dividends (Bloomberg News) Diabetes Cases In Adults Worldwide Has Doubled In 30 Years (Reuters) India Suspend... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976206 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:08 +0100 4976206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911817&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FscuNG8BkIgY%2F To settle a bitter dispute over seizures of generic meds at a Dutch airport, Eli Lilly is about to make an undisclosed payment to several Indian generic drugmakers, The Financial Times writes. Several big drugmakers, in fact, benefited when the lower-cost drugs were impounded, since the move thwarted distribution of the generics throughout the European Union. The seizures in 2008 and 2009 were made in response to claims that the meds violated intellectual property rules protecting patents within the EU. But the move also prompted fierce criticism from health activists and non-governmental organizations that argued the generics were simply being shipped through the EU to developing countries where the patent laws did not apply, the FT notes. The seizures were only the latest struggle in a l... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911817 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:00:39 +0100 4911817 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911818&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6PnSSHy9aJg%2F In explaining his decision to penalize Johnson & Johnson a healthy $327 million for deceptive marketing of its Risperdal antipsychotic, South Carolina Circuit Court Judge Roger Crouch late last week made a point of reciting a part of the famed credo that is religiously repeated by execs at the health care giant: “We believe our first responsibility is to the doctors, nurses and patients, to mothers and fathers and all others who use our products and services. In meeting their needs, everything we do must be of high quality.” Why? He wanted to contrast the credo with actions taken by the Johnson & Johnson team. To set the stage for his remarks, Crouch offered this: “It it is the loss of the company’s focus, upon the primary objective of its credo, which bri... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911818 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:08:23 +0100 4911818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872475&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQv7sASpsCEI%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 our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Pfizer named Craig Lipset as head of clinical innovation. Most recently , he was venture partner in Pfizer Venture Investments, which oversees a $50 million budget for private investments in diagnostics and health technology. Before that, he wa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872475 Fri, 27 May 2011 12:09:20 +0100 4872475 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4853221&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fpok9CMr79cQ%2F Hello, everyone, and welcome to the working week. Another overcast day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we will be hosting a webinar on the injectable delivery drug market, so please join us. Meanwhile, the time has come to grab a cup of stimulation and peruse the news of the world. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… FDA Approves Vertex Pharma Hepatitis C Drug (Reuters) Lilly Helps Create Biotech To Develop And Sell Xigris (Associated Press) How PR Tactics Skew Medical Research Presentation (The Guardian) J&J Woes Mitigated By New Drug Bets? (Bloomberg News) Lilly Chops 70 Jobs In Ireland (InPharm) Two Men Convicted Of Selling HIV Meds (NewJerseyNewsroom) Google Warned About Rogue Drug Ads (Wall Street Journal) Provenge, Medicare And Costs (CNBC... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4853221 Mon, 23 May 2011 11:59:53 +0100 4853221 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841981&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fm8q5cglpFYs%2F For all the intriguing evidence that emerges from product-liability litigation about potential hazards of different medicines, still more documents are often kept under wraps. Why? Drugmakers often succeed in convincing judges to issue protective orders so that certain info - sometimes labeled as trade secrets - remains sealed. And attorneys for plaintiffs generally agree in order to advance the cases. However, the tactic has long riled critics who say select and crucial safety info may never reach the public. And so the US Senate Judiciary Committee today voted 12 to 6 to approve the “Sunshine in Litigation Act,” which would require judges to consider public health before granting a protective order or sealing court records and settlement agreements. You can read the text here... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841981 Thu, 19 May 2011 16:35:48 +0100 4841981 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841983&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FwGS0Lq_faZk%2F For the second time in the past year, a study has been released indicating that the little blue impotence pill can not only make one hard, but hard of hearing. To be specific, the trio of popular meds for erectile dysfunction - Viagra, Cialis and Levitra - were linked to 47 suspected cases of sensorineural hearing loss – a rapid loss of hearing in one or both ears that can become permanent, according to a study in The Laryngoscope. The UK researchers reviewed info from published literature and regulatory reports around the globe for incidents that may have been triggered by the pills. They found that hearing loss occurred within 24 hours of ingestion in nearly 67 percent of the cases, with Pfizer’s Viagra accounting for more than half of the total. The average age of those affected... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841983 Thu, 19 May 2011 12:52:19 +0100 4841983 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829304&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMFHc1WKmzjk%2F Since 2002, Amylin Pharmaceuticals has worked closely with Eli Lilly to develop and market diabetes meds. Specifically, the two drugmakers sell the twice-a-day Byetta med and have been laboring to win approval for Bydureon, a once-weekly injectable that is designed to supplant the older drug. But like many partnerships, suspicision and mistrust often emerge and so Amylin has just filed a lawsuit in federal court charging Lilly with anticompetitive activity and breaching their “strategic alliance.” Why? This past January, Lilly signed a deal with Boehringer Ingelheim to jointly develop and sell several diabetes compounds that are in mid- and late-stage development, including a Boehringer oral diabetes agent known as linagliptin (read here). This has not sat well with Amylin, whi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829304 Mon, 16 May 2011 13:43:16 +0100 4829304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813669&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVsf-59_lCGQ%2F In a blistering missive, the Public Citizen consumer group has charged that researchers with ties to Eli Lilly withheld important data from the Journal of the American Medical Association concerning their recent study of an imaging agent for Alzheimer’s disease. Last March, the FDA declined to approve the drug over concerns that scans can be accurately read, but Lilly continues to seek approval. In a letter published yesterday in JAMA, Public Citizen criticized the January 19 study, which examined whether brain scans using Lilly’s Amyvid, an experimental dye to detect brain abnormalities, was effective. However, the consumer group charged the authors excluded data on the extent to which the scans could be intepreted accurately from one doctor to the next (here is the study and ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813669 Wed, 11 May 2011 13:26:24 +0100 4813669 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795054&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7XNwRvu223Y%2F When it comes to the animal health business, the laws of the jungle are what matters. Consider the spat between Bayer and Eli Lilly. Over the past year, Lilly’s Elanco animal health unit allegedly used a smear campaign to discredit Bayer in hopes of convincing veterinarians and distributors to end their business relationships with its rival, according to a lawsuit filed in a New York federal court. Such fingerpointing complaints are, of course, not an uncommon event among drugmakers, especially when it comes to promotional activities. But this latest lawsuit underscores the extent to which the animal health world is an increasingly important business to companies that are finding it harder and harder to develop big-selling meds to treat those two legged-creatures known as humans. At ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795054 Fri, 06 May 2011 20:23:48 +0100 4795054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795055&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqED4wPpJkto%2F In an effort to “strengthen the firewall” between accredited continuing medical education and pharma promotion, the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education is proposing a policy change that would prohibit corporate logos or mention of specific corporate divisions from appearing in commercial support disclosure statements. Why consider such a change? Right now, industry logos may occupy a prominent spot on a web page that offers a course and is sponsored by a drugmaker. For instance, take a look at an online course at Medscape called Diagnosis and Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder, which is paid for by Eli Lilly. Some may consider such displays as being too overtly commercial. And so the revised policy would, presumably, minimize such impressions. The ACCME i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795055 Fri, 06 May 2011 14:31:39 +0100 4795055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4789635&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fh0ku9JI07Eo%2F An investigation by India’s health ministry has found that drugmakers running clinical trials in the country have not compensated survivors of most volunteers who died during their studies. Of 671 deaths that were reported last year, there is evidence that compensation was given in just three cases, The Business Standard writes. And so, the health ministry has asked 44 drugmakers to explain why they have not provided compensation, which is mandatory under the current law. Among those queried were Eli Lilly, Novartis, Pfizer, Bayer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi-Aventis. For instance, data compiled by the ministry show there were 152 deaths reported during Sanofi trials and 138 took place in Bayer trials. A Novartis spokesperson tells the paper that its clinical trial inves... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4789635 Thu, 05 May 2011 12:27:52 +0100 4789635 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4780488&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FGuogHFPFGkk%2F Good morning, everyone, and nice to see you again. A sunny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we hope we have solved our recent tech problems. We appreciate your patience. Meanwhile, we are brewing the usual cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Mocha Nut Fudge - and perusing the news of the world. Let us know if you hear something interesting. And, of course, have a productive and rewarding day… Pfizer Earnings Rise On Lower Costs (Associated Press) Novartis CEO Not Thrilled With Health Care Reform (Fortune) Shanghai Pharma Raises $2.2B, Investors Include Pfizer (Bloomberg News) Could Chemicals In Wine Improve Stent Performance? (Health Day) Teva To Buy Japanese Generic Drugmaker (Globes) FDA Approves Boehringer/Lilly Diabetes Drug (Pharma Times) Parex... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4780488 Tue, 03 May 2011 12:02:39 +0100 4780488 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762935&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F1uVr41QL7qw%2F The Sopranos may not be stealing as many prescription drugs as before. Attempts to curtail hijacked trucks and warehouse burglaries may be making a difference in the rate of pharmaceutical thefts. Between 2006 and 2008, thefts rocketed by 283 percent, but have been mostly flat since then, with just one incident recorded in 2009 and two more last year. The drop off is likely due to “intense efforts” by drugmakers to “harden the supply chain,” according to Freight Watch International, which tracks cargo thefts around the world and issued a new report. However, the average value per theft has fluctuated, from a low of $1.13 million, on average, in 2007 to an average of $3.95 million in 2009. And there were 13 hijackings over each of the past five years. Of course, one ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762935 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:39:57 +0100 4762935 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4762937&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fhg7QGCQONN0%2F Hello, everyone. Another busy day is about to unfold here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, as we prepare for a round of meetings and deadlines. To cope, we are our brewing our mandatory cup of stimulation - we continue to favor Wild Mountain Blueberry this week. Meanwhile, here are some items to help you get started. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… Par Pharma Pays $153M To Settle Pricing Lawsuits (Reuters) Sanofi-Aventis Profit Falls Due To Generics (Bloomberg News) More US Women Are Using The Morning After Pill (Reuters) Roche Wins FDA Approval For HPV Diagnostics Test (Bloomberg News) AstraZeneca Profits Get A Lift From Tax Breaks (Pharma Times) Merck Hepatitis C Drug Wins FDA Panel Backing (Boston Globe) Australia Delays Subsidies For Some Medicines (Australian Broadc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4762937 Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:49:06 +0100 4762937 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4723962&cid=t_167364_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F04%2Fperformance-improvement-cme-brought-to.html (Source: The Carlat Psychiatry Blog) The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4723962 Sun, 17 Apr 2011 14:53:00 +0100 4723962 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4715016&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYiEPmFQ6yMo%2F And so another work week will soon draw to a close. This means, of course, the time has come to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda includes spring cleaning, taking one of our short people to a soccer match and catching up on some sleep. What about you? Anything special planned? A walk in the park? Reaching out to an old friend? Maybe planning the rest of your life? Whatever you do, have a great time. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. Catch you soon… EU Backs Boehringer Pradaxa Stroke Prevention Drug (Reuters) US Will Negotiate Medicare Drug Prices: Obama (Pharma Times) EU OKs Bydureon Diabetes Med From Lilly & Amylin (Reuters) Genzyme MS Drug Shows Promising Five-Year Results (Mass High Tech) Glaxo To Sell Plant And Eliminate 250 Jobs (Memphis Business Journal) Glaxo To Se... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4715016 Fri, 15 Apr 2011 11:33:47 +0100 4715016 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4715022&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FfKoTWEYTHfw%2F The latest monthly tally for prescription meds shows that prices rose again last month, compared with a year ago. Specifically, there were 14 price increases, up an average 6.7 percent, versus price hikes on 10 drugs in March 2010 that averaged 6.5 percent, according to Barclays Capital analyst Lawrence Marsh, who reviewed data from First DataBank on the top 130 brand-name prescription drugs. Going back in time, there were 19 price increases in March 2009, but the average price hike was 6.0 percent. In March 2008, prices rose on just eight meds at an average increase of 9 percent, while in March 2007, there were price increases on seven drugs at an average of 4.9 percent. And in March 2006, drugmakers boosted prices on seven meds at an average 5.8 percent. Last month, Marsh found price hi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4715022 Thu, 14 Apr 2011 13:43:49 +0100 4715022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696954&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3Eb37NoKR6k%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope the weekend was refreshing and enjoyable. Now, though, the routine of meetings and deadlines has returned. To cope, yes, we are brewing that mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits to get you going. Let us know if you hear anything interesting and have a great, productive day… Endo Pharma Buying American Medical For $2.6 Billion (Associated Press) Intercell Suspends Trial For MRSA Vaccine (Bloomberg News) Actress Sues Lilly For Using Her Face In Prozac Ad (New York Post) Novartis Stops Tasigna Trial In Patients With GIST (Reuters) Inspiration Pharma Eyes Plant In Ireland And 500 Jobs (Irish Post) Merck KGgA Considers Job Cuts At Serono Unit (Reuters) Merck And Sun Pharma Near Generics Deal (LiveMint) British M... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696954 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 11:51:13 +0100 4696954 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693506&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4zogyJRhrJY%2F Some assignments are more challenging than others. And Denice Torres will certainly have a big mountain to climb now that she is running Johnson & Johnson’s beleaguered McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, the division responsible for numerous manufacturing gaffes that led to an eye-popping series of product recalls and a spate of troubles for the once-venerable healthcare giant. Since 2009, Torres headed CNS (or central nervous system) for North America Pharmaceuticals for J&J’s Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals unit. For two years prior to that post, she was an Ethicon sales and marketing vp, and an Ortho McNeil Neurologics marketing vp. She reports to Pat Mutchler, who was recently named company group chair for US over-the-counter and nutritional products (see this)... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693506 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:20:38 +0100 4693506 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664478&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAtThd9VPuIs%2F Which big drugmakers are perceived by cash-hungry biotechs as the best potential partner for doing a deal? A recent survey indicates that Merck scored highest among 17 individual attributes, such as being able to value to a compound and offering sales and marketing muscle, and has the most favorable overall impression. But Roche notched the highest average score and was mentioned most often as a desirable top partner. “Roche has been writing the playbook on how to run an effective partnership organization – training staff, clarifying its message and, in general, in the way it deals with partners at negotiations,” says Simon Goodall, a partner and managing director at Boston Consulting Group, which gathered responses from 95 biotech chief executives and business development he... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664478 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:29:56 +0100 4664478 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658622&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F15TOpFMeOlc%2F There is nothing quite like a jury of your peers. And over in the UK, Novo Nordisk management was slapped around quite a bit by the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry for breaching industry codes concerning various promotional efforts for its Victoza diabetes med. What did the drugmaker do wrong? There were two cases, actually. In the first one, Novo Nordisk promoted the med on a website and at a symposium before regulators issued approval. The ABPI appeals board called this a “serious matter” that “displayed a poor understanding of the requirements” of the industry’s own code. In fact, the board was not convinced the drugmaker “understood the seriousness of the matter,” especially given there was another instance involving the same... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658622 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 14:18:33 +0100 4658622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636658&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FA99JMnl2Rrw%2F For the second time this month, the US International Trade Commission has agreed to investigate a complaint hinging on a patent dispute involving different drugmakers. This time around, Femira Pharma accuses Merck and numerous retailers, including CVS Caremark Wal-Mart, of infringing on a patent because the drugmaker and pharmacies import or sell Merck’s NuvaRing vaginal ring birth control device (see the ITC notice). In its complaint, Femira argues its patent generally relates to a medicated intravaginal device, such as a vaginal ring, for transvaginal delivery of a medication to a woman’s uterus. Femira also maintins the drug delivery system described in its patent allows delivery in lower concentrations than those needed for systemic treatment and so offers a lower systemic ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636658 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 14:46:48 +0100 4636658 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615426&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FPl4PHiJPh2U%2F Over the past week, a note has been circulating on the Internet about the web site that Eli Lilly created for its Strattera ADHD medication for consumers in China. Specifically, the missive points out that the Strattera site offers very different info about the risks and benefits of the medication. As an example, the US Strattera site warns patients of suicide risk, but not the Chinese site. “Lilly’s web site in China says nothing about this risk; patients are told nothing about any Strattera side effects at all. Chinese readers are warned instead about the dangers of ADHD (deliquency, substance abuse, unemployment, depression and other serious problems, both personal and social) unless treated with medication,” according to the note that was distributed by Ben Hansen, a ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615426 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 14:42:06 +0100 4615426 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615429&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4eYAhPyUqZA%2F In an unusual move to thwart generic competition, Eli Lilly has succeeded in convincing the US International Trade Commission to investigate its complaint that Hospira and three suppliers are using a manufacturing process that infringes a patent on its Gemzar cancer med. And Lilly hopes the ITC will block importation of Hospira’s generic version, which is known as gemcitabine (see ITC notice here). In its complaint, Lilly charges that the patented method for making Gemzar, which is used to treat breast, lung, ovarian and pancreatic cancer, is “the most commercially viable process available for manufacturing gemcitabine” and “involves less steps, higher yields and lower costs,” according to the Lilly complaint. Hospira and its suppliers are charged with illegal... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615429 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 11:58:20 +0100 4615429 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4575246&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FDiD_H2Gzp3I%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 our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that MCS Healthcare Public Relations promoted Brian Thompson to senior vp, which means he will also join the agency’s executive committee. For the past five years, he has worked with several drugmakers to promote meds in various therapeutic areas,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4575246 Fri, 11 Mar 2011 12:39:14 +0100 4575246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4560591&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FBT-5WE3EYXc%2F Citing a dramatic rise in pharmaceutical thefts, five US Senate Democrats have introduced a bill to increase penalties for stealing drugs and other medical products by relying on the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization law. Better known as RICO, the proposal to use this law reflects reports of brazen robberies and organized crime involvement. In particular, the move is an attempt to crack down on a growing number of reports that stolen drugs - such as OxyContin and insulin - are diverted and relabeled, but often resold on the black market without proper storage before winding up in legitimate pharmacies or sold online. The bill would formally criminalize storing, transporting or changing labels on stolen medical products (read statements from New York’s Chuck Schumer and Oh... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4560591 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 22:47:33 +0100 4560591 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4545252&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgKTyXRkHZp0%2F For those who wonder why drugmakers shy away from head-to-head studies, consider the plight of Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Eli Lilly and Alkermes. A newly released study shows their forthcoming Bydureon diabetes med - a once-weekly injectable that is designed to supplant the twice-a-day Byetta - failed to lower blood sugar as effectively as a rival drug, Novo Nordisk’s Victoza. The results are causing investors to pound Amylin stock - shares were down about 25 percent all morning - as some analysts now question the ability of the drugmakers to successfully win FDA approval for the med anytime soon. The agency, you may recall, last year requested more info on manufacturing and a risk mitigation plan. Meanwhile, Victoza has been available more than a year. The bottom line: Patients who too... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4545252 Thu, 03 Mar 2011 20:18:12 +0100 4545252 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4536451&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FF1tWDgOPbVU%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. A mild and sunny day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the dogs are barking and a needed cup of stimulation is brewing. What does today hold in store? Meetings and deadlines, no doubt. We relate. So to help you along, we have gathered a few tidbits. Let us know if you come across something noteworthy yourselves. Meanwhile, have a good one… FDA Rejects MS Pill From Merck KGgA (Reuters) Roche Gets EU Backing For Avastin For Breast Cancer (MarketWatch) Celgene Discloses Fed Probe Of Cancer Drug Marketing (Dow Jones) Glaxo Offer To Pay Trainee Tuition Fees (BBC News) Glaxo HIV Drugs Not Tied To Heart Risks (Bloomberg News) Judge Rules Patent Settlement Documents To Remain Sealed (Dow Jones) Poor Health Literacy Leads To... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4536451 Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:40:14 +0100 4536451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4517348&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAJ7zOt5EZJc%2F After six years working for Eli Lilly, most recently as vp of neuroscience drug discovery and clinical, David Bredt has resigned unexpectedly and has not given any indication - at least, publicly - what he will be doing next. His last day will be tomorrow, and a search for a successor is now under way. His departure comes after the drugmaker suffered setbacks in Alzheimer’s - work was halted on last summer on a compound after patients in trials were worsening. And an FDA panel voted not to recommend approval of the Amyvid imaging agent, but would endorse the drug if Lilly develops training for clinicians so that brain scans are interpreted correctly. The move is significant, given the pipeline issues Lilly faces as patent expirations loom on such big sellers. A Lilly spokeswoman not... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4517348 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:16:13 +0100 4517348 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512613&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fc--MjGyqugU%2F Earlier this month, a Medicaid managed care provider in Ohio agreed to pay $26 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit brought by former employees, who alleged that assessments of adults and children with special needs were never conducted, but data was submitted anyway to the state Medicaid program for reimbursement. What has this episode to do with drugmakers? Well, the state of Ohio collected $10 million of the total $26 million paid by CareSource, the managed care provider. And Ohio attorney general Mike DeWine then bemoaned publicly that the state would have received more money if there was a False Claims Act statute on its books (look here). In general, such a law would allow Ohio to collect a bigger payday each time it participates in a whistleblower settlement. And in an era of i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512613 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:28:43 +0100 4512613 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512617&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3sAMB9LDD1o%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another day is on the way. And as usual, we are preparing by quaffing the mandatory cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Golden French Toast. We would also like to remind your that we are hosting a webinar on requirements for disclosing payments to physicians (please look here). Meanwhile, here are a few items of interest to help you on your way. We hope today is productive and you achieve your goals. Have a good one… Texas AG Wants Actos Marketing Documents From Lilly (Dow Jones) US Protests Canadian Drugmaker Insolvency Case (Dow Jones) Vertex Reports Significant Data For Cystic Fibrosis Drug (The Street) India Begins Review Of Foreign Takeovers Of Drugmakers (Economic Times) Takeda Pulls Pain Drug That Is Now Called Useless (Japan Times) CMO Consolida... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512617 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:48:46 +0100 4512617 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507581&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNvoAwJK_fUk%2F Oncology is a big market and getting bigger, of course, but which drugmaker ranks highest is most effective in reaching oncologists? A recent poll of 475 medical and hematological oncologists found that Novartis commands a leading 12.5 share of details, although its position slipped slightly from the previous year, while Roche jumped from 10 percent to 12 percent thanks to combining sales teams with Genentech. Meanwhile, Sanofi-Aventis slid from 8 percent to about 6.5 percent thanks to looming patent expirations for Taxotere and Eloxatin, according to ImpactRx, a market research firm. In line with the results, Genentech tied with OSI Pharmaceuticals as the drugmaker with a top tier sales force, followed by Biogen Idec, Amgen, Eli Lilly and Celgene (here is the report). For the second year ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507581 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:08:29 +0100 4507581 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4507583&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FV52maQaohbs%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope you had a relaxing weekend and feel refreshed. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine of meetings and deadlines. To cope, we are reaching for the mandatory cup of stimulation and invite you to join us. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to get you started. Hope your day goes well and drop us a line if you hear something of interest… Forest Labs To Pay $1.2B For Clinical Data And An Antidepressant (Reuters) Gilead To Buy Calistoga Pharma For $375M (Silicon Valley Business Journal) Medtronic To Eliminate Up to 2,000 Jobs (Bloomberg News) Elan Reports 10 More PML Cases With Tysabri (Irish Examiner) Merck Vioxx Settlement Causes Money Fight Among Lawyers (Bloomberg News) Sanofi Looks For Generics And OTC Brands In India ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4507583 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 12:59:38 +0100 4507583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4478159&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJCr7wILQm2A%2F In April 2009, Kira Gilbert was prescribed the Darvocet painkiller and died eight days later from pulmonary edema, or a build up of fluid in the lungs. Three months earlier, however, an FDA advisory panel decided the benefits did not outweigh the risks of the drug - which contains propoxyphene, an opiate narcotic. And only a few weeks later, the European Medicine Agency banned the drug. Yet in July 2009, the FDA ignored its panel and, instead, required a boxed warning, a patient med guide and the manufacturer, Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals, to conduct new trials to assess cardiac risks. The FDA move followed a long-running debate in which consumer advocates urged a withdrawal and prompted fresh accusations that the agency unnecessarily dragged its feet. Xanodyne, subsequently, ran the trials an... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4478159 Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:40:26 +0100 4478159 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446035&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FjhSADEKA0Ew%2F In an effort to spread the wealth - or perhaps the pain - Eli Lilly is now calculating employee bonuses based, in part, on the progress of its product pipeline. Specifically, the drugmaker added what it calls a “research metric” to measure “output and sustainability.” This includes product approvals and new molecular entities that enter Phase III clinical trials during the calendar year. “Pipeline sustainability is measured by tracking each project’s progression toward its next milestone and by an evaluation of pipeline quality,” according to a filing late last week with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (see page 37). The changes also include measuring financial performance against company goals instead of the competition, and they went into e... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446035 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 13:28:58 +0100 4446035 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4429228&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fl411FQvaYHI%2F Good morning, everyone. How are you today? Here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, the Iceman Cometh, but we are keeping warm with our traditional cup of stimulation. Please join us as we dig in, so to speak, for the usual routine of deadlines and the like. And as always, feel free to share interesting stories. By the way, we would like to note that we are co-sponsoring an upcoming conference on patient adherence. We hope you will join us. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to help you along. Have a great day… Lilly & Bristol End Enrollment For Lung Cancer Trial Over Safety (Reuters) Sanofi Fails To Block Generic Taxotere In Australia (Bloomberg News) Glaxo Sells Quest Stake For $1.7 Billion (Reuters) Anti-Counterfeit Rules Will Limit Access To Meds: Oxfam (The Guardian) S&P... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4429228 Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:05:31 +0100 4429228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4424446&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F9T5uMwVXXjQ%2F The list of product web sites that manage to get consumers to actually do something contains some very familiar names, such as Viagra, Nexium, Yaz and Lunesta. Of course, these are used to treat rather common concerns and all have, at one time or another, been widely advertised. Yet they also share something else in common - often, coupons are available, according to a recent survey that found, on average, 74 percent of consumers took some type of action after visiting a product web site. In other words, coupons appear to act as a motivator for following up in some fashion. “One thing we see when looking at satisfaction in years past is that there seems to be a high correlation beween satisfaction and a coupon,” says Meredith Ressi, president of Manhattan Research, which canvas... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4424446 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:04:32 +0100 4424446 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4394746&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYECv4Iz6fOk%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another day is on the way. And here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, we are, once again, hustling those short people off to their school houses. Wish us luck. Meanwhile, we are also trying to brew a much-needed cup of stimulation - our flavor today is Southern Pecan - and scour the news of the world. And so here are a few tidbits. Hope your day goes well and drop us a line about anything interesting… J&J Sales Hurt By Product Recalls (Reuters) Amgen Buys A Cancer Drugmaker: Are More Deals Coming? (Bloomberg News) Wolters Kluwer Forms Joint Venture With China’s Medicom (Philadelphia Inquirer) Savient Pharma Hires Lilly Oncology Exec As CEO (Reuters) Cost Of Treating Heart Disease Will Triple By 2030 (Bloomberg News) Clinical Data And Its Antidepr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4394746 Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:02:18 +0100 4394746 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382951&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F8XrunC8mJJE%2F And so, another work week will soon draw to a close. Although once again, we are dusting off the snow on the Pharmalot corporate campus. Please excuse any delays this morning, but due to the economy, we no longer have a maintenance crew. This does give us the opportunity, though, to daydream about weekend plans - hanging out with the short people and catching up on some reading. What about you? Anything fun on the agenda? How about a good flick or spending time with someone special? Whatever you do, enjoy. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. Catch you soon… EMA To Review Safety Of Sanofi’s Multaq (Wall Street Journal) AstraZeneca Responds To FDA About Brilinta (Bloomberg News) Biogen Boosts Prices Of MS Drug (Wall Street Journal) EU Panel Does Not Recommend Biogen MS Pill (Reuter... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382951 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 12:55:15 +0100 4382951 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4382707&cid=t_167364_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2011%2F01%2Ffda-approve-alzheimer-disease-imaging-drug%2F The US FDA sees promise in the new Eli Lilly drug Amyvid to be used to image and screen for the presence of brain plaques that occur in Alzheimer’s Disease. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4382707 Fri, 21 Jan 2011 05:31:03 +0100 4382707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377791&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FwO7oF4IyuCM%2F Guess which cargo thefts are the most lucrative? This is not difficult to answer, given that we write about the pharmaceuticals world. And so, yes, the heists yielding the biggest payday are prescription drugs - averaging $3.78 million in 2010, down just a shade from $4 million the year before, but well above the average $1.8 million registered in 2008. What’s more, the value of pharmaceuticals stolen from trucks - or elsewhere - dwarfs the average tobacco shipment of $1.26 million, according to Freight Watch International, which tracks these sorry developments. Yet, pharmaceutical heists accounted for just 5 percent of all cargo thefts last year; food and drinks were most popular with the Sopranos crowd, followed by electronics (televisions, in particular). You can read the latest r... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377791 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:37:16 +0100 4377791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377792&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FshWlI8o-q9M%2F Rise and shine. Another day is on the way. And here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the official mascots are barking and the short people are scurrying off to the school houses, we are preparing for the usual meetings and deadlines. We imagine you are doing the same. So as always, please join us for a needed cup of stimulation and take a moment to peruse the news of the world. We hope your day is productive and please stay in touch… Vertex Hepatitis C Drug Gets Priority Review (Associated Press) Merck Confirms Bleeding Risk With New Clotbuster (Reuters) Perrigo Buys Assets Of Paddock Labs (Bloomberg News) Forest Labs Says Depression Drug Fails In Study (Associated Press) UK Plans To Overhaul The NHS (The Guardian) Parents Upset At FDA Panel Rejection Of Lilly Drug (Xconomy) ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377792 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 13:03:28 +0100 4377792 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4360928&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F01%2Fim-not-here-to-sell-drugs-then-why-use.html In October, 2010, we discussed a series of reports by Pro Publica and multiple other respected news organizations about payments by seven pharmaceutical companies to thousands of doctors.  Industry often claims that they only pay the best and the brightest physicians and academics to provide education relevant to their products.  However, the ProPublica et al report suggested that they mainly recruited physicians who already showed their favor to their products by prescribing them often, but soothed their consciences by dubbing them "thought leaders" or "key opinion leaders."  While some of the physicians were well-known academics, others had notably blemished records.  Since then, news media around the US have looked into interactions among local physici... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4360928 Tue, 18 Jan 2011 17:59:00 +0100 4360928 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343330&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJs1rORbVJWw%2F There is terrific scrutiny given the amount of money drugmakers pay physicians, but what about money funneled toward health advocacy organizations? The Senate Finance Committee launched a probe last year (see here), but now a new study has examined the issue through the prism of what just one drugmaker doles out. A team of researchers examined the Eli Lilly grant registry data for the first two quarters of 2007 and disclosures made by 161 of the health advocacy groups that there were listed as having received funding. What did they find? Lilly gave more than $3.2 million in grants to HAOs during that six-month period, which amounted to 10 percent of all grants made. But only 25 percent of the groups that received Lilly grants acknowledged contributions on their sites, and only 10 percent a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343330 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 17:48:49 +0100 4343330 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4343334&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FCgLvWskDCNk%2F Hello, everyone, and top of the morning to you. A steely, wintry sky hovers over the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning, where we are enduring the usual routine of hustling short people to this or that school house. As we cope - where is that cup of stimulation? - please join us in perusing the news of the world. Meanwhile, feel free to pass along interesting tidbits. Have a good one… AstraZeneca And Cancer Charity Strike Drug Testing Deal (Bloomberg News) FDA Warns Of Acetaminophen Risks Of Liver Toxicity (Drug Store News) Drug Shortages Persist With No End In Sight (Daily Finance) Biotechs And Generics Spar Over Biologic Exclusivity (The Wall Street Journal) FDA Says Sanofi-Aventis’ Lantus Link To Cancer Is Unclear (Reuters) US Cancer Costs Are Expected To Soar (Los Ange... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4343334 Thu, 13 Jan 2011 13:02:18 +0100 4343334 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309850&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FY5B_olrn3eo%2F Even as the pharmaceutical industry hunkers down by cutting jobs, closing plants and eliminating research projects, there are areas where some growth occurs. And one example appears to be construction on plants and research centers across North America, at least according to research compiled by Industrial Info Resources, a research firm that tracks construction projects. In a recent report, IIR talled 85 facilities that were completed last year by drug and device makers, biotechs, diagnostics companies and government-backed research centers, including incubators. These projects represented a potential total investment value of $7.1 billion, which includes both original construction costs and possible future phases that are already planned or under consideration. This is up from the 76 th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309850 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:02:59 +0100 4309850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285349&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZJcqK68-rK4%2F Last week, some 260 companies warned the US Securities and Exchange Commission that its proposed whistleblower program, which is mandated as part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, would transform financial fraud into a veritable “gold mine” for employees. The warning (see here) was contained in a letter from the Association of Corporate Counsel and signed by lawyers from Allergan, Arcadia Biosciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer and Onyx Pharmaceuticals among many others. The law requires the SEC to pay rewards of 10 percent to 30 percent of fines and settlements extracted from enforcement actions triggered by whistleblower claims. But the ACC argues employees will be encouraged to ignore early signs of fraud and to maximize penalties and payouts. &#... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285349 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 20:27:20 +0100 4285349 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4285353&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fj_8GX6iXEFk%2F The holiday weekend may be in the offing, but the Pharmalot corporate campus is still humming. And why not? The world has not stopped spinning, after all, and there is always something interesting going on. So while you prepare for a celebration or simply slow down the usual pace, here are a few items to help you along. Meanwhile, we pass along holiday greetings and hope everyone has a chance to catch up on some fun things and enjoy life. See you soon… Cephalon Names Kevin Buchi As CEO (statement) Lundbeck Alcoholism Pill May Be A Goldmine (Bloomberg News) Novartis To Build Vaccine Plant In North Carolina (Raleigh News & Observer) FDA Reviews Safety Of Human Growth Hormone Drugs (Reuters) Pfizer And Bristol Bloodthiners Beats Sanofi Drug In Study (Bloomberg News) Massachusetts Award... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4285353 Thu, 23 Dec 2010 12:54:53 +0100 4285353 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266261&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F2Iy2JFsVBl4%2F Once upon a time, defense contractors were considered the biggest hucksters. You know, the US Defense Department would pay $10 for a pencil. Now, though, drugmakers have surpassed every other industry when it comes to defrauding the US government, according to a new analysis by Public Citizen, which calls for stiffer penalies and increased criminal prosecution of pharma execs. The findings: Of 165 settlements comprising $19.8 billion in penalties during the past 20 years, 73 percent of the settlements and 75 percent of the penalties - representing $14.8 billion - have occurred in just the past five years. And four drugmakers - GlaxoSmithKline, Pfizer, Eli Lilly, and Merck’s Schering-Plough -accounted for 53 percent, or $10.5 billion, of all financial penalties. The chart below shows ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266261 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 14:44:48 +0100 4266261 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197360&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FfSAWlxdOWBA%2F Hello, everyone. Yet another day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the sun is shining, the dogs are barking and the short people are hustling off to the local school house for a few hours before the holiday weekend begins. As for us, we are savoring a needed cup of stimulation and perusing the news of the world. As always, we ask you to join us and, of course, we wish you a pleasant day… Roche Ends Hep C Collaboration With Ligand Pharma (Reuters) Glaxo Closing Toothpaste Facilities In Australia (MSN) Amira Pharma Cuts Staff In Half (San Diego Union-Tribune) Testosterone Lotion Wins Approval (Bloomberg News) State Senator Tries To Find Buyer For Roche Plant (WMBF) Glaxo Exits US Penicillin Biz, Sells Plants To Dr. Reddy’s (Associated Press) UK’s NI... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197360 Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:20:53 +0100 4197360 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179521&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FkeyFm8US98k%2F Now that some drugmakers are starting to disclose just how much they pay doctors for speaking engagements, a new wrinkle is emerging - some of these docs have rather questionable qualifications. Such as? Some were sanctions for prescribing unjustified or excessive meds; having inappropriate sexual relations with patients and making serious medical errors. And the disclosures are making some drugmakers uncomfortable. Consequently, at least three pharma companies - Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca and Pfizer - now say they will take steps to monitor docs who are retained as speakers, according to ProPublica, which recently compiled several databases of info based on web site postings by drugmakers, and followed up by searching for docs who have transgressed. This is no small matter, by the way. ProPub... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179521 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:37:56 +0100 4179521 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4179522&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAFtgFxHbZMM%2F Given the big patent expirations and thin pipelines, it is hardly surprising that Moody’s Investor Services has issued a report finding that the credit outlook for brand-name drugmakers remains negative for the next 12 to 18 months. More specifically, the ratings agency notes that hurdles for drug approvals remain high, given the ongoing emphasis on safety concerns; various governments are instituting austerity measures to deal with budget deficits and taking a tougher stance on drug price; mergers and acquisitions will continue to be financed with debt; and huge litigation settlements over illegal marketing underscore legal risks. And of course, these negative pressures are expected to remain through 2012, when the biggest patent expirations have largely passed. But as of June, the ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4179522 Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:11:28 +0100 4179522 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4175977&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEy3R1iJKuAE%2F Good morning, everyone. ‘Tis a shiny day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the official mascots are frolicking and short people are making their way to the local school house. Of course, the rest of us are preparing for all those meetings and deadlines. No doubt, this will be a busy day. To help you along, here are some tidbits. We hope you have a great day and achieve your goals… Novartis Plans Efficiency Steps (Reuters) China Will Be Second-Largest Pharma Market In 2015 (InPharma-Technologist) New Medicare Drug Plan For Seniors May Not Be So Great (Associated Press) CMS Committee Meets Today On Provenge (The Wall Street Journal) FDA Panel Backs Human Genome Lupus Drug (New York Times) Amgen May Bid For Actelion (Reuters) Lilly’s Alimta Patent Is Upheld (Bloo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4175977 Wed, 17 Nov 2010 12:15:21 +0100 4175977 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4164578&cid=t_167364_117_f&fid=38856&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.timemastermd.com%2F%3Fp%3D1298 No one could be more unhappy than Lindsay Lohan about the fact that soon there will be no more free drugs at any doctor’s office thanks to President Obama’s “healthcare reform law”.  While touted to bring access and affordability to all – naturally it doesn’t, and while it is now clear to the Democrat Congress and Senate who voted it in without reading the bill – here is another unseen but real consequence of their failures. Pharmaceutical companies give doctor’s offices free samples to give to patients who can’t afford medication, or need to “try them before they have to buy them.”  And they give us a lot of them! Pfizer Inc. 101 million samples worth $2.7 billion Merck & Co. 39 million samples worth about $356 mill... Timemaster MD blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4164578 Sun, 14 Nov 2010 18:16:03 +0100 4164578 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159502&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FcpByhX1L0_8%2F This may give new meaning to the notion of playing ball. Hoping to entice doctors to prescribe more meds, Novartis assembled a star-studded line up of athletes to pitch its drugs at dinners between 2006 and 2009. Among them: baseball Hall of Famers Bob Gibson and Johnny Bench, New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and former New York Knicks forward Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. As you might imagine, the athletes gave short speeches, answered questions about their careers, signed memorabilia and posed for photos. Novartis reps later brought the photos when they called on the docs. In all, the drugmaker paid $3.6 million in fees to 150 top former and current sports figures - from $8,000 to $35,000 an appearance, according to The Washington Times. Interestingly, the events were used to... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159502 Fri, 12 Nov 2010 14:18:49 +0100 4159502 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4159508&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FsStxKsbjqm8%2F Last month, the government of Puerto Rico passed a law that imposes a 4 percent tax next year on companies that conduct manufacturing on the island, but are headquartered elsewhere. And the bill was apparently drafted, introduced and passed in just 72 hours - and without public comment. Congress should act so efficiently, yes? The intent was to close loopholes in the tax code involving local affiliated corporations, writes Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News. The bill was passed to “benefit the workers and employees…” according to Senate president Thomas Rivera Schatz. The bill “fulfills the promise of tax justice for all Puerto Ricans” and is “fundamental to the economic future of Puerto Rico,” Senator Migdalia Padilla, president of the Senate treas... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4159508 Thu, 11 Nov 2010 16:10:40 +0100 4159508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4152272&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyEol_ZBMUqs%2F Good morning, folks. How are you today? We are just fine, thank you. After all, the sun is shining here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the official mascots are chasing squirrels and two cups of stimulation are brewing. What will today bring? Hmm… One never knows, but to help you prepare, we have gathered a few interesting tidbits of information. So dig in. And we hope your day goes well… PhRMA CEO John Castellani On Elections And Health Care Reform (Politico) Merck Results For Cholesterol Pill Are Due Next Week (Bloomberg News) FDA Commish Defends Handling Of Heparin Crisis (Reuters) Glaxo Sees More Industry Consolidation (The Business Standard) Pharma Needs Lessons On Winning Trust (MedAd News) Court Is Urged To Narrow Patent-Misconduct Standard (Bloomberg News) FDA ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4152272 Wed, 10 Nov 2010 12:39:39 +0100 4152272 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4139481&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYx4Lr3S96k8%2F Good morning, everyone. And we are happy to say that the time has come to daydream - just a wee bit - about the weekend. With any luck, we hope to catch up on some reading, perhaps see a movie and frolic with the short people. Never mind the leaves piling up. What about you? A drive in the country? Dinner with someone special? Whatever you do, have a good time. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you soon… FDA Approves Lilly’s Cymbalta For Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain (Reuters) Roche Melanoma Drugs Shows Promise In Study (Reuters) Canada’s Share Of Health Spending To Drop (PharmaTimes) Acceleron Cuts 40 Percent Of Its Workforce (Boston Globe) Teva Backs 2015 Goals (The Wall Street Journal) Zydus Claims Injunction Against Generic Strattera Doesn’t Apply (Law.com) G... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4139481 Fri, 05 Nov 2010 12:06:46 +0100 4139481 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4134258&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAIo2G7bHgA0%2F An advocacy group known as Breast Cancer Action has been running a campaign to alert the public to a possible link between cancer and recombinant bovine growth hormone, or rBGH, which is also known as recombinant bovine somatotropin, or rbST. As part of its effort, BAC is targeting Eli Lilly, because its Elanco animal-health unit makes and sells rBST under the Posilac name, which is given to dairy cows to stimulate milk production. However, BCA has encountered some pushback. The group says that several billboard companies that do business in Indianapolis, where Lilly is headquartered, have refused to accept its ad, which reads: “Eli Lilly is making us sick. Tell them to stop.” A spokeswoman for BCA, which wants Lilly to stop making Posilac, says local and national billboard com... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4134258 Thu, 04 Nov 2010 11:34:48 +0100 4134258 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4106057&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FX1ezGGv-oYM%2F Who can forget Sam Waksal? The former ceo at ImClone Systems, which is now part of Eli Lilly, became notorious for his role in the insider trading scandal that sent his friend, the ubiquitous Martha Stewart, to jail. Sam, of course, did some time as well, but he’s been out nearly two years now and scouring once again for a biotech bargain. And he believes he has found one in Three Rivers Pharmaceuticals. A few months after raising a reported $50 million or so from investors to form Kadmon Pharmaceuticals (see this), Sam’s Kadmon has announced that it acquired the privately held drugmaker, which specializes in hepatitis C treatments. “Kadmon is building a new paradigm for bringing pioneering medicines to market more rapidly and cost effectively. This includes the simultan... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4106057 Tue, 26 Oct 2010 12:30:23 +0100 4106057 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4105778&cid=t_167364_109_f&fid=38951&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarlatpsychiatry.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F10%2Ftwo-more-from-dollars-for-docs.html Psychiatrists are at the top of the Hired Gun listAccording to Medscape, psychiatrists accept more money from drug companies for promotional speaking than any other specialty listed on ProPublica's Dollars for Docs database."Of the 384 physicians in the $100,000 group, 116 are psychiatrists. Leading all psychiatrists was Roueen Rafeyan, MD, in Chicago, Illinois, who received $203,936 from Eli Lilly, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer, mostly for professional education programs."While discouraging, this does not surprise me, since American psychiatry has fallen into a practice style that relies on medication at the expense of getting to know patients. The slogan of the modern psychiatrist has become "I prescribe, therefore I am," and drug companies are quick to approach them wit... The Carlat Psychiatry Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4105778 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 12:15:00 +0100 4105778 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098054&cid=t_167364_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F10%2F23%2Ftop-50-psychiatrists-paid-by-pharmaceutical-companies%2F Who were the top 50 psychiatrists in the U.S. paid by the top seven pharmaceutical companies? This past week, ProPublica, an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest, recently decided to answer that question by compiling a list of 384 physicians and health care providers who earned more than $100,000 total from one or more of the seven companies that have disclosed payments in 2009 and early 2010. Click here for the full list of 384 physicians. We combed that list and found the top 50 psychiatry earners for the past two years (2009-2010). You can click on any name below to learn more about the physician. According to an accompanying article to this data, ProPublic notes that “[p]ayments to doctors for promotional work are not ill... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098054 Sat, 23 Oct 2010 19:00:37 +0100 4098054 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086495&cid=t_167364_147_f&fid=39273&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FePharmaSummit%2F%7E3%2F7y4BkG_R0Ms%2Fin-rare-move-ad-schedules-available-for.html In a rare step, Viagra and Cialis, sold and marketed by Pfizer and Lilly, have shared their media schedules with the Parents Television Council according to MM&M Online. The Council has now has the schedule posted on their website, so parents can control whether or not children are watching television while they air.Tim Winter, the Parents Television Council president, stated:“We applaud all three companies for their willingness to address the concerns raised by parents, grandparents and others who have been caught off guard by ED advertisements."The full schedule of airing times can be viewed here. (Source: ePharma Summit) ePharma Summit blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086495 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:38:00 +0100 4086495 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086516&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FOaRufoPftmM%2F The surprising news released last night that the FDA has refused to approve the Bydureon diabetes drug - which involves a three-way partnership between Eli Lilly, Alkermes and Amylin Pharmaceutical - adds tremendous pressure on the big drugmaker to pursue some kind of deal to bolster its anemic pipeline. An acquistion would be the likeliest approach, but Lilly may be more vulnerable bait itself. The initial reaction among some Wall Street wags is that Lilly may want to take a stake in, if not acquire Amylin, given that so much has already been invested in Bydureon, which the FDA rejected over concerns that cardiac abnormalities (look here). The med, which is a once-weekly version of Byetta, was already delayed due to cancer risks (see this), but Lilly has a long-standing diabetes franchise... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086516 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:10:40 +0100 4086516 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4086518&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FijNS9kKsegA%2F Hello, everyone, nice to see you again. Another shiny day is emerging here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are hustling to deliver one of the short people to the local schoolhouse. Busy, busy, busy. Meanwhile, those meetings and deadlines loom. We know you relate. So here are a few interesting items to help you along. Have a wonderful day and stay in touch… Pfizer Pays $240M For Stake In Brazil’s Teuto (Reuters) Vioxx Lawyers Who Led Settlement Will Get $315M (Bloomberg News) Boehringer’s Pradaxa Bloodthinner Wins FDA Approval (Reuters) Amylin’s Diabetes Drug Debacle (TheStreet) McKesson To Pay $15M To Connecticut For Inflating Prices (CTNow) Sanofi Wins $442M Judgment Over Plavix Patent (Bloomberg News) Anti-Counterfeiting Effort Nabs 1M Pills (InPharma... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4086518 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 11:41:18 +0100 4086518 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4082329&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FU8e0B1NqNTw%2F An in-depth analysis of the money paid by drugmakers to doctors has been undertaken by ProPublica, which has just published a detailed look that is sorted by company, doctor, state and activities for which docs were compensated. The database includes payments made by seven drugmakers in 2009 and early 2010 - $257 million went to about 17,700 docs. Although as ProPublica notes, more than 70 companies have yet to publicly disclose their payments but will be required to by 2013 under the federal health care reform law. And existing disclosure are not done so on a uniform basis - travel fees and research payments rarely show up. To give you a taste of the dollars shelled out, Pfizer paid out nearly $10 million, on average, during the third and fourth quarters of 2009 (see here), and a doctor i... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4082329 Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:21:31 +0100 4082329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4077595&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7pZyAG5Y9VM%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope your weekend was restful and refreshing. Now, of course, the time has come to brace yourself for the usual routine of meetings and deadlines. We are no different. So please join us for the mandatory cup of stimulation as we peruse the news of the world. Meanwhile, we hope today brings you new insights and rewards. Catch you later… Pfizer Pays Up To $350M To License Biocon Diabetes Drugs (Dow Jones) Lilly To Close Singapore Drug Discovery Center (Dow Jones) Roche Seeks To Broaden Actemra Indications (Reuters) Lilly Osteoporosis Drug Regrows Jawbone: Study (Reuters) How An Arizona Town Landed 500 Roche Jobs (Inside Tucson Business) Man Charged With Stealing From Glaxo (Raleigh News & Observer) Wyeth Fined Over Hazardous Waste (Irish Times) Canadians... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4077595 Mon, 18 Oct 2010 12:05:11 +0100 4077595 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4045368&cid=t_167364_140_f&fid=35436&url=http%3A%2F%2Fseroxatsecrets.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F10%2F08%2Fthe-life-and-death-of-a-celebrity-lawyer%2F I don’t know anything about Prozac and alcohol – however, I do know about Seroxat and the way that it can actually make you crave more and more booze. Couple this with the inhibition that comes with SSRI treatment and you’ve got a recipe for real disaster: On the evening of Tuesday 6 May, Mark Saunders should have been having dinner with the television presenter Chris Tarrant, the latest high-profile client for whom the high-flying barrister had handled a divorce case. Instead the Oxford law graduate was holed up in his £2.2m townhouse, in a five-hour armed siege that would end in his death. Asked the question as to whether the police were correct to open fire on Saunders, the inquest jury yesterday answered yes. The unanswered question was what had made Mark Saunders, a... seroxat secrets... blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4045368 Fri, 08 Oct 2010 13:43:56 +0100 4045368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4027355&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fxjmjpk1it7w%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. We hope the weekend was refreshing and restful. Now, of course, the time has come to resume the routine as those meetings and deadlines await. So please join us as we reach for the mandatory cups of stimulation (yes, we are two-fisted drinkers here at the Pharmalot corporate campus) and scan the news of the world. Have a good day and stay in touch… Sanofi Begins Hostile Bid For Genzyme (Associated Press) Reata Pharmaceuticals Adds Jobs After Abbott Deal (Dallas Business Journal) J&J Warns Concerta Sales Reps About Layoffs (The Wall Street Journal) Will Lilly Bid For MannKind? (The Indianapolis Star) Sihuan Pharma Sets $700M IPO (Reuters) South Africa Researches Plant That Lifts Moods (Associated Press) Antipsychotics, Illegal Marketing And... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4027355 Mon, 04 Oct 2010 11:49:48 +0100 4027355 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023136&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaBVESgBwv5s%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 that’s become a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Mallinckrodt Baker has announced the appointment of Robert Harrer as executive vp, chief financial officer and chief administrative officer. In his new role, Harrer will focus on MB’s transition to a stand-alone en... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023136 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:55:55 +0100 4023136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4023137&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FTeWjAuI5TVk%2F And so another work will soon draw to a close. How will you spend the weekend? Picking apples? Taking a nap? Staring at the leaves gathering in your yard? For our part, we will watch one of the short people on the football field and take another golfing (miniature golfing, that is). Oh yes, the official Pharmalot mascots need a walk. We hope you have swell plans yourself. Meanwhile, here is the news of the world. And whatever you do this weekend, enjoy and be safe… Medicare Donut Hole Will Be A Boon To Pharma (Bloomberg News) Ex-Mylan Managers Enter Plea (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) FDA Orders Most Colchicine Pills Off The Market (MedPage Today) Court Dismisses Suit Against Savient For Hiding Data (Associated Press) Eli Lilly Chases New Drugs (The New York Times) Meet The Judge Overseei... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4023137 Fri, 01 Oct 2010 11:38:12 +0100 4023137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4018441&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaK3IEXLaIa8%2F Another week, another drugmaker agrees to settle off-label marketing charges brought by the federal government. This time, Novartis will pay $422.5 million for illegally promoting its Trileptal epilepsy med for unapproved uses, such as bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain, along with five other drugs - Diovan, Zelnorm, Sandostatin, Exforge and Tekturna. The fine includes roughly $237 million to settle four lawsuits brought by whistleblowers, while $185 million goes toward criminal penalties. One of the lawsuits was filed by Jeremy Garrity, a former cardiovascular sales rep, who worked for Novartis between 2002 and 2008 before being fired (you can read it here, and you can read the settlement here. Oh, and this is the guilty plea). This is the latest in a stream of settlements involving bi... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4018441 Thu, 30 Sep 2010 17:26:16 +0100 4018441 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4013545&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FkoB2Sk4HOgk%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another sunny day is emerging here on the Pharmalot corporate campus where we are happily brewing our latest cup of stimulation - aromatic Southern Pecan. Please join us as we indulge, even if you prefer a healthy bottle of water instead. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits from around your universe. Hope your day goes well and do stay in touch… Bristol-Myers Squibb Recalls Some Avalide Samples (Reuters) Failed Hepatitis Vaccine Protected Infants In Study (MedPage Today) UK’s NICE Backs Some Herceptin Use In Gastric Cancer (Reuters) Lilly Scientists Have New Home For Designing Cancer Meds (Indianapolis Star) New Bayer CEO Sees More M&A Spending (Bloomberg News) Prescription Meds Overtake Illegal Substances (Los Angeles Times) Pediatricians Want To ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4013545 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 11:47:14 +0100 4013545 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003434&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FpYWhwlZl3PU%2F Earlier this year, a former Pfizer exec amended his whistleblower lawsuit accusing the drugmaker of illegally scheming to boost Lipitor sales by misrepresenting product labeling and federal cholesterol guidelines; using misleading educational programs for doctors, and unlawful sampling kickback schemes that resulted in off-label marketing that allegedly defrauded Medicaid and Medicare. Jesse Polansky, who was director of outcomes management from April 2001 until July 2003, claims “thousands of physicians have prescribed Lipitor to millions of patients for whom drug therapy is not recommended, and for whom the medication could be dangerous. Millions of those improper prescriptions were ultimately paid for by various government healthcare plans, the suit charges. And in a newly filed brie... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003434 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 15:28:45 +0100 4003434 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4003438&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVIyzP8yQEzA%2F Welcome back, everyone. We hope your weekend was restful and rejuvenating. Now, of course, the routine has returned. Meetings and deadlines, as usual, beckon. What better way to prepare than with a cup of stimulation? So please join us as we indulge. Meanwhile, here are a few items to help you get started. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… AstraZeneca Prostate Cancer Drug Fails Phase III (TheStreet) Pfizer Plans More Partnerships In Asia (OutsourcingPharma) Sanofi Keeps Genzyme Bid Steady, For Now (Reuters) Merck To Hire 300 At No. Carolina Vaccine Plant (The Herald Sun) Wyeth’s Genetically Modified Baby Formula Causes Protest (Sydney Morning Herald) European Rx Sales To Slow Due To Cost-Cutting (PharmaTimes) Actelion Drug For Brain Hemorrhage Fails In Study (Bloomberg... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4003438 Mon, 27 Sep 2010 11:51:00 +0100 4003438 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999293&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVyEwh-7JadE%2F The nation’s medicine chest mayl be the moniker for the Garden State, but it’s no secret the pharmaceutical industry in New Jersey is shedding a tremendous number of jobs. And with ballooning deficits making it difficult for the state to offer any help, the cupboard is starting to look bare (see here). So the US Department of Labor is stepping in with a $3.6 million grant designed to assist 960 laid off workers. The grant will be administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, which wants to use the funds to leverage the out-of-work pharma talent to “create a world-class bioscience cluster” and keep those folks from moving elsewhere. As part of the plan, the state will provide workers with access to ‘dislocated worker services,&#8... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999293 Fri, 24 Sep 2010 12:37:46 +0100 3999293 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3999296&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fj1je8kub4nc%2F And the job cuts just keep on coming. Less than two years after slashing 10 percent of its workforce, Bristol-Myers Squibb now plans to eliminate 3 percent of its headcount in the next few months, according to an email that Bristol-Myers ceo Lamberto Andreotti wrote to employees this morning. “We’ve initiated a streamlining project,” a spokeswoman confirms, who says the reduction is not targeted at any one area or country. “This is something we’ve just begun undertaking. It’s a global initiative.” The drugmaker employs about 28,000 currrently, which means 840 or so jobs will go. This is only the latest in an ongoing series of cutbacks by major drugmakers. In the past year, Merck, Pfizer, Sanofi-Aventis, Eli Lilly and Abbott Laboratories have all a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3999296 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 21:03:54 +0100 3999296 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3981016&cid=t_167364_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=3973111&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FsNp0T-pISJQ%2F Since working dad best describes our place in the world, we do not pretend to know what all working moms want from their employers. So we dutifully glanced at Working Mother magazine to learn that several drugmakers - 11, in fact - made the latest list of the 100 best employers in the land. Which ones? Abbott Labs, AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly, Genentech, Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Novo Nordisk, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis. A notable exception is Novartis, which made the 2009 list (see here), but has since gained some notoriety for agreeing to pay a combined $402 million to settle a pair of embarassing class-action lawsuits brought by female employees who claimed the drugmaker engaged in a pattern of discrimination involving pay, promotion and pregna... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3973111 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 15:33:26 +0100 3973111 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3969015&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=39260&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvaccineblogs.com%2Fvideo-shiv-chopra-talks-about-how-health-canada-is-corrupt-to-the-core%2F (Source: Vaccine Blogs) Vaccine Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3969015 Wed, 15 Sep 2010 02:40:54 +0100 3969015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3965704&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0BKEg-uDqt0%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. We hope you enjoyed the weekend, which amounted to an extended break, in our case. In any event, the routine has now returned and, of course, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation to help us along. Please join us with a cup of your own, or a water bottle, perhaps, we scan the news of the world. Have a great day and stay in touch… IRB Delays Frustrate Investigators (OutsourcingPharma) India Becomes A Hub For Counterfeit Meds (The Washington Post) Genzyme Sells Genetics Unit For $925M To LabCorp (Associated Press) An Eli Lilly Scout Discusses Social Media (140conf) AstraZeneca And UCL Sign Stem Cell Deal (The Guardian) Hopes Fade For Roche And Ipsen Diabetes Drug (Reuters) Mcgarrybowen Wins Creative Duties On Pfizer Advil Account (AdWee... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3965704 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:56:12 +0100 3965704 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3946685&cid=t_167364_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=3929215&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FRVx1xxEnHc4%2F By Michael F. CannonA week ago today, I questioned both the premises and purpose of an upcoming National Journal forum on ObamaCare and job creation.  The forum’s promotional materials touted the new health care jobs that the law will create as a Good Thing, even though we already have too many health care jobs.  All in all, it looked to be a very dignified pro-Obama(Care) rally, funded by one of ObamaCare’s biggest beneficiaries, the drugmaker Eli Lilly.  The Washington Examiner‘s Tim Carney picked up on the story.  Then Instapundit did added his own pithy interpretation: “Hey, the Atlantic media empire needs money. Eli Lilly has it. Plus, it boosts Obama. Win-win!”  (Actually, I believe that would be win-win-win.) To its credit, National Journal has sin... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929215 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 21:04:46 +0100 3929215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3929458&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F3Eqe6D-7b1U%2F Top of the morning to you. A sparkly day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where we are following various leads and trying to make sense of this big old world. To help the process, we are brewing our mandatory cup of stimulation. Please join us as you prepare to climb your own mountains. Meanwhile, have a great day and stay in touch… FDA Warns Of Increased Death With Pfizer Antibiotic (Dow Jones) Merck Cancer Drug Used In AIDS Trials (Bloomberg News) Europe Approves AstraZeneca’s Seroquel XR (PharmaTimes) Boehringer Ingelheim Opens Facility In China (Outsourcing Pharma) Appeals Court Upholds Lilly’s Evista Patents (Indianapolis Business Journal) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3929458 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 11:44:03 +0100 3929458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3911867&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FuRHkwC75RlU%2F How’s this for creative governing? The Toronto city council voted yesterday to call on Pfizer and Eli Lilly to help finance a 410-foot flagpole that would fly a Canadian flag the size of a football field in an industrial area, The National Post reports. The idea is to create a renowned monument, such as St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome or Trafalgar Square in London, by which the city would be known, according to the deputy mayor. Local laws, however, prevent the local business improvement area from leasing or owning land, so the scheme is left to the city to buy the land where the flagpole would be erected. However, such a move would require as much as $10 million. To defray the cost, the council passed a resolution to seek corporate sponsorship from Pfizer and Lilly, since they have a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3911867 Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:32:56 +0100 3911867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907582&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FcOzoiIF6P2M%2F By Michael F. CannonCome September, National Journal will host a policy summit titled “Prescription For Growth,” funded by Eli Lilly, that will probe “the potential impact of recently passed health care reform as an economic engine” and ask whether “health care reform [will] serve as a jobs creator and accelerate growth in health-related industries?” Oy, where to begin? I suppose I could start with how a news organization that bills itself as “the leading source of nonpartisan reporting” could lend ObamaCare a positive gloss by calling it “reform” — a term that even NPR declines to ascribe to actual legislation (for that reason). Next, there’s this inane question of whether ObamaCare will spur job growth in the health ... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907582 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 21:29:02 +0100 3907582 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3907783&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FulwTawAUXUE%2F You have to figure that whoever cut a hole in the roof at an Eli Lilly warehouse earlier this year had to be organized - and in more than one sense of the word (see here). But it’s not just your run-of-the-mill Sopranos wannabe who has recently calculated the upside in stealing prescription meds. An increasing number of cargo thefts are taking place South of the Border and guess who is believed responsible? The aptly named drug cartels. Mexico, in fact, is becoming a hot spot for cargo theft, according to SecuringPharma, which cites data from FreightWatch International, a security firm. Although there were only six such acts of thievery in this year’s second quarter, that was double the number in the first quarter. Why? The rise is attributed to cartels looking for “high... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3907783 Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:59:56 +0100 3907783 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3896097&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F83umBhska9Y%2F For those of you who, like us, took a respite last week, we thought we would also recap a few of the more interesting events of the past several days. Please forgive us if one or more of these items seems familiar, but we wanted to make sure that these worthy items didn’t escape your attention. And now, of course, let us turn our sights to the matters at hand… Did Johnson & Johnson try a preemptive strike? Stung by months of criticism over its handling of quality control problems at its McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit, J&J ceo Bill Weldon made a rare public statement to The Wall Street Journal that chief quality officers and manufacturing managers will report to Ajit Shetty, a J&J veteran who will now oversee operations for the pharma, device and consumer units. ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3896097 Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:10:32 +0100 3896097 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865459&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZD_oS5LetB8%2F Already one of the most vulnerable big drugmakers to patent expirations, Eli Lilly was dealt a serious blow late yesterday when a federal judge invalidated a method-of-use patent on its Strattera ADHD pill. The upshot means that a slew of generic pills from Teva Pharmaceutical and Sandoz, among others, are now expected to appear imminently, instead of in 2017. In a sobering statement, Lilly execs lowered their revenue forecast to low to mid-single-digit growth for the year, given that Strattera generated about $445 million in sales last year. And they put on a brave face by discussing the virtue of ongoing cost-cutting moves, which are likely to accelerate. This is the second time in recen weeks Lilly has lost a patent case. On July 28, a federal appeals court upheld a ruling that a paten... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865459 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:44:59 +0100 3865459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3865461&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fd4Z8V6hOsFA%2F Jim Gottstein, an attorney who was one of three people named as conspirators in the infamous Zyprexa document scandal three years ago, has lost his bid to overturn an injunction leveled against him by a federal judge in New York. A federal appeals court yesterday upheld that decision (look here). For those who don’t recall, Gottstein, who runs The Law Project for Psychiatric Rights, a non-profit against forced drugging, was accused along with two others by US District Court Judge Jack Weinstein of violating a court order by creating a “sham” to leak and publish sealed Zyprexa documents. The documents, which detailed hidden side-effect data and improper marketing, were published by The New York Times, setting off a feverish debate over the public’s right to know about conce... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3865461 Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:17:53 +0100 3865461 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3858383&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FOMw0S5fJrXc%2F Top of the morning to you. And a sunny one it is. Hope your day is getting off to a good start. As for us, we have the usual laundry list of meetings and deadlines, which calls for a cup of stimulation or three. So please join us as we brace for day ahead. And of course, drop us a line if you hear something interesting. We always enjoy a bit of insight. Meanwhile, have a great day… Gilead May Get FDA Warning Letter (San Francisco Business Journal) Genzyme Will Need An Extra Year To Fix Manufacturing Woes (Bloomberg News) Lilly To Lay Off 500 More Employees (Indianapolis Star) Merck Prostate Cancer Merits More Attention: Study (Bloomberg News) Sanofi Strikes Personalized Medicine Deal With Scripps (PharmaTimes) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3858383 Wed, 11 Aug 2010 11:09:41 +0100 3858383 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3845282&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4xi4_YanGhk%2F As promised, the US Justice Department - along with the US Securities and Exchange Commission - is paying closer attention to interactions between the pharmaceutical industry and foreign governments (background). In recent months, at least five big drugmakers have received letters as the federal government seeks to uncover any violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which forbids US companies from bribing foreign government officials. Among those that have been contacted in recent months concerning their activities are AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Baxter, Eli Lilly and Merck (see page 26 here). An AstraZeneca spokesman says the drugmaker is cooperating. A Lilly spokesman notes the drugmaker, which was the subject of a 2003 probe of its Polish subsidiaries, is also cooperatin... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3845282 Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:12:04 +0100 3845282 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3823164&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWoBlYMixdrQ%2F Good morning, all. Nice to you see on what looks to be a sunny day here on the Pharmalot corporate campus. The summer haze may have arrived, but we remain as busy as ever. So please join as we quaff our mandatory cup of stimulation and set out to learn about interesting developments. Hope your day goes well and drop us a line… Dendreon Says Provenge Sales Topped $5M In July (Associated Press) Ockham Strikes Deal For Patient Recruitment In Russia (Outsourcing Pharma) Merck Says Hepatitis C Drug Meets Study Goals (Associated Press) New Zealand Agrees To Improve Access To Drugs (PharmaTimes) Genzyme & Isis Report Positive Cholesterol Drug Results (Associated Press) Merck Downplays Arbitration With J&J (Seeking Alpha) How Lilly Let Telaprevir Slip Away (Xconomy) Pfizer Wins Rul... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3823164 Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:41:30 +0100 3823164 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3784501&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIc5cj0KKC-k%2F And so another work week soons draw to a close. A respite, of course, is always welcome. Already, we look forward to spending time with our oh-so-busy short people, catching up on reading and promenading with the official Pharmalot mascots. And you? How will you keep cool? We trust you have some ideas in mind. While you ponder, here are the latest tidbits. Whatever you do, have a great time and see you soon… Gene Curtails Alzheimer’s In Mice (The Wall Street Journal) Pittsburgh Doctors And Pharma Money (Pittsburgh Business Times) EU Needs More Time To Review Avandia (PharmaTimes) GAO Finds Consumer Gene Tests Are Misleading (Reuters) Lilly Pushes Into Men’s Health Drug (The Indianapolis Star) Negative Clinical Studies Could Avoid Costly Treatments (The Washington Post) Fe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3784501 Fri, 23 Jul 2010 11:52:38 +0100 3784501 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780564&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWZygSBtdHvo%2F Another day, another large settlement. Rather than ring up tabs for expensive lawyers and confront the possibility of bad publicity indefinitely, drugmakers are choosing to settle gobs of product-liability lawsuits with big settlements. Such moves, of course, appease anxious investors and allow senior execs to focus on the important stuff, such as their compensation packages developing new meds. Over the past few weeks, GlaxoSmithKline has been practically racing to resolve Avandia and Paxil lawsuits (see here and here). And Eli Lilly has done the same with its Zyprexa antipsychotic. Now, AstraZeneca has agreed to pay $2 million to settle more than 200 lawsuits charging its Seroquel antipsychotic causes diabetes, marking the first time the drugmaker agreed to settle such claims. There are ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780564 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 15:06:32 +0100 3780564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780565&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FhUrAUHm71Bo%2F With all those patent expirations under way, brand-name drugmakers, of course, are desperate to wring as much money as possible out of their products. So how do they counter the generic onslaught? There are several tricks and every company employs multiple strategies, although patent challenges were the most popular choice over the past three years, according to a new survey. Patent litigation, in fact, was pursued by 60 percent of those queried by Cutting Edge Information, followed closely by defensive pricing, which was popular among 57 percent of the respondents. Half of those surveyed also like to concoct new formulations or a next-generation drug, with new indications clocking in at 45 percent. Only 29 percent pointed to an authorized generic or generics subsidiary. Over the next thre... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780565 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 14:42:20 +0100 3780565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3780569&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FT3FTbFlAB2c%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. ‘Tis is a lovely morning here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the birds are chirping, the dogs are barking and the coffee is brewing. What lies in store today? Meetings and deadlines, no doubt. We have our own, of course. So please join us as we scan the news of the world and confront the future. Dig in and stay in touch… Vioxx Cases Should Be On The Front Burner (Sydney Morning Herald) FDA Refuses To Approve NicOx Painkiller (Bloomberg News) FDA Panel To Vote On REMS For Opioids (MedPage Today) FDA Urged To Publish All Safety Data From NDAs (PharmaTimes) Sanofi Asks Court To OK Sex Bias Deal With Reps (Reuters) US Accelerates Anti-Counterfeiting Drive In East Africa (IPS News) Lilly Boosts Forecast After Beating Earnings Estimat... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3780569 Thu, 22 Jul 2010 11:39:40 +0100 3780569 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3767311&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_eTJAxIHYp8%2F For the past few weeks, Eli Lilly ceo John Lechleiter has been making the rounds talking about the problems facing the big drugmaker and the pharmaceutical industry, in general. In a word, the issue is innovation. One point he keeps making is that America’s schools need to improve science education and US immigration laws need to change to allow top scientists from other countries to work here. “…I’m concerned there are a number of things today that are working against that spirit of innovation. One is the fact that we’re falling behind with respect to science and math aptitude among grade school, high school students. We also need to expand the number of visas that we’re able to allocate to non-U.S. citizens who want to stay in this country and work in ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3767311 Mon, 19 Jul 2010 16:48:32 +0100 3767311 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3758107&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgCh5nNvNUEk%2F This is not a good news day for pharmaceutical industry employees. First, Sanofi-Aventis acknowledges downsizing that will affect hundreds of workers. Johnson & Johnson’s Tylenol recall scandal is claiming some 300 positions at its McNeil Consumer Healthcare unit. And now, Eli Lilly is letting go 340 IT personnel as part of a reorganization announced last fall to trim 5,500 jobs. Actually, Lilly has already cut 140 jobs through retirements, resignations and an earlier round of layoffs, The Indianapolis Star writes. Of course, do the math and this means 200 more IT folks are going to be out of work soon -115 of those cuts will take place this month. Lilly employs about 1,250 people in IT. The Lilly cost-cutting is designed to save about $1 billion since huge gobs of revenue will ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3758107 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:26:37 +0100 3758107 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3753768&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F07%2Feli-lilly-ceo-on-americas-growing.html In “America’s Growing Innovation Gap”, WSJ, July 9, 2010, Eli Lilly CEO John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D. writes that:“…the most important elements are the seeds of innovation, which equate to talented people and their ideas.” He then suggests these people are “highly skilled immigrants” abroad. In my own circle of friends, I know American pharma industry cast-offs who are both brilliant and talented. One with dual MS degrees in mathematics and computer science from a major university, one a skilled bioinformaticist I've had teach my healthcare informatics students as guest lecturer, one a brilliant programmer who could be considered the grandfather of computer image manipulation, another with years of expertise in pharma knowledge discovery. Then there's me – former Directo... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3753768 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 02:24:00 +0100 3753768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750275&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQ3eBZlyjWkI%2F The California Supreme Court has overturned a lower court decision that dismissed a price-fixing lawsuit brought by a group of pharmacies. They had charged the largest drugmakers agreed to set artificially high prices, and acted in concert to restrain reimportation of their lower-priced foreign drugs into the US and restrict price competition from generics. As a result, the drugmakers were able to maintain prices 50 to 400 percent higher than for the same drugs sold outside the US. The drugmakers - which included Abbott Labs; AstraZeneca; Novartis; Allergan; Boehringer Ingelheim; Eli Lilly; Johnson & Johnson; Janssen Pharmaceutica; Ortho McNeil; Ortho Biotech; GlaxoSmithKline; Pfizer; Hoffman-LaRoche; Aventis Pharmaceuticals; Amgen; Purdue Pharma; Merck; Bristol-Myers-Squibb, and Wyeth - a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750275 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:03:55 +0100 3750275 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3750277&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJRV_5GQ4Oyc%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. Hope your week is going well so far. Meanwhile, another busy day lies ahead, especially as the FDA panel meeting gets under way to review Avandia. So let’s get started with a cup of stimulation and some interesting tidbits to help you along. Have a good one and stay in touch… Vivus Diet Drug Faces FDA Skepticism (Associated Press) Merck Starts Work On New Plant In China (People’s Daily) Lawsuits May Reveal More Avandia Data (Reuters) Lilly To Cut 170 Manufacturing Jobs (Indianapolis Business Journal) Global CSO Market To Hit $6.5B By 2015 (OutsourcingPharma) Clinuvel Drug Offers Relief From Sensititivity To Light (Bloomberg News) Latisse Faces Patent Challenge (The Wall Street Journal) Bristol-Myers Starts Recall Of Coumadin (Assoc... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3750277 Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:03:03 +0100 3750277 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3740826&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FgGRcWHGyFM0%2F The healthcare giant joins a growing list of drugmakers that are disclosing info about their financial ties to physicians. The move comes after passage of the health care reform bill, which includes a provision known as Physician Payments Sunshine that requires drugmakers each year to record - starting 2012 - all gifts and payments to docs and teaching hospitals. Posting begins in 2013. The J&J list, however, offers both good news and bad news. The good news? J&J is disclosing payments. The bad news? Since J&J runs what are effectively different operating units, there are separate lists for separate units - which makes it difficult to get the bigger picture. The J&J units that have posted their first quarterly reports are Ortho-McNeil-Janssen, Centocor Ortho Biotech and... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3740826 Fri, 09 Jul 2010 12:24:48 +0100 3740826 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3737297&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYZBcU_qPc9w%2F Good morning, everyone. We hope you are holding up during the heatwave. Our theory is that drinking something hot actually helps cool us off. So you will not be surprised to learn that we are brewing yet another cup of stimulation to get us going. While we are occupied, please enjoy some of the latest tidbits. Have a great day and stay in touch… Lilly May Add 100 Jobs At Irish Facility (RTE News) Genzyme Signs Hospira For Packaging Deal (Reuters) Novartis Challenges USPTO Patent Extension Policy (Law360/Forbes) Tylenol Sales Are Down 65 Percent (Ad Age) Pfizer Expands Nutrition Plant (Frontier India) Alnara’s Strategy Toward Its Deal With Lilly (Xconomy) (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3737297 Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:14:07 +0100 3737297 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718695&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FRnVigrnX3FU%2F Since the passage of the False Claims Act in 1986, the federal government has recovered about $22 billion through qui tam, or whistleblower lawsuits and a fair number of these have emanated from the pharmaceutical industry. An untold number of such lawsuits are always in the wings, as people who work with or for drugmakers attempt to expose alleged wrongdoing. There have been accusations that some whistleblowers are only in it for the money (see this), but life as a whistleblower has its challenges (see here). And so concerned that the pharmaceutical industry may not be doing enough to educate employees about whistleblowing protection, US Senator Chuck Grassley has written 16 big drugmakers to provide information about their programs. The letters went to Abbott Labs, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Br... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718695 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:34:30 +0100 3718695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3718698&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fh68KkPeH3gU%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another day is on the way. This means, of course, that meetings and deadlines beckon. Never mind that a holiday weekend is just around the corner. To cope, we are brewing the mandatory cup of stimulation, and enjoying an unexpectedly cool breeze. So please join us as we peruse the news of the world. Good luck today and catch you soon… AstraZeneca Loses Bid To Overturn Antitrust Fine (Dow Jones) Biogen Names Exelisis’ George Scangos As CEO (Bloomberg News) Recession Hurts Funding For AIDS Drug Program (New York Times) FDA Issues Latest List Of Drug With Possible Risks (Reuters) Quebec To Cut Generic Drug Prices (PharmaTimes) USPTO Denies Request To Re-Examine Plavix Patent (Dow Jones) Michigan Grows CROs (Xconomy) Calistoga Raises $40M To Fund Drug Tria... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3718698 Thu, 01 Jul 2010 11:56:22 +0100 3718698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710796&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FadDs09EjmRs%2F For Eli Lilly execs, the bleeding may never stop. The latest concern over its Effient blood thinner, which the drugmaker still hopes will stanch some revenue that will be lost due to patent expirations on big sellers, is the risk of cancer. The medication was linked to higher cancer rates than Plavix, the league-leading blood thinner, in an analysts of previously unpublished data. Effient yielded a 43 percent higher rate of solid tumors, excluding some skin cancers and brain tumors, than patients on Plavix. And the rate of solid tumors, other than brain and some skin cancers, was 1.4 percent in Effient patients but only 0.9 percent of Plavix patients. The analysis in the Archives of Internal Medicine examined data from the Triton-Timi 38 that Lilly submitted to the FDA for approval to sell... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710796 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 13:02:06 +0100 3710796 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706999&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzTQ3Ns30cEA%2F Hello, everyone. Nice to see you again. Hope the weekend was relaxing. Now, of course, the routine returns as meetings and deadlines beckon. What better way to get prepared than to brew a cup of stimulation and survey the news of the world? Please join us as we indulge. Meanwhile, have a great day and stay in touch… Data Show Declining R&D Productivity (Reuters) Roche Diabetes Drug Continues To Disappoint (Dow Jones) Shire Braces For FDA Study On ADHD Drugs And Heart Risks (The Guardian) Eisai To Hire 100 People For Lab In India (Bloomberg News) Non-reimbursable Rx Sales Outpaced French Market Growth (PharmaTimes) Analyst Foresees Lilly Acquiring Amylin Pharma (Benzinga) Brand-Name Drugmakers Spend Too Little On R&D In Canada (Vancouver Sun) Vietnam Wants To Increase Access... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706999 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:52:50 +0100 3706999 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699706&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FAM2Nw1RqLtc%2F Rejecting an appeal, the Federal Competition Commission voted 4 to 1 to fine the companies $11.6 million for conspiring to raise prices of meds sold to a social-services agency, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, according to this statement. The decision comes shortly after the antitrust regulator indictated new investigations may be launched into drugmakers for scheming to inflate prices (background). According to the CFC, the drugmakers engaged in monopolistic practices during public bidding organzied by the agency and, in doing so, eliminated competition, which forced the IMSS, as its known, to pay artificially high prices. Those fined include Eli Lilly, Laboratorios Cryopharma, Probiomed, Fresenius Kabi Mexico, Baxter and Laboratorios Pisa. The meds involved were insulin and injecta... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699706 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 12:03:59 +0100 3699706 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699707&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FtzMS6-zVhq8%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 that’s become a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that PricewaterhouseCoopers hired Lori Queisser as a senior advisor on compliance, risk management and global standards. Until recently, she was chief compliance officer at Schering-Plough and she held the same position at El... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699707 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:53:12 +0100 3699707 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3699708&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQdlbcRhrvF8%2F And so another work week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment to soon, eh? Well, hopefully, your week has been productive and rewarding. Now, though, it is time to consider other activities. Have any interesting weekend plans? We hope to catch up on sundry chores, a bit of reading and promenade with the official Pharmalot mascots. Whatever you do, have an enjoyable time. See you soon… Massachusetts May Repeal Ban On Gifts To Doctors (Boston Globe) Merck Wins EMA Support For Antpsychotic (Reuters) Sanofi Signs $375M Deal With Metabolex (PharmaTimes) The Qnexa Diet Pill Goes To An FDA Panel (Minynaville) Shire Gaucher Disease Drug Wins EMA Backing (Reuters) Glaxo Explores ‘Printed’ Pill Technology (Dow Jones) Novartis’ Gleevec Fails To Win UK Backing For GIST Patie... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3699708 Fri, 25 Jun 2010 11:32:45 +0100 3699708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683869&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWwG08X6tEdA%2F Over the past few months, Lilly ceo John Lechleiter has made speeches in which he criticized various government policies for hindering research and development efforts (see this). And central to his theme has been the importance of innovation. “Innovation is not a panacea for the challenges facing our health care systems, but it is hard to see any way out of the current crisis – and I don’t think that’s too strong a word – without innovation,” he told the American Chamber of Commerce in Germany which, earlier this year, was preparing to cut brand-name drug prices (look here). Today, however, the drugmaker has begun marketing yet another statin for controlling cholesterol, which it calls Livalo. This is a big market, of course, with statins ringing up some $13 b... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683869 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:23:08 +0100 3683869 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3683872&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FEPyViqp86VU%2F And the answer is…. GlaxoSmithKline, which led its counterparts in a host of variables that formed the second-ever Access to Medicine Index. European drugmakers, in fact, bested US rivals in making medicines available to people in developing countries, although the foundation that runs the project says this lead is shrinking. The index is designed to offer investors a way to compare pharma’s social responsibility records by measuring 106 indicators that examined activities across seven criteria such as philanthropy, patents, pricing and management (see more here). The latest report - the first was issued in 2008 - covers 27 companies, including 20 brand-name drugmakers and seven generics manufacturers, which have their own list and was topped by Ranbaxy Labs, now owned by Daiic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3683872 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:45:18 +0100 3683872 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3672039&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FdXJzV2xWcVs%2F If you were recently laid off from a big drugmaker, or worry you might be losing your job soon, you’re probably analyzing info about severance packages. Well, for those who like to compare, here is what Lilly is offering employees undergoing ‘reallocation,’ a fuzzy way of saying those who are being laid off - and want to apply for another job with the drugmaker. For instance, those who have worked for Lilly less than 10 years get three times monthly compensation; more than 10 years but less than 12 years gets you four times monthly compensation; more than 20 years but less than 21 years and you get 13 times monthly compensation, and more than 25 years of service and the parachute is 18 times monthly compensation. This is the complete document distributed to employees (see... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3672039 Wed, 16 Jun 2010 19:22:51 +0100 3672039 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652690&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FnijjsaDZvoo%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 that’s become a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Pfizer hired Michael Ehlers as chief scientific officer for neuroscience research. Most recently, he was a Duke Univerity neurology professor and an investigator with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Ehlers also head... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652690 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:10:27 +0100 3652690 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3652691&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FtbeaniQzUXk%2F And so another working week is about to draw to a close. What are your plans for the weekend? Ours include promenading with the official Pharmalot mascots, a round of (miniature) golf with the shortest of short people and pulling weeds that are springing up around the corporate campus. Whatever you choose to do, we hope your plans are exciting. Meanwhile, another day beckons. Here are a few items to help you along. Enjoy… Why Patients Don’t Get The Shingles Vaccine (The New York Times) Lilly’s Lechleiter Says US Loses Innovation Edge (Crain’s Detroit Business) Drugmakers To Form Alzheimer’s Data Coalition (The Wall Street Journal) Bristol-Myers To Price Drugs Lower In India (The Hindu Business Line) European Drugmakers Concerned About Market Access (PharmaTime... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3652691 Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:56:17 +0100 3652691 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3618089&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJPHebsNnizk%2F Three months ago, some enterprising thieves staged a daring theft by cutting a hole in the roof of an Eli Lilly warehouse and making off with all sorts of medicines (background). The made-for-TV moment focused attention on supply chain security and so here is another episode: 10 days ago, a trailer containing 15 pallets of Lupin Pharmaceuticals generic drugs was stolen in Memphis, Tenn. Lupin never bothered to put an announcement on its website, but we have a copy of the letter sent to its wholesalers (see this). The heist yielded a slew of generic cholesterol-lowering pills, namely generic Zocor and Mevacor, as well as generic Depakote, which is taken by epileptics and is sensitive to temperature, and the Cefadroxil antibiotic. There is nothing sensational about a stolen trailer, of cour... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3618089 Tue, 01 Jun 2010 13:16:56 +0100 3618089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3599735&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4Dj07V-xBtU%2F The game of musical R&D chairs continues. AstraZeneca has snatched Martin Mackay from Pfizer to head its worldwide R&D operation (statement). The move comes as Pfizer struggles to right its own R&D business, which is undergoing massive cutbacks (see this) and scrambles to replenish a product pipeline devoid of the sort of blockbusters that made the company into the world’s largest drugmaker. Mackay, who joined Pfizer in 1995, headed worldwide research and technology when the drugmaker suffered an embarassing flop - its much-hyped torcetrapib cholesterol pill failed during a Phase III trial instead of going onto revolutionize treatment (see here and more background), although R&D chief John LaMattina took the heat. That contributed to a decision to scale back. Mor... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3599735 Wed, 26 May 2010 13:08:26 +0100 3599735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3592407&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FI4fZsyYZdHM%2F Most Americans believe the FDA takes too long to approve new drugs and devices, and that confidence in safety reviews is slipping, according to a new poll. Meanwhile, most say drugmakers do a good job of providing risk and safety info, as well as product awareness, but don’t listen very well to patient concerns. Many Americans also have no clue whether clinical trials are handled responsibly. Specifically, 72 percent are very confident or confident in the FDA’s safety review system, down from 74 percent in 2007. And 41 percent say the FDA approval process takes too long. However, Americans are more evenly divided about risk: 52 percent say the FDA should move more quickly to get new treatments to patients, even if it means there may be risks, while 48 percent believe the FDA sh... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3592407 Mon, 24 May 2010 13:19:03 +0100 3592407 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3581843&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJL7-K-IyefE%2F UAB Study Examines Hearing Loss, Viagra Use from uabnews on Vimeo. If at first you don’t succeed….well, you know try again. A professor, whose earlier work indicating Viagra causes vision loss was discredited, has just published a new study that suggests the potential for long-term hearing loss after using Viagra and possibly similar drugs such as Cialis and Levitra, although results for those pills are inconclusive. The study is in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (see the abstract). “It appears from these findings that the current government warning regarding hearing loss and the use of PDE-5i medications is warranted,” says Gerald McGwin, a professor of epidemiology in the UAB School of Public Health, in a statement. “It has been hypothe... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3581843 Wed, 19 May 2010 16:34:17 +0100 3581843 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3560498&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6PUQzXUi6TE%2F Pontificators are having a field day deciphering healthcare reform and PricewaterhouseCoopers is no exception. The consulting firm has just released a report concluding that, despite expanded coverage that will increase revenue, overall drug sales will decline by 4.3 percent from what they would have been otherwise between 2010 and 2019. The bill increases Medicaid rebates, expands discounts to 340b hospitals, requires Medicare Part D discounts and adds a big fees over 10 years. Specifially, a typical big pharma should see a 4 percent drop in revenue, and a large generic drugmaker should see a 2 percent boost. Meanwhile, a medium-size drugmaker with low government sales should expect only a 1 percent decline, but a large drugmaker with lots of government sales can expect a 7 percent drop. ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3560498 Thu, 13 May 2010 11:16:46 +0100 3560498 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3556371&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F78zWc96dpoE%2F In blowing the whistle on AstraZeneca for improperly promoting its Seroquel antipsychotic, a $45 million award will be split by James Wetta, a former AZ sales rep, and Stefan Kruszewski, a psychiatrist, for their role in helping the government resolve the charges. In total, the drugmaker is paying $520 million, most of which goes to the federal treasury (background). These two have won such prizes before. Kruszewski earlier sued Pfizer over its marketing of the Geodon antipsychotic and will receive $14.5 million from a $2.3 billion settlement. And Wetta is one of nine whistleblowers who split about $100 million when Lilly paid $1.4 billion to settle charges over illegal marketing of its Zyprexa antipsychotic. In general, whistleblowers were paid $2.39 billion from 1987 to 2009, or 16 perce... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3556371 Wed, 12 May 2010 15:33:48 +0100 3556371 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3552193&cid=t_167364_87_f&fid=34765&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhcrenewal.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F05%2Fleaders-of-discredited-financial-rating.html This is the latest in our informal series on the cross-linkages between the thinking and leadership that lead to the global financial collapse/ great recession and that current in health care.  Last month, a US Senate sub-committee held hearings on the role of the rating agencies, actually for-profit corporations that evaluated securities, including derivatives, in the collapse.  The Fundamentally Conflicted Rating AgenciesTo briefly provide some background, these agencies were hired by the firms that created these securities to evaluate them.  Because the securities were complex, they were hard for investors to evaluate.  Investors had become used to using the rating agencies' evaluations as benchmarks for the quality and riskiness of complex securities.  Many did... Health Care Renewal blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3552193 Mon, 10 May 2010 20:45:00 +0100 3552193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3542873&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fdtv4OBHXOuY%2F Once again, another working week will soon draw to a close. And so the weekend agenda calls for a smattering of activities - taking the Pharmalot mascot for a constitutional, bike riding with one of the short people and watching another on the lacrosse field. And you? Whatever you plan, we hope you have a good time. And of course, do not forget mom. Have a great time… FDA To Review Lilly’s Byetta In Six Months (Reuters) Lilly To Cut 200 Sales & Marketing Jobs (Indianapolis Star) InVentiv To Be Bought For $900M By Thomas Lee (Wall Street Journal) Bayer Wins FDA Approval For New Type Of Contraceptive (Bloomberg News) Genzyme Plans $2B Buyback, May Sell Units (Associated Press) Australia Agrees To $2B In Price Cuts (PharmaTimes) photo thx to tipiro on Flickr creative commons ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3542873 Fri, 07 May 2010 11:37:14 +0100 3542873 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3534103&cid=t_167364_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FMdlGW_isPK8%2F The Utah Attorney General filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca over allegations they failed to disclose side effects, notably diabetes, caused by their antipsychotics - Risperdal and Seroquel, respectively - and improperly marketed the pills, therefore, causing the state’s Medicaid program to overpay for the medications. However, the lawsuit only says “large sums” were spent without specifying how much the Medicaid program may have overpaid for the drugs. In arguing its case, the state charges the drugs were promoted for unapproved uses, such as treating the elderly for dementia, anxiety, sleep disorders, depression and other behavioral disorders not caused by schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder; treating children and adolescents for general mood... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3534103 Wed, 05 May 2010 11:51:28 +0100 3534103