Press review from 18/03/08 to 20/03/08
FDA evaluates a possible extension in the use of Gardasil
(The Wall Street Journal online - March 20, 2008)
The FDA is evaluating the possibility of extending the use of Gardasil, a human papillomavirus vaccine developed by Merck & Co. The drug is currently indicated for girls and women aged between 9 and 26 years. The extension should include women between 27 and 45 years old. The final decision is expected this summer.
http://www.aboutpharma.it/notizia.asp?id=16154
"Assobiomedica: 'fixed prices for devices are an error'"
(Free Market: page 14, Bloomberg Finance & Markets: page 8 – 20 March 2008)
Referring to the 2007 Finance Act, the President of Assobiomedica Angelo Fracassi, speaking at the 2008 Future Health Forum, declared: 'thinking of applying the reference prices to medical devices is a wrong choice, which goes against the primary needs of citizens and with the market'. Fracassi underlined that the devices are not simple accessories, but 'highly complex and differentiated products'. Applying the reference prices 'would endanger the quality of the services and cancel any cost savings due to certain market damage'.
http://www.aboutpharma.it/notizia.asp?id=16151
Identified the contaminant in Baxter's heparin
(International Herald Tribune: pg. 11, The Wall Street Journal online - March 20, 2008)
Baxter International's heparin batches linked to some deaths and allergic reactions were contaminated with a substance from animal cartilage, altered to look like the drug. These are the conclusions of the FDA, which is investigating to understand whether the contaminant (over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate) less expensive than pure heparin and not approved for use in medicine, was added accidentally or intentionally.
http://www.aboutpharma.it/notizia.asp?id=16150
"DiaSorin. Revenues grow to 202 million"
(Il Sole 24 Ore Finance & Markets: page 45, Free Market: page 16 – 20 March 2008)
DiaSorin ended 2007 with revenues of 202.3 million euros (+12.6%) and a net profit of 25.2 million euros (+13.1%). The company will distribute a dividend of 0.10 euro per share for the 2007 financial year.
http://www.aboutpharma.it/notizia.asp?id=16149
Fujifilm acquires Toyama's 67.1%
(The Wall Street Journal online - March 20, 2008)
Fujifilm, a leading Japanese manufacturer of cameras, has successfully completed a takeover bid for control of Toyama Chemical, thus entering the pharmaceutical sector. Fujifilm to pay $1.17 billion to acquire 67.1% of Toyama shares.
http://www.aboutpharma.it/notizia.asp?id=16155
"Roche-Innovex, the agreement is underway"
(Il Sole 24 Ore: page 23, Roche Press Release – 19 March 2008)
Roche has signed an agreement with Innovex, of the Quintiles group, for the joint management for 5 years of the marketing and sales of 4 drugs, which have a total value of 100 million euros in annual revenues: Rocefin (ceftriaxone), Dilatrend (carvedilol), Lexotan (bromazepam), Xenical (orlistat). The agreement is part of a broader framework of collaborations already in place between
