106493517269740274

Genentech’s CEO on Big Pharma’s Issues
Arthur Levinson tackles drug pricing, patent disputes, consumer marketing, and stem-cell research

106493331693086323

FDA’s McClellan Calls for More Sharing of Drug R&D Costs
The U.S. is bearing a disproportionate share of drug research and development costs for medicines used globally, FDA commissioner Mark McClellan said Thursday.

He called for more equitable cost sharing and price setting. ‘If we do not find better ways to share the burden of developing new drugs and biologics, all of us will suffer’

106484912490772200

Drug Development, Genentech Style
“Its promising colon cancer fighter Avastin is a prime example of how the biotech ‘keeps following the science’”

106484814740750239

BIOTECH THAWS OUT:
“Small drug discovery firms are capitalizing on the positive momentum that’s returned to the market for biotechnology stocks. A dozen have announced plans this quarter to launch initial public stock offerings (IPOs), while nearly as many more hope to raise money through follow-on bids. The upturn, if it persists, may help rescue a sector where limited cash flow has precipitated major cutbacks and consolidation.”

106451066100051685

Suit targets 13 generic drug makers
“Jumping into the escalating legal battle against pharmaceutical manufacturers, Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly planned to file a lawsuit today against 13 generic drug makers, claiming they overcharged the state Medicaid program $50 million for more than 150 medications.”

106450601606493686

Judge Allows Antitrust Case Against Seed Producers
“A federal judge on Friday let proceed an antitrust case that accused the Monsanto Company and other big agricultural seed giants of conspiring to control the world’s market in genetically modified crops.”

106443160392936166

Definitions Impede Stem-Cell Work
The medical promise of embryonic stem-cell research has been plagued by ethical controversy. Now, an apparent way to get stem cells without destroying human embryos is hung up by federal policy.

106442045949985674

Bioterror Brain Drain
“Infectious-disease specialists are following the big bucks to Washington’s new multibillion-dollar program on bioterrorism research—but at what human cost? “

106442040204622640

A dose of reality
“The FDA yesterday opened two days of hearings on the subject of consumer advertising, for the first time publicly presenting survey data that shows prescription advertising is generating widespread skepticism among doctors.”

106442030075436120

Naturally blonde, brunette…
“Designer ‘therapies’ could one day be helping to restore our hair to its former colour and texture”