Author: Kevin Grogan

After filing a complaint with the European Commission to stop an Italian law promoting off-label use of drugs, the continent’s pharmaceutical companies are preparing to act as similar legislation is being touted in France.

Through “foresighted and visionary planning”, Singapore has achieved first-rate healthcare “at a cost lower than in any other high-income country in the world.”

A US court has confirmed that a key patent on AstraZeneca’s Pulmicort Repsules is invalid and Actavis has immediately launched its version of the asthma drug.

Takeda has been boosted by data showing that its chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy Daxas significantly reduced exacerbations and hospitalisations in the severest sufferers.

Shire has posted very healthy revenues for the fourth quarter, up 19% to $1.58 billion and highlighted its strongest-ever pipeline. Operating income jumped 28% to $655 million, driven by the attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder drug Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), sales of which climbed 16% to $383 million. Its off-patent predecessor Adderall XR (mixed amphetamine salts) was up 26% to $103 million, although another ADHD drug, Intuniv (guanfacine), sank 44% to $48 million (+20%) ahead of patent expiries in December.