Bayer has bought itself access to Isis Pharmaceuticals’ experimental anticoagulant ISIS-FXIRx in a deal worth at at least $155 million to the latter.
News
Public still not getting the skin cancer message
The majority of people in the UK are still failing to protect themselves against sunburn and are unaware of the signs of skin cancer, as rates of the deadly disease continue to rise.
Hep C drugs help double Gilead’s Q1 earnings
Gilead has booked huge increases in sales and earnings for the first quarter of 2015, driven by strong growth of its hepatitis C drugs.
Report finds ‘major failings’ in NHS dermatology services
A report by independent health think-tank the King’s Fund has revealed “major” failings across National Health Service dermatology services, with evidence of staff shortages, poor training, inconsistent quality in diagnosis and treatment, and large variations in access to specialist care.
Vernalis stock gains on FDA nod for cough/cold drug
Vernalis stock has hit a five-year high on news that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved its cough/cold medicine Tuzistra XR.
FDA clears GSK asthma inhaler for adults, not children
US regulators have issued a green light for GlaxoSmithKline/Theravance’s BREO Ellipta inhaler to treat asthma in adults, but permission for its use in patients aged 12 to 17 years old was not granted.
First-quarter earnings growth for Teva, Sanofi, Shire
Israeli drugmaker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries has lifted its full-year earning guidance following a positive quarter that saw solid increases in sales and earnings.
FDA approves first generics of antipsychotic Abilify
US regulators have approved the first generic versions of Abilify (aripiprazole), sold in the US by Bristol-Myers Squibb, for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
FDA will Biogen/AbbVie’s once-monthly MS shot
US regulators have agreed to review Biogen and AbbVie’s application to market Zinbryta (daclizumab; high yield process) for relapsing-remitting forms of multiple sclerosis.
FEATURE: The NHS – reform or ruin?
With just days before the UK General Election, the NHS is at the forefront of the campaign trail and the political parties have come out sparring. Labour, it seems, is staging an all-out war, pledging to repeal the Conservatives’ Health and Social Care Act 2012 and end the alleged shift towards privatisation. The Tories, on the other hand, are remaining steadfast, reiterating the relationship between a strong economy and a strong NHS.
Long-term use of AZ’ Brilinta gets US priority review
An application to use AstraZeneca’s Brilinta to treat patients with a history of heart attack has been placed on a fast track regulatory pathway in the US, meaning that approval could be granted within just six months.
Perrigo rejects Mylan’s higher bid
Perrigo is still standing strong against Mylan’s takeover attempt, rejecting the latest offer of $75 in cash and 2.3 shares for every share of Perrigo on the basis that is undervalues the business.
Randomised control trials could be a thing of the past
The end of randomised control trials is on the cards, a healthcare data expert predicts.
Sanofi’s diabetes drug Toujeo gets EU nod
Sanofi’s next-generation long-acting basal insulin Toujeo has been approved for diabetes in the European Union, offering patients a new treatment option with a lower risk of hypoglycaemia.
UK gov to spend £550m on expanding GP access
The UK government has announced that extra funding of £550 million will be spent on expanding access to GPs, modernising surgeries, and improving out-of-hospital care.
