News

GSK chief takes cautious line over China claims

GlaxoSmithKline’s solid set of figures for the second quarter has been overshadowed by its woes in China and chief executive Sir Andrew Witty kept his cards close to his chest when discussing the problems.

Iran pharma market soaring

Iran’s pharmaceutical market was worth $3.51 billion in 2012, and is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 13% to 2014, after which market growth will steady at 8%, say new forecasts.

Novartis blasts UK rejection of meningitis B jab

The decision to reject the inclusion of meningitis B jab Bexsero in the UK’s childhood immunisation programme is not in the best interest of patients, says its manufacturer Novartis.

UK scientists develop brain disease therapy

UK scientists have developed a new stem cell therapy that could, in the best case scenario, offer a “largely curative” treatment for the deadly genetic brain disease Sanfilippo, as well as a new platform for other neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

NICE publishes trio of recommendations

Following a speedy appraisal Bayer’s Eylea has been recommended by cost regulators for use on the NHS to treat wet age-related macular degeneration.

US Congress moves to protect FDA user fees

Bipartisan legislation introduced in the US House of Representatives seeks to exempt Food and Drug Administration user fees from sequestration starting from fiscal 2014.

A&E is Keogh’s next challenge, say MPs

Growing demand on A&E departments will make them unsustainable if effective action is not taken quickly to relieve the pressures on them, MPs warn.

Elan earnings soar thanks to cash for Tysabri

Elan Corp says that second-quarter net profit shot up to $2.29 billion compared with a loss of $28.5 million, thanks to $2.5 billion income banked from the transfer to Biogen Idec of its multiple sclerosis blockbuster Tysabri.