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.
News
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.
Lilly earnings up, helped by cost-cutting
Eli Lilly has posted a strong set of financials for the second quarter, helped by cost-cutting and strong sales of Cymbalta.
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.
Recordati acquires Tunisia’s Opalia
Recordati is buying a 90% stake in Opalia Pharma of Tunisia in a deal valued at 80 million dinar, or around 37 million euros.
Teva and Lonza end biosimilars JV
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and Switzerland’s Lonza have pulled the plug on their biosimilars joint venture.
EFPIA, PhRMA issue joint principles on clinical-data transparency
The pharmaceutical industry associations for Europe and the US have moved to recapture the agenda over clinical-data transparency by endorsing joint principles on “responsible sharing” of clinical-trial data.
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.
FDA panel rejects label expansion of AbbVie’s Humira
FDA advisors have reportedly turned down AbbVie’s Humira for the treatment of a spinal inflammatory disease.
Forest’s new products soften loss of Lexapro
Forest Laboratories says earnings for the fiscal first quarter ended June 30 sank 53% to $23.3 million, due to charges and lower sales of off-patent Lexapro, while sales increased 6.0% to $796.9 million.
GSK turnover up 2%, Witty to talk about China
GlaxoSmithKline says that second-quarter turnover rose 2% to £6.62 billion, while core operating profit fell 2% to £1.94 billion.
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.
Roche’s breakthrough leukaemia drug hits PhIII targets
There was more good news on Roche’s ‘breakthrough’ leukaemia drug GA101 this morning, with trial data showing that it outperformed veteran drug MabThera (also sold as Rituxan) in a late-stage trial.
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.
