NICE has once again rejected Roche’s Avastin, the world’s biggest selling cancer drug, this time for its new licence in ovarian cancer.
News
GSK signs $200 million antibiotics pact with US govt
GlaxoSmithKline has entered into a deal with the US government to develop drugs to fight antibiotic resistance and bioterrorism.
GSK to cut 120 jobs at Australian facility
GlaxoSmithKline is intending to close the tablet packaging section of its operations at the firm’s Boronia site in Melbourne, Australia as part of “a business transformation”.
Much excitement over Sanofi/Regeneron asthma drug
The long-standing alliance between Sanofi and Regeneron looks to have scored another clinical goal, this time with dupilumab for asthma.
NHS chief to retire – but not until next year
Sir David Nicholson has announced that he will retire from the top job in the NHS next year after months of criticism of his managerial role at Mid Staffs.
CIS nations’ drug reimbursement plans “could completely change their markets”
Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan have recently taken steps to introduce drug reimbursement schemes which, if introduced, could completely change the operating environment for both their innovative drug and generic markets, says new research.
Government stumps up £260m to speed hospitals’ switch to digital
The government has established a £260 million fund to help more National Health Service hospitals get up to speed with electronic prescription technologies and cut drug errors.
NIHR says “it’s OK to ask” about clinical research
England’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) has launched a new campaign encouraging patients to ask their doctor about clinical-research opportunities.
Novo buys Norway’s Xellia for $700 million
Novo A/S, the holding company of Denmark’s Novo Nordisk, has acquired Xellia Pharmaceuticals of Norway in a deal valued at $700 million.
Pfizer drug fails in Phase III NHL trial
Pfizer’s bid to expand its oncology portfolio has suffered a setback with the news that the drugs giant has halted a late-stage trial of inotuzumab ozogamicin in patients with an aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma due to futility.
PRA mulls initial public offering
Hard on the heels of Quintiles’ successful return to public ownership, US-based contract research organisation (CRO) PRA International is sounding out prospects for its own initial public offering (IPO) of common stock.
Royalty ups bid as Elan unveils acquisitions
Just as Elan Corp announced a range of transactions “designed to decisively transform and advance the company”, long-time suitor Royalty Pharma has popped up again and raised its bid to acquire the Irish drugmaker.
Whitehall civil servants to join NHS front line
Civil servants will be swapping the corridors of Whitehall for the NHS front line, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt has announced.
Actavis acquires Warner Chilcott in $8.5 billion deal
After a month of speculation, Actavis has announced it is buying Warner Chilcott in a stock-for-stock agreement worth $8.5 billion.
Cell Therapy Catapult releases preclinical database
The Cell Therapy (CT) Catapult, set up at Guy’s Hospital in London as a centre of translational excellence for regenerative medicine in the UK, has now published its database of ongoing preclinical research.
