Content about Biotechnology

WORCESTER, Mass. — Generex Biotechnology has revamped its corporate website to underscore the company's focus on the development and approval of its diabetes and immunotherapeutic vaccine products pipeline.

The company said that the site will provide improved descriptions of products, technologies, scientific research in progress, trial results and new corporate relationships as they unfold. Generex also will boost its social media presence through Twitter and Facebook.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. — While failing to improve overall survival, an investigational treatment for non-small cell lung cancer made by Sanofi-Aventis and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals did keep the disease from worsening and, overall, caused patients to respond to treatment, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial.

Sanofi and Regeneron announced Thursday results of the phase-3 “VITAL” trial of aflibercept. Patients were administered either the drug or placebo in addition to docetaxel chemotherapy.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration’s proposed budget for 2012 contains an item that could change the game for biosimilars, according to published reports.

According to the reports, the administration would lower the 12-year data exclusivity period for biotech drugs mandated in the healthcare-reform law to seven years.

PHILADELPHIA — An increase in consolidation among generic drug companies could be in the works, according to a new report from Thomson Reuters.

According to the report, “Gaining Market Share in the Generic Drug Industry Through Acquisitions and Partnerships,” generic drug makers face competition, as well as government-mandated price cuts in Europe and such policies as lowest-price tendering. As a result, many could seek deals that would cause them to diversify their portfolios.

As soon as members of Congress took their seats last month, the new Republican majority announced it would make good on its pledge to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The effort largely is symbolic and unlikely to succeed, so at least one portion of the healthcare-reform law will likely remain in effect, namely the abbreviated approval pathway for follow-on biologics, also known as the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act.


SUPPLIER NEWS — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug made by Watson Pharmaceuticals for cancer-related breakthrough pain, Watson said. The drug is a generic version of Cephalon’s Fentora, which had sales of around $179 million during the 12-month period ended in November 2010, according to IMS Health.


MORTON GROVE, Ill. — Lifeway Foods is kicking off its 25th anniversary with a new birthday-cake flavor of its creamy, smoothie-like beverage.

Lifeway's Kefir birthday-cake-flavored smoothie, which features probiotics, will be adorned with special 25th anniversary packaging and celebrated with a nationwide promotional tour.

Lifeway's Kefir line is available at more than 5,000 retailers nationwide.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck and drug industry services organization Parexel International will work together to develop biosimilars, the two said Wednesday.

Under the agreement, Parexel will give Merck BioVentures access to clinical and regulatory services for the development of biosimilars. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

DENVER — State health authorities in Colorado are promoting immunization to parents through a broad media campaign.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and the Vaccine Advisory Committee of Colorado, a coalition of vaccination research and policy leaders, announced Thursday the “Immunize for Good” program, which they described as a way to communicate to parents vaccinating their children that they’re making the right decision and preventing serious illnesses.

NEW YORK — This past year saw a lower-than-usual number of new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration, due in part to delays at the agency, according to published reports.

The Wall Street Journal reported that 21 new drugs were approved through the year, compared with 25 in 2009 and 24 in 2008. The lag came in part due to stricter safety regulations, the newspaper reported.

FRAZER, Pa. — Frank Baldino, the founder, chairman and CEO of Cephalon, has died, the company said.

Cephalon announced that Baldino, 57, had died Thursday evening while on medical leave, calling him a pioneer in the biotechnology industry and an inspirational leader who would be “sorely missed.” Baldino, who received his doctorate in pharmacology from Temple University, founded the company in 1987 after several years at E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.