Content about Pfizer

February 12, 2013

Putney aims to compete in generic pet drug market with new launch

Putney has launched a generic version of a veterinary skin infection drug, the company said.

PORTLAND, Maine — Putney has launched a generic version of a veterinary skin infection drug, the company said.

Putney announced the launch of cefpodoxime proxetil, a generic version of Pfizer's Simplicef, used to treat certain skin infections in dogs. Putney said its product was the only generic version of Simplicef approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

February 12, 2013

Reports: GSK among companies looking to acquire Brazil's fourth-largest drug firm

GlaxoSmithKline may be looking to buy a Brazilian drug maker for up to $4 billion, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — GlaxoSmithKline may be looking to buy a Brazilian drug maker for up to $4 billion, according to published reports.

Reuters, citing unnamed sources, said GSK was one of several drug companies looking to buy Ache Laboratorios Farmaceuticos for $3 billion to $4 billion. Other companies looking to buy the drug maker included Novartis, Pfizer and Abbott Labs.

Reuters noted that the company was attractive to drug makers looking to expand their footprints in Latin America and that it was a major producer of prescription and OTC medications.

February 8, 2013

Rx-to-OTC switches could be boon as FDA looks at switch paradigm

A new report by Francesco International identified $35.7 billion worth of potential Rx-to-OTC switches in a wide range of indications, from hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder to high cholesterol and erectile dysfunction, and the Food and Drug Administration has been looking at ways technology and pharmacists could be employed to ensure that patients taking drugs new to the consumer health space take them appropriately.

With growth in traditional pharmaceuticals expected to slow down significantly, a growing number of drug makers — branded and generic alike — see specialty drugs as their main sources of revenue for the foreseeable future. At the same time, those drug makers not invested in specialty may be looking for growth opportunities in consumer health.

February 6, 2013

FDA approves Sandoz antibiotic

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic antibiotic made by Sandoz, the drug maker said Wednesday.

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic antibiotic made by Sandoz, the drug maker said Wednesday.

Sandoz, the generics arm of Swiss drug maker Novartis, announced the approval and launch of clindamycin in 5% dextrose in minibag form, the first generic version of Pfizer's Cleocin Phosphate in Dextrose 5%.

Sales of the branded version were $52.2 million in 2012, according to IMS Health.

January 28, 2013

FDA approves new use of Pfizer vaccine

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new use for a pneumococcal vaccine made by Pfizer, the drug maker said.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new use for a pneumococcal vaccine made by Pfizer, the drug maker said.

Pfizer announced the approval of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) for children and adolescents ages 6 years to 17 years for active immunization against the 13 Streptococcus pneumonia serotypes the vaccine covers. For this group, Prevnar 13 is administered as a one-time dose to patients who have never received it.

January 25, 2013

Canadian provinces to reduce reimbursements for six generics

Canada's provincial and territorial governments have reached a deal that they said would save money on drugs, but that generic drug makers said had left them "disappointed."

NEW YORK — Canada's provincial and territorial governments have reached a deal that they said would save money on drugs, but that generic drug makers said had left them "disappointed."

January 15, 2013

Reports: Alabama man can sue branded drug makers over generic drug side effects

The state supreme court in Alabama ruled that brand-name drug companies could be sued if patients suffer complications from generic versions of their medicines, according to published reports.

NEW YORK — The state supreme court in Alabama ruled that brand-name drug companies could be sued if patients suffer complications from generic versions of their medicines, according to published reports.

According to The New York Times, an Alabama man named Danny Weeks claimed he developed tardive dyskinesia after taking generic versions of Pfizer's acid reflux drug Reglan (metoclopramide). Pfizer acquired rights to the drug when it bought Wyeth in 2009, and generic drug makers Teva and Actavis, now owned by Watson, make generic versions.

January 14, 2013

Pfizer announces availability of new ADHD drug

A new drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder made by Pfizer is now available, the drug maker said.

NEW YORK — A new drug for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder made by Pfizer is now available, the drug maker said.

Pfizer announced the availability of Quillivant XR (methylphenidate hydrochloride) extended-release oral suspension, calling it the first once-per-day, extended-release liquid formulation of methylphenidate. The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug in September 2012.

January 4, 2013

Bloomberg: B&L on sales block for as much as $10 billion

According to a Bloomberg report, Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi are all potential suitors for Bausch & Lomb's eye care business in a deal that could be valued as high as $10 billion.

NEW YORK — According to a Bloomberg report published Friday morning, Abbott Laboratories, Johnson & Johnson and Sanofi are all potential suitors for Bausch & Lomb's eye care business in a deal that could be valued as high as $10 billion.

B&L is being shopped by private equity firm Warburg Pincus, which is working with Goldman Sachs Group, Bloomberg reported, and both Abbott and Sanofi have contracted financial advisors as well.

Other companies who have been invited to bid include Merck and Pfizer.

January 4, 2013

FDA approves new delivery method for MS drug

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new means of administration for a multiple sclerosis drug, the manufacturers said.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new means of administration for a multiple sclerosis drug, the manufacturers said.

Pfizer and EMD Serono announced the approval of Rebif Rebidose (interferon beta-1a), a single-use auto-injector for self-administering Rebif, used to treat relapsing forms of MS. EMD Serono is the U.S. division of German drug maker Merck KGaA, so-named to avoid confusion with U.S.-based Merck & Co.

January 3, 2013

Greenstone launches authorized generic Dilantin Infatabs

Pfizer's generics division has launched an authorized generic drug for treating epilepsy.

PEAPACK, N.J. — Pfizer's generics division has launched an authorized generic drug for treating epilepsy.

Greenstone announced the introduction of phenytoin tablets in the 50-mg strength, an authorized generic version of Pfizer's Dilantin Infatabs.

Authorized generics are generic drugs marketed under their generic names at a reduced price, often through third-party companies under contract with the original drug's manufacturer.

January 2, 2013

FDA approves Bristol-Myers Squibb's Eliquis to reduce risk of stroke, blood clots

The Food and Drug Administration last week approved the anti-clotting drug Eliquis (apixaban), an oral tablet used to reduce the risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem. Eliquis is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and marketed by BMS and Pfizer.

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration last week approved the anti-clotting drug Eliquis (apixaban), an oral tablet used to reduce the risk of stroke and dangerous blood clots in patients with atrial fibrillation that is not caused by a heart valve problem. Eliquis is manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb, and marketed by BMS and Pfizer.

December 28, 2012

FDA approves Mylan's generic Dilantin chewable tablets

Mylan on Friday announced that its subsidiary, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its phenytoin chewable tablets USP in the 50 mg strength.

PITTSBURGH — Mylan on Friday announced that its subsidiary, Mylan Pharmaceuticals, has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its phenytoin chewable tablets USP in the 50 mg strength.

The product is a generic version of Pfizer's Dilantin Chewable Tablets, which are indicated for the control of generalized tonic-clonic (i.e., grand mal) and complex partial (i.e., psychomotor, temporal lobe) seizures, and prevention and treatment of seizures occurring during or following neurosurgery.

December 27, 2012

Sierra Research Labs licenses distribution of SeroVital-hgh through GNC to Novex Biotech

Demand for SeroVital-hgh — a proprietary amino acid compound developed by Sierra Research Labs — has spiked in the past month. To help meet demand, the company on Dec. 21 announced distribution expansion through GNC.

NEW YORK — Demand for SeroVital-hgh — a proprietary amino acid compound developed by Sierra Research Labs — has spiked in the past month, in part due to recent exposure on news channels like CNN and on news programs like "The Today Show," the company announced last week. To help meet demand, the company on Dec. 21 announced distribution expansion through GNC.

December 12, 2012

Pfizer Consumer introduces Robitussin CoughCast, an online tracking tool capturing area cough activity

Pfizer Consumer Healthcare on Wednesday introduced Robitussin CoughCast, a new interactive tool that allows people to track cough activity in their local area.

MADISON, N.J. — Pfizer Consumer Healthcare on Wednesday introduced Robitussin CoughCast, a new interactive tool that allows people to track cough activity in their local area.

According to the company, already this year nearly 18.2 million U.S. adults have experienced cold and flu symptoms, and more than 18 million have reported suffering from cough, making it one of the most highly reported symptoms.

December 11, 2012

Biotech company acquires vaccine from Pfizer

Biotech and vaccines company Nuron Biotech has bought rights from Pfizer for a vaccine to prevent infection by a bacteria that is a major cause of infectious disease around the world.

EXTON, Pa. — Biotech and vaccines company Nuron Biotech has bought rights from Pfizer for a vaccine to prevent infection by a bacteria that is a major cause of infectious disease around the world.

December 3, 2012

Pfizer closes deal, sells nutrition business to Nestlé for $11.9 billion

Pfizer on Friday announced that it has completed the sale of its nutrition business to Nestlé for $11.9 billion in cash, following the conclusion of the required regulatory process in most markets.

NEW YORK — Pfizer on Friday announced that it has completed the sale of its nutrition business to Nestlé for $11.9 billion in cash, following the conclusion of the required regulatory process in most markets. In certain countries where completion will be delayed due to ongoing regulatory review, Pfizer will continue to operate the business on an interim basis.

November 30, 2012

OraSure prepares nationwide TV promotion campaign for in-home HIV test

HIV test maker OraSure Technologies has appointed a new executive to head its consumer marketing division as it prepares to launch a nationwide TV campaign on Saturday.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — HIV test maker OraSure Technologies has appointed a new executive to head its consumer marketing division as it prepares to launch a nationwide TV campaign on Saturday.

The TV campaign will be timed to coincide with World AIDS Day on Saturday and will air on MTV, A&E, BET, E!, Bravo and Logo, as well as on the NBC reality show "The Voice" on Dec. 17.

November 29, 2012

Eclipsing off-patent Lipitor, Humira tops Rx sales list

Just how much of an impact the loss of patent protection can have on a blockbuster drug became clear earlier this year. 

November 29, 2012

FDA approves Mylan overactive bladder drug

The Food and Drug Administration approved a new generic drug made by Mylan for urinary disorders, the company said Thursday.

PITTSBURGH — The Food and Drug Administration approved a new generic drug made by Mylan for urinary disorders, the company said Thursday.

Mylan announced the approval and launch of tolterodine tartrate tablets in the 1-mg and 2-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Detrol, made by Pharmacia and Upjohn, now owned by Pfizer.

Used to treat overactive bladder, tolterodine tartrate tablets had sales of about $61.5 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.

November 29, 2012

Record patent expirations roil Rx market

In 2011 and 2012, the steady surge of blockbuster pharmaceuticals falling off the patent cliff became a stampede. An astonishing number of big-selling drugs that had established and sustained branded drug makers’ profits for years fell victim to the expiration of their patent lives and market exclusivity, roiling the pharmaceutical marketplace and redefining the pricing model for many of the most widely prescribed classes of medicines. 

November 28, 2012

Leading retailers, suppliers gather in NYC for 14th annual Industry Issues Summit

As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

NEW YORK — As New York City enjoyed the first snowfall of the winter season, industry leaders gathered for the 14th annual Industry Issues Summit to discuss the top issues and trends impacting the industry, including the importance of seizing “whitespaces.”

The all-day event was held on Tuesday at the New York Athletic Club, located just across the street from Central Park.

November 27, 2012

Ranbaxy recalls several lots of generic Lipitor

Ranbaxy Labs has recalled more than three dozen lots of its generic version of a cholesterol-lowering statin drug due to the possible presence of foreign particles, the company said.

NEW YORK — Ranbaxy Labs has recalled more than three dozen lots of its generic version of a cholesterol-lowering statin drug due to the possible presence of foreign particles, the company said.

November 27, 2012

Reckitt Benckiser names new regulatory affairs director

Reckitt Benckiser on Tuesday announced the appointment of Suzanne LoGalbo to the position of regulatory affairs director, Reckitt Benckiser North America.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Reckitt Benckiser on Tuesday announced the appointment of Suzanne LoGalbo to the position of regulatory affairs director, Reckitt Benckiser North America.

LoGalbo joins RB from Pfizer Consumer Health. While at Pfizer, LoGalbo most recently held the position of global regulatory portfolio lead worldwide regulatory strategy. Prior to Pfizer, Suzanne was the head of global regulatory affairs North America for Novartis Consumer Health. She has also held regulatory leadership roles at Polaris, Solvay, Arganon and Sandoz.

November 19, 2012

Dr. Reddy's launches PAH drug

Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic drug for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the company said.

HYDERABAD, India — Dr. Reddy's Labs has launched a generic drug for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension, the company said.

Dr. Reddy's announced the launch of sildenafil tablets in the 20 mg strength in 90-count bottles. The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Revatio.

Revatio had sales of $338.67 million during the 12-month period ended in September, according to IMS Health.