Content about Pharmaceutical drug

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. — U.S. generic drug maker Amneal Pharmaceuticals has entered a deal with South Korean drug maker Hanmi Pharmaceutical to acquire exclusive distribution rights for a Hanmi drug used for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, Amneal said Monday.

SAN FRANCISCO — While pressure to grow will drive more large drug makers to pursue mergers and acquisitions, diminished resources and competition from biotech and specialty pharmaceutical companies will challenge their ability to do so, according to a new report.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — Par Pharmaceutical Cos. has contracted with AstraZeneca to distribute an authorized generic version of a drug used to treat high blood pressure, Par said.

Par announced that it had entered a supply and distribution agreement through subsidiary Par Pharmaceutical to distribute an authorized generic version of Atacand HCT (i.e., candesartan cilexetil and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets.

An authorized generic is a branded drug marketed under its generic name at a discounted price, usually through a third-party company.

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


Consumers are increasingly turning to OTCs to treat their conditions, including both acute, episodic conditions like the common cold and such chronic conditions as frequent pain and allergy. However, the extent to which OTCs are used varies by condition, according to an online survey of more than 900 AccentHealth viewers conducted in September. Headache sufferers reported using OTC medications most often (89%), while sufferers of certain digestive disorders use OTCs less often (53%).

To see more Patient Views, click here.

NORWALK, Conn. — When it comes to medication non-adherence, the most oft-cited statistic illustrating its effect on the healthcare system is the New England Healthcare Institute's estimate that it costs the healthcare system $290 billion per year. But a new report shows how much drug makers lose as well.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — As the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives examined the meningitis outbreak this week, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores distinguished between the types of pharmacy compounding and the settings in which they take place, and emphasized the critical, life-saving benefits of pharmacy compounding.

NACDS stated that it has sent a letter to members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce — both of which held hearings on the outbreak on Nov. 14.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — Given the extent of the meningitis outbreak linked to a compounding pharmacy in Massachusetts, new regulations for such pharmacies might be a good idea, but how to implement them remains uncertain.

(THE NEWS: Meningitis outbreak linked to compounding pharmacy spawns new proposed legislation. Click here to read the story.)

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. – Par Pharmaceutical Cos. has bought rights to a generic version of a drug used to treat bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

HUNT VALLEY, Md. — A company that manufactures simplified packaging designed to increase medication adherence has launched a new website to promote the product.

Medicine-On-Time announced the launch of a new website that connects patients to pharmacies that offer the packaging. The launch includes 250 pharmacies around the country, a number that the company expects to grow. The packaging system is geared toward patients taking multiple drugs and uses personalized pill cups labeled with the day, date and time to take them.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Supermarket chain Bi-Lo is adding the generic form of a blood-thinning drug to its generic-discount program.

The company announced Friday that patients could buy generic clopidogrel for $4 for a 30-day supply and $10 for a 90-day supply with the chain's Pharmacy Discount Card. The branded version of the drug, which recently became available as a generic, is marketed by Sanofi and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Drug maker Vivus has released what it called the first new drug in 13 years for chronic weight management in adults.

The company announced the availability of Qsymia (phentermine and topiramate) extended-release capsules, which it is formally introducing to medical professionals this week at the Obesity Society's annual scientific meeting in San Antonio.