Content about Pharmaceutical drug

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — In what could symbolize the so-called "patent cliff" that an executive from healthcare market research firm IMS Health spoke of at a recent trade show, a regional mass merchandise chain is taking what used to be the world's top-selling drug and giving it away for free.

PRINCETON, N.J. — AstraZeneca paid $3.2 billion to Amylin Pharmaceuticals Thursday following the latter's acquisition by Bristol-Myers Squibb, AstraZeneca and Bristol said.

The payment was made as part of the expansion of a deal between the drug manufacturers made in 2007 to develop diabetes drugs. Bristol announced Wednesday that it had completed its acquisition of Amylin, making the San Diego-based drug maker a wholly owned subsidiary.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug designed to treat asthma in children.

Watson Pharmaceuticals announced Wednesday the approval of budesonide inhalation suspension in the 0.25-mg/2-mL and 0.5-mg/2-mL strengths. The drug is used to control and prevent asthma symptoms in children ages 12 months to 8 years.

The drug is a generic version of AstraZeneca's Pulmicort Respules, which had sales of $1.1 billion during the 12-month period ended in May.

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama signed into law Monday what some called a "historic" reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.

In 2008, an investigation by the Associated Press revealed that drinking water supplies in major cities and metropolitan regions across the country are riddled with pharmaceutical compounds. For 41 million Americans, it suggests water with something extra means more than just a slice of lemon, though the quantities of pharmaceutical compounds in the water are too small to constitute a medical dose, according to the report.


ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Following the Senate’s defeat of a proposal that would have permitted “personal importation” of prescription drug medications, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores lauded the Senate’s decision to support patient safety.

NEW YORK — Pfizer has partnered with EatingWell magazine to launch the drug maker's Lipitor For You "Recipes 2 Go" mobile application.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and Sam's Club will be among the first retailers to offer a generic version of an antiplatelet drug.

Clopidogrel, the generic version of Plavix, will be available at both banners pharmacies on May 19. The patent for the Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi drug officially expires Thursday.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — The study's findings that the Part D coverage gap — or “doughnut hole” — led to a significant gap in the adherence of cardiovascular medications may not come as a complete surprise; however, it undoubtedly underscores the important role that pharmacy can play in helping patients navigate plan strategies that promote the use of lower-cost medications.

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — Medicare Part D beneficiaries with cardiovascular conditions who had no financial assistance during the "doughnut hole" coverage gap were 57% more likely to discontinue their cardiovascular medications than those beneficiaries who had consistent drug coverage, according to a study conducted by researchers from Harvard University, Brigham and Women's Hospital and CVS Caremark.

CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid is offering personalized reports designed to increase medication adherence, the company said Tuesday.

The recent Food and Drug Administration public meeting on driving future switch potential by way of the pharmacist and/or health technology sparked some discussion on what’s next.