Content about Pharmaceuticals policy

WASHINGTON — A drug maker and a branch of the National Education Association have released a set of education resources designed to curb prescription drug abuse and misuse.

The NEA Health Information Network and Purdue Pharma announced Thursday the release of "Rx for Understanding," which includes 10 cross-curricular lessons for middle school students. The lessons are aligned with the National Health Education Standards and the Common Core State Standards.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Generic drug maker Watson Pharmaceuticals is challenging the patent protection on an antidepressant made by Pfizer, the company said.

Watson filed a regulatory approval application with the Food and Drug Administration for desvenlafaxine succinate extended-release tablets in the 50-mg and 100-mg strengths. The drug is a generic version of Pfizer's Pristiq.

FLINT, Mich. — The leader of the country’s largest privately owned specialty pharmacy provider had a day in Washington. Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy CEO Phil Hagerman and several other business leaders were invited last month to attend a one-day forum on jobs and the economy, and opportunities for collaboration between government and private sector, by the White House Business Council and Business Forward.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores on Wednesday urged Congress to pass the Prescription Drug User Fee Act, legislation essential to the review process for new medications and that also contains important pro-patient, pro-pharmacy provisions.

The U.S. House and Senate passed their versions of PDUFA last month and worked to reconcile their individual bills into one final bill. Both chambers are expected to vote on the final conference report this week.

In healthcare technology circles, e-prescribing is among today’s hottest topics. A vital component of patient-centered care, it creates a connectivity platform that encourages collaboration between the physician and pharmacist who are in joint pursuit of an enhanced patient experience.

With overwhelming support in both the U.S. House and Senate and the strong backing of President Obama, a reauthorization of the landmark Prescription Drug User Fee Act that funds new drug application reviews at the Food and Drug Administration is a near certainty, probably within days or weeks at most. But one amendment to the Senate's version of PDUFA reauthorization, contained in the Food and Drug Administration Safety Innovation Act, could threaten both retail pharmacies and the patients they serve.

SCOTTSBORO, Ala. — Government authorities are working to educate independent pharmacy owners on prescription drug abuse, an independent pharmacy network said.

In an event sponsored by American Associated Pharmacies in San Diego, Drug Enforcement Administration deputy assistant administrator for the Office of Diversion Control Joseph Rannazzisi discussed topics related to prescription drug abuse. Rannazzisi explained how drug abusers divert prescription drugs through doctor shopping, forged prescriptions, theft and the Internet.

DEERFIELD, Ill. — Drug maker Takeda Pharmaceutical has finished its purchase of URL Pharma, the companies said Monday.

Japan-based Takeda announced in April that it would buy URL for $800 million. The acquisition, through local subsidiary Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA, gives Takeda control of the gout drug Colcrys (colchicine). URL will report to Takeda Pharmaceuticals USA president Douglas Cole, and the acquisition is expected to boost 2012 sales by $550 million, Takeda said.

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation that reauthorizes the Food and Drug Administration’s prescription drug user fee programs that are scheduled to expire in September. H.R. 5651 passed the House by a vote of 387 to 5.

The bill, a version of which already passed through the Senate, now heads to committee where the House and Senate versions of the bill can be reconciled before Oct. 1 and submitted to the president. According to published reports, the Senate version would require more scrutiny for some new devices.

NEW YORK — Some health insurers are requiring patients to pay larger sums for specialty drugs, according to published reports.

WASHINGTON — The House of Representatives will vote to repeal limitations on the use of tax-advantaged accounts for the purchase of over-the-counter medications as early as June 4, according to a report published online by The Hill, a Washington, D.C.-based political newspaper.

The paper cited a planning memo from majority leader Eric Cantor, R-Va.