Content about pharmaceutical

WASHINGTON — More than 200 drugs are under development in the United States for treating skin diseases, according to the country’s largest pharmaceutical industry trade group.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said Monday that the country’s drug makers were developing 263 medicines for skin diseases that affect more than one-third of the U.S population. A study by the Lewin Group found that the annual total cost of skin diseases was $39.3 billion in 2005.

PHOENIX — The Healthcare Distribution Management Association on Monday awarded eight leading pharmaceutical and consumer product manufacturers through the presentation of its annual Distribution Industry Awards for Notable Achievements in health care.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Drug maker Johnson & Johnson plans to file for regulatory approval for 11 new drugs between 2011 and 2015, the company said Thursday in relation to a meeting between J&J’s executive committee and investors.

WASHINGTON — More than 800 drugs are in development for diseases that affect women, according to a pharmaceutical industry lobbying group.

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Akorn, a niche generic pharmaceutical company, earlier this week entered into an agreement to acquire Advanced Vision Research, an over-the-counter ophthalmic company that promotes eye care products under the TheraTears and MacuTrition brands.

HARRINGTON PARK, N.J. — United Water and the National Community Pharmacists Association on Thursday announced a partnership to encourage people throughout the United States to properly dispose of their unused or expired medications in an environmentally friendly manner.

A major part of the campaign will center around the NCPA's website dedicated to the program — DisposeMyMeds.org — that directs people to their local independent pharmacy where they can drop off their unused medications.

HAYWARD, Calif., and HIGH POINT, N.C. — Impax Labs will collaborate with a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the research, development and manufacturing of unique gelatin-based dosage forms.

Impax said it has entered a deal with Banner Pharmacaps in respect to the supply and commercialization of two softgel capsule products.

The products and terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — A former MedfusionRx VP has joined BioPlus as its new chief strategic officer.

In his new role, Russell Gay will provide key leadership for all of the business development at BioPlus, including the strengthening and growth of relationships with payers, physicians, the pharmaceutical industry and various industry partners, BioPlus said.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Commenting on a counterfeit pharmaceutical inter-agency working group report, the National Association of Chain Drug Stores stressed that it shares the goal of improving the public awareness of the risks posed from counterfeit drugs and unlawful online drug sellers, but expressed concern over the report's proposal to mandate a "track-and-trace" system in the United States, given the high cost it could pose for pharmacies.

IRVINE, Calif. — Allergan reappointed David Pyott as president earlier this week, adding to his role as chairman and CEO. Pyott will succeed Michael Ball, who has accepted the position of CEO at Hospira, a specialty pharmaceutical and medication delivery company, Allergan reported.

The changeover takes place March 27.

Though efforts to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act via the court system remain under way — with recent victories for opponents in Virginia and Florida — the attempt to repeal the healthcare-reform bill in Congress failed, thus leaving the bill and, most importantly, the regulatory approval pathway for follow-on biologics intact.


With pharmaceutical and healthcare expenditures on the rise, a primary care shortage at hand and an expected upswing in patients diagnosed with chronic diseases, there’s no denying that the marketplace is in the midst of an evolution. Despite the challenges, Walgreens’ health-and-wellness division has positioned itself for such changes and, according to headquarter executives, has a winning strategy in place — broadening and deepening its payer relationships.