Pharma

Pharmas + Biotechs = Good strategy? (Morning Read)

New data compiled by CMR International reveals that the pharmaceutical industry spent 3 percent less on R&D in 2010 than it did the previous two years, and the number of drugs entering each phase of clinical trials fell, too. The number of new molecular entities launched globally in 2010 was lower than any year in the past decade. Whether that's due to more regulatory scrutiny or R&D struggles, some are arguing that big pharma companies making deals with smaller biotechs hasn't been as successful as hoped. Others, however, maintain it's still the best business strategy.

By Deanna Pogorelc on June 28, 2011 8:53 am

Current medical news and unique business news for anyone who cares about the healthcare industry.

Pharmas + Biotechs = Good strategy? New data compiled by CMR International reveals that the pharmaceutical industry spent 3 percent less on R&D in 2010 than it did the previous two years, and the number of drugs entering each phase of clinical trials fell, too. The number of new molecular entities launched globally in 2010 was lower than any year in the past decade. Whether that’s due to more regulatory scrutiny or R&D struggles,  some are arguing that big pharma companies making deals with smaller biotechs hasn’t been as successful as hoped. Others, however, maintain it’s still the best business strategy.

No recall for possibly sickening sprouts. Idaho-based Evergreen Produce Inc. has not recalled any of its sprouts, despite the FDA’s warning that they may have caused 20 cases of salmonella poisoning in the U.S. Officials say this is not related to the E. coli outbreak in Europe earlier this month thought to be caused by sprouts.

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U.S. drug shortages on the rise. Healthcare professionals and advocacy groups say countless patients receive less effective or more expensive medications as the result of growing drug shortages in U.S. hospitals and pharmacies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration said there were 178 drug product shortages in 2010, nearly triple the amount there were in 2005. Natural disasters, raw material shortages, changes to FDA protocols and industry consolidation are potential factors of the alarming shortages.

Hospitals fight budget cuts. A coalition of hospital groups has launched a multi-million dollar ad campaign against cuts to Medicare and Medicaid. The American Hospital Association, the Federation of American Hospitals, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and others are running a series of print, radio and television spots claiming that federal cuts to these programs will damper not only patient access to care but hospitals’ ability to train future healthcare professionals.

Progress in cancer research. Scientists at the Duke Cancer Institute have identified previously unstudied proteins in the blood of cancer patients that could help improve detection and treatment.