Articles by George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

Cigna Boosts Lipitor to Preferred Status

Dec 10, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

In advance of Lipitor's looming 2011 patent expiry, Cigna has moved the popular cholesterol drug to preferred status to help defray the cost to patients and make it easier for them to move to the generic when Lipitor officially goes off patent.

Merck Introduces New Strategy: BioVentures

Dec 10, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

At its annual business briefing, Merck surprised analysts with the announcement that it would be launching a new business in the biologics sector in an effort to create generic biotech drugs.

Industry Cuts Deep Between Holidays

Dec 10, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

It's beginning to look a lot like layoffs. Lilly and Sanofi-Aventis announce sales rep cuts amid an economic downturn and the holiday season.

UnitedHealth Branch Launches Web Portal

Dec 3, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

The already crowded health portal market will get a bit tighter with the addition of myOptumHealth.com. But unlike the other WebMDs of the world (wide Web), Optum comes with a built-in base of 60 million users and the muscle of the UnitedHealth Group.

FTC Proposes Updates to Endorsement Guidelines

Dec 3, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

The Federal Trade Commission is tightening the rules for who is a paid endorser and what advertisers need to disclose about them. Look for new transparency on payment and new language to replace "your mileage may vary."

EU Probes Pharma

Dec 3, 2008
By: George Koroneos, Online Content & News Editor

Last January, the EU raided pharma companies searching for evidence of anti-trust violations. The newly issued report on the incident comes down hard on industry for what look like normal patent-protection activities. Could the same thing happen in the US?