Al Branch, Jr.

The economy may still be suffering from the twin shocks of September 11th and a bursting technology bubble, but pharma spending on promotions continues to grow at a double-digit pace.

An FDA advisory committee is recommending that over-the-counter painkillers bear stiffer warnings in light of continued episodes of liver and other internal organ damage when consumers take the products in combination with other medications.

As part of their new joint venture, Johnson & Johnson and Merck want to take their cholesterol-lowering drug Mevacor (lovastatin) from prescription to over-the-counter status, according to company officials.

Children and teenagers under the age of 19 are the fastest growing segment of prescription medicine consumers in the United States, according to a new study commissioned by the pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions.

Seeking to improve its image both inside and outside of the pharma industry, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) created a strategic communications and public affairs division and tapped market veteran Mark Merritt to head the venture.

Bayer and GlaxoSmithKline are preparing to launch the erectile dysfunction therapy Levitra (vardenafil) next year, in an effort to steal US market share from Pfizer's dominant ED brand Viagra (sildenafil), one of the most successful prescription drug launches in US history.