All News

Scientists at the University of Michigan found a brain mechanism that increases the release of pain-fighting endorphins when the subject was given a placebo. The implication? Better clinical trials, and maybe, new methods of pain relief, researchers say.

An ingenious pharmacogenetic test from Third Wave Technologies tests for the presence of a genetic change that inhibits metabolism of irinotecan. Oncology specialists explain how it works, and why it matters.

Legal experts play Monday-morning quarterback with Merck's first Vioxx loss. The lessons, they say: learn to present science better, pay attention to jury emotion and, oh yes, worry about shareholder lawsuits.

This vaccine specialist is attempting to create a product that will protect people from influenza A for every future flu season without re-formulation. They are thinking about how to fight influenza B, too.

Migraine specialist abandons one problematic drug and maintains its position by filing an NDA the following week.

Only a year after the National Human Genome Research Institute called for improving sequencing technology, two new methods were announced in the same week. What will the goal of a $1000 human genome mean for medicine and disease research?

August 2005 CE.

A .pdf form for reporting promotions and accolades to appear in Pharmaceutical Representative magazine.

Experts offer their opinion on how Takeda's Rozerem, the first non-controlled sleep aid, will be received by doctors and patients.

Teva's recent purchase of Ivax has analysts wondering where the push for bigger and more global generic manufacturing companies will take the industry.

Generics manufacturers, public health advocates and Big Pharma square off over the implications of the Central American Free Trade Agreement.

Prescription drug abuse nearly doubled over a three-year period, according to a new report. In addition to the statistics that you may have seen elsewhere, the study’s authors recommend ways to curb this trend including submitting all promotional material for controlled drugs to FDA.

Exactly what is Nonarteritic Ischemic Optic Neuropathy and how might it be linked to the use of ED drugs?

The possibility of Brazil compulsorily licensing Abbott Laboratory’s HIV/AIDS treatment Kaletra has re-awakened the debate how the World Trade Organization’s TRIPS agreement should be interpreted for the pharma industry. We asked experts to offer different viewpoints on this issue.

Two ballot initiatives offer different methods for discounting prescription drugs in California. But what are the plans really promising? Get the details of each proposal and an analysis of efforts to sway California voters.

The trend of public/private partnerships to combat diseases of the developing world continues with collaboration between GSK and the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. We examine the details of the deal, the science GSK plans to use and the future of this trend.

What Pharma Wants From IT Today

It's an open question whether a pharmaceutical company really needs to have the drug testing process inside its corporate walls, or whether they really should be focusing much more on building effective relationships, in terms of building awareness and acceptance of their products, with both the physicians and end consumers.

July 2005 CE.

2005 Access Report figures

If a physician wants to use protected healthcare information (PHI) for research purposes, particularly if the PHI is going to be published as part of research results, an authorization or waiver will be required.

R&D leaders face the unenviable choice of either dividing their time between science and operations, or focusing on one to the detriment of the other.

Part of the value of a drug comes from the supply chain that protects its integrity. There's a similar supply chain that preserves the value of drug information. And it needs help.

June 2005 CE.

A review of the best ads of 2004--and the people that created them.

A recently released report claims pharma hides bad clinical trial results and over-promotes drugs. Tougher regs are being called for.

Cover Story

Employees are most attracted to products they might feel guilty about buying for themselves, but when they have points to redeem, they feel fine about splurging.

TOC

Post-approval studies, at many companies, do not have a consistent strategy that builds networks of investigators.