Outsourcing

The pharmaceutical industry has experienced a number of difficulties during recent years. Greater competition from generics (more than 60% of prescription drugs are supplied from the generic market) and increased gaps in the drug pipeline that result in acquisitions or strategic alliances has led to a feeling of uncertainty in the bio/pharma marketplace. There have also been changes in the marketplace with a shift from primary care to specialty drugs, the introduction of personalized medicine driving the need for biomarker/diagnostic technology and the introduction of biopharmaceuticals.

During the past two decades, outsourcing has become increasingly prevalent as the way to gain competitive advantage. This trend has led to a significant increase in the number of services and functions available for outsourcing, and there are emerging opportunities for niche outsourcing to contractors that provide specialized sets of tools and access to cutting-edge technology.

Also, Genmab will acquire PDL Pharma's Minnesota manufacturing facility, DSM Pharmaceuticals appointed Hans Engels president and business unit director, more...

APP Pharmaceuticals will boost manufacturing of therapeutic multidose vials of heparin.

Also, Biocon will acquire 70% of AxiCorp, ARIAD Pharmaceuticals promoted Richard W. Pascoe to the new position of COO, more...

Chesapeake to relocate and expand, AVI BioPharma appoints CEO, More...

Nektar Therapeutics eliminated approximately 150 positions as part of a restructuring program designed to help the company complete its transition from a drug-delivery service provider to a drug-development organization.

Contract manufacturers of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates unveil expansion plans and strategies at this year's Informex.

A recent business outlook survey conducted by the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association reveals a generally favorable view of current and future business conditions for contract manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates.

Amira and GSK Form Agreement, Xenome Appoints Ian Nisbet CEO, More...

PharmTech's polls feature user feedback on issues facing the pharmaceutical industry.

Another Asian services provider demonstrates the global nature of pharmaceutical outsourcing.

A news roundup for February 2008.

Can an overload of patent applications lead to the US' demise as a scientific leader?

A wave of pharmaceutical expansions is expected in Europe this year, surprisingly by Indian companies.

Codexis Opens Budapest Lab, Allos Names Bruce K. Bennett VP of Manufacturing, More...

As globalization of drug development and manufacturing gathered steam in the early part of this decade, many pharmaceutical companies in the newly-favoured regions of Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America added contract services as adjuncts to their generic API and dosage form businesses. These new units, which in India are known under the unfortunate acronym of CRAMS (contract research and manufacturing services), were opportunistic responses to the growing outsourcing trends. Unfortunately, in many cases, they were not truly strategic commitments to the services business.

Deciding where in the world to locate a new plant is a key decision for any pharma or biotech company - and there has never been more choice. Europe and the US now compete with the Far East and India, and what about the new EU states? Might Lithuania or Estonia turn out to offer advantages compared with France or Germany when it comes to finding the best place to take a new drug forward to the market place?

Actavis Acquires Site From Pfizer, Cardiokine Names President and CEO, More...

Novo Nordisk Drops Inhaled Insulin Product, Neurocrine Appoints CEO and President, More...

Pfizer and Hikal signed a contract manufacturing agreement in which Hikal will supply active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Crucell and Sanofi Pasteur Sign Agreement, WuXi Pharma Names COO, More...

Richard Spoor, senior vice-president of global procurement at Merck & Co., Inc., discusses the company's strategy and progress made in its supply strategy that involves increased outsourcing and implementing lean-manufacturing principles in its manufacturing network. Pharmaceutical Technology's senior editor Patricia Van Arnum moderates.

Merck Sells Facility to Cherokee Pharmaceuticals, Inflazyme Announces Senior Management Resignations, More...