Outsourcing

With rising drug deveopment costs and burdensome clinical trials, Indian-based firms are transferring their research departments to other entities in hopes of saving cash, mitigating risk, and ultimately, buying back the rewards.

The good, the bad, and the ugly about direct-to-consumer advertising.

Once famous for coal and steel, Wales now aims to make its mark in the life sciences sector. The recent BioWales 2008 (UK) conference demonstrated how much the region has progressed, thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly government, the EU and the enthusiasm of the Welsh biotech community. The country's bioscience sector, which comprises approximately 200 companies, grew by 18% last year and is now worth £1.3 billion (€1.6 billion) in annual turnover, employing 15–20000 people.

Ranjit Barshikar, GMP/Quality Consultant and former Vice President of Global Quality for Ranbaxy Laboratories analyses the past, present and future of Asia's pharmaceutical industry. Read more...

Also, GVK BIO and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals form research agreement, Eli Lilly announces changes to management, more...

Also, Pfizer to close Indiana "Exubera" facility, executive appointments at Patheon, more...

Also, Quintiles Transnational to acquire Eidetics, ChemAxon appoints Alex Drijver CEO, more...

Increased investment by the pharmaceutical and biotechnology majors in offshore early drug development creates opportunities and challenges for outsourcing.

Congress is considering proposing a new chemical policy similar to the European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation. Batch and custom manufacturers weigh in on the debate.

Scientists are giving up on a preventive vaccine for AIDS, but there are lessons to be learned.

Brief pharmaceutical news items for May 2008.

CMO business models are out of touch with current pharma industry realities. It's time for new thinking.

According to the latest figures from IMS Health, Inc., Japan's pharmaceutical market is expected to grow 1–2% this year compared to global industry growth expectations of 5–6%.

The assembly of the World Health Organisation (WHO) later this month is expected to feature counterfeit medicines as one of its important discussion points, and there is some hope that the ministers will agree on measures that will strengthen anticounterfeiting legislation and enforcement worldwide.

Also, Genzyme to build R&D center in Beijing, Noven Pharmaceuticals appoints Peter C. Brandt president and CEO, more...

Also, GSK expands in Ireland, executive appointments at ProGenTech, more...

Also, Alcon plans to open Singapore facility, Pharmacopeia president and CEO retired, more...

Also, Jubilant Organosys to acquire DRAXIS Health, PPD's Paul Covington to retire, more...

Also, VaxGen and Raven terminate merger agreement, Darren Head appointed CEO of Cytovance, more...

Although there have been recent setbacks for China with regard to exported products, the country has made substantial strides in its pharmaceutical industry over the past few years. Intense competition and a series of new regulations seem to be moving the country into a period of recovery.

The recent heparin contamination event calls for a new approach to manage a lengthening pharmaceutical supply chain.

The FDA itself issues a cry for help. Is anybody listening?

CMOs have positive outlook for 2008 but are wary of competitive pressures.

Brief pharmaceutical news items for April 2008.