Industry news

Russia Decides Pre-2013 Device Clinical Trials Can Support Marketing Approval

Ansis Helmanis, RegLink

Russia’s Federal Service on Healthcare Surveillance (Roszdravnadzor) and the Ministry of Health have agreed that clinical trials conducted on medical devices prior to January 2013 can be used to support applications for the renewal of or new marketing registration for devices in the 2013-2014 timeframe. 

In Moscow, microbiologists try to strip germs of defensive power

Oleg Kouzbit, Marchmont Innovation News

In a momentous fundamental science discovery, Russian researchers now appear to know ways of improving antibiotics-based therapies. And not only therapies, as scientists of Moscow’s Vinogradsky Institute of Microbiology said as early as last year. In a broader implication, the research results may also help domestic and global industry prevent corrosion of pipes and equipment. 

Russian scientists working on anti-smoking vaccine

ITAR TASS

Russian scientists are currently working on the first ever vaccine which could help quit smoking; it may be available in pharmacies in as early as five years. Dmitry Ovchinnikov, Deputy Director General of the company developing the drug, Selecta RUS confirmed: “We’re currently going through the second phase of clinical trials.”

Russian government considers more ways of saving on drug purchases

The Pharma Letter

Dollars invested by venture capitalists rise 12 percent in Q2 2013, according to the MoneyTree report

PwC

Internet-specific and Biotechnology sectors show increased investment levels after experiencing drops in the prior quarter

China drug probe leads to tougher market, Ipsen CEO says

Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg

Ipsen SA (IPN) Chief Executive Officer Marc de Garidel said it’s becoming more complicated to do business in China as doctors change habits amid a widening local probe of the pharmaceutical industry.

Russian government to change rules on public procurement of drugs

The Pharma Letter

The Russian government is considering providing permission for the state purchases of essential drugs, in accordance with their brand names, but in line with protection of their chemical formula by patents and the existence of evidences that the drug cannot be replaced by its analogue. Such proposals were recently prepared by the Russian Ministry of Health, Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS).

Report: VCs Need a New Marketing Schtick

Eric Markowitz, Inc.com

Venture capitalists may have money to throw at entrepreneurs, but their messaging needs a facelift. A new report suggests VCs could use a "rebrand".

California Assembly Passes Bill on Biosimilar Drug Use

Mark Melnicoe, Bloomberg

Pharmaceutical makers won approval from the California Assembly to restrict generic versions of drugs isolated from natural sources, such as vaccines, known as biosimilars, once they become available in the U.S.

How to Raise Money as a First Time Founder

Wade Foster, The Next Web

This is a guest post by Wade Foster, co-founder and CEO of Zapier: "here’s my ultimate guide to raising money as a first-time founder – leaning heavily on the experience and advice I’ve learned from other smart people who understand raising money much better than me".