Industry news

EMA Progresses on Brexit Plans

BioPharm International

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) updated its Management Board on preparations for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union at its June 2017 meeting. The agency is preparing for relocation of the agency, redistribution of workload, and guidance regarding any changes to marketing authorization. EMA presented the board with a business continuity plan, which the board endorsed.

Orphan drug market set to climb above $200B: Report

Eric Sagonowsky / FiercePharma

Orphan drug sales have nearly doubled since 2008, a trend set to continue through 2022 as biopharma companies increasingly focus on meds to treat a variety of rare diseases. Sales for the super-pricey drug class will nearly double—again—by 2022 to $209 billion, according to a new industry analysis.

Pfizer scientists devise 2-pronged attack against blood cancers

Arlene Weintraub / FierceBiotech

Most treatments for blood cancers like acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are designed to attack the cancer cells themselves. Now, scientists at Pfizer have figured out how to make those cells even more vulnerable to direct attack—by driving them from their favorite hiding place.

Worldwide drug sale forecasts fall as pricing pressures mount

Ben Hirschler / Reuters

Forecasts for global sales of pharmaceuticals have declined for the first time in a decade as continuing pressure on prices in the key U.S. market has caused analysts to moderate revenue expectations, according to a report on Tuesday.

Forget patient-centric models that don’t work. Let's talk social centricity, say researchers

Beth Snyder Bulik / FiercePharmaMarketing

It’s time to move past patient centricity to social centricity. That was the message from inVentiv Health and GSW at Cannes Lions Health, where they presented the idea of a more holistic perspective.

The World Bank will support Indian biopharmaceutical industry

GMP News

The World Bank will support India in developing an innovative biopharmaceutical and medical devices industry, which is globally competitive and addresses the country’s major concerns around barriers to affordable healthcare.

Congress Struggles to Address Drug Prices

Jill Wechsler / BioPharm International

Despite widespread public outrage over ever-rising outlays for prescription drugs, legislative action may be difficult to achieve. Senate and House leaders on both sides of the aisle have proposed numerous wide-ranging measures to tackle drug pricing issues, but none have sufficient support to move forward.

Early biotech financing healthy, but R&D productivity needs to look left field

Ben Adams / Fierce Biotech

It’s the summer; it’s the BIO convention, and so too it’s time for Ernst & Young’s annual biotech health report, and when it comes to financing for early-stage biotechs and research spending, things are looking strong, although it’s a mixed bag across the whole sector.

Rospatent: two thirds of patents in pharmaceuticals are held by foreign companies

GMP News

Unlike other industries, two thirds of the total number of patents in pharmaceuticals are held by foreign companies. However, the practical activities of Rospatent are primarily aimed at protecting the interests of Russian citizens, who should receive only high-quality medicines that can resolve their problems.

The myth of “leaner and meaner” pharma

John Carroll / Endpoints News

Is pharma shedding employees to protect and grow the bottom line? Judging from the headlines, you might think so. But actually, instead of getting “leaner and meaner,” most big drug companies are getting fatter and softer — and a result, pharma’s human capital efficiency has been mostly stagnant.