> The FDA has approved UCB's Vimpat (lacosamide), an antiepileptic drug for use as an add-on therapy for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy who are 17 years and older. UCB release
> Italy's Recordati announced that it will acquire Yeni Ilaç, a Turkish pharmaceutical company, for €48 million. Release
> Pharmaceutical research companies are starting to feel the pain of cost cutting in the industry. Layoffs aside, budget cuts and research delays mean less work for outside research companies, which could add to a vicious cycle of decreased research and affect already-struggling drug pipelines. Report
> CyDex Pharmaceuticals has withdrawn its $50 million IPO. Report
> Although many still consider Big Pharma to have more padding during the U.S. economic crisis than other industries, drug companies are still going to take their share of punches. Report
> Bayer received official warning letters from the FDA for its marketing of Bayer Women's Low Dose Aspirin Plus Calcium and Bayer Aspirin with Heart Advantage products. The agency says that the over-the-counter products cannot be legally marketed in the U.S. following unsubstantiated claims in Bayer's marketing. Report
And Finally... Whether we see Obama or McCain become the next U.S. president, the message is clear: The pharmaceutical industry can expect whoever wins to find ways to cut drug prices and to be far less friendly to the industry overall. Report