Four "herbal" medicines to treat low libido contain illegal and potentially dangerous ingredients, Beeld reported on Monday (6 December 2010). The drugs, Bang Bang Strongman, Maximor, Panalt and Staminafit, all contain the active ingredients of the prescription medicines, Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. 8 Dec 2010
The Litha Healthcare Group, a JSE-listed company with operations in the pharmaceutical, medical devices and biotechnology sectors of the healthcare industry, on Monday, 6 December 2010 announced the group's acquisition of the remaining 49 % of shares not held in Litha Healthcare Holdings. 7 Dec 2010
Finnish researchers are looking at how personalised medicine could help develop effective treatments for serious diseases. 19 Nov 2010
The emergence of a new meningitis vaccine, rather than a large-scale outbreak of the disease, has prompted the current vaccination drive across West Africa. Health officials say the vaccine marks a "revolution" in preventing the highly contagious and fatal disease. 8 Nov 2010
New Deloitte Recap Report identifies strategies to help reduce development times and increase success rates for cancer drugs 5 Nov 2010
Canova, the immune response modifier is back in South Africa and is now being marketed and distributed by Pharmachem Pharmaceuticals. To spread the word to pharmacists and ultimately to consumers, manufacturer Pharmachem has signed with X/procure to heighten awareness through its pharmacy network. 25 Oct 2010
Abbott Laboratories has announced it will voluntarily withdraw Reductil (sibutramine) from the South African market after discussions with the Medicines Control Council. 14 Oct 2010
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) announced yesterday, 12 October 2010, that they have joined forces to establish an African-owned and governed initiative to promote innovation for the development of pharmaceuticals and other products to meet the health needs of the continent. 13 Oct 2010
This year's Pan African Health Expo and Conference is set to be the largest event in the show's six year history, with more than double the exhibition space sold compared to last year. The event is the premier showcase for the entire healthcare industry in Southern Africa, enabling manufacturers and distributors of medical technology, equipment and supplies to showcase their products to the region's healthcare professionals, facilities and institutions. 9 Jul 2010
Ranbaxy SA has decided not to launch Ranbute, their generic sibutramine, this week despite having received MCC registration in the latter half of 2009. 2 Feb 2010
PRETORIA: Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, has ordered pharmacists and clinics to improve the management of medicines. 27 Nov 2009
Two combination painkilling medications both containing propoxyphene - an opiate drug that was withdrawn from use in Great Britain in 2005 as a result of its addictive properties - are among the top 50 products reimbursed by medical schemes in South Africa. 18 Sep 2009
AstraZeneca has been ranked first by the Funders in the annual Campbell Belman Managed Health Care (MHC) Confidence Predictor/Confidence Development for the eighth consecutive year. The annual survey aims to provide continuous, objective, and empirical feedback on the level of confidence ethical pharmaceutical companies enjoy among the medical profession when compared to their competitors. 7 Sep 2009
Alcon Laboratories has renewed its advertising contract with Primedia Unlimited's X/procure. The pharmaceutical manufacturer in its latest communication seeks to promote its itchy and watery eye fighter Patanol. The campaign will run for a period of four months, coinciding with the approaching change of seasons. 28 Aug 2009
An investigation by Dispatch Crusaders has uncovered numerous expired medicines in the dispensary of an East London doctor. 28 Aug 2009
Austell Laboratories has appointed washroom advertising agency, TLC for a period of six months to promote two of its products as it seeks to gain market share among nightlife patrons and gym-going, health-conscious men and women. 25 May 2009
The World Health Organisation, in April 2009, added nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT) (patches and gums) to the 16th revision of the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, under the category of medicines used in substance dependence programmes. 25 May 2009
ATKA Pharma has confirmed a one-year deal with the electronic procurement specialist, X/procure. The partnership started with an "Intervention" advertising campaign for its liquid Immunodulator called Biobalance Immunova. 18 May 2009
Vital has launched two new products in its condition specific range - Vital Cranberry Complex and Vital Arthrit Ease to help with UTIs in women and relief of arthritis-associated pain respectively. 13 May 2009
JOHANNESBURG: South Africa, the country with the most resources in Africa, has two suspected cases of swine flu, but does not have adequate supplies of the antiviral drugs known to be effective in treating the rapidly spreading disease that has so far claimed more than 150 lives in Mexico, according to an expert. 30 Apr 2009
