NEW YORK, USA: Pfizer, the world's biggest pharmaceuticals company, said on Monday, 4 April 2011, it has agreed to sell capsule-maker unit Capsugel to private-equity firm KKR for about US$2.4 billion in cash. 6 Apr 2011
The Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA) has welcomed two new members, namely ACRO and Genop Healthcare. 29 Mar 2011
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has published on its website (1) a study undertaken by the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA), highlighting the challenges of medicines registration in Africa. Against the background of increasing growth potential for pharmaceutical companies in developing countries, the study drills down to expose specific issues that are retarding progress. 25 Mar 2011
Peter Mehlape, until recently general manager of the Southern African operations of the global medical technology firm Becton Dickinson (BD) has been appointed as the general manager for the company's entire business in the southern and east African region. 15 Mar 2011
The pharmaceutical industry has managed to weather the credit crisis and recovery years of 2009 and 2010 relatively well, particularly when compared to other industries. Liquidation and bad debt figures have been well controlled despite a drop off in profitability, and exposure to the decreasing consumer spend market. 10 Feb 2011
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Swiss pharmaceutical group Novartis last week said that it intends to invest $500 million over five years in health ventures in Russia, including a new manufacturing plant in St Petersburg. 29 Dec 2010
Fat pills are poised for a comeback after falling from favour because of their poor success rate, danger to general health and unpleasant side-effects. With obesity rates soaring around the world - 24.5% of British adults are threatening their health by being overweight - the first new anti-obesity drug in a decade could be approved for general use within months. 13 Dec 2010
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
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