Before I began to be involved in the healthcare industry, I believed that a pharmacy was just a place to pick up my medication. I also saw the pharmacist as a person who just asked me a whole bunch of questions, walked to the shelf, and gave my medicine. Well having been in the industry now for six months, that opinion changed very quickly. 21 Nov 2011
Irish company EirGen Pharma today, 9 November, announced a significant partnership agreement with South African pharmaceuticals company, Equity Pharmaceuticals, to develop and commercially supply five oncology products from its facility in Waterford, Ireland. EirGen is a speciality pharmaceutical company focusing on the development and supply of niche highly potent drugs typically used in cancer treatment. 9 Nov 2011
Parents who rely on the drug Ritalin to stabilise their hyperactive children can breathe a sigh of relief. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has confirmed that the drug, prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, does not increase the risk of a heart attack. 3 Nov 2011
A report released by the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) this month has confirmed the uncompetitive nature of a ploy used by patent medicine producers to maintain market domination. The report focuses on the implications for the US health system, but its conclusions also apply to South Africa, where the same methods are employed to ensure unfair market domination for patent holders at the expense of generics manufacturers. 30 Sep 2011
Generic drug manufacturing company Cipla Medpro wants to expand into the rest of Africa in order to accelerate the company's growth according to a report published in Business Day. 26 Aug 2011
Ashley Pearce, managing director of MSD, has been re-elected president of the Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa (PIASA) for 2011/2012 at its recent Annual General Meeting (AGM). 1 Aug 2011
A state-owned pharmaceutical company is not the answer to providing cheaper medicines in the country, says Paul Anley, CEO of pharmaceutical company, Pharma Dynamics. 25 Jul 2011
Excluded countries should be ready to issue compulsory licences to access needed drugs 22 Jul 2011
A historic long-term agreement between World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies will help future athletes a great deal. Under the agreement, GSK will help WADA create early detection methods for medicines that have performance-enhancing potential in sport. 11 Jul 2011
The Medicines Control Council has withdrawn the diabetes medicine Avandia from the market because it contains a substance that might increase the likelihood of a heart attack. 7 Jul 2011
Cancer Research UK scientists at the University of Leeds, UK, have used a library of DNA to create a vaccine that could be used to treat cancer, according to a study published in Nature Medicine. 23 Jun 2011
It may help you reach the heights of passion, but Viagra could stop you enjoying the pillow talk afterwards. 24 May 2011
Hoping to continue sales of key drugs Synap Forte, Lentogesic and Doxyfene in spite of concerns. 21 Apr 2011
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
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