Pharmaceutical giant Novartis has, as a precautionary measure, recalled the painkiller Excedrin in South Africa. 27 Jan 2012
With opportunities in developed markets slowly drying up, international players in the skin care market are likely to make moves to increase their share of sales in Africa and the Middle East where growth forecasts are strong, a research report has predicted. 5 Jan 2012
Adcock Ingram management and staff eligible for the executive incentive bonus scheme received no bonus this month as the group had failed to meet the internal targets set, the pharmaceutical group's annual report released on Friday showed. 4 Jan 2012
Litha Healthcare Group has purchased the South African subsidiary of Dutch health and wellness company, OTC Pharma International, OTC Pharma South Africa, which will see the healthcare group increase its portfolio in the natural health market. 19 Dec 2011
An agreement undertaken by Litha Pharma, a subsidiary of the Litha Healthcare Group and Gland Pharma, a leading Indian based generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, will see the healthcare group expanding its presence in the injectable generics market. 14 Dec 2011
Despite public perceptions that prescription drugs are in some way different to and less dangerous to use than illicit narcotics, the fact is that during 2007, overdoses of opioids (synthetic versions of opium i.e. codeine-like medication) caused more deaths in the USA* than heroin and cocaine combined. Costs of prescription opioid abuse represent a substantial and growing economic burden for society and the workplace. So what are the signs of opioid dependence - and how can it be tackled in order to treat the condition and transform the life of the person concerned, to the benefit of both employer and employee? 2 Dec 2011
In recent news, the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has called on government to revise the Patents Act to reduce the patent protection available to pharmaceutical inventions, which the organisation believes is responsible for the high cost of medicines and a delay in the availability of generic medicines. 23 Nov 2011
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
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