Research from Frost & Sullivan indicates that breakthrough therapies for rare (also called 'orphan') diseases command premium pricing, particularly if no alternatives exist. 2 Apr 2014
The Department of Health's recent consideration to review the formula used to determine medicine price increases and involving pharmaceutical companies in the review process is welcomed, as it will assist the industry in weathering the storm of the weakening rand. 1 Apr 2014
The Innovative Pharmaceutical Association South Africa (IPASA) has appointed its 2014 committee, led by Dr Timothy Kedijang, CEO of Novo Nordisk, as president and Kobus Venter, CEO of Janssen Pharmaceuticals as VP. 28 Mar 2014
New research from Frost & Sullivan's 'Analysis of the Global Biosimilars Market' finds the market earned revenue of about $1.2 billion in 2013 and estimates this will reach approximately $24 billion in 2019. Untapped US markets, with a strong biosimilars* pipeline, as well as markets in Asia-Pacific and Latin America with a low cost of manufacturing will afford key growth opportunities. 3 Feb 2014
After receiving Competition Commission approval, Ascendis Health has acquired 100% of specialist medical company Surgical Innovations and Atka Pharma, an investment of close to R400 million. 28 Jan 2014
The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) has come out in support of Minister Motsoaledi and the DTI's call for reform on South African medicine patent laws, which are restricting access to affordable healthcare. 24 Jan 2014
This week it was confirmed that Kaizer Chiefs player, Josta Dladla, tested positive for the banned stimulant, methylhexanamine, commonly known as 1.3-dimethyl or DMAA, the use of which is banned in professional sport. 17 Jan 2014
Following on Ascendis Health's successful listing on the JSE Main Board in the pharmaceutical sector at the end of last week, the company has announced the 100% acquisition of specialist medical device company, Surgical Innovations for R336 million. 27 Nov 2013
The amendment of the General Regulations Made in Terms of the Medicines and Related Substances Act 101 of 1965, published in the Government Gazette on 15 November 2013, is largely aimed at bringing complementary medicines into the ambit of Act; however, there are also consequences for the manufacturers of allopathic medicines. 22 Nov 2013
Litha's factory approval has delayed its vaccine manufacturing plans. Image: Baitong333 Free Digital Photos
Litha Healthcare says it is still awaiting regulatory approval for its vaccine manufacturing facility‚ and is unlikely to start making its own hepatitis B vaccines before the end of next year. 16 Nov 2013
Death threats, fraud and dodgy medicine will take centre stage in the trial of a Zimbabwean-based doctor accused of stealing from the company he once headed. 4 Nov 2013
The world's first malaria vaccine for children could be on sale by 2015. 10 Oct 2013
South Africans will need to produce identification when buying medication containing codeine, Clicks said over the weekend. 7 Oct 2013
LONDON, UK: AstraZeneca said on Tuesday (27 August) that it has agreed to buy US-based cancer drugs company Amplimmune, as the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical group seeks to bolster its flagging pipeline of new products. 28 Aug 2013
LONDON, UK: AstraZeneca said on Tuesday that it has agreed to buy US-based cancer drugs company Amplimmune, as the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals group seeks to bolster its flagging pipeline of new products. 27 Aug 2013
YAOUNDE, CAMEROON: From Cameroon to Ivory Coast, Kenya to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), traders in counterfeit drugs do a thriving business with the utmost cynicism and sometimes at the cost of human lives. 24 Aug 2013
The local cost of healthcare in South Africa continues to spiral, as its lax patent regime lags behind international developments, hampering access to affordable treatment. Brazil has moved to crack down on anti-competitive behaviour in the pharmaceutical industry, but there is little promise that local patients will soon benefit from similar interventions. 30 Jul 2013
Medical schemes spent 0.6% less on medicine in 2012, than in the previous year, Mediscor Pharmaceutical Benefit Management (PBM) said on Tuesday (9 July). 11 Jul 2013
Aspen Group‚ the ninth largest generic pharmaceutical company in the world and the biggest in Africa‚ has signed an agreement with MSD to buy its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) manufacturing business in the Netherlands. 28 Jun 2013
A new initiative to counteract the risk of codeine misuse through over-the-counter medicine will greatly assist healthcare professionals in making self-medication even safer, says the Self-Medication Manufacturers Association of South Africa (SMASA). 27 Jun 2013
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