Wednesday September 28, 2005

ChronicleMIDWEEK

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.

TOPROL? TOPAMAX? TEGRETOL? TOUGH TASK KEEPING NAMES CLEAR

YOU KNOW HOW easy it is sometimes to confuse things — like when you want to reach for the telephone, but you mistakenly pick up your coffee cup, and instead of saying “Hello?” you say “Ow!” because you scalded your ear? US regulators fear that pharmacists and doctors are also capable of getting mixed up. And so AstraZeneca’s US operation, with a prompt from the FDA, is writing to health professionals to advise them of similarities between the brand names of their antihypertensive metoprolol (Toprol-XL), and anti-seizure Txs topiramate (Topamax, Ortho) and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Novartis.) The FDA also asked druggists to double-check prescriptions for those brands. More info=>

US LAWYERS PLAN TO TAKE ON PFIZER OVER LIPITOR MARKETING CLAIMS

PFIZER will defend a class-action lawsuit launched today (09/28) in the US, which claims the company misled consumers into using atorvastatin (Lipitor) “despite the absence of evidence from clinical trials that these drugs are of any benefit to large segments of the population.” Litigation lawyer Steve Berman says Pfizer promoted Lipitor by claiming it prevents heart disease in women and the elderly. Berman says no clinical test has established such a benefit. Says he: “We believe Pfizer intentionally ignored the scientific evidence — and lack thereof — and launched a multi-million dollar ad campaign designed to push the drug to anyone they could convince to buy it. We intend to prove that Pfizer pocketed billions in sales to those who do not benefit from Lipitor.” More info=>

QLT BOSS PAUL HASTINGS BEATS A RETREAT FROM THE DRUGMAKER

QLT boss Paul Hastings suddenly ankled from the Vancouver company Monday (09/26), after a dust-up with his board. Said he: “While there were some differences with the board regarding the vision of the company, I continue to strongly believe in the people, products and projects of QLT and I am honored to have been part of it.” QLT marketing vee-pee Robert Butchofsky, who has been with the outfit seven years, was tapped as acting CEO. He’ll be among candidates considered for the permanent job, according to a company statement. More info=>

WEX WHACKS HEADCOUNT, STILL SEEKING CEO CANDIDATES

WEX PHARMACEUTICALS of Vancouver said yesterday (09/27) it reduced the number of employees at its HQ in BC and a Hong Kong office by 35 per cent. The outfit continues to hunt for a new CEO. Says interim boss Edge Wang: “Restructuring is never an easy job… The company is now in a very stable condition and can focus more of its resources on clinical development to help achieve commercialization of our lead product in the most expeditious manner.” More info=>

ODDS-MAKERS STUDYING RACE TO REPLACE GSK’S RETIRING KINGPIN

WHO WILL MOVE into J.-P. Garnier’s corner-office, after the GlaxoSmithKline supremo retires in October 2007? That question is on the mind of GSK board chair Sir Christopher Gent, who tells The Times of London he’s handicapping a short list of three to four potential successors. The chairman won’t identify the candidates, but The Times suggests they are: COO David Stout, stateside unit boss Chris Viehbacher, EU division head Andrew Whitty, and dark-horse Russell Greig, who has lined up several in-licensing deals for the company. Garnier has been consulted on the selection process, the newspaper reports. More info=>

FINANCER TRYING TO FORCE INEX TO BANKRUPTCY, COMPANY RESISTS

INEX PHARMACEUTICALS, the Vancouver outfit noodling out oncology Txs, plans to duke it out in court with an investment company seeking to have the company declared bankrupt. Says Inex prexy Timothy Ruane: “We categorically deny the allegations… and will defend against these allegations vigorously. Given our current working capital position and the steps we have taken over the past 10 months… we can meet all of our obligations as they become due.” More info=>

UK ANIMAL RIGHTS KOOKS ATTEMPT BOMBING OF GSK EXEC’S HOME

UK ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS continue to escalate their war against Huntingdon Life Sciences (HLS), which conducts drug trials on animal subjects. After warning GlaxoSmithKline to sever its contracts with HLS, a group calling itself the Animal Liberation Front took responsibility yesterday (09/27) for bombing the home of GSK’s comptroller. The device caused minor damage, according to reports. A message directed to GSK from the terrorists said: “We have identified and tracked down many of your senior executives, and also junior staff, as well as those from other HLS customers. Drop HLS or you will face the consequences. More info=>

ChronicleMIDWEEK is published by Chronicle Information Resources Ltd, 555 Burnhamthorpe Road Ste. 602, Toronto, Ont. M9C 2Y3. Tel 416.916.CHROn (2476); Toll-free 866.63.CHRON (24766); Fax 416.352-6199; E-mail: health@chronicle.org

Monday September 26, 2005

ChronicleMONDAY

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

CORNER-OFFICE ROULETTE

LAST WEEK must have been a good time for drugmakers to rearrange their organizational charts. Bristol-Myers Squibb consolidated its global pharma operations under Lamberto Andreotti, who was promoted to worldwide drug prexy. He previously ran the company’s wound care unit, ConvaTec, Mead Johnson nutritionals, and the overseas BMS pharma business. Said BMS kingpin Peter Dolan: “As our portfolio continues to evolve and we launch addit­ional new medications around the world—with one approval, two recent favorable advisory comm­ittee votes, and a potential regulatory sub­mission in 2005 alone—it makes great sense to com­bine our US and international pharmaceutical oper­ations in one group.” u Meanwhile, Eli Lilly tapp­d John Lech­leiter as prexy and COO, effective in October. He’ll continue to report directly to supremo Sidney Taurel, who said: “We want to be sure that our leadership team is in the best position to help people throughout the company deliver for the customer now and in the future. John’s new role is an important step in making that happen.” u Else­where, Florida gen­erics outfit Andrx said last week its CFO has ankled. No reason was cited for the departure of John Hanson, who took the CFO position last year. Earlier this month, Andrx lost its general counsel, when Scott Lodin resigned abruptly. The company failed an FDA inspection of its manufacturing facilities on Sept. 6.

ALL VIOXX, ALL THE TIME

ONE COMPELLING reason why companies might prefer not to have to defend themselves in court is that people get to say all these hurtful things about you, and the newspapers report the comments, and soon everyone is repeating them. That realization must be dawning on Merck, which nonetheless still plans to go to court 5,000 more times to defend itself against rofecoxib (Vioxx) litigation. Last week’s well-publicized trial in Atlantic City, N.J. included a University of Washington professor accusing the company of “scientific misconduct” for allowing patient trials of rofecoxib to continue, despite data which suggested increased mortality. Said Prof. Richard Kromnal: “They had evidence that they were potentially killing people and they let that trial go on for another two years. That trial should have been stopped.” u Earlier last week, Merck’s Edward Scolnick, who ran the company’s R&D unit, testified via video-link that he was “in minor agony” because his lab couldn’t rule out the possibility that Vioxx was associated with cardiovascular side-effects. Said he: “I continued to worry about it. I always worried about the safety of our drugs.” Law­yers for the plaintiff also introduced into evid­ence e-mails from Scolnick which described the US FDA as “devious and antagonistic… bastards.” Scolnick ex­plained that he was angry when he composed the messages. The trial is expected to continue for at least four more weeks.

PRODUCT DEALS

STIEFEL LABORATORIES, the dermatology house, last week inked what it says is the biggest deal in the company’s 158-year history, in-licensing oral anti­fungal candidate albaconazole, from Spain’s Grupo Uriach. The Rx, which is in Phase II trials, has the potential to reach blockbuster status, the companies say. Says board chair Charles Stiefel: “Our agreement with Uriach is consistent with our busi­ness strategy to maximize utilization of investi­gational agents in our portfolio as we strengthen and promote our worldwide leadership in dermatology. This is just the first of what promises to be many such partnerships.” u In other dermal devel­op­ments, Barrier Therapeutics, the New Jersey-based skincare outfit, last week announced Janssen Pharm­a­­­ceutica won’t exercise its option for rights to anti­fungal itraconazole (Hyphanox), following the Rx’s failure to reach primary regul­atory endpoint in Phase III trials.

HONORS

ASTRAZENECA won the 2005 Pharmaceutical Industry Product of the Year Award for its breast Ca Tx anastrozole (Arimidex). The award was pre­sented in London by the Frost & Sullivan con­sult­ancy.

SPEED BUMP

GENENTECH last week stopped ovarian Ca trials of its colon Ca Tx bevacizumab (Avastin), which it is co-developing with Hoffmann-La Roche, following reports of five GI perforations observed in the first 44 patients enrolled in the proposed 53-patient study. The Rx is forecast to sell Cdn$1.9 billion annually for the colon indication alone. The companies also plan to seek approvals for Avastin as Tx for lung and breast tumors.

HERE’S RANBAXY

RANBAXY PHARMACEUTICALS, the largest Ind­ian drugmaker, last week officially launched their Canadian HQ in Mississauga, Ont., which, accord­ing to the company, “will be engaged in the sale and distribution of affordable medicines.” Ran­baxy has worldwide revenues of Cdn$1.3 billion. Said Malvinder Singh, who runs the parent company: “As a result of our efficiency, as well as our highly competitive manufacturing costs and lower innovation expenses, the Canadian healthcare system—government and consumers—will benefit from more competitive prices of medicines.” The local unit is run by gee-em Bill Abboud, with Anthony DiPierdomenico heading national sales.

VACCINE SCENE

CANGENE, the Winnipeg vaccine-maker controlled by clonemeister Apotex, was last week awarded a Cdn$17 million contract to supply Vaccinia Immune Glob­u­lin Intravenous-Human (VIG) to the UK health authority. Said Cangene prexy John Lang­staff: “As countries around the world consider implementing smallpox vaccination or stockpiling programs, the market for this product could grow.” Meanwhile, the World Health Organization’s Pacific regional director called for an all-out war on avian influenza and warned of the threat of new emerging diseases. Said Dr. Shigeru Omi: “Avian influenza and the earlier outbreak of severe acute respiratory syn­drome (SARS) are not the only emerging dis­eases we can expect to confront in this new century.”

HATE MAIL

PATHEON, the Toronto-based contract manufacturing outfit, said last week the company had received a letter from the stateside FDA pointing out manu­facturing problems in a Carolina, Puerto Rico faci­ity. Patheon bought the plant last year. The G-men say they have concerns over assay, content uni­formity, and fill-weights.

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.
ChronicleMIDWEEK is published by Chronicle Information Resources Ltd, 555 Burnhamthorpe Road Ste. 602, Toronto, Ont. M9C 2Y3. Tel 416.916.CHROn (2476); Toll-free 866.63.CHRON (24766); Fax 416.352-6199; E-mail: health@chronicle.org

Monday September 19, 2005

ChronicleMONDAY

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

ALL VIOXX, ALL THE TIME

MERCK’s attorney Diane Sullivan, leading the com­pany’s defense against the latest rofecoxib (Vioxx) lawsuit (see ChroMo passim), had a rough couple of days in a New Jersey courtroom last week. Sulli­van got off on a shaky start by drawing the jury’s attention to the plaintiff, Frederick Humeston, being “surrounded” by his attorneys. That irritated the judge, who threatened a mistrial. Judge Carol Hig­bee advised Sullivan against repeating the tactic, sug­gest­ing: “Don’t do it [again.] If you do it, you will regret it.” Later, Sullivan said she might ask for a mistrial, following the judge’s ruling that Merck couldn’t refer to its voluntary recall of Vioxx, or to an April 2005 FDA memo the lawyer wanted to en­ter as evidence. “This is unfair, this is really unfair,” Sullivan said. Merck’s lawyer was later denied an­other decision by Judge Higbee, who ruled that the prominent cardiologist Dr. Benedict Lucchesi could offer testimony on behalf of the plaintiff. The trial, which is the second of approximately 5,000 cases Merck plans to fight, continues this week, and is expected to continue through the beginning of November. u Meanwhile, researchers at Duke University in North Carolina last week published research in the journal Cell Metabolism that suggested the CV side-effects of COX-2 inhibitors, such as Vioxx, could be counter­ed with low-dose ASA. Says investigator Dr. Thomas Coffman: “Low doses of aspirin… might protect against end-organ damage without affecting blood pressure in patients taking COX-2 inhibitors.”

WHO NEEDS LANCE ARMSTRONG?

ON A DULL DAY, who would blame a pharmaceutical marketer for looking out the window and fantasizing about bicycling? So, perhaps it’s only recip­rocal that a bicycle manufacturer would dream of entering the drug business. That’s precisely what the Kapur fam­ily of India, which owns the Atlas Cycles con­cern, plans to do. Salil Kapur, who runs a div­ision of the company, tells the Financial Express newspaper of New Delhi: “Our group has decided to diversify into pharmaceutical industry as we anti­cipate the sector will accelerate in the next 10 to 15 years.” He adds: “We plan to contract manufacture for big pharma companies with whom we are in talks. I am ex­plor[ing] alliances with global pharma majors as well.” The newspaper reports per-capita consumpt­ion of Rxs in India has increased by more than 250 per cent during the last two years, on a revenue bas­is. That’s enough growth to make any­one want to ped­dle a little faster.

GLAD ZOOKS

ASTRAZENECA last week tapped Tony Zook as prexy and CEO for the outfit’s stateside unit, effective in the new year. He was vee-pee of commercial oper­ations, and previously sales vee-pee for AZ. He suc­ceeds David Brennan, who in turn will step in to fill Sir Tom McKillop’s job as CEO of the London-based parent company, when McKillop retires in January. Says Brennan: “Tony possesses the leadership skills to grow AstraZeneca’s US business in the years to come. With over 20 years in the pharmaceutical industry, he is well-suited for this important post at a critical time in our industry.”

NOCs OF NOTE

HEALTH CANADA last week okayed injectable cetuximab (Erbitux, Bristol-Myers Squibb) as Tx for metastatic colorectal Ca. The Rx, developed by ImClone Systems, was approved for use in combo with irinotecan for patients with epidermal growth factor receptor-expressing, metastatic colorectal Ca who are refractory to other irinotecan-based chemo­therapy, and as single-agent Tx for patients who are intolerant to irinotecan-based chemo­ther­apy. Judy Robertson, gee-em of BMS Canada, says BMS “will work closely with health authorities to provide rapid access for Canadian patients to this innovative cancer therapy.”

M&A ACTION

ZENTIVA, the Czech drugmaker, last week bought a con­trolling stake in the largest Romanian generics outfit, Sicomed, for around Cdn$122 million. Zent­iva plans buy remaining minority shares in Sicomed. Zentiva boss Jiri Michal says the takeover “will en­able us to capitalize on our modern branded generic portfolio and deep product pipeline to build rapidly a clear leadership position in the primary care market.” u Elsewhere, E. Merck, the German drug­maker, said its Spanish generics subsidiary last week purchased Prasfarma, a uro-oncology specialty house based in Barcelona. Price of the transaction was Cdn$29 million. Says Alberto Bueno, who runs Merck’s Spanish generics business: “Prasfarma, with its respected name, an established product port­folio and well-trained staff, will provide immediate resources to fund the launch of Merck products in Spain.”

DERMAL DOINGS

NEXMED, the New Jersey developer of transdermal Txs last week out-licensed its proprietary nail lac­quer Tx for onychomycosis to Novartis. The com­pound, NM100060, is in Phase I development. The Rx incorporates terbinafine (Lamisil, Novartis.) Says NexMed helmer Dr. Joseph Mo: “Novartis is a lead­er in the treatment of onychomycosis and we are de­light­ed by the opportunity.” u In other derm­ato­l­og­ic de­v­el­opments, Helix Biomedix, the Wash­ing­ton state-based developer of delivery system oligo­peptide-10, last week out-licensed its product to Levlad, maker of a so-called natural acne Tx. Says Helix prexy H. Stephen Beatty: “We are excited that Lev­lad has chosen to incorporate our proprietary pep­tide technology as a key feature of their new anti-acne product.” Agrees Levlad kingpin Paddy Spence: “Oligopeptide-10, combined with salicylic acid, is clearly the new ‘superpower’ in acne con­trol.”

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.
ChronicleMIDWEEK is published by Chronicle Information Resources Ltd, 555 Burnhamthorpe Road Ste. 602, Toronto, Ont. M9C 2Y3. Tel 416.916.CHROn (2476); Toll-free 866.63.CHRON (24766); Fax 416.352-6199; E-mail: health@chronicle.org

Wednesday September 14, 2005

ChronicleMIDWEEK

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.

FDA NIXES XINLAY FILE, FUELING INVESTOR CRITICISM OF ABBOT R&D

ABBOTT’S prostate Tx candidate atrasentan (Xinlay) failed to receive a recommendation for approval from an FDA expert panel yesterday (09/13). Said Dr. Eugene Sun, Ab’s vee-pee of R&D: “We continue to believe that Xinlay represents an important option for patients with advanced prostate cancer who currently have limited options.” He said he was encouraged by committee member statements regarding the value of continuing development of the Rx. The thumbs-down verdict from the panel prompted analysts’ criticism of the company’s pipeline. Investor Mike Barr tells Dow Jones news service: “Looking at the history, they do a very good job at marketing, and it doesn’t seem like R&D is up to the same caliber as their marketing.” Adds another investor: “I don’t judge by the number of failures, but by the number of successes and how successful they are compared to their pharma peers. They’re definitely on the lower end.” More info=>

HEALTH CANADA APPROVES ROCHE COLORECTAL CA RX AVASTIN

HOFFMAN-LA ROCHE’S Ca Rx bevacizumab, rhuMAb-VEGF (Avastin) Monday (09/12) received a Health Canada green light as Tx of first-line advanced colorectal Ca. Roche says Avastin, which will be available in November, is the first Tx available in Canada that inhibits angiogenesis. Genentech, the product’s developer, is also investigating with Roche the potential clinical benefit of Avastin in other tumor sites, including non-small cell lung Ca, breast Ca, pancreatic Ca and renal cell carcinoma. More info=>

VANCOUVER’S ANGIOTECH TO BUY RX DELIVERY COMPANY AFMEDICA

ANGIOTECH PHARMACEUTICALS of Vancouver, maker of paclitaxel-eluting stents, yesterday (09/13) agreed to acquire privately held Afmedica, a three-year-old Michigan outfit which is noodling out perivascular technology using rapamycin to treat peripheral vascular disease, coronary artery disease and end stage renal disease. Says Rui Avelar, Angie’s vee-pee of medical affairs: “This acquisition will extend our research and product development platform in a variety of applications.” More info=>

GSK’S BEXXAR GETS OTTAWA GREEN LIGHT FOR ONCOLOGY RX BEXXAR

GLAXOSMITHKLINE’S tositumomab (Bexxar) got Health Canada’s okay as Tx for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) for patients who have failed on, or relapsed following, other Txs. Bexxar is a dual-action therapy that combines tositumomab, a cytotoxic monoclonal antibody, and patient-specific radiation (iodine-131) dosing. GSK says the product will be available next month. More info=>

LORUS THERAPEUTICS BOSS BOASTS: BIG PHARMA ENVIES OUR PIPELINE

LORUS THERAPEUTICS, the Toronto oncology outfit, has what the drugbiz wants. At least, that’s the view according to Lorus kingpin Jim Wright, who tells attendees at his annual general meeting: “We believe that the pharmaceutical industry is on the threshold of a significant change. An era of increasing profits produced by blockbuster drugs is slowing down. This is an industry that’s looking for the kind of products that Lorus is developing…” That would be Phase III pancreatic Ca Tx candidate Virulizin, and anti-sense Rx GTI-2040, which is being investigated for use in six tumor sites. More info=>

CREATE YOUR OWN DTC AD: FORMER PHARMA REP STAGES CONTEST

HOW MANY TIMES have you suffered through one of those DTC Rx commercials on stateside television, and thought, “I’m just a humble (insert job-title here), but I’ll bet I could create a better ad on my kid’s (insert expletive here) I-Mac”? Well, here’s your chance to prove it. Filmmaker Kathleen Slattery-Moschkau is offering a US$1,000 cash prize to the party who submits to her the best original 30-second TV drug commercial. She’s the writer and director of “Side Effects,” a new feature film that lampoons the life of a pharma bag-carrier. Says she: “For 10 years, as a drug rep, almost daily I experienced the comical marketing tactics of the industry, as well as their dangerous pursuit of profits that can, and have [sic] come at the expense of patients’ lives.” She adds: “Eventually, I couldn’t look in the mirror any longer.” Comical marketing tactics? We’ll be the judge of that, Kathleen. More info=>

AUSSIE CONSUMER GROUP ACCUSES DRUGMAKERS OF SUPPRESSING DATA

CONSUMERS’ DISTRUCT OF BIG PHARMA has finally reached the land down under. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reports a national patients association accuses drugmakers of downplaying risks associated with new Rxs, and of overly aggressive marketing. Lisa Tait of the Australian Consumers Association tells the network: “It is widely known for pharmaceutical companies to give biased reports of trials of new drugs or even suppress negative results. Drug companies often fund doctor education so there is a bit of a conflict there. They also fund the marketing of new drugs, so that adds to the difficulty of knowing how reliable the whole testing and prescribing process really is.” More info=>

ChronicleMIDWEEK is published by Chronicle Information Resources Ltd, 555 Burnhamthorpe Road Ste. 602, Toronto, Ont. M9C 2Y3. Tel 416.916.CHROn (2476); Toll-free 866.63.CHRON (24766); Fax 416.352-6199; E-mail: health@chronicle.org

Monday September 12, 2005

ChronicleMONDAY

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

HEALTHCARE MARKETING HALL OF FAME

THE CANADIAN HEALTHCARE Marketing Hall Of Fame last week released the names of its 2005 Inductees, selected from among names placed in nomination by the readers of ChronicleMONDAY, ChronicleMID­WEEK, and The Chronicle Of Health­­care Marketing. Criteria for nominees were: “Health­care marketing professionals who, con­sist­ent­ly through their careers in Canada, in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device/sup­ply industries, or organizations which supply those industries, have: made a lasting impact on others; or served as a source of inspiration; or have demon­strated extraordinary dedication and commit­ment to the humane principles inherent in our profession.” u The Inductees for 2005 are: Roy Chern­off of Troutbeck-Chernoff, Toronto; Janet Chlebo of Janssen-Ortho, Don Mills, Ont.; Michael Cloutier of AstraZeneca, Toronto; Robert Hamilton of Bio­gen IDEC, Mississauga, Ont.; André Marche­terre of Merck Frosst Canada, Pointe-Claire, Que.; Manon Richer of Rogers Media, Montreal; Sheila Rivest of Integrated Health, Toronto, and; John Suk of Altana Pharma Canada, Oakville, Ont. The honors for Mr. Chernoff and Mrs. Rivest are posthumous. An induction ceremony will take place in Toronto on Nov. 21, 2005. The awards were established to honor healthcare marketers who have contributed to our avocation and are an inspiration to others, according to Chronicle publisher Mitchell Shannon. He added: “This year’s honorees represent a diverse group of recognized leaders. It is fitting that these individuals take their place among the previous distinguished inductees.” The Hall of Fame honorees will be profiled in an upcoming edition of The Chron­­icle Of Healthcare Marketing. Nomi­nation forms for 2006 candidacy will be available in February of next year. u For the first time since the inception of the Awards program in 2001, the Hall of Fame admiss­ions panel determined a need to recognize the con­tributions and achieve­ments of Marketing Teams, and correspondingly established a new Team category of Hall of Fame admission. The recipients of the inaugural Team Awards will be announced on November 21, during the induction ceremony.

ALL VIOXX, ALL THE TIME

THE SECOND VIOXX wrongful-death trial begins this morning (09/12) in Atlantic City, N.J., an app­ropriate location for Merck to continue rolling the dice. Last month, the company wagered that a Texas jury would not find for the plaintiff in a similar case, a bad bet that lightened Merck’s wallet to the tune of US$253 million—not to mention the additional $5 billion or so taken off the table by anxious investors fleeing from the company’s insistence on fighting its Vioxx lawsuits one at a time. Last week, Merck’s lead lawyer said he was sticking to the controversial strategy. Says Kenneth Frazier: “We are in this for the long haul. We have both the resources and the resolve to address these cases over many years.” Be that as it may, Frazier is seeking to restrict public visibility of the upcoming trial, having filed a motion to prohibit TV cameras from the courtroom. In his brief, the lawyer argues: “The risks from broadcasting are particularly acute when—as here—there has already been significant media attention to a case.” Meanwhile, public fas­cin­ation continues over the Texas verdict. Last week, attorney Mark Lanier, who represented plain­tiff Carole Ernst, told an interviewer: “Merck’s be­havior, in my mind, was tantamount to negligent homicide. They were going to kill people and they knew it.” u Frazier did manage to secure an early ad­vantage last week, by convincing the Atlantic City court not to allow testimony from the director of the Massachusetts Center for Business Ethics, who would have commented on whether Merck followed its internal ethics policy in the Vioxx matter. u Meanwhile, another front may have opened in the Vioxx battle, with word that the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is invest­igating whether Merck withheld trial data in its NDA, filed in 1999. The company is cooperating with the agency’s investigation. A conviction could result in two-year prison sentences for responsible employ­ees, along with “unlimited” fines.

BIOGEN IDEC RESTRUCTURING

BIOGEN IDEC last week announced it would seek a buyer for its recently-launched antipsoriatic Tx alefa­cept (Amevive), which rang up around Cdn$52 million in sales last year. Worldwide sales of the product have been below HQ forecasts, but observers say it could fetch US$250 million or more. An analyst tells the Boston Globe: “There’s a high number of players in the dermatological field and a screaming need for anything new. There’s more buyers than sellers and that would bid it up a little.” The company also plans to chop one-sixth of its global workforce, or about 650 jobs, and will sell some real estate. Company kingpin James Mullen described the moves as “a bold reshaping of the company in an effort to generate high-level, sustainable growth beyond the current decade.” In a statement, Biogen said it was considering in-lic­ensing of products, as well as the acquisition of prod­ucts and companies. The company’s actions come six months after the withdrawl of MS Tx nat­al­izumab (Tysabri) from the US market (see ChroMo passim.)

BIOVAIL’s TRAMADOL CROSSES FINISH LINE

BIOVAIL, the Mississauga, Ont. drugmaker, last week received FDA okay to sell an extended-release formulation of analgesic tramadol, in three dosages. The Tx lacks both a name and a stateside marketing partner. The approval means Biovail’s Tx will reach pharmacies before a similar 1x/daily tramadol developed by Montreal’s Labopharm. Says Biovail helmer Doug Squires: “This is an important mile­stone as it further demonstrates Biovail’s techno­logical and scientific capability in utilizing advanced drug-delivery technologies to add significant clinical benefits to medications.”

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.
ChronicleMIDWEEK is published by Chronicle Information Resources Ltd, 555 Burnhamthorpe Road Ste. 602, Toronto, Ont. M9C 2Y3. Tel 416.916.CHROn (2476); Toll-free 866.63.CHRON (24766); Fax 416.352-6199; E-mail: health@chronicle.org

Wednesday September 7, 2005

ChronicleMIDWEEK

From the publishers of THE CHRONICLE OF CANCER THERAPY, THE CHRONICLE OF CARDIOVASCULAR & INTERNAL MEDICINE, THE CHRONICLE OF NEUROLOGY & PSYCHIATY, THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY, THE CHRONICLE OF UROLOGY & SEXUAL MEDICINE, PHYSICIANS’ CHRONICLE, THE CHRONICLE OF HEALTHCARE MARKETING, LINACRE’S BOOKS, and chronicl*e group

(c) 2005 Chronicle Information Resources Ltd. Not for redistribution.

CHRONICLE AUDIOEXTRA POD-CAST: HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE CHRONICLE OF SKIN & ALLERGY

THIS WEEK, HIGHLIGHTS from the latest edition of The Chronicle of Skin & Allergy are available in the form of a streaming MP3 file. To download the file using Windows to an I-Pod, PDA or other device, right-click on the following link and select the “Save to device” option. To play the file through your Windows Media Player, left-click on the following link. You may transfer this file to your device through Windows Media Player. The program runs approximately 2:45 in MP3 format, and the file is 1.9 megabytes. Listen up =>

ARIXTRA VERSUS LOVENOX: DOCTOR FORESEES COMING MARKETING WAR

A CARDIOLOGIST from Hamilton, Ont.’s McMaster University predicts what he calls a “marketing war” over rival acute coronary syndrome Txs, between GlaxoSmithKline and Sanofi Aventis. Dr. Salim Yusuf, who led trials of anticoagulent fondaparinux (Arixtra, GSK), made his remarks at this week’s European Society of Cardiology chinwag. He says the Rx demonstrated the efficacy of enoxaparin (Lovenox), and displays fewer side-effects. Noting Arixtra sells for 30 per cent less than Lovenox, Dr. Yusuf tells the Wall Street Journal: “We didn’t find a single subgroup where you would use Lovenox instead of Arixtra.” More info=>

EUROPEAN REGULATORS RECOMMEND NEW CV INDICATION FOR COVERSYL

SERVIER’S ACE inhibitor perindopril (Coversyl) was recommended by the European Medical Evaluation Agency to receive an added indication for hypertension Tx in patients with coronary artery disease. The agency also endorsed ivabradine (Procoralan) as Tx for chronic stable angina in patients with normal sinus rhythm who are unable to use beta-blockers. The compound is a selective inhibitor of the pacemaker I-f current, with a unique method of action. More info=>

COOL RESPONSE FROM DRUGBIZ TO PROPOSAL TO ‘DE-BRAND’ RXS

INDIA’S DRUGBIZ is fighting a proposal by a government agency to invoke a so-called “de-branding” of patented Rxs, as a means of promoting generics, according to the New Delhi newspaper The Hindu. Says Dara B. Patel of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association: “De-branding causes concern. The strength of a brand instills confidence in the user.” A draft of recommendations by the country’s Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry also proposes price freezes on Rxs. More info=>

CHIRON URGES NOVARTIS: ‘KINDLY PUT A CROWBAR TO YOUR WALLET’

CHIRON, the California biotechie specializing in vaccines, Monday (09/05) turned thumbs-down on a takeover proposal by Novartis, which controls 42 per cent of Chiron stock. In a statement, Chiron’s board said: “After thorough analysis and consideration of Novartis’ offer to acquire the shares of Chiron it does not already own for [Cdn$47.50] per share in cash, the independent directors of Chiron have determined that this offer is inadequate.” Novartis last week offered a low-ball price — nearly 10 per cent below yesterday’s closing price — for the remaining 58 per cent of Chiron shares. Says one analyst: “Historically, a company that pursues a takeover usually is willing to sweeten its offer so I wouldn’t be surprised if Novartis does.” Meanwhile, Novartis this morning (09/07) said it would buy a one-fifth stake in Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, a Cambridge, Mass. genomics outfit. More info=>

WYETH ISN’T KEEN ON ANY MERGER DEAL. WELL, MAYBE THE RIGHT DEAL

SURE, THERE ARE GOING TO BE more drugbiz mergers, says Wyeth kingpin Robert Essner. Just don’t expect his company to take part in one. He tells Dow Jones news service he’s occupied right now with shrinking and restructuring his field force, with the objective of sparing the physician time-wasting calls. On second thought, says Essner, maybe he’s not completely opposed to an M&A proposal, if the right one came along. Says he: “Any chief executive who told you something different would be lying.” More info=>

GSK TO ACQUIRE VANCOUVER’S ID BIOMEDICAL IN $1.7 BIL TAKEOVER

ID BIOMEDICAL, the Vancouver vaccine maker, will be acquired by GlaxoSmithKline for Cdn$1.7 billion, the companies announced this morning (09/07.) ID will become a wholly-owned subsidiary of GSK. Says GSK supremo Jean-Pierre Garnier: “ID Biomedical is a unique strategic opportunity to increase current capacity of classic flu vaccines, to provide us with increased capacity for next generation flu vaccines under development and to help GSK prepare for the threat of a flu pandemic.” Adds ID helmer Anthony Holler: “We are very pleased with this agreement.” More info=>

GENENTECH’s TNKASE DOESN’T HELP IN PERCUTANEOUS PROCEDURE

DELEGATES TO THIS WEEK’S European Society of Cardiology chinwag in Stockholm heard yesterday (09/06) how Genentech’s tenecteplase (TNKase) increases the mortality rate for patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Use of the Rx prior to the procedure also resulted in a poorer prognosis for patients, said Dr. Frans Van de Werf, who led clinical trials. More info=>

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