Jetrea Nominated for Prix Galien USA Award
Thombogenics, a biopharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative ophthalmic medicines, announced that their new drug, Jetrea, has been nominated for the prestigious Prix Galien USA award in the Best Biotechnology Product category. Now in its seventh year, the Prix Galien USA award is an international honor that acknowledges meritorious innovations in human health treatment. Jetrea is the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical drug on the market used to treat symptomatic vitreomacular adhesion (VMA), an ocular condition that is traditionally treated with surgery after vision has significantly deteriorated. The product works to dissolve protein fibers that cause VMA through an intravitreal injection. Thrombogenesis launched Jetrea in January, 2013.
Mobile Health Audience Hits 95 Million
The number of Americans using their mobile phones for health information reached 95 million in 2013, an increase of about 27% from last year, according to a Manhattan Research study. The study shows that mobile users continue to seek access to health information both at home and on the go on mobile phones—with 38% of online smartphone users agreeing that the device is essential for finding health and medical information.
WebMD Buys Avado, Inc.
WebMD recently acquired Avado Inc., a designer of cloud-based PRM tools that allow for increased and improved interaction between patients and healthcare professionals. WebMD’s Medscape mobile currently allows physicians to consult with patients on numerous conditions, drug and treatment options, and general health information. Avado’s tools will serve as a complement to this program, facilitating more connections between patients and doctors with the intent to deliver more efficient care.
Eisai Aids Epidemic Fight
Eisai announced their participation in the World Health Organization’s global initiative to eliminate the lymphatic filariasis epidemic in developing and emerging countries. The company will provide free supplies of 100 mg tablets of diethylcarbamzaine citrate to treat the disease. Papua New Guinea, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Fiji are the first confirmed countries to receive the free drug.
Apollo Endosurgery Acquires Allergan Division
Apollo Endosurgery, a leading developer of medical devices and endoscopic surgical procedures, announced an agreement with Allergan, Inc., to purchase the obesity intervention division for up to $110 million. This division manufactures and distributes the LAP-BAND adjustable gastric band system and the Orbera gastric balloon system. The purchase rights will increase Apollo’s revenue and facilitate investments into innovations to improve patient outcomes and increase global outreach.
Practice Fusion Guarantees Meaningful Use
The nation’s largest EHR platform, Practice Fusion, has announced its free EHR program will be 2014 Meaningful Use ready by the close of 2013. The guarantee is supported by an agreement to pay up to $5,000 in EHR costs to any new customer forced to change EHR systems should their program fail to be functional in the allotted time
Adheris Acquires Catalina Health
Adheris, a division of InVentiv Health, recently acquired Catalina Health, a subsidiary of Catalina Marketing, to become the national leaders in direct-to-patient (DTP) medication adherence programs. The DTP programs help chronically ill patients stay on their treatment plans by providing re-fill reminders and disease education. With both companies working together, a network of over 40 pharmacy partners—30,000 pharmacies—will increase patient outreach and care.
Johnson & Johnson Settles Dispute for $ 2.2 Billion
Along with their subsidiaries, Johnson & Johnson agreed to resolve criminal and civil investigation charges against them for over $2.2 billion. They were charged with marketing three drugs—Risperdal, Invega and Natrecor—for uses not approved by the FDA. In addition to providing kickbacks to physicians and nursing homes for the off-label treatment of dementia and psychotic symptoms in the elderly, they were also charged with providing heart failure medication for use not approved by the FDA.
