Tyrx Acquired by Medtronic
Medtronic, Inc. acquired TYRX, a privately held developer of implantable antibiotic drugs and medical devices, for $160 million. TYRX’s products include the recently FDA cleared line of AIGISRx, featuring electronic-implantable devices and spinal cord neurosimulators. Medtronic is the global leader in medical technology.
Knipper Acquires MediMedia’s Sample Business
The largest supplier of end-to-end samples management services to the U.S. pharma industry, J. Knipper and Company, acquired MediMedia Health’s sample management lines of business. The services include direct-to-provider sample fulfillment and patient assistance programs.
Lions Health Registration Opens—and the Juries are Chosen
The Lions Health festival, the new global festival and awards that laud creativity in healthcare and communications, scheduled for June 13-14 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, is open for delegate registration. The organization also announced the festival’s juries. Led by Jeremy Perrott, Global Chief Creative Officer of McCann Health, the Pharma jury will judge entries into Pharma Communications to Healthcare and Non-Healthcare professionals. The Health & Wellness jury, chaired by Kathy Delaney, Global Chief Creative Officer of Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, will judge entries in Health and Wellness Consumer Products, Education and Services. Speakers include Shirley Bergin, COO of TEDMED and James Cheung, Global Creative Director of TBWA/WorldHealth. For more info, visit www.lions-health.com.
Forest-Aptalis Acquisition Nearing Finalization
According to a recent article in The Wall Street Journal, Forest Laboratories, Inc., has nearly completed its $3 billion Aptalis acquisition. Aptalis focuses on cystic fibrosis treatment options, as well as gastrointestinal disorders, with treatments including Carafate and Canasa.
Cegedim Acquires Kadrige
Cegedim Relationship Management acquired Kadrige, the leading provider of software-as-a-service (SaaS) e-detailing and collaborative solutions. Cegedim’s Mobile Intelligence customer relationship management (CRM) will use Kadrige’s SaaS solutions to seamlessly integrate with the Cegedim CRM, according to the company. Kadrige has been providing communications between life science companies and HCPs since 1998 and currently has projects deployed in 25 countires.
Actos Bladder Cancer Trials Continue
Federal lawsuits involving Actos, a drug for type 2 diabetes treatment linked to bladder cancer in certain patients, continue to move forward in U.S. District Court. At least 2,675 Actos bladder cancer lawsuits are filed in the Western District of Louisiana: Two have gone to trial and $1.7 million was awarded to the family of a man who died of bladder cancer following long-term use of the product. Another plaintiff who was diagnosed with this cancer after taking Actos for four years was awarded $6.5 million. A third trial is now underway in Nevada.
ANI Buys 31 Generics from Teva
ANI Pharmaceuticals acquired 31 previously marketed generic drugs from Teva Pharmaceuticals for $12.5 million. As an emerging generic pharmaceutical company, ANI makes oral solid dose products, liquids and topical products. During the past two years, ANI has launched three new products, with 12 new products in development. The 31 products under transferal to ANI’s manufacturing facilities are valued at $860 million annually.
UDG Healthcare’s New Structure
UDG Healthcare (formerly United Drug plc), a leading global outsourced healthcare service provider, announced the integration of its sales, marketing and medical service offerings into a new, single division called Ashfield Commercial and Medical Services. The division combines eight areas of expertise including, commercial, clinical, healthcare communications, meetings and events, insight and performance, pharmacovigilance, market access and medical information.
