> The proxy fight between Biovail founder Eugene Melnyk and the company's management took a weird turn as the man Melnyk wants to head the company challenged its current CEO to a televised debate. Report [1]
> Mylan Pharmaceuticals got the FDA's final nod for its copycat version of Effexor and plans to ship immediately; the company also got a tentative nod for its version of Sanofi Aventis' blood pressure med Avalide. Report [2]
> Allergan received FDA approval for Trivaris, an injectable eye drug to treat retinal diseases. Report [3]
> The Florida Medical Examiners Commission found that the rate of deaths caused by prescription drugs was three times the rate of deaths caused by all illicit drugs combined. Report [4]
> Schering-Plough spent $520,000 in the first quarter to lobby on patent reform legislation, drug safety and other issues, according to a disclosure report. Report [5]
> Medtronic got FDA approval to market its Starfix lead, a wire that delivers electrical pulses to the heart from a device that regulates heartbeat. Report [6]
And Finally... How can doctors ensure patients take their medicine? Simple, give them a reward. Report [7]
Links:
[1] http://ctv2.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080616.wbiovail0616/business/Business/businessBN/ctv-business
[2] http://www.news-medical.net/?id=39237
[3] http://www.cnbc.com/id/25205683/for/cnbc/
[4] http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/14/us/14florida.html?ref=health
[5] http://www.cnbc.com/id/25210204/for/cnbc/
[6] http://www.cnbc.com/id/25209965/for/cnbc/
[7] http://technology.newscientist.com/article/mg19826605.300-free-phone-calls-could-help-tb-patients-pop-their-pills.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news3_head_mg19826605.300