Branded

DURHAM, N.C. — New guidelines for using statins to treat high cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease are projected to result in 12.8 million more U.S. adults taking the drugs, according to a research team led by Duke Medicine scientists. Overall, of the 12.8 million additional U.S. adults recommended for statin use under the new guidelines, 10.4 million are people who would be prescribed the drugs for preventive care. Of those preventive users, 8.3 million would be people over the age of 60. 

WASHINGTON — Rx Response earlier this week established a new membership structure that will enable individual companies in the bio-pharmaceutical supply chain to become direct members.

DUBLIN — Actavis earlier this week announced that it has entered into an agreement with Noven Pharmaceuticals to settle all outstanding patent litigation related to Actavis' generic version of Daytrana (methylphenidate transdermal system). Daytrana is a CNS stimulant indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Johnson & Johnson on Wednesday named Ernesto Quinteros, recently of Belkin International, as its chief design officer. He will join the company May 5 and report to Sandi Peterson, group worldwide chairman. 

The chief design officer for Johnson & Johnson is a newly created role that expands the responsibility of the company’s Global Strategic Design Office beyond its consumer business origins to encompass the breadth of the company’s portfolio, including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer and health and wellness.

STAMFORD, Conn. — Purdue Pharma recently announced that a Phase 3 study of an investigational extended‐release formulation of hydrocodone bitartrate met its primary efficacy endpoint by showing that patients with chronic low back pain treated with the once‐daily analgesic agent experienced statistically significant reduction in pain compared with placebo. 

PRINCETON, N.J. — Two-thirds of Americans are satisfied with the way the healthcare system is working for them today, according to a Gallup poll released earlier this week. While health insurance status was a major determinant of this satisfaction, even one-third of those who didn't have health insurance still reported they were satisfied.

WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca on Wednesday launched Nexium Direct, a program that provides eligible patients the option of having brand-name Nexium delivered directly to their home. Nexium Direct is part of AstraZeneca Direct, a web-based offering that delivers select brand name prescription medications from AstraZeneca. The medications are dispensed by a team of registered pharmacists and certified pharmacy technicians available through a collaboration with Eagle Pharmacy.

DUBLIN — Mallinckrodt, a specialty pharmaceuticals company, announced the completion of its acquisition of Cadence Pharmaceuticals for approximately $1.4 billion.