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SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new lung cancer drug made by Boehringer Ingelheim, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Gilotrif (afatinib) for patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and whose tumors include certain epidermal growth factor receptor gene mutations. The drug works by blocking proteins that promote the development of cancer cells.

NEW YORK — Legislation introduced in the Senate would coordinate efforts at various levels of government and industry to reduce the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.

The bill, the Combatting Prescription Drug Abuse Act, was introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., drawing praise from pharmacy groups. Among other things, the bill could create a 30-member Combatting Prescription Drug Abuse Commission that would include people from health care and law enforcement, including people from the pharmacy industry.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fred's Super Dollar on Thursday posted $187.7 million in sales for the five weeks ended July 6, up 3% as compared to the year-ago period. Comparable-store sales for the month increased 4.5%.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Actavis and Warner Chilcott on Thursday announced that they have each received a request for additional information from the Federal Trade Commission in connection with Actavis' pending acquisition of Warner Chilcott. The information request was issued under notification requirements of the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, as amended.  

PITTSBURGH — Many patients are not complying with their prescription drug therapies due to adverse side effects, even though some OTC drugs can treat them, according to a new study commissioned by a maker of products for dry mouth, one of the most common medication side effects.

SOLON, Ohio — Efficient Collaborative Retail Marketing on Tuesday announced that BV Investment Partners has become ECRM’s majority shareholder, effective immediately. Greg Farrar was named ECRM's CEO.

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug for treating opioid dependence.

Orexo U.S. announced the approval of Zubsolv (buprenorphine; naloxone) sublingual tablets. The drug, Schedule III controlled substance, is approved for use once per day in the maintenance treatment of opioid dependence. Opioid dependence affects nearly 5 million people in the United States, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, but about 60% of those affected don't receive treatment.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Amgen will get rights to a drug for cardiovascular disease approved in the European Union under a new deal with French drug maker Servier, the two companies said Tuesday.