Branded

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Actavis' had $1.9 billion in sales in first quarter 2013, the drug maker said.

The latest figure represented a 24% increase from first quarter 2012's $1.52 billion. "The new Actavis is off to a strong start in 2013, and as a result, we are increasing our 2013 forecast based on the strong performance and execution against our objectives to date," president and CEO Paul Bisaro said.

SAN DIEGO — Women who take low-dose oral contraceptives may be at increased risk of chronic pelvic-pain symptoms and pain during sexual climax, according to a new study.

The study, scheduled for presentation to reporters at the American Urological Association's annual scientific meeting in San Diego on Tuesday, was conducted by researchers at New York University and the Waitemata District Health Board in Auckland, New Zealand, compared CPPS in young women who used oral contraceptives with the condition in those who didn't.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug makers Boehringer Ingelheim and Eli Lilly have started a campaign designed to educate healthcare professionals about the role a type of protein plays in maintaining blood-sugar balance.

BI and Lilly created the website sglt.com to inform users about the role of sodium glucose co-transporters. The program also includes a video, Glucose Perspectives, in the form of a sketch animation by the United Kingdom's Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce.

STERLING, Ill. — The vast majority of mothers experience pain throughout their bodies, according to a new survey.

The survey, commissioned by electric massager maker Wahl Clipper Corp. and conducted by Harris Interactive, found that 84% of mothers experience pain. This includes 80% who experience lower back pain, 76% with shoulder and neck pain, 70% with upper back pain and 65% with joint pain. The survey included 2,000 men and women, including 300 mothers with children younger than 18, who were asked about their pain and how they cope with it.

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer HealthCare will buy birth-control product maker Conceptus for $1.1 billion, the companies said.

Bayer said its $31-per-share purchase of the Mountain View, Calif.-based company would allow it to expand its selection of contraception products. Conceptus makes Essure, a non-surgical permanent birth-control method, and Bayer said it would allow the company to offer a complete range of short-term, long-term and permanent contraceptive methods for women.

CINCINNATI — Prasco Labs has signed a deal with WellSpring Pharmaceutical Corp. to market an authorized generic version of a drug for a rare tumor disorder.

The company announced Wednesday the distribution and supply agreement for phenoxybenzamine hydrochloride capsules in the 10 mg strength for pheochromocytoma, an adrenal gland tumor disorder. The drug is used to control episodes of hypertension and sweating associated with the disorder.

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Drug maker Actavis has acquired rights to a treatment for an experimental bacterial vaginosis from Valeant Pharmaceuticals International for about $55 million, the drug makers said Wednesday.

Actavis Specialty Brands' acquisition of Valeant's metronidazole vaginal gel is in the 1.3% strength. The deal includes an upfront payment, milestone payments and royalties for the first three years after the drug is commercialized. Actavis hopes to market the drug as early as the middle of next year.

FOSTER CITY, Calif. — The Food and Drug Administration declined to approve two drugs for HIV made by Gilead Sciences for which the company was seeking approval for use as part of treatment regimens.