Branded

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new drug made by Celgene for treating the cancer multiple myeloma, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Pomalyst (pomalidomide) for patients whose disease has progressed after treatment with other cancer drugs.

DUBLIN - Elan Corp. will sell the rights to its drug for multiple sclerosis to partnering company Biogen Idec for $3.25 billion plus royalties, the Irish drug maker said.

ATLANTA — For the week ended Feb. 2, influenza activity remained elevated in the United States but decreased in most areas, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Friday. According to CDC's activity level map, it appears most incidence is concentrated across the central United States, including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. 

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the extension of its Pharmacy Advisor program to cover an additional five chronic conditions, including asthma, breast cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression and osteoporosis.

STAMFORD, Conn. — An insomnia drug made by Purdue Pharma "significantly" reduced the time it took patients to return to sleep after they'd woke up in the middle of the night, according to a new study.

The placebo-controlled study, published in the journal Sleep, tested the drug Intermezzo (zolpidem tartrate) sublingual tablets on 295 adults with primary insomnia and difficulty returning to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night. Purdue said Intermezzo was the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating such patients.

TEMECULA, Calif. — While this season's flu epidemic maintains its strength across the West Coast, one vaccine distributor announced Wednesday they still have vaccine on hand. 

"FFF is prepared to respond to the unpredictable nature of flu season. And our secure supply chain can always be counted on to deliver safe products — even in times of limited supply," stated Patrick Schmidt, CEO FFF Enterprises. "We purchase direct from manufacturers and sell only to licensed hospitals, pharmacies and clinics."

NEW YORK — Republican and Democratic senators have re-introduced legislation that would ban patent settlements between branded and generic drug companies that critics allege violate antitrust laws, according to published reports.

LAKE MARY, Fla. — CueScript on Tuesday launched an innovative platform that delivers on-demand prescription-specific videos and other value-added services designed to engage patients, improve health literacy and improve medication adherence.