Branded

ATLANTA — Children under the age of 10 years old may be especially susceptible to a new strain of influenza, according to an article published Friday in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report."

Get set for another decade of explosive growth throughout the over-the-counter category with the familiar switch as a catalyst. 


The Food and Drug Administration public meeting that took place last month addressed a proposal to expand the switch paradigm by utilizing the latest in communications and diagnostics technology and/or incorporating the most accessible healthcare professional — the retail pharmacist — into the self-care decision protocol. 


BOSTON — The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America announced Friday the appointment of Eli Lilly chairman, president and CEO John Lechleiter as PhRMA chairman at its annual meeting. The group also elected Celgene president and CEO Robert Hugin as chairman-elect of its board of directors and Pfizer president and CEO Ian Read as board treasurer. Lechleiter replaces Sanofi CEO Christopher Viehbacher as chairman.

WASHINGTON — Drug companies invested nearly $50 billion in research and development in 2011, according to a new report by a drug industry trade group.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart and healthcare partner Humana are out with a new prescription drug program called Rx4Value that guarantees savings and relies on the proven strategy of improving affordability by restricting choice to generic drugs.

WILMINGTON, Del. — AstraZeneca has launched a new drug for treating high blood pressure, the company said Thursday.

The Anglo-Swedish drug maker announced the launch of Dutoprol (metoprolol succinate extended-release and hydrochlorothiazide) tablets, calling it the first and only pill to combine the active ingredient of its Toprol-XL ER (metoprolol succinate) and hydrochlorothiazide.

MONTREAL — Valeant announced that it has acquired a privately owned specialty pharmaceutical company based in the United States.

Pedinol Pharmacal, a podiatry-focused company that has been in business for more than 85 years, was acquired for an undisclosed amount that was said to be 1.5 times sales. Pedinol touted $18 million in revenue last year.

NEW YORK — Move over, Lipitor: There's a new top drug on the market, according to published reports.