Branded

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Global spending on medicines will reach nearly $1.1 trillion by 2015, according to a new study by market research firm IMS Health.

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — A cancer drug made by Amgen reduced the chances of prostate cancer spreading to the bones, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial presented at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting in Washington.

The phase-3 “Study ‘147” of Xgeva (denosumab) showed that men taking the drug survived for four months longer without the cancer spreading to their bones, compared with those taking placebo.

WASHINGTON — A branded drug made by Watson Pharmaceuticals reduced symptoms in men with prostate disease, according to results of a mid-stage clinical trial.

Data from the phase-2 study of the drug Rapaflo (silodosin) presented at the American Urological Association’s annual meeting showed that it reduced symptoms and improved outcomes in men with chronic prostatitis/pelvic pain syndrome, also known as CP/CPPS.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Cancer drugs are expected to see sharp increases in spending and use by 2013, according to the latest drug trend report by pharmacy benefit manager Medco Health Solutions.

The overall drug trend for 2010 was 3.7%, lowered by higher rates of generic drug dispensing; more than 71% of drugs dispensed were generics. Specialty drugs, mostly branded biologics, accounted for 70.1% of the overall drug trend, with especially strong growth in cancer drugs, whose drug trend reached 21.2%.

SILVER SPRING, Md.— The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new treatment for chronic hepatitis C, the agency said Friday.

The FDA announced the approval of Merck’s Victrelis (boceprevir) for patients with the disease. The drug is designed for patients who still have some liver function and have not previously received treatment for chronic hepatitis C infection or have failed previous treatments. The drug is approved for use in combination with the generic drug ribavirin and pegylated interferons, biotech drugs used for treating the disease.

WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J. — Drug maker Merck has completed its acquisition of eye care company Inspire.

As previously reported, Merck announced its plan to acquire the company for $5 per share in cash, or $430 million. In addition, Monarch Transaction, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck, has merged with and into Inspire, with Inspire surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Merck, effective today.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly will present data from more than 30 studies at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in Chicago next month, the company said Monday.

Studies will include “PARAMOUNT,” a late-stage clinical trial investigating the drug Alimta (pemetrexed) in patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, as well as studies on Gemzar (gemcitabine) and Erbitux (cetuximab) with partner companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Merck KGaA.

INDIANAPOLIS — Drug maker Eli Lilly has launched what it’s calling an “umbrella” for its patient assistance programs.

Lilly subsidiary Lilly USA announced the launch of TruAssist, which comprises a website and call center for patients and healthcare providers to access information about programs the company provides to help increase access to Lilly medications. The website is at LillyTrueAssist.com, while the call center can be reached at 1-855-LLYTRUE (1-855-559-8783).