Branded

BAGSVÆRD, Denmark — A collection of relatively new products helped drive up sales and profits at Novo Nordisk, the Danish drug maker said Wednesday. 

Sales increased by 22% in the North American markets when measured in local currencies, and by 29% when measured in Danish kroner, the company said. Operating profits were $3.5 billion, a 16% increase over 2009.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, N.J. — The Food and Drug Administration declined to approve a drug made by Eisai for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease, Eisai said Tuesday.

The drug maker announced its receipt of a complete response letter from the agency for its application for rabeprazole sodium extended-release capsules, a proton-pump inhibitor for GERD. The FDA delivers a complete response letter when it has finished reviewing a regulatory approval application, but issues remain that preclude final approval of the drug.

BASEL, Switzerland — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Novartis vaccine for preventing meningococcal disease in children, the Swiss drug maker said.

Novartis announced the approval of Menveo (meningococcal [groups A, C, Y and W-135] oligosaccharide diphtheria CRM197 conjugate vaccine) for active immunization to prevent certain forms of meningococcal disease caused by Neisseria meningitidis in children ages 2 to 10 years. The FDA approved the vaccine last year for use in adolescents and adults ages 11 to 55 years.

IRVINE, Calif. — Anticipating regulatory approval, MAP Pharmaceuticals and Allergan will collaborate to promote a drug for treating acute migraine to physicians.

The two companies announced the collaboration Monday for Levadex (dihydroergotamine), an inhaled drug. Phase-3 trials for the drug are finished, and MAP plans to submit an approval application for the drug to the Food and Drug Administration in the first half of this year.

WILMINGTON, Del. — Nearly half a million people participated in AstraZeneca's prescription savings programs.

The drug maker reported that it provided $947 million in savings last year to the more than 545,000 patients in the United States who participated. Participation in the AZ&Me prescription savings programs has increased steadily over the past three years, up 7% over 2009 and 19% over 2008, AstraZeneca said.

NEW YORK — Pfizer has completed its tender offer for Bristol, Tenn.-based King Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer said Monday.

Pfizer said 230.7 million shares valued at $14.25 each were tendered, representing about 92.5% of King.

Pfizer made its $3.6 billion offer for King in October 2010. The offer cleared the waiting period mandated by the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 on Friday.

NEW YORK — The chief medical officer at one of the largest drug makers in the world has been named "woman of the year" by the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association.

Freda Lewis-Hall, Pfizer's chief medical officer, will be honored at the HBA's 22nd annual "Woman of the Year" luncheon in May.

Lewis-Hall's 30-year career in healthcare leadership includes roles in direct patient care, academics, media, government, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

NEW YORK — A former Albertsons executive has been named the newest VP pharmacy at ECRM.

Italo Pennella, a licensed pharmacist, will utilize his insight on the pharmaceutical supply chain as ECRM's newest executive. At Albertsons, Pennella's career spanned more than 10 years, which included oversight of all brand manufacturer relationships. Prior to joining ECRM, Pennella most recently served as associated director of trade for Otsuka and Schering-Plough/Organon.