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LONDON - A new tobacco-based seasonal influenza vaccine being developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma and currently in Phase III studies could potentially rival traditional chicken egg-based vaccines, as it aims to launch in the U.S. for the 2018-19 flu season, according to an analyst with research and consulting firm GlobalData.

 

WASHINGTON — Medicare Part D plan (PDP) beneficiaries might be paying more out of pocket for a majority of their prescription medication, according to a new analysis from Avalere Health. The company found that a majority — 58% of covered drugs among PDPs — of medications are subject to coinsurance rather than copayments for beneficiaries. In 2014, only about 35% of covered drugs were subject to coinsurance. 

 

DEERFIELD, Ill. - This week's Walgreens Flu Index report for the week of March 6 indicated Arizona, Mississippi and Texas were the top three states experiencing the highest incidences of influenza across the country. And while Mississippi topped the list in greatest flu activity gains as well, flu incidence appears to be gaining significantly in Kentucky and Hawaai as well. 

 

For the week of March 6, the top 10 markets with flu activity were: 

 

NEW YORK — Amarin announced Wednesday that New York’s Southern District Court had approved its proposed settlement with the Food and Drug Administration, reached Tuesday, over the promotion of off-label use for its Vascepa (icosapent ethyl) capsules. 

 

MUMBAI and BALTIMORE — Lupin announced Wednesday that it had completed its acquisition of Gavis, which includes Gavis Pharmaceuticals and Novel Laboratories, for about $880 million. 

 

Lupin said the acquisition will grow the company’s footprint in the U.S. generics market and expands its dermatology, controlled substance product and high value and niche generics pipeline. With the acquisition, Lupin also gains its first manufacturing site in the United States — Gavis’ New Jersey manufacturing facility.