| Q1 Results, Health Care Reforms Provide Pharma Opportunity to Downplay Expectations EP Vantage submits:The analysis of US health care reform’s damage to big pharma came thick and fast as companies reported first quarter earnings. The two biggest global pharmaceutical companies by sales in 2009 reported a combined $91m in negative first quarter effects from the law and smaller ones likewise reported millions of dollars in bottom-line impacts as the Medicaid program for the poor imposed a drug payment cut effective January 1, 2010.As its passage was fresh in the minds of investors and analysts, companies had little choice but to discuss how the law would affect their bottom lines, given that the legislation backdated its increase in the mandatory Medicaid rebates. But it is propitious timing for an industry that in recent times has taken a kicking from investors who see its innovative edge disappearing in a flurry of patent expiries in coming years. The reform law’s frontloading of cost onto big pharma certainly provides an opportunity to lower expectations, that can more easily be exceeded in the future.Complete Story » seekingalpha.com |
FDA Warns Against Using Malaria Drug for Leg Cramps The FDA warned patients and doctors against using a malaria drug to treat or prevent leg cramps because of the risk of serious blood disorders. online.wsj.com |
Sanofi Net Jumps 61% Sanofi-Aventis reported a 61% rise in net profit and will conduct "another re-evaluation" of the structure of its U.S. sales force in light of looming generic competition to the company's blockbuster drug Lovenox. online.wsj.com |
The Next Big Move in Biotech: AEterna Zentaris Edward Stevenson submits:Amid the 600-point rally in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, September lent gold another fantastic feat at new all-time highs. This event cast a shadow over September's best-performing sector (thus far), as investors mechanically turned to investments in gold and bonds, fearing further turbulence in the global markets. According to Finviz, in the same month, the Healthcare sector outperformed and led all others by gaining 4%. click to enlarge imagesComplete Story » seekingalpha.com |
Drug Makers' Appeal of Hormone-Therapy Suits Rejected Three lawsuits alleging a link between hormone-therapy drugs and breast cancer can proceed in state court after the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by several drug makers, including two Pfizer subsidiaries. online.wsj.com |