The Asia Corner - From the Editors of PharmAsia News July 21, 2009
In this BioPharma Today feature, the editors of PharmAsia News take a closer look each week at the most important biopharma developments from China, India, Japan, and the Pacific Rim.
Read today's features...
WASHINGTON –Parts of India and China, including Shanghai, are getting ready for the longest solar eclipse that will occur in the 21st century until 2132, so we will not be surprised if news coming out of Shanghai will be a bit light this week as families gather for once-in-a-lifetime event. Luckily, PharmAsia News' crack team of reporters is scattered across the globe, so we will have the latest in pharma developments from China, India, and elsewhere in Asia.
[Editor's note: PharmAsia News will host the PharmAsia Summit Oct. 26-28 in San Francisco to discuss best practices and case studies for companies looking to grow R&D pipelines in Asia. Featured speakers include former U.S. FDA Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach and Dr. Reddy's CEO GV Prasad. Click here for more information.]
India's National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority is accelerating efforts to collect $411 million in overcharged prices from drug manufacturers. So who tops the list of the NPPA collectors with a hefty $268.57 in overcharges? Click through to find out (PharmAsia News, July 20, 2009).
Alexion is seeking approval for Soliris (eculizumab) in Japan for the rare paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria blood disorder. Already granted orphan designation for fast-track approval status, the company is looking for a market launch in the second half of 2010. PharmAsia News examines Japan's orphan drug pricing policy and its potential benefit for Alexion (PharmAsia News, July 15, 2009).
Shanghai-based Hutchinson MediPharma announced "encouraging results" from U.S. clinical trials of its Chron's Disease drug HMPL-004, and now is seeking a global partner for co-development. PharmAsia News examines the trial and how the drug might fare against Johnson & Johnson's Remicade (infliximab) (PharmAsia News, July 17, 2009).
South Korea's Health Minister was on a whirlwind tour of the U.S. east cost last week. Jeon Jae-Hee met with HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to sign a memorandum of understanding for information-sharing as the countries prepare against pandemic influenza. Jeon then touted a South Korea's universal coverage, encouraging the U.S. to do the same, before heading to New York to promote South Korea's health industry (PharmAsia News, July 16, 2009).
- Daniel Poppy
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