Hundreds of foreign firms making OTC drugs marketed in US had not been inspected for GMPs compliance before FDA Safety and Innovation Act pointed agency toward crossing those facilities off its list. Of the foreign OTC facilities inspected between June 2016 and Jan. 9, 2018, 25% received "official action indicated" inspection results, driving warning letters and import alerts.

Seven new drug applications got the thumbs up this week from the EMA's drug evaluation committee, the CHMP.  Their EU approval should now be a formality. Two new Shionogi treatments are set for approval, as are two orphan products – one from Medac, the other from AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals. Pfizer got the OK for one biosimilar but has withdrawn its application for another.

Amid ongoing talks to denuclearize North Korea, the two Koreas are gearing up for bilateral cooperation in various industries including the health and medical sector, if and when international sanctions on the North are lifted. A new report suggests possible ways the two sides can initially work together in the area, with a focus on infectious diseases.

NICE, the health technology appraisal body for England and Wales, has rejected criticism that access to cancer drugs is worsening in the UK. The institute pointed to the revamped Cancer Drugs Fund which it said meant more positive recommendations.

Hundreds of foreign firms making OTC drugs marketed in US had not been inspected for GMPs compliance before FDA Safety and Innovation Act pointed agency toward crossing those facilities off its list. Of the foreign OTC facilities inspected between June 2016 and Jan. 9, 2018, 25% received "official action indicated" inspection results, driving warning letters and import alerts.

Program likely to generate fewer rebates so it remains to be seen whether payers will embrace the new model in a big way.

P&G names Merck KGAA consumer chief Uta Kemmerich-Keil to lead international division of personal health business as it closes on $4.2bn acquisition of German firm's consumer business. Deal closes a month after P&G announced biggest changes to organizational structure in 20 years, including combining personal care and health care into personal health and forming six global units, each headed by a CEO.

Hundreds of foreign firms making OTC drugs marketed in US had not been inspected for GMPs compliance before FDA Safety and Innovation Act pointed agency toward crossing those facilities off its list. Of the foreign OTC facilities inspected between June 2016 and Jan. 9, 2018, 25% received "official action indicated" inspection results, driving warning letters and import alerts.

New rules aimed at tightening quality control on medicines that are to be introduced in Russia next year are expected to help prevent low-quality drugs getting to the market. However, they will bring some additional costs for pharmaceutical companies. It is also being suggested they could lead to delays in product launches.

Zhejiang Huahai should have realized its valsartan API was tainted by the probable carcinogen NDMA, FDA says in warning letter, despite earlier statement from agency leadership to the contrary.

Hundreds of foreign firms making OTC drugs marketed in US had not been inspected for GMPs compliance before FDA Safety and Innovation Act pointed agency toward crossing those facilities off its list. Of the foreign OTC facilities inspected between June 2016 and Jan. 9, 2018, 25% received "official action indicated" inspection results, driving warning letters and import alerts.

GSK further narrows consumer health focus with sale to Crown Labs of North American distribution rights for PanOxyl acne wash, Sarna anti-itch lotion, Zeasorb anti-fungal product, Desenex athlete’s foot treatment and Mineral Ice pain-relieving gel. Deals also helps UK pharma pay for its $5.1bn acquisition of oncology drug firm Tesaro.

P&G names Merck KGAA consumer chief Uta Kemmerich-Keil to lead international division of personal health business as it closes on $4.2bn acquisition of German firm's consumer business. Deal closes a month after P&G announced biggest changes to organizational structure in 20 years, including combining personal care and health care into personal health and forming six global units, each headed by a CEO.