Bayer Cipro market exclusivity extended until June 9 after FDA grants six-month pediatric extension Dec. 18. Pediatric approval is based on 689-patient Cipro comparative trial; five-year, 1,029-patient observational study; and pharmacokinetic analysis. Although Bayer's patent expired Dec. 9, the product was protected by a 90-day review grace period following the Sept. 24 submission of the exclusivity application. Barr will continue to market its "authorized" ciprofloxacin generic through the pediatric exclusivity period (1"The Pink Sheet" Sept. 29, 2003, In Brief)...

AstraZeneca is marketing its own generic version of Nolvadex (tamoxifen) to protect the company from claims that it is exploiting cancer patients in the final months of exclusivity for the drug

HBW editors Tom Gallen and David Ridley discuss the big issues in the European consumer health market from the past week. In this edition, they delve into probiotics, digital health and Bayer’s recent turnaround.