Anyone for Doughnut Holes?

Published by Erik Greb on July 28, 2008 under Manufacturing, R&D, Regulation

Erik Greb PharmTech editorIs the government doing enough to help us buy drugs at reasonable prices?

Last week, the US House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform released a report asserting that taxpayers pay as much as 30% more for prescriptions under Medicare Part D than under other government programs such as Medicaid. Medicare Part D is a privately administered program designed to help the elderly and disabled afford prescription drugs. When it was enacted in January 2006, drug companies were not required to provide discounts. Read more »

Will a Marketing Integrity Code Maintain Trust?

Published by Maribel Rios on July 15, 2008 under Biotech, Products, R&D

Maribel Rios PharmTech editorRegardless of how much I may agree with the general objectives of a professional organization, there are times when I just have to question the effectiveness of its tactics. Last week, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America revised its PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals. The document is an updated list of the original 2002 edition describing what constitutes as the “highest ethical standards” for pharmaceutical marketing professionals when communicating with healthcare providers. Read more »

Sunshine on My (Doctor’s) Shoulder

Published by Erik Greb on July 14, 2008 under Manufacturing, Regulation, Trends

Erik Greb PharmTech editorSuccess can be a mixed blessing, as the pharmaceutical industry well knows. Drug companies have prospered by developing and marketing new medicines that improve patients’ lives. But the industry’s impressive profits also bring public scrutiny and criticism. Sometimes the criticism is warranted, sometimes it’s unwarranted. Read more »

What if You Had a Clinical Trial and Nobody Came?

Published by Maribel Rios on May 13, 2008 under R&D, Trends

Maribel rios PharmTech editorThe path to getting a pediatric drug through clinical trials just got tougher. According to a new report by the University of Michigan’s C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, many parents are unwilling to allow their children to participate in medical research, mainly because they fear their children will be harmed or feel their children are being used as “guinea pigs” for new medication. Read more »

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