VICTORIA - Health officials in B.C. are working to deal with a shortage of drugs, including the pain killer morphine, that's the result of problems at a Quebec pharmaceutical company. Sandoz Canada has been forced to reduce production at its site in Boucherville after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration raised safety and reliability issues at the facility. An agency of the B.C. Health Ministry called Health Shared Services BC says it's working with regional health authorities to deal with the problem. The agency says that includes monitoring all current supplies of Sandoz products, co-ordinating their distribution, finding alternative products and working on the issue with the B.C. Medical Association, pharmacists and Health Canada. Most of the products are injectable drugs like morphine used in hospitals, as well as a few topical eye products, and hospital patients will be most affected. The government says patients should not be concerned but if they have any questions, they should call their doctor. View original post here: B.C. deals with shortage of drugs, including morphine, from Quebec facility … Continue reading →

LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The end of 2011 saw the US approval of two new molecularly-targeted cancer drugs, alongside companion diagnostic tests that identify the patients most likely to benefit from treatment. Pfizer's Xalkori (crizotinib) and Roche's Zelboraf (vemurafenib) were both approved following a priority review, highlighting the importance that the FDA has placed on hastening the passage of these therapies to market. With sales of many blockbuster drugs being cannibalised by generic competitors, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies are populating their pipelines with candidates directed at novel targets, enhancing development and commercialisation potential. The opportunities for small and medium-sized companies is increasing as the dynamic of the market changes. New market research study "Targeted Cancer Drugs: The Launch Landscape to 2018" prepared by Espicom examines the current market for targeted cancer drugs, with an overview of both products and players. It covers statistics, competitive rankings, timelines and sector share comparisons. Looking ahead, the report identifies 79 new candidates that are currently under a minimum of Phase II development for solid tumours and provides a timeline detailing estimated launch dates to 2018. Report Details: Title: Targeted Cancer Drugs: The Launch Landscape to 2018 Published: February, 2012 Pages: 306 Price: US$ 2,265 http://marketpublishers.com/report/medicine_pharmaceuticals_biotechnology/healthcare_equipment_services/targeted_cancer_drugs_launch_landscape_to_2018.html Report … Continue reading →

27 February 2012 Last updated at 21:29 ET People who choose not to eat animal products may be unaware that common medicines could contain them, a study suggests. Many tablets and liquid medicines use gelatin, derived from animal bones or skin. A survey in the Postgraduate Medical Journal shows a quarter of patients are unknowingly prescribed drugs containing gelatin contrary to their beliefs. The report authors say clearer drug labelling is needed. A spokesman for the ABPI, which represents the pharmaceutical industry in the UK, said that European Union legislation required the disclosure of all ingredients in the leaflet accompanying the drugs. He added: "Patients are able to check if a product contains a material which may cause them concern. If patients are unsure if an ingredient is derived from animals they can seek the advice of their pharmacist or contact the company manufacturing the product. Continue reading the main story “Start Quote Some vegetarians will be shocked to learn about the widespread use of animal ingredients in medicines” End Quote Liz O'Neill The Vegetarian Society "There is a general trend for manufacturers to move away from the use of animal derivatives in medicines but there remain occasions where the … Continue reading →