Spark gene therapy for blindness could come at steep cost

While no price has been set, Spark's CEO suggested the one-time treatment would be worth more than $1 million per patient. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 8, 2017

Alkermes defends promotion of its opioid dependence drug

In a recent letter, California Senator Kamala Harris demanded the company provide more details on how it promoted the drug to law enforcement agents.

By Jacob Bell • Nov. 8, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Commercialization

New drugs for obesity and Alzheimer’s look set to become blockbusters, reshaping pharma marketing strategies just as many current top-sellers near looming patent cliffs.

By BioPharma Dive staff

Alecensa vs. Xalkori: New approval pits Roche against Pfizer

An expanded label for Roche's Alecensa should help the Swiss pharma wrest control of the first-line market for ALK+ lung cancer away from Pfizer's Xalkori.

By Suzanne Elvidge • Nov. 8, 2017

Regeneron boosted by Eylea strength

The biotech's future growth, however, will increasingly depend on the performance of the newer biologics Dupixent, Praluent and Kevzara.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 8, 2017

Ohio voters knock down drug pricing initiative

About 80% of voters cast ballots against Issue 2, which would have prevented the state from buying prescription drugs at prices higher than what the Department of Veterans Affairs pays.

By Jacob Bell • Nov. 8, 2017

Diabetes drags on Sanofi, even as Dupixent shines

Although strong growth from Sanofi's new immunology drug Dupixent was a bright spot, the French drugmaker's diabetes business continued to struggle.   

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 2, 2017

ICER looks to expand watchdog role with new funding

A nearly $14 million grant will enable the research group to analyze the clinical and cost effectiveness of all new medicines approved in the U.S.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Nov. 1, 2017

MSF inks deals for lower-cost hep C treatments

The organization says it can now buy generic versions of Gilead's Sovaldi and Bristol-Myers' Daklinza for $120 per 12-week treatment course. 

By Jacob Bell • Nov. 1, 2017

Verastem moves closer to US filing for blood cancer drug

Verastem's bet on duvelisib could pay off if the FDA looks favorably on the company's planned application for approval. 

By Suzanne Elvidge • Nov. 1, 2017

The globalization of the pharma industry

From China to Brazil, maturing economies and improving regulatory environments will open up opportunities for an industry on the hunt for new growth.

By Lisa LaMotta • Nov. 1, 2017

Allergan draws up battle plans as Restasis, other drugs face patent expiries

Company CEO Brent Saunders plans to hold back on business development until Restasis' situation becomes clearer. 

By Jacob Bell • Nov. 1, 2017

3 Trends in pharma globalization

As healthcare becomes a global economy, pharma companies face a slew of challenges as they try to commercialize in multiple markets across the globe. 

By Lisa LaMotta • Oct. 30, 2017

Barriers remain for a drug industry ready to blossom in Brazil

A poor patient population, a tricky tax code and turmoil within the government have created obstacles for pharma companies entering the Brazilian market. 

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 30, 2017

Merck sales slip, even as Keytruda gains ground

A cyberattack in June resulted in $135 million in lost sales, compounding the financial hit Merck felt from several products losing market exclusivity. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 27, 2017

Amazon reportedly snaps up wholesale pharmacy licenses

The e-commerce giant has received regulatory approval from 12 states, and analysts have said it's only a matter of time before it dives into the market.

By Daphne Howland • Oct. 27, 2017

Gilead warns hep C sales could fall further

Investors were spooked by comments from Gilead execs that the company's hepatitis C drugs were likely to come under more pressure in the fourth quarter. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 26, 2017

Vertex grows CF franchise as combos move forward

The outlook for Vertex is bright, as positive data from experimental combination treatments could eventually position the biotech to reach 90% of cystic fibrosis patients.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 26, 2017

Sanofi debuts brand campaign to play up role as health partner

Using the new corporate signature "Empowering Life," the French drugmaker seeks to unify its five business around a central message. 

By Suzanne Elvidge • Oct. 25, 2017

With Advair copies looming, GSK keeps focus on new drugs

Recent approvals of Trelegy Ellipta and Shingrix should help bolster the drugmaker's prospects in key areas as it prepares for a generic hit. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 25, 2017

Expanded label opens new market for Alexion's Soliris

The FDA has now approved the blockbuster drug as a treatment for patients with generalized myasthenia gravis, an uncommon neruomuscular disorder.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 24, 2017

Eyes on Alcon as Novartis notches modest growth

Analysts are focused on the possible divestiture of the eye care business, while Novartis' newer drugs help make up for competition to Gleevec. 

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 24, 2017

US Spinraza sales cause concern among Biogen investors

Though the rare disease drug raked in $271 million in the third quarter, stateside revenues and inventory remained stagnant.

By Jacob Bell • Oct. 24, 2017

Biosimilars could save US $150B over next decade

A recent report suggests using biosimilars over branded biologics could boost access — a trend the FDA hopes to encourage by educating stakeholders on the copycat drugs.

By Suzanne Elvidge • Oct. 24, 2017

Merck slashes sales staff in cost-cutting exercise

In a therapeutic shift, the big pharma is cutting 1,800 sales staff by eliminating three sales teams, but is creating a new salesforce of over 900.

By Suzanne Elvidge • Oct. 23, 2017

Despite increased spending, orphan drugs still small piece of US medicines market

While the number of approved rare disease treatments has surged, the niche products account for a small share of overall expenditure on medicines.

By Ned Pagliarulo • Oct. 18, 2017