Bristol Myers Squibb announced that it invested $400 million to build a sterile drug product (SDP) facility in Dublin, Ireland. This Cruiserath facility will support the manufacturing and supply of existing medicines and serve as a launch excellence facility for pipeline assets. It marks the first European SDP facility for biologics manufacturing at Bristol Myers…
AbbVie president and COO to move into corner office
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) recently announced that its board of directors has decided to promote the company’s president and COO Robert A. Michael into the corner office. Michael will succeed Richard A. Gonzalez, who is retiring as CEO on July 1. Gonzalez will stay as executive chair of AbbVie’s board. “On behalf of AbbVie’s board, I…
Takeda wins approval for eosinophilic esophagitis drug Eohilia
Takeda announced this week that it received FDA approval for its Eohilia (budesonide oral suspension) therapy. This makes Eohilia the first and only FDA-approved oral therapy for people 11 years and older with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Takeda plans to offer it in 2 mg/10 mL convenient, single-dose stick packs by the end of February. Eohilia, a…
Catalent cuts 300 jobs ahead of acquisition by Novo Holdings
Catalent said this week that it reduced its headcount by approximately 300 employees as part of a restructuring effort. The company confirmed the workforce reduction in its 10-Q quarterly report, filed on Feb. 14. This also coincides with preparations for an acquisition as Novo Holdings agreed to buy the leading pharmaceutical CDMO for $16.5 billion…
Sanofi offers a year of salary to employees facing cancer, critical illnesses
French pharma giant Sanofi launched a new global program aimed at providing financial, social and emotional assistance to employees diagnosed with cancer or other critical illnesses. Dubbed “Cancer & Work: Acting Together,” the program guarantees continued salary and benefits for up to one year for affected staff regardless of role or location. It also incorporates…
A guide to implementing operational excellence in drug development
When it comes to drug development and manufacturing, operational excellence (OpEx) is critical for success at all levels. It can help establish a culture of continuous improvement and innovation while supporting data quality, compliance, customer satisfaction, and more. It can even impact external perceptions of the company and confidence in the strength of the business.…
Lantheus announces a new CEO
Radiopharmaceutical-focused Lantheus Holdings (NASDAQ: LNTH) announced today that current board chair and industry veteran Brian Markison will become the company’s CEO, effective March 1. Markison succeeds Mary Anne Heino, who is retiring from Lantheus’ corner office after leading the company for nine years. Heino will serve as board chair after March 1. Board member Julie…
Bayer plans significant job cuts as it restructures
Bayer recently announced that it is embarking on a comprehensive restructuring plan with significant staff reductions. The Germany-based pharma giant’s management aims to enhance operational performance through a new model called “Dynamic Shared Ownership” (DSO). This strategic change aims to reduce hierarchies, eliminate bureaucracy, streamline structures, and accelerate decision-making processes. The new model, however, will…
Bora Pharmaceuticals is buying generics maker Upsher-Smith
Bora Pharmaceuticals announced that its board approved the acquisition of Upsher-Smith Laboratories for up to $210 million. Minnesota-based Upsher-Smith features a diversified portfolio of 48 generic products. It has manufacturing facilities in Plymouth and Maple Grove, Minnesota. Taipei, Taiwan-based Bora called the company a reliable partner with solid manufacturing capabilities, a robust distribution network and…
AbbVie launches Produodopa in the EU to treat Parkinson’s
AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) recently announced the launch of its Parkinson’s disease drug Produodopa (foslevodopa/foscarbidopa) in the European Union. Produodopa is for the treatment of advanced Parkinson’s disease with severe motor fluctuations and hyperkinesia (excessive movement) or dyskinesia (involuntary movement). It’s indicated for use when combinations of Parkinson’s medicinal products have not given satisfactory results. North…