Pharmaceutical Technology Editors

FDA Thanks Healthcare Workers For H1N1 Response; And More.

Could flexible manufacturing change the standards for biopharmaceutical production? To find out, Equipment and Processing Report talked to James Robinson, vice-president of technical and quality operations at biotechnology company Novavax (Rockville, MD).

The authors sought to improve the productivity of protein synthesis by using a highly active cell-free extract from Escherichia coli and by optimizing buffer conditions and shaking conditions.

On Jan. 4, 2010, Novartis (Basel) and Nestlé began completing their 2008 agreement, under which Novartis will acquire Nestlé's remaining 52% stake in eye-care company Alcon (Hünenberg, Switzerland).

Bioject Medical Technologies establishes alliance with MPI Research; Biogen Idec CEO to retire; And More.

This study used biological indicators containing Geobacillus stearothermophilus spores and a new technology to continuously monitor incubated BIs and record nonsterile results.

The authors describe the implementation of an on-line particle-size analyzer on an active pharmaceutical ingredient milling operation at a commercial site.

BioNanomatrix (Philadelphia) names Edward Erickson president and CEO; and More.

Merck & Co. Acquires Avecia Biologics; Ambrilia Biopharma Closes Manufacturing Facility; And More.

The European Public Health Alliance published its comments about the Falsified Medicines Directive currently under debate by the European Parliament and Council.

Also, Abbott to acquire Starlims Technologies; GSK Biologicals to form alliance with Intercell.

PharmTech's monthly newsletter, Equipment & Processing Report, reviews the Editor's Picks for the December 2009 edition from Sepha and AdvantaPure.

Company and People Notes: Also, Pfizer and Protalix enter agreement; Watson acquires Arrow Group; and more.

The US Congressional Budget Office released a report that analyzes the pharmaceutical industry?s advertising strategies.

The US Pharmacopeial Convention posted a proposed revised standard for what should and should not appear on the ferrules and cap overseals of medication vials.

Also, Merck & Co. extends collaboration with Idera Pharmaceuticals; Pfizer establishes R&D center in China; more...

Also, new European Generic medicines Association president begins term.

Readers can learn about the importance of measuring and controlling water activity in a comprehensive new book.

The authors describe the development and organization of the Product Quality Research Institute and highlight some of the important projects conducted by its Working Groups.

Company and People Notes: Merck KGaA to build R&D hub in Beijing; Depomed appoints VP of operations; more...

The European Medicines Agency confirmed the safety and efficacy of Focetria and Pandermix, and noted that data on Celvapan are still being analyzed.

Last week, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK, London) agreed to donate 50 million doses of its adjuvanted pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccine to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Around half of all multiple sclerosis (MS) patients that are eligible for treatment do not receive it and one in five of those patients that do begin therapy, delay doing so because of fear and anxiety over the treatment process, and not fear and anxiety about the disease.

FDA has approved a fifth influenza A (H1N1) vaccine, manufactured by ID Biomedical.

Company and People Notes: Genzyme provides updates on enzyme replacement products and FDA complete response letter; Watson appoints VP of global operations; more...

Pigging is a sustainable strategy that can aid in cleaning and product recovery and improve a manufacturing line's efficiency and throughput.

Recent advances in microreactor technology are improving the application and scale at which the technology can be applied.

PharmTech's monthly newsletter, Equipment & Processing Report, reviews the Editor's Picks for the November 2009 edition from Enercon and Schreiner.

Company and People Notes: 3M forms agreement with VaxInnate; TRIN Pharma appoints CEO; More...

On Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) expressed its disappointment with the US House of Representatives's healthcare-reform bill.