While some industry trade groups are gunning for distinct, nonproprietary names for biosimilars (mostly providers, brand manufacturers, and patient advocacy groups), and others for common names (mostly biosimilar manufacturers, insurers, pharmacies, and the Federal Trade Commission [FTC]), some are requesting that no decisions be made at all at this stage in the game. Express Scripts, a large pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), submitted a comment to FDA asking that the regulatory agency hold off on naming decisions until it releases formal guidance on interchangeability first.

The agency promotes safer use of drugs and prevention of medication errors through a new webpage and practice guide.

Copley Scientific’s new Vertical Diffusion Cell Test System Model HDT 1000 comprises a compact unit with 10 test stations that enables the precise control of test conditions.

The Safe Chain Track and Trace System automates traceability for supply chain security.

CSafe partners with Lufthansa Cargo in dedicating a fleet of RKN containers to Cool/td-Active service offering.

The goal is to have all of Novo Nordisk’s production plants operating on renewable electricity with zero CO2 emissions by 2020.

Cambridge Consultants engaged in a workshop-style dialogue with a cross section of senior personnel from both Indian and multinational pharma companies to debate whether emerging markets are an opportunity to drive sustainable growth. Conclusions from the workshop are presented in this article.

The portal is an interactive tool that pulls together the innovation landscape, company base, and manufacturing sites for the entire medicines sector in the UK.

Ash Stevens has received FDA’s approval to manufacture Takeda’s multiple myeloma drug, ixazomib, at its facility in Riverview, Michigan.

With the acquisition of Medipac’s tube filling assets for effervescent tablets, Romaco can now offer the complete line configurations for effervescent tablets.

Text from a merger prospectus reveals the termination fee for the proposed Pfizer-Allergan deal would change if any new tax regulations were passed prior to the closing of the transaction.

The Nexera UC Unified Chromatography System from Shimadzu Scientific Instruments was recognized with an R&D100 award.

The proposed merger of Pfizer and Allergan will create a new top drug maker and cut Pfizer’s tax bill with a headquarters move to Ireland.

FDA emphasizes the surveillance aspects of quality metrics to concerned drug manufacturers.

FDA has approved ixazomib, the first approved oral proteasome inhibitor.

The University of Sheffield has appointed Cobra Biologics to advance novel fusion protein technology into Phase 1 clinical trials.

UPS’ 2015 “Pain in the Chain” survey suggests that pharma companies are getting better at product protection, cold chain and regulatory compliance, but need to improve cost control and planning for unexpected events. Lack of transparency and “too many handoffs” remain major challenges.

Expansions at Catalent’s Kansas City, MO, and Madison, WI facilities made in response to industry demand.

Baxter expands capacity for lyophilized cytotoxic oncology therapies at its fill/finish facility in Halle, Germany.

Charles River Laboratories announces the acquisition of Oncotest GmbH.

Dynamic powder testing and measurement of bulk powder properties can complement shear cell testing to identify the causes of poor hopper performance in solid-dosage drug manufacturing.

Experts at the ISPE annual meeting describe best practices, including containment and production in classified spaces.

Robert Califf addresses questions about drug pricing at the Senate hearing to weigh his appointment to be the next commissioner of FDA.

Merck KGaA announces the completion of the acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich, a St. Louis-based life-sciences and technology company.

The increase in spending is said to be due to increased access to and use of medicines in emerging markets and higher prices for branded, specialty medications in developed markets.

Operations at Catalent’s Beinheim, France, softgel facility were suspended following suspected deliberate action to misplace capsules.