Wyeth/MedImmune: the end of the road for FluMist venture

Following poor first-year performance, Wyeth [WYE] and MedImmune [MEDI] have announced the dissolution of their FluMist partnership. If MedImmune is to achieve success with this product alone, it may need to rethink its premium pricing strategy.

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Wyeth/MedImmune: second generation vaccine

Wyeth [WYE] and MedImmune's [MEDI] FluMist failed to secure indications for use in key target groups for influenza vaccine in the US. Recently released results suggest that their second generation product may enable the two companies to capitalize on more conventional influenza vaccine sectors.

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Will contraceptive patches challenge the pill?

Although the contraceptive pill has been hugely successful, remembering to take it every day can be a problem. Alternative delivery methods such as implants and injections, meanwhile, have proved unpopular. The contraceptive patch could fill the middle ground, potentially cutting unwanted pregnancies - but will it? Datamonitor women's health analyst Jane Richardson cuts through the hype...

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Vaccines: Intercell buys Iomai

Intercell has acquired Iomai for $189 million, in a deal motivated by the Austrian company's desire to gain ownership of Iomai's traveler's diarrhea vaccine and transdermal delivery technology. With the potential to deliver both vaccine and adjuvant, independently, through Iomai's transdermal patch, Intercell's development of its proprietary adjuvant IC31 may also benefit from the technology.

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US healthcare: antibacterial prescriptions to increase at 0.8% per annum to 2010

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US cholesterol: generics to benefit most from guidelines

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Ulcer drugs: generic launches threaten branded market

Novartis [NVS] has joined Mylan [MYL] and Schwarz [SRZG.F] in offering a generic version of blockbuster ulcer drug Prilosec in the US. The arrival of Novartis may open the floodgates for multiple generics in the ulcer drug market. Yet for companies launching generics before legal issues are settled, the risks are huge.

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The changing face of generics

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Teva: lining up Lilly

Approval of Teva's [TEVA] olanzapine tablets is subject to the US District Court finding Lilly's [LLY] Zyprexa patent invalid. Furthermore, it is likely Teva will have to sit out a 180-day exclusivity period awarded to the first ANDA applicant. However, continued delays in the judge's decision make the outcome increasingly uncertain for Lilly.

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Stem cell research: Europe seizes the advantage

The House of Lords committee was set up to review the ethical implications of allowing human embryonic cloning for research into degenerative diseases. Despite fierce campaigning by 'pro-life' groups, it came out in favor. Particularly after the recent restrictions imposed in the US, a 'reverse brain drain' of investment from the US to Europe could be on the cards.

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