Pharmaceutical Commerce - November/December 2011

Plans to continue expanding in Europe, Asia and Americas

‘Pay and chase’ provisions require manufacturers to pay claims first, then reconcile disputes over charges

A ‘media frenzy’ is ramping up in France and other countries over health authorities’ call for remedial action; meanwhile, US Congress looks at increased review of medical devices

Proposed rules are sure to generate intense industry feedback

GPhA proposes a central data clearinghouse on drug supplies; will wholesalers participate?

December 2010 and December 2012 dates for adopting GLN and GTIN codes mark steady, if slow, progress

Offers alternative to thermal blankets

New channel data access could overcome the problem of ‘blinded’ pharmaceutical sales data

Purchase of Pieffe Group, combined with new facility launches, brings UPS capacity nearly to 5 million sq.ft. worldwide; more expected in 2012

Analysis combines financial and operational performance, and industry reputation, among manufacturers, distributors and healthcare systems

Latest study validates an observational database as a measure across disparate geographies

Specialty drug market success requires patient-focused and therapy-specific channel and services strategies

E-commerce hub is soliciting more pharma participants to evaluate data-exchange protocols

PCMA study estimates additional $32 billion in added healthcare costs through 2021; coupons ‘lure consumers to switch from generics to expensive brands’

Supplier of active and passive containers lines up regional providers in Asia, Middle East and South America

Production volumes are actually up for some short-supply drugs, indicating a disconnect between manufacturers and the marketplace. Meanwhile, NCPD fights ‘price gouging’ claim

A combination of regulatory processes and business practices are worsening an already-bad drug shortage situation

Taking a market-by-market approach to maximizing value after loss of exclusivity

Pharma marketers become adept at refining coupon and voucher programs, while technology options multiply. Meanwhile payer criticism mounts

New HDMA 2011-2012 HDMA Factbook finds gradual growth in IT-based collaborations

Specialty distributors, specialty pharmacies and healthcare providers are all competing for a dominant position in drug delivery and reimbursement

Accountable care organizations will seek ‘economic and clinical value’ for pharmaceuticals

Plan to address worsening drug-shortage sitaution has note spurred legislative activity

Congressmen send a letter to TSA seeking an explanation for the delay

ComScore analysis finds CDC.gov highest-ranking site

Tracking at the lot- rather than the item-level could address many security and tracking goals

Company points finger at its specialty pharmacy for unreported deaths, but still gets hit with a Form 483

Tranzone Logistics plans to be hub for Gulf States and African distribution