Here are few brief news related to healthcare & pharmaceutical scenes for your update.
? More Singapore Pharmacists Logged In with CPE Points as QP Draws Near
With the Qualifying Period for pharmacist’s annual certificate draws to an end by 31-Aug-08, some 93% of all registered pharmacists in Singapore have logged in points. A breakdown of points logged in as released by Singapore Pharmacy Board as follows:
Pharmacists who require some help to obtain more CPE points can obtain free email alert from SPB for any free public lectures which enable them obtain CPE points. Please contact MOH?SPB@gov.sg for more information.
PSS will also be assisting in organizing more CPE events leading to the end of the Qualifying Period by next month. Kindly get in touch with our secretariat for feedback and information.
? Daiichi Sankyo to Acquire Ranbaxy
In surprise move, Japan’s 3rd largest drug company has forked out some US$3.4 to 4.6 billion to acquire the controlling stake of Indian generic maker, Ranbaxy. This moved will elevate Daiichi Sankyo to become the 15th largest drug company in the world; and enabled rapid access to the Indian generic market. The move is seen as an effort by the Japanese firm to leverage on the low cost base for generic drug and at the same time access Ranbaxy’s significant market penetration in the US generic market where Ranbaxy derived more than US$400 million in sales. Daiichi will finance the purchase through a mix of cash and debt.
? Breathe Better While & Save the Earth
Finally, CFC-propelled salbutamol (albuterol-USAN) inhalers will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2008.
In accordance with an FDA Final Rule and under the authority of the Clean Air Act of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, no CFC-propelled albuterol inhalers can be produced, marketed, or sold in the United States after Dec. 31, 2008. Manufacturers have been increasing production of HFA-propelled inhalers so that sufficient supplies exist to replace the CFC-containing inhalers. From the world with lots of UV rays, it is a relief after so many years of CFC!
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