pharma companies

The Philadelphia Inquirer examines the state of continued medical education programs after new guidelines had been established limiting pharma companies' spending on the programs. Critics say the programs are used to influence physicians in ways which aren't always healthy. Story

In the latest twist to the drug reimportation story, the Canadian government appears ready to block large bulk shipments of prescription drugs to the US. The legislation is considered by most analysts to be an effort to avoid a possible boycott by angry US pharma companies. Three of Canada's big political parties support the measure, saying its effects will be limited and that it won't effect Internet pharmacies or limit access to drugs. Critics don't see it that way at all.

- see this story from The Washington Post

Pharma companies taking part in the Food and Drug Administration's accelerated approval process for new drugs routinely fail to complete post-marketing studies required by the agency, a Congressional review has found. The review, conducted by Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), looked at studies required under the program between 1993 and October 2004. Markey's staff found 46 of the 91 clinical trials ordered during that period had not yet been completed. Markey is a sponsor of legislation …

Is Crestor dangerous? There have been rumors to that effect for years. Last month, the US Food and Drug Administration said no, arguing that there was no scientific evidence to implicate the drug. A new study by a team at the Tufts New England Medical Center concludes otherwise, however. Researchers compared AstraZeneca's heart drug with three other statins, including Lipitor, Zodor and Pravachol. The team recorded more adverse events for Crestor, a finding which indicates the drug is …

A new survey by Harris Interactive finds public attitudes towards companies in the healthcare sector are improving. Despite their collective problems in recent years, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and managed care providers are all doing a little better than they have in the past. Pharma companies did surprisingly well in the poll, showing an improvement of 17 points over a year ago. Fifty-six percent of respondents say drug companies "do a good job of serving their customers." …