India seeks new preferential treatment from US on drugs, other goods

In return for opening its dairy markets and slashing tariffs on farm goods as the two sides seek to shore up a new trade deal, three sources said. India accounts for 40% of US generic drug imports, including the anti-malarial hydroxychloroquine, touted by US President Donald Trump in the fight against the coronavirus. To win … Read more

AstraZeneca eyes record pharma merger with Gilead

The UK-based firm informally contacted Gilead last month to gauge its interest in a possible tie-up, the people said, asking not to be identified because the details are private. AstraZeneca didn’t specify terms for any transaction, they said. While Gilead has discussed the idea with advisers, no decisions have been made on how to proceed … Read more

Government lifts curbs on exports of paracetamol APIs

Export curbs were imposed on paracetamol and formulations made from the compound on March 3 by the government to shore up domestic supplies amid the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. On April 17, the government removed the curbs on shipments of formulations made from paracetamol. Now, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has removed … Read more

USFDA accepts Biocon-Mylan drug application for colon cancer

In a positive for Biocon, US drug regulator USFDA has accepted a biologics licence application by biopharmaceutical major and partner Mylan for a proposed biosimilar to treat advanced colon or rectal cancer. The application seeks approval of biosimilar bevacizumab for treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in addition to other ailments. “Once approved, our … Read more

Wockhardt gets nod for antibiotics aimed at AMR

In a first, pharma major Wockhardt has got the nod from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for two new antibiotic medicines, which it plans to launch in the Indian market over the next few months. In the last 15 years, there has been no new antibiotic launch in this category (gram-positive bacterial infections) … Read more