Product News
Roche said its experimental drug to raise “good” HDL cholesterol may have to be given as two tablets each day, a possible disadvantage to a one pill treatment being developed by Pfizer. Roche and Pfizer are developing rival HDL-raising drugs both
companies hope will become the next big thing in preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Amgen has halted clinical trials of its experimental advanced Parkinson’s disease drug GDNF (Glial-celllined-derived neurotrophic factor) after test results showed GDNF was no more effective than placebo and could potentially cause permanent harm.

The FDA said it would approve Discovery Laboratories’ Surfaxin respiratory drug for premature infants after Discovery completes labeling for the drug and brings sterility levels at its production site to standards required by the FDA.

Pfizer said its experimental stomach cancer drug, known as SU11248,proved safe and effective in a Phase III study. The drug, acquired in the 2003 acquisition of Pharmacia, is being developed to treat patients with gastrointestinal tumors.

Mylan Laboratories received final approval from the FDA to market its citalopram hydrobromide tablets,the generic version of Forest Laboratories’ antidepressant blockbuster Celexa, which had sales of roughly $130 million in the most recent quarter.

ICOS and Solvay Pharmaceuticals have partnered to market AndroGel testosterone gel as a replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of testosterone. The agreement covers the U.S. and extends through at least 2006,with a renewal option.

New River Pharmaceuticals will collaborate with Shire to develop and market its experimental attentiondeficit disorder drug. The deal is worth up to $500 million for a successful launch. Shire currently markets Adderall XR for ADHD.

People News
MANUFACTURERS

Voyager Pharmaceuticals named Steve Fiander and Larry Tusick as vice presidents, sales and marketing. Fiander has worked with Voyager since 2001.

Schering-Plough hired Joy Schmitt as director, global product communications and advocacy relations. She was previously at Genta, as director and head of public relations.

Wyeth named James Pohlman vice president, corporate strategic initiatives. Pohlman was previously executive vice president,Wyeth consumer healthcare.

Santarus, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on therapies for gastrointestinal diseases, named Michael Step senior vice president, corporate development, a new position. He was with AmylinPharmaceuticals, as vice president, corporate development.

Healthpoint, Tissue Management, an affiliate of DFB Pharmaceuticals, named Robert Bancroft vice president, marketing. Bancroft was a senior global marketing director on Allergan’s Botox.

AGENCIES
TMX Communications, a digital communications agency, promoted Jeffrey Foster to executive vice president. Foster had been vice president of strategy and planning since 2002.

Grey Healthcare Group named Beverly Beaudoin senior vice president, general manager of Avenue Grey. Beaudoin was director, DTP/DTC for Lowe Bozell McAdams. Steve Corwin was named senior vice president and general manager of acute and specialty care brands at Grey Advertising. He was a principal at DeNova Healthcare Communications.

Sudler & Hennessey promoted Bruno Stucchi to the new position of global creative director. He was the creative director of S&H, Milan.

Corbett Accel Healthcare named Phila Broich executive vice president and chief talent officer. Broich was a consultant for IBM’s business consulting services practice.

SUPPLIERS
InChord’s CHS added Christa Nicholas and Waynne Waterfield to its team. Nicholas was previously at Aradigm Corporation and served as director of marketing. Waterfield rejoins CHS from Cardinal Health-Healthcare Marketing Services,where he was director of business solutions.

Direct marketing age