Wyeth Claims $960M from Sun Pharma In Protonix Case

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc is seeking $960 million in damages from Sun Pharmaceutical Industries for alleged patent infringement in launching a generic version of Protonix ( Pantoprazole) in the United States., The original patent relating to Protonix, is held by Nycomed and was licensed to Wyeth, which is now owned by Pfizer. Sun launched its generic version of Protonix tablets in January 2008 after Teva Pharmaceutical Industries and its US subsidiary began selling the drug in December 2007.

Watson buys Stride's Australia Business

Watson Pharmaceuticals expanded its reach in the Asia-Pacific with a deal to buy Strides Arcolab's Australia-based generics business,( Ascent Pharmahealth) . The buyout not only gives Watson a major presence in Australia, where it becomes the fifth-largest  generic drugmaker, but it also  a  No. 1  position in Singapore.

Statin use linked to more diabetes in women: US study

Cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins may be linked to an increased risk of diabetes in middle-aged and older women, according to a US study. A six- to seven-year study shown nearly 50 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes than those not taking statins.

Previous studies, mostly in men, have suggested a smaller 10 to 12 per cent increase in diabetes among statin users.

The conclusion still stands that overall, those people who've got existing heart disease or have had previous strokes, they still would get vast benefit from statins.