Uninsured RX

New figures show that the UK boom in medicines research could be under threat, according to the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) is calling for global cooperation, political commitment and creative solutions to counter what it describes as the silent epidemic of counterfeit medicines. At an international conference in Rome the body is aiming to put together a global task force to focus on legislation, law enforcement and innovative technology solutions. Dr Howard Zucker, WHO assistant director general for health technology and pharmaceuticals, said: "People don't die from carrying a fake handbag or wearing a fake t-shirt. They can die from taking a counterfeit medicine.

The German chemical and pharmaceutical company Merck KGaA had its profits rise for the final quarter of last year by 34 per cent to 109.5 million euros. The growth was said to be down to increased demand for liquid crystals for computer displays.

Fast tracking new drugs could have a negative effect on patients in the longer term, a senior doctor in Britain has claimed. An article published in the British Medical Journal by consultant neurologist Abhijit Chaudhuri discusses the issues surrounding the fast tracking of new drugs.

GPs are more likely to prescribe headache drugs to middle-aged women than men, a study has claimed. Researchers at King's College London found women aged between 45 and 54 were three times as likely to visit their GP about headaches while men were more likely to be referred to hospital.

Belgian firm Solvay has released its results for 2005 with pharmaceutical sales up 30 per cent to 2.27 billion euros. The company as a whole had profits of 816 million euros for the year.

AstraZeneca has lodged its appeal over losing the patent for hypertension treatment Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate). In January US court ruled that two patents for the extended release tablet were invalid and unenforceable finding in favour of the defendants KV Pharmaceutical, Andrx Corp and Novartis's Eon Labs.

Women can safely have DIY abortions at home, a study has concluded. The pilot study, set up by the Department of Health (DoH), found that women less than nine weeks pregnant could safely have the medical abortion outside of hospital.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has forced Eli Lilly to withdraw an advice leaflet. The leaflet, providing doctors with advice on treatments for mental health, was written on behalf of Diabetes UK and carried the logo of the charity, reports the Financial Times.

Sanofi-Aventis has recalled 30 batches of the anticoagulant Clexane (enoxaparin). The move was made after quality control tests found there was the possibility that there could be an over-concentration of the active ingredient in a limited number of syringes.