Two painkillers add up to one marketing battle

Article Abstract:

Two new drugs that relieve pain for arthritis sufferers will soon compete for the same patients via their doctors. Searle, Monsanto's drug unit, will co-market Celebrex with Pfizer as soon as the FDA approves it early next year. Merck's Vioxx is not expected to gain approval until a few months later, but the drug needs to be taken only once a day as opposed to Celebrex's twice a day dose, thought to be an advantage for Vioxx. The chief benefit from taking either drug, and shown in clinical trials, is that these drugs are much gentler on the stomach lining than currently available analgesics.

Marketing procedures, Pharmaceutical preparations, Licensing/Sales Agreements, Demographics, Antiarthritic Analgesic Preps, Pharmaceutical industry, Marketing, Abstract, Arthritis, G.D. Searle and Co., Antiarthritic agents

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Merk, Astra reach restructuring pact

Article Abstract:

Merck Co. and Sweden's Astra AB are in negotiations to restructure their longstanding joint venture. Sources say Astra will gain control of the venture, and Merck will give up voting rights and management control for royalty payments. Merck received half the U.S. business from Astra years ago in perpetuity. Astra is said to have the right to repurchase the ownership of Merck in 2008. While Merck will retain an ownership position, Astra will look for a merger partner.

Comment:

Restructure joint venture with Merck Co.

Joint ventures, Sweden, Pharmaceutical Preparations, Astra AB, Article

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