News in brief
EuropaBio, the European Association for Bioindustries, has elected the Hungarian Biotechnology Association (HBA) as its 21st and newest member. The decision paves the way for integrating the HBA into the European biotechnology industry's leading forum. 'The major objective of the HBA is to emphasise to Hungarian policymakers the key role biotechnology can play within a knowledge-based economy,' said Dr Laszlo Ãœrge, board member of the Hungarian Biotechnology Association and ceo of ComGenex. 'Our membership in EuropaBio is a recognition of just how far Hungarian biotechnology has progressed in Europe.'
Elan has appointed G. Kelly Martin, a former Merrill Lynch executive, as president and ceo of the company with effect from 3 February. Although Martin has no direct pharmaceutical industry experience, the current ceo Dr Garo Armen, who will remain chairman of Elan, said: 'His exceptional management and business skills, along with his tremendous passion for what our company does, makes him an outstanding choice to lead Elan in its efforts to recover and re-establish itself as a leader in our industry.'
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, a division of GlaxoSmithKline Corporation, has obtained five dermatology products from Elan Pharmaceuticals, which is withdrawing from the dermatology sector. As from the beginning of the year, GSK Consumer Healthcare is marketing Aclovate, Cutivate, Temovate, Oxistat and Emgel. 'These pharmaceutical products are an excellent fit with our otc brands,' said Manfred Scheske, president, GSK Consumer Healthcare North America. According to Elan, the five products generated revenues of US$62m (€58m) in 2001.
UK-based Shire Pharmaceuticals Group has sold its US otc products portfolio, which was acquired as part of the Roberts Pharmaceuticals purchase in 1999, to an associated company of Purdue Pharma for US$72m (€68m).
This business has not been core to Shire's global strategy, and this transaction completes the company's exit from all otc activities to concentrate on r&d combined with in-licensing and a focus on eight key pharmaceutical markets.