In 2005, there were seven carriers that had a branded cold chain service. Often the focus was on fresh foods, while healthcare products were hardly mentioned in IATA (International Air Transport Association) perishable cargo regulations. Today, more than 20 carriers have branded cold chain product services, and next year IATA will require the labeling of healthcare shipments.
November 2011 saw some encouraging clinical developments, three drug approvals, two Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), and news that Gilead Sciences is to buy Pharmasset for $11 billion, says the report, from life sciences financial services specialist Burrill & Co.
Between 2006 and 2010, drug shortages increased by more than 200%, according to a Government Accountability Office. Luckily, the White House announced that they will immediately begin requiring some drug manufacturers to report production interruptions to the FDA, in order to prevent shortages from occurring.
The NHS Confederation has joined forces with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) and the Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI) to help the NHS move innovation forward.
There are now 700 targeted oncology drugs in the global clinical trial pipeline, many with companion diagnostics to guide patient selection. But, over the last six months, the average monthly cost of each of eight cancer drugs approved in the US was over $10,000.
Bali, Indonesia is taking steps to improve its animal cold chain and vaccine management. A yearlong report discovered poor vaccine logistics and management including unsuitable refrigerators, incorrect storage, and arrangement, use of solid ice cubes which can lead to accidental freezing when transporting, etc.