BOSTON (Reuters) - Two drugmakers will pay nearly $125 million to resolve claims they used charities that help cover Medicare patients’ out-of-pocket drug costs as a way to pay kickbacks aimed at encouraging the use of their high-priced medications, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday. FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of Japanese pharmaceutical company Astellas Pharma Inc. is seen in Tokyo July 17, 2009. REUTERS/Stringer The department said Japan-based Astellas Pharma and Amgen Inc, the world’s largest biotech company, were the latest to settle claims stemming from an industry-wide probe of drugmakers’ financial support of patient assistance charities. Astellas will pay $100 million while Amgen will pay $24.75 million, the department said. Neither company admitted wrongdoing. Amgen in a statement said it “does not agree with the government’s view of the relevant facts or that its conduct was inappropriate” but agreed to the settlement … [Read more...] about Drugmakers Astellas, Amgen to pay $125 million in U.S. charity…
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Teva stops testing its migraine drug as cluster headache treatment
(Reuters) - Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd said on Tuesday it would stop developing its migraine drug, Ajovy, for treating cluster headaches after the company found the treatment was unlikely to meet the main goal of a late-stage trial. FILE PHOTO: The logo of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is seen during a news conference hold by its CEO, Kare Schultz, to discuss the company's 2019 outlooks in Tel Aviv, Israel February 19, 2019. REUTERS/Amir Cohen The drug, known generically as fremanezumab, competes with rival treatments from Eli Lilly & Co and Amgen Inc. Lilly in November received the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s “breakthrough” status for its migraine drug Emgality in treating episodic cluster headaches. In a late-stage trial, three out of four patients treated with Lilly’s drug saw at least a 50 percent reduction in weekly cluster headaches. Teva’s decision could be positive for Lilly’s drug in differentiating it from … [Read more...] about Teva stops testing its migraine drug as cluster headache treatment
Becker Vineyards’ annual Lavender Fest set for May 4-5
By Polly Anna Rocha Published 5:34 pm CDT, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 Becker Vineyards will hold its annual Lavender Festival May 4-5. Becker Vineyards will hold its annual Lavender Festival May 4-5. Photo: Becker Vineyards Photo: Becker Vineyards Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 Becker Vineyards will hold its annual Lavender Festival May 4-5. Becker Vineyards will hold its annual Lavender Festival May 4-5. Photo: Becker Vineyards Becker Vineyards’ annual Lavender Fest set for May 4-5 1 / 1 Back to Gallery Becker Vineyards will celebrate all things lavender at its 21st annual Lavender Fest. The fest consists of a series of luncheons, wine tastings and presentations on … [Read more...] about Becker Vineyards’ annual Lavender Fest set for May 4-5
NTSB investigators looking into why plane was flying so slowly and so low before fatal Kerrville crash
By Marina Starleaf Riker Updated 1:27 pm CDT, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 The wreckage of a twin-engine Beechcraft BE58 is seen Monday, April 22, 2019 in an aerial image. All six people on the plane were killed in the crash that occurred about 6 mile northwest of the Kerrville Municipal Airport about 9:00 a.m. Monday. less The wreckage of a twin-engine Beechcraft BE58 is seen Monday, April 22, 2019 in an aerial image. All six people on the plane were killed in the crash that occurred about 6 mile northwest of the Kerrville ... more Photo: William Luther, Staff Photographer Photo: William Luther, Staff Photographer Image 1 of / 28 Caption Close Image 1 of 28 The wreckage of a twin-engine Beechcraft BE58 is seen Monday, April 22, 2019 in an aerial image. All six people on the plane … [Read more...] about NTSB investigators looking into why plane was flying so slowly and so low before fatal Kerrville crash
Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio hosts Southern Charm market
By Polly Anna Rocha Published 5:03 pm CDT, Tuesday, April 23, 2019 “Southern Charm” is the theme of the next event from Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio. “Southern Charm” is the theme of the next event from Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio. Photo: Vintage Market Days Of Greater San Antonio Photo: Vintage Market Days Of Greater San Antonio Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Image 1 of 1 “Southern Charm” is the theme of the next event from Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio. “Southern Charm” is the theme of the next event from Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio. Photo: Vintage Market Days Of Greater San Antonio Vintage Market Days of … [Read more...] about Vintage Market Days of Greater San Antonio hosts Southern Charm market