FDA panel backs new epilepsy drug from GSK, Valeant

GlaxoSmithKline and Valeant got a solid endorsement for their new epilepsy drug Potiga (ezogabine) from the FDA's panel of experts, putting them on track to a likely approval. The experts unanimously agreed that the drug would benefit epilepsy patients whose meds couldn't stop seizures. And they agreed that careful monitoring would flag patients who experience an inability to urinate while taking the drug. Two of the experts abstained on the main safety issue, which is typically reversible once...

FDA staffers weighs risks, rewards of new epilepsy drug

Staffers at the FDA have red-flagged their concern about cases of urinary retention tracked in some patients taking Valeant Pharmaceutical's experimental new epilepsy medicine Potiga (ezogabine), which comes before an advisory panel on Wednesday. But the staff review also noted that the drug appears to be effective and most cases of an inability to urinate were reversible. Valeant is looking for an FDA approval to use the medicine as part of a combinational approach to...

Biovail, Valeant Pharma strike merger deal

Canada's Biovail has struck a deal to merge with Valeant Pharma, with the combined company keeping the Valeant name and the Biovail home town of Mississauga, Ontario. Goldman Sachs and Jefferies are stepping in with $2.8 billion to finance the deal. Valeant, which saw its share price slip on the news, is valued at $3.5 billion while Bloomberg placed Biovail's valuation at $2.3 billion. The merger into Valeant Pharmaceuticals International combines Valeant's fast-growing dermatology pipeline...

Valeant to buy orphan drug developer Aton for $318M

Valeant Pharmaceuticals is continuing an aggressive buying spree, announcing this morning that it has sealed a deal to buy orphan drugmaker Aton Pharma for $318 million. Aton sells as well as develops therapies for orphan diseases and is expected to reap $80 million to $100 million in revenue for this year. "The acquisition of Aton fits into our long-term strategy to pursue diversified opportunities within the pharmaceutical market and offers us another platform for future growth," said J....