Look back at pharma news to July 1

By Barbara Obstoj-Cardwell. Editor

Commenting on Pfizer’s planned $350 million investment in a biosimilars plant in China, Reuters noted that global "Big Pharma" is increasingly looking for smart ways to tap China's healthcare market, estimated by consultancy IMS Health to be worth around $185 billion by 2018. From investing in China facilities to acquisitions, licensing deals and joint ventures, the aim is to seek an edge in dealings with domestic regulators and government.

Pharmaceutical executives have long complained about the slow process of getting drugs to market in China, while others have run up against regulatory roadblocks, said Reuters. Pfizer had to close its vaccine business in the country last year after a licence for its top-selling vaccine Prevenar was not renewed.