Pharmaceutical major AstraZeneca has will outsource production of its bestselling medicines to China low-cost manufacturers.
In a bid to slash $900 million by 2010 the group has started purchasing Lactam, one of the important chemical ingredients used to make Seroquel, AstraZeneca's top selling schizophrenia drug, from contract manufacturers in China.
AstraZeneca's top selling drug is Nexium, sold $5.2 billion in last fiscal and second best Seroquel garnered $3.4 billion. A strategic decision has been taken to outsource key manufacturing activities to planned phases to countries like China. The management wants to focus on drug development and marketing.
Manufacturing operations in the UK, Germany and Sweden are likely to be affected, although the shift could prove controversial because of recent concerns over Chinese saftey standards, the paper said.
A company spokesperson said the outsourcing is in its 'start-up phase', with submissions to regulatory agencies still to come.
My name is Jon Star and i would like to show you my personal experience with Nexium.
I am 34 years old. Great medicine. I only hope that I don't become dependant on it. But as my esphogus heals then maybe I'll be able to take an OTC PPI if my symtoms re-occur and I catch them ASAP! Can't wait for a generic. BLUE CROSS of MA won't pay for Nexium unless I start on generic Prilosec, then Protonix, then if both of those failed, they would pay for Nexium. I hate BLUE CROSS! My Dr. was great in giving me 7 weeks of samples when he heard this and Aztra-Zeneca gave me a 7-day coupon I re-deemed at my local pharmacy(with a written 7-day script from my Dr.)
No major side effect. Sometimes a feeling of indigestion/bloated, possibly due to low or no stomach acid as a result of a PPI. So, I am sure to chew my food well and not to eat large portions. I have introduced foods/drinks back into my diet, that before taking Nexium would otherwise bring-on reflux symtoms. Fruit juices and citric acid containing drinks still are bothersome. But, I've eaten Pizza, and am able to drink coffee/tea, both decaf(not to excess though.) A little at a time. I do not drink any alcohol! I still limit any food intake 3 hours before bedtime and try to sleep on my left side. Nexium has given me the greatest relief as compared to all OTC H2 and OTC PPI's. I'm on week 5 of an 8 week treatment.
I hope this information will be useful to others,
Jon Star
Posted by: Nexium Prescription Medication | November 22, 2008 8:15 AM | Permalink to Comment