Branded

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Four-in-5 menthol smokers would quit if the Food and Drug Administration banned mentholated cigarettes, according to a survey conducted this month with sponsorship from GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare.

The survey found that smokers of menthol cigarettes — who are disproportionately African-American — feel “twice-addicted” to the menthol and the tobacco, while 74% of them said the menthol made inhalation easier, and 40% said menthol flavoring was the only reason they smoked.

BETHESDA, Md. — Most patients that suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease or persistent heartburn symptoms rarely speak with a healthcare provider about their condition, according to a new study conducted on behalf of the American Gastroenterological Association, in partnership with drug maker Takeda.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla., and DEERFIELD, Ill. — The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has teamed up with drug maker Takeda to develop an online resource that will be reviewed and evaluated by top medical experts.

AACE and Takeda will offer a compendium of existing reliable resources specific to Type 2 diabetes, divided into various categories (e.g., management, lifestyle and tools) and reviewed by experts to help healthcare professionals guide their patients and caregivers as they attempt to cut through the clutter of the many resources available.

FRAZER, Pa. — Cephalon plans to acquire a privately owned company developing treatments for cancer, Cephalon said Monday.

The Frazer, Pa.-based drug maker said it would pay $225 million upfront for Malvern, Pa.-based Gemin X, and Gemin X stockholders would be eligible to receive up to $300 million in milestone payments related to products under development.

Gemin X specializes in cancer treatments that target and kill cancer cells. Its lead product is GX15-070 (obatoclax), currently in phase-2b clinical development as a treatment for small cell lung cancer.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario — J. Michael Pearson has been appointed to chairman of the board at Valeant Pharmaceuticals, the drug maker said Tuesday.

Pearson, who is Valeant's CEO, will extend his contract with Valeant through February 2017, the company said.

Pearson replaces current chairman Robert Ingram, who remains on the board as an independent board director and lead director.

SAN FRANCISCO — Less than 20% of surveyed patients with nasal allergies find their symptoms are completely controlled over a one-week period of treatment, according to a survey performed by drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries.

NEW YORK — Generic drug maker Mylan is suing the Food and Drug Administration in an effort to prevent Gurgaon, India-based competitor Ranbaxy Labs from launching its generic version of Pfizer’s cholesterol medication Lipitor, according to published reports.

LONDON — With respect to the Type 2 diabetes drug Avandia, British drug maker GlaxoSmithKline has another medical study to worry about.