Replies to post #177477 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

FDA denies Bayer’s CP to augment aspirin label with a claim for primary prevention of MI/stroke:

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm390539.htm

[DewDiligence]

Bayer acquires MRK’s OTC healthcare business for $14.2B in cash:

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303417104579545331287652724

Bayer's agreement with Merck will give it such brands as the allergy medicine Claritin and Coppertone sunscreen [as well as Dr. Scholl’s foot-care products] to add to its stable of nonprescription products, including Bayer's namesake aspirin and the Aleve pain reliever. Merck and Bayer's combined nonprescription businesses had total sales of $7.4 billion in 2013.

Bayer, based in Leverkusen, Germany, expects the Merck deal to make it the No. 2 over-the-counter drug company by global sales, Bayer chief executive Marijn Dekkers said Tuesday. Ranking No. 1 will be the OTC businesses of Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline, which the companies plan to combine into a joint venture [#msg-100944174] with $10 billion in yearly sales from such products as Excedrin pain medicine and Aquafresh toothpaste.

…Merck and Bayer also agreed to form a collaboration to co-develop and market certain prescription heart drugs, including Bayer's Adempas, a treatment for a form of high blood pressure. Merck will pay Bayer $1 billion upfront, plus potential additional milestone payments of up to $1.2 billion if sales goals are reached.

JNJ’s consumer division is bigger than those mentioned above, but it’s not directly comparable since it includes beauty products such as Neutrogena as well as OTC healthcare products.