Obama takes aim at the life sciences industry February 27, 2009

Released just today, President Obama’s proposed budget has been called an attack on the life sciences industry. And, it’s not just one line item, but rather a series of proposals that has the industry buzzing.
One proposal calls for the FDA to take strides to allow Americans to “buy safe and effective drugs from other [...]

Al Mann’s next act? February 26, 2009

more about “Al Mann’s next act?“, posted with vodpod
Al Mann is a legend in the medical device industry. Inventor of the rechargeable pacemaker, the insulin pump and the ‘bionic ear’, he has certainly solidified his place on the Mt. Rushmore of the industry. Following his success at Advanced Bionics and Minimed, most in the [...]

Pfizer’s CEO: ‘I wanna be like J&J!’ February 23, 2009

In an ironic sense of timing, Jeffrey Kindler, CEO of Pfizer, was recently quoted relishing the position of some of those on Beaker’s short list of Companies That Really Matter. While the Wyeth deal will reduce Pfizer’s dependence on a single product, Kindler said he is focused on generating growth for multiple smaller businesses [...]

Stem cells back in vogue February 18, 2009

The 4th annual Stem Cell Summit took place Tuesday in New York City with a renewed sense of optimism stemming from the Obama administration. This two minute clip from CNBC’s Mike Huckman is loaded with positive news, including an expected presidential order to lift the ban on federal funding  for embryonic stem cell research within [...]

J&J tops Most Respected list, again February 17, 2009

According to Barron’s, the world’s most respected company is again one of our industry’s own.  Congratulations to Bill Weldon and his team at Johnson & Johnson.
The list, in its fifth year, is based on money manager’s view of the world’s 100-largest corporations.  J&J has now claimed the leading position for the second consecutive year.

Need a distraction? This will blow your mind… February 12, 2009

It’s been an incredibly quiet week across the life sciences industry. Perhaps, we’re all a little burned out by the endless discussions about big corporate mergers, headcount reductions, and the malaise of the economy.  So, this President’s Day weekend, we’ve found a healthy (but relevant) distraction.
Here at Beaker, there are only three individuals in [...]

BIO CEO Investor Conference February 11, 2009

In a CNBC  interview on “Squawk Box” this morning, BIO President and CEO Jim Greenwood said that 50% of publicly-traded biotechnology companies have less than twelve months of operating capital remaining and 25% have less than a six-month supply on hand.  Mr. Greenwood was speaking to open the BIO CEO Investor Conference in New York [...]

Interview (video) with Roche CEO: “Why do you need to own Genentech?” February 9, 2009

Severin Schwann, the CEO of Roche, held an exclusive interview with CNBC last week during which he commented on his path forward in the acquisition of Genentech.
Specifically, Mr. Schwann addressed the talent of the employees at Genentech, its culture, the synergies with Roche and the logic behind a recently reduced tender offer to Genentech shareholders.   [...]

Pfizer PR Chief: “How the hell do we have such a bad reputation?!” February 6, 2009

Earlier this week, Pfizer’s PR Chief, Ray Kerins, was captured ‘foot firmly in mouth’ asking a rhetorical question that’s too good to be true.  While the line is classic (and taken out of context), Mr. Kerins is actually a very sharp, articulate PR executive.
And, we thank him for providing us with [...]

Vasella comments on Roche & Genentech February 3, 2009

Only a handful of life sciences CEO’s trekked overseas for the Global Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Novartis’ CEO, Dan Vasella was tight lipped about the Genentech-Roche deal, as his company is a 33% stakeholder in Roche. However, reacting to Roche’s decision to lower its bid and take the hostile bid to Genentech’s shareholders, [...]