Pharma Roundup: Pfizer and the Rat, Johnson & Johnson in Europe, and More

(MoneyWatch)  Pfizer's gruesome new anti-counterfeit campaign -- In the U.K., Pfizer has rolled out a new TV ad that warns consumers against the dangers of counterfeit drugs. The nauseating image of a man pulling a rat from his mouth intends to educate consumers about the dangerous substances (like rat poison) which lace counterfeits, but counterfeits are more of a problem in the supply chain than with end consumers. The ad's big message is, "Don't buy from shady websites." See the clip here, if you have a strong stomach. [Source: Drug Channels]

Johnson & Johnson get ustekinumab approved in Europe -- The drug treats extreme cases of psoriasis, but it has faced problems getting approved in the U.S. -- the FDA declined to rule on it in December. The product illustrates a recent trend for more lenient approvals in Europe. [Source: WSJ Health Blog]

The patent cliff -- A report from Global Insight says 2009 will send us tumbling over the real patent cliff, with over 100 products losing protection this year, including 13 major sellers. GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer will be hit hardest. [Source: PharmaTimes]

Serious cash problems for biotech industry -- Only 1o percent of U.S. biotech firms are profitable these days, and one third of companies have just enough cash on hand for six months of operations or less. Firms are begging nonprofits to fund their work on pressing diseases. [Source: FierceBiotech]