Pharma Roundup: Roche and Novartis CEO Predictions, ImClone Cuts, and More

Roche CEO sees trouble ahead -- CEO Severin Schwan does not paint a rosy picture for his industry. "Those who fail to bring sufficient innovation will be squeezed out of this market. No one is immune to this failure. That applies equally to small companies and big companies," he told the Wall Street Journal. [Source: WSJ Health Blog]

Novartis CEO in no hurry to leave -- CEO Dan Vasella claims that his work is fulfilling and that he has little interest in resigning his post. "I see many reasons to go but I see even more reasons to continue. It is a very rewarding job," he told Forbes. [Source: Forbes, via Corey Nahman]

ImClone cuts 30 of 70 reps -- Lilly has wasted no time in trimming down operations at its ever-newsworthy recent acquisition. An ImClone spokesperson claims that the company successfully marketed the popular cancer drug Erbitux with a similarly-sized staff in 2007. The announcement comes at a time when sales forces across the industry are shrinking dramatically. [Source: Pharmalot]

Allergan drug recommended for eyelash lengthening indication-- Allergan has filed an application to market a formulation of glaucoma treatment bimatoprost as Latisse, an eyelash lengthener. An FDA advisory panel has recommended that regulators approve the application. [Source: Reuters, via Corey Nahman]