tobacco

GlaxoSmithKline Signs $540 Million Deal for Nicotine Vaccine

Erica Westly — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 12:30:21 -0500

Four years ago, the startup Nabi Biopharmaceuticals began testing a promising nicotine vaccine called NicVax with the aid of $4.1 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health. Earlier today, the vaccine received a booster shot: Nabi signed a $540 million licensing deal with pharma giant GlaxoSmithKline and is starting Phase III clinical trials.

Pentagram Rebrands Cigarettes, to Make Deadliness a Virtue

Cliff Kuang — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 11:33:26 -0400

Seven Things to Read Now

Chris Dannen — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:25:09 -0400

Why is Philip Morris Backing Antismoking Bills?

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation giving the FDA authority to regulate the tobacco industry. Just 10 years ago, when Senator John McCain introduced a similar bill, it was scuttled in part by $100 million worth of lobbying on the behalf of tobacco giant Philip Morris. But PM has backed the new bill, which implements tough new restrictions on how cigarettes can be advertised. What gives?

Manufacturing Doubt in Product Defense

David Case — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:45:20 -0500

FC: What exactly do product-defense companies do?

They combine science with public relations to help clients avoid regulation and litigation. I have yet to see a study published by a product-defense firm that conflicts with the needs of the study's sponsors. The intent is to cast doubt on real science. The industry has deep roots in the fight over tobacco.

Who are the major players?