18-Jun-15 Merck's Russian expansion drive remains unaltered, its top executives say, despite a looming recession, a state localization drive, and deteriorating relations with the West. Merck is increasing headcount and expects to improve on its EUR150 mn sales of 2014. "It is crucial to capture the niche markets," said Jurgen Konig, head of Merck in Russia. [image: Armin Kübelbeck / Wikicommons]

11-Jun-15 Singapore-based private equity firm Quadria Capital has raised USD304 million for healthcare investments in Asia. Managing partner Abrar Mir told reporters that two-thirds of the fund will be used for investments in Southeast Asia, while the remaining one-third will go to investments in South Asia. [image: Quadria Capital / AsiaOne Business]

27-May-15 China's drug regulator (CFDA) has raised steeply the fees required to register drugs and medical devices in the world's second-biggest pharmaceutical market, as a lack of resources and expertise hinders its ability to process the rising number of applications. The fee for registering a new locally-made drug will soar to RMB624,000 (USD101,000) compared with just RMB35,000 in 2013. [image: Pharma Logic Solutions].

18-May-15 State-backed pharmaceutical group Shanghai Pharmaceutical Holding has teamed up with e-commerce company JD.com to further tap China's booming online drug sales market. Shanghai Pharma will operate JD's online prescription drug sales platform under an exclusive agreement, and share drug-sales related data and resources. [image: Reuters]

16-May-15 The Thai government is looking at reining in skyrocketing healthcare costs at private hospitals by controlling the price of medicines and hospital services. Private hospitals will also be required to post the price of drugs and services on their websites and other channels so patients are informed in advance before commencing treatment. [image: The Nation]