Transdermal drug delivery has come a long way since the first patch for seasickness. In a drug delivery device industry on track to reach almost $23 billion by the year 2011 (according to "US Markets for Drug and Fluid Delivery Devices," published in October 2007 by Windhover Information's Medtech Insight division) the transdermal sector will grow at a faster rate than injection or inhalation drug delivery systems. Transdermal delivery technologies will grow at a compound annual rate of more than 11% over the next four years, building up to sales of $3.5 billion in the year 2011.

FDA requests immediate removal of ranitidine OTC and Rx drugs after third-party testing finds contaminant NDMA increases during storage, especially at higher temperatures. CDER Director Janet Woodcock asks firms to reformulate products to be stable as the ingredient remains approved.

Takeda appoints new country head for India and aims to improve patient access to innovative medicines in the largely out-of-pocket market.