Futura recorded its first notable revenues last year, generated by the launch of its Eroxon erectile dysfunction gel in the UK and Europe, marking the company's transition from an R&D startup to a consumer healthcare player in its own right. To mark the occasion, CEO James Barder outlines a new strategy, with a focus on innovation in sexual wellness, further global partnerships and sustained profitability. 

“FDA is seeking to encourage competition for new drugs by proposing to amend the Hatch-Waxman 3-year exclusivity provisions to ensure that this exclusivity is limited to situations where the new drug applicant is actually seeking such exclusivity,” according to legislative proposals document.

Healthcare conglomerates that divorce consumer, animal health and even generics businesses from their pure-play branded pharmaceutical groups could leave a less diversified and riskier sector in uncertain times. But the advantages are apparent.

Private Company Edition: Three consecutive $100m-plus venture capital rounds include Obsidian’s series C, a $132m series B round for Alterome and Diagonal’s $128m launch. Also, The Medicines Company’s Clive Meanwell reportedly is heading up a well-founded obesity start-up.