AAN 2012: Novartis presents new data in an attempt to boost confidence in long-term use of Gilenya

In keeping with American Academy of Neurology meetings of recent years, multiple sclerosis once again dominated proceedings at AAN 2012. Novartis used the platform to present new data from the extension FREEDOMS II trial to support the long-term use of Gilenya, and provided Phase II results for siponimod in relapse remitting multiple sclerosis.

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AAN 2012: research shows value of early disease identification, but caution in treatment is advised

At AAN 2012, Merck Serono presented data from a long-term study showing that early Rebif treatment significantly reduced the clinical progression of multiple sclerosis. However, early intervention should be used cautiously to avoid unnecessary treatment.

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Abbott's flu vaccine business may represent a good deal for acquisitive drug makers

According to media reports, pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories is looking to auction off its influenza vaccine business in a deal that could be worth up to $600m. Abbott's established link to the Russian flu market and its advanced cell-based technology make the business an attractive prospect for would-be buyers, which may include the likes of GlaxoSmithKline and MedImmune.

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Acambis: leading the pack on West Nile fever vaccine

Concern is rising in parts of the US that a West Nile fever outbreak could cause an epidemic worse than that experienced in 2004, due to a wet spring and diminishing immunity in the bird population. The increasing impact of the West Nile Virus since its arrival in the US in 2000 highlights the need for a preventative vaccine, with Acambis [ACM.L] leading the race to bring one to market.

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ADHD: 7,000 fewer UK diagnoses by 2010

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ADHD: NICE ruling for Ritalin, but will it boost sales?

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Allergies: nothing to sneeze at

The continuing rise in the prevalence of allergic diseases, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema, will place considerable strain on the NHS in the UK. Insufficient numbers of allergy specialists and inadequate allergy training in medical schools will severely restrict access to disease modifying treatments like immune therapy.<BR />

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Alzheimer's disease: has NICE finally lived up to its name?

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Alzheimer's disease: physicians do not always practice what NICE preaches

The UK government's drug watchdog NICE has received a lot of publicity recently after publishing guidelines restricting the prescription of certain cognitive enhancers for Alzheimer's disease for reasons of cost. However, a recent survey of 181 neurologists by Datamonitor indicates that the NICE cost-benefit methodology may not reflect how the drug is actually used in the clinical setting.

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Antibacterials: narrow-spectrum strategy could change market

Researchers from the Royal Free Hospital have found that cutting down the use of broad spectrum antimicrobial agents can lead to a reduction in infections caused by Clostridium difficile. A wider adoption of this approach could reduce the market potential for broad spectrum agents significantly.

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