AstraZeneca: Exanta shows promise in stroke prevention

Results from the SPORTIF V trial have shown that AstraZeneca's [AZN.L] Exanta (ximelagatran) is non-inferior to warfarin in preventing stroke and systemic embolic events. However, elevated liver enzymes remain a cause for concern, and may leave room in the market for compounds with a better safety profile.

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AstraZeneca: further setbacks ARISE

The failure of cardiovascular treatment AGI-1067 marks the latest in a string of disappointments for AstraZeneca. While its financial investment in the high risk, high reward project has been only limited, sentiment is likely to be hit harder. The loss further pressurizes AstraZeneca to bolster its weak late-stage pipeline.

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AstraZeneca: Iressa inspires

Marking the first commercial success for an angiogenesis inhibitor for the treatment of cancer, the US FDA has approved AstraZeneca's orally administered Iressa, for the third-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. Iressa's approval may now encourage the development of other novel agents, despite the obstacles facing this novel drug class.

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AstraZeneca: more bad publicity for Iressa

With the total death toll of patients using cancer treatment Iressa having reached 124, Japanese authorities have increased the safety measures surrounding the drug's use. It's a major concern for AstraZeneca as it waits for US approval. While the FDA is still expected to approve Iressa, the growing safety concerns could result in reduced off-label use.<BR />

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AstraZeneca: new Crestor worries will delay approval further

Although AstraZeneca's Crestor has received an FDA approvable letter, the agency requires additional safety data for approval. Given the drug's side effects in high-dose formulations, which have led to the withdrawal of the 80mg dose, getting this data will result in continued delays for the beleaguered 'superstatin'.

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AstraZeneca: new data for Exanta

Results of the EXULT B trial were presented at the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology this week. The latest research on AstraZeneca's [AZN.L] ximelagatran is once again positive, and new data will help to allay concerns over liver enzyme levels. Ximelagatran remains on track for blockbuster status.

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AstraZeneca: new software should speed drug discovery

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AstraZeneca: only a short-term setback for Arimidex

Trial results showed a slight advantage for Arimidex over tamoxifen in treating early breast cancer in post-menopausal women. However, ASCO has advised caution in replacing tamoxifen with AstraZeneca's drug. Although this verdict will hold sales back in the short term, there is still huge long-term potential for Arimidex as the preferred breast cancer therapy.

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AstraZeneca: passing the baton to Arimidex

AstraZeneca's Arimidex is associated with a lower risk of endometrial abnormalities than the UK company's older breast cancer drug, tamoxifen. Tamoxifen generics are expected to flood the US market early next year, hitting AstraZeneca's bottom line, but the news should further enhance Arimidex as a worthy successor to tamoxifen.

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AstraZeneca: positive follow-up data from ATAC trial

ASCO is supporting its prior recommendation for the use of AstraZeneca's Arimidex for the treatment of early stage breast cancer following a review of 47-month follow-up trial data. But Nolvadex has been the established choice for so long, it is proving difficult to get all physicians to change their prescribing habits.

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