Multiple Sclerosis: the search for a vaccine continues

There are approximately 250,000 to 350,000 diagnosed cases of multiple sclerosis in the US, yet it is estimated that the actual number of Americans with MS may be even higher. As a new approach to the treatment of MS, vaccines have the potential to be both efficacious and cost effective. But can a vaccine be developed as a viable treatment for MS?

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Bayer: seeking Gamunex approval

Bayer has filed for approval for its immune globulin intravenous drug, Gamunex. It's a purer alternative to Bayer's existing Gamimune; its major indication is primary immunodeficiency. For Gamunex to be a major success, Bayer will need to convince healthcare payors that its lower risk of associated infection makes it more cost-effective than its stablemate.

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Novo Nordisk: long-acting insulin to take on Aventis

Novo Nordisk's new insulin analog NN304 should launch in Europe next year, as long as it gains regulatory approval. This will bring it into direct competition with Aventis' Lantus. While that drug has first-to-market advantage, Aventis has yet to market it to the all of the major European markets. The fight for other European markets will be fierce.

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GSK: antidepressant leader under threat

The Chicago court ruling will see Apotex's Paxil generic impact the GSK bi-blockbuster antidepressant from 2005. Moreover, GSK's follow up antidepressant, vilazadone, appears to be struggling to proceed to market, leaving GSK with a wealth of depression expertise but a foreseeable dent in its antidepressant revenue stream.

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Plant vaccines: growing closer to commercial reality

Transgenic plant technologies could lead to a revolution in vaccine production and manufacture. Should plant-based vaccines prove effective in clinical trials, this will drive licensing activity between key vaccine players and companies with relevant intellectual property.

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Bayer: too little, too late?

Bayer's [BAY.F] company structure has been modernized, with its conglomerate model streamlined to allow its four major components the freedom to operate independently and undergo M&A. However, the Healthcare division's portfolio is such that it may have trouble even finding a potential merger partner.

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Merck KGaA: good news finally for Erbitux

Swiss regulators have recommended the approval of Merck KGaA's [MRK.F] Erbitux as a second-line therapy for colorectal cancer. The drug is set to be approved within 30 days and Switzerland will be the first market to approve the drug. Given Erbitux's past difficulties, it is welcome news, not only for Merck, but also for ImClone [IMCL] and BMS [BMY].

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Lilly ICOS: Cialis third to tango

Lilly ICOS' Cialis joins Bayer [BAY.F]/GSK's [GSK.L] Levitra and Pfizer's [PFZ.L] Viagra in the fight against erectile dysfunction after receiving FDA approval earlier this month. Although Cialis offers several advantages over rival products, Lilly ICOS will have to go head-to-head with the leading players. This makes the adoption of effective promotional campaigns vital for success.

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Pfizer: Aromasin patent could dampen its potential

Clinical trial data has shown that post-menopausal women with breast cancer who were treated using Aromasin demonstrated a significantly reduced risk of recurrence and increased disease-free survival than those treated with tamoxifen. With Aromasin's patent up in 2006, Pfizer [PFE] should now concentrate on marketing this product as a second-line treatment.

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HIV/AIDS: US diagnosis 'average' in top seven markets

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