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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Accentia: uncertain role for SinuNase

Accentia believes that it has evidence to support a theory that most, if not all, cases of chronic sinusitis are caused by fungal-induced inflammation. Preliminary analysis of samples taken as part of a Phase III trial for one of the company's developmental compounds suggest a link, but the role of the drug in disease management is less clear.

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Accenture/BioQ: promising alliance announced

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Acergy and Subsea 7: deal signals a new reality in the oil and gas market

The planned merger between Acergy and Subsea 7, like the similar deal agreed by Schlumberger and Smith International earlier this year, illustrates the new environment in the oil and gas services market. With firms looking to become stronger so that they can overcome costs and complexity challenges, consolidation is likely to emerge as a popular strategy.

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Acomplia's EU suspension dispels illusion of blockbuster future

The EMEA has suspended Acomplia due to the risk of serious psychiatric disorders. The anti-obesity agent had been promised a sure success by numerous analysts, as it addressed indications beyond obesity. However, Acomplia failed to win approval in the US, and just two years after the EU approval its sales have been completely halted, leaving the potentially vast anti-obesity market bare again.

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Acorda/Biogen Idec: pricing will determine success of symptomatic MS therapy

The FDA has approved Acorda's Ampyra for the symptomatic treatment of multiple sclerosis, making it the first therapeutic option approved to address walking impairments experienced by patients with the disease. However, despite favorable efficacy data, prescriptions are likely to be limited by price concerns and the risk of seizures.

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ACR 2009: Benlysta outshines disappointing rheumatoid arthritis data

Datamonitor recently attended this year's American College of Rheumatology Annual Conference in Philadelphia. No ground-breaking data for rheumatoid arthritis therapies were presented; instead, systemic lupus erythematosus stole the limelight. Human Genome Sciences' Benlysta in particular generated a stir, being the first drug in this indication to generate positive data at Phase III.

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ACSI: consumer satisfaction takes a hit

The latest results of the American Customer Satisfaction Index reveal that consumers have grown less satisfied with food companies over the last year. This is the first time a decline has occurred since 2007. It has been attributed to rising food prices, as well as a "slippage" in quality. Manufacturers should take heed that consumers are clearly becoming more demanding following the recession.

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Actelion/GlaxoSmithKline: future of innovative orexin drug class in doubt

Actelion and GlaxoSmithKline have discontinued development of their Phase III insomnia candidate, almorexant, following a review of clinical data. The drug, an orexin receptor antagonist, had been widely regarded by leading sleep disorder specialists as an innovative and promising insomnia treatment. Termination of the drug's development casts doubt over the future of the drug class.

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Actelion: FDA endorses first drug

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