UCB: Vimpat's efficacy in epilepsy confirmed, but other indications offer more commercial potential

New pooled data confirm Vimpat's efficacy in the adjunctive treatment of uncontrolled partial-onset seizures in adults. The drug represents a new treatment option for patients with uncontrolled epilepsy, but its inferior efficacy to Keppra is expected to limit its uptake. Nevertheless, future indication expansions in migraine and fibromyalgia may expand Vimpat's commercial potential.

Published By Datamonitor

Tuberculosis: new opportunities in an old market

The tuberculosis market is historically one of low value and limited growth. Consequently, the commercial incentive to develop or market drugs has been restricted and the product pipeline has dried up. However, a recent resurgence in key European markets and the continued health problems that the disease poses in poorer geographical regions has sparked renewed commercial interest.

Published By Datamonitor

Tuberculosis: governments need to take action

If a TB epidemic were to occur, the impact could far outweigh the risks more publicized infections such as HIV and meningitis. The current treatments could leave many patients uncured, and there is little in the pipeline to replace them. Governments should consider subsidizing research into more effective drugs, or risk facing the consequences.

Published By Datamonitor

Tuberculosis strikes back

During the 1990s tuberculosis was responsible for 30 million deaths. Yet no new classes of tuberculosis products have appeared since 1966 and the bacterium is building a resistance to what drugs there are. The fear is someday soon the world could fall victim to a tuberculosis epidemic. While this has prompted renewed interest in tuberculosis, is it in companies' interests to invest in the market?

Published By Datamonitor

Trinity: hoping to boost investor confidence with NDA

Published By Datamonitor

Thoratec: FDA recommends further HeartMate approval

HeartMate is currently approved as a bridge therapy for patients awaiting heart transplant. If Thoratec also gains approval for patients ineligible for transplant, it will substantially expand the potential patient population. However, the technology costs of such treatment would be prohibitive; many insurers are unlikely to fund it.

Published By Datamonitor

The pressure mounts in the anti-hypertensive market

Published By Datamonitor

The Baycol river runs deep

In the wake of Bayer's decision to take Baycol off the market, the issue of drug withdrawals has become intensely debated within the pharmaceutical industry. The effects of a product withdrawal go beyond a fall in the company's revenues, affecting the industry as a whole. The ripples sent out from Baycol's withdrawal stretched far and wide. It may have changed the industry forever...<BR /><BR />

Published By Datamonitor

Texas Biotech: Argatroban brings increased losses

It's all down to Argatroban, the company's first marketed drug. Sales were lower than expected, while costs from phase III trials of the drug for stroke were high. Given the difficulties Argatroban has caused Texas, and the resources it has diverted from other research projects, it's by no means clear that in-licensing the drug was a good idea.

Published By Datamonitor

Tamoxifen: prevention is better than cure

Tamoxifen is already approved as a preventative medicine for breast cancer, but uptake has been slow due to serious potential side effects. A study published in the April 2 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute estimates that of the 65.8 million US women aged between 35 and 79, 2.47 million would benefit from taking tamoxifen, suggesting much room for possible market growth.

Published By Datamonitor