Speedel/Novartis: Rasilez and the renin revolution

Novartis stands on the brink of launching the first innovative treatment for hypertension in over a decade, in the form of Rasilez (aliskiren), thanks to the efforts of the drug's development partner, Speedel. This vindicates the risk Speedel took back in 1998 when it set out to build a business based on big pharma cast-offs, something many believed was doomed to fail.

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Speedel/Novartis: hypertension hype or hope?

Speedel and Novartis' Rasilez, the first, orally available direct renin inhibitor, has demonstrated in a phase III trial that it is a safe addition to the current antihypertensive armamentarium. The results clearly show that the novel agent is a viable treatment option, but whether this clinical success can translate into commercial potential remains to be seen, as further hurdles await.

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Serono: the future is bright with Rebif

The regulator's decision to break the orphan drug status of Biogen's Avonex and allow Rebif's US sale is a massive boost to Serono's growth prospects. The resulting extra revenues should allow Serono to increase its comparatively weak pipeline through in-licensing deals - and also by going on the acquisition trail.

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Serono: Parkinson's drug deal will fit with Merck merger

The addition of safinamide to Serono's late stage R&D pipeline will fill the gap left by Merck KGaA's halted Parkinson's disease (PD) product, sarizotan, when the two companies merge to form Merck-Serono Biopharmaceuticals. However, the drug is not expected to have a large impact on the PD market and thus will not be a key growth driver for the company.

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Serono: buying not selling

After failing to receive suitably attractive offers, Serono's controlling shareholder has ended discussions concerning a sale of the company, opting instead to focus on growth via acquisitions. Although this shift in strategy has startled investors, it could prove a good move in the long term, if it can sufficiently strengthen Serono's relatively weak pipeline.

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Savory snacks: Swiss potato chips market set for growth

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Sarasin: results remain inextricably linked to equities

Basle based Sarasin's core private banking division saw limited H1 growth, reflecting a trend for reduced performance in private banking after the upsurge in the second half of 2003. These results show that while alternative investments and cash accounts are playing an increasing role in the private client market, results remain tied closely to the performance of equity markets.

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SAP: coming good in core banking

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Roche: Xelox to challenge FOLFOX in colorectal cancer

A phase III trial of Roche's Xelox regimen in colorectal cancer has proven successful, with the study finding Xelox to be as effective as FOLFOX, the current standard first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal tumors. However, numerous challenges still face Roche if the regimen is to make a significant impact upon the colorectal tumor market.

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Roche: XELOX regimen may offer advantages over FOLFOX-4

Preliminary results show the combination of Xeloda plus Eloxatin, known as XELOX, to be equivalent to standard FOLFOX-4 chemotherapy treatment in terms of overall survival in first-line metastatic colorectal cancer patients. Given its dosing convenience advantage, XELOX has the potential to be a first-line treatment, provided it can be demonstrated as cost-effective.

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