Valeant/GlaxoSmithKline: side effects may jeopardize Trobalt's prospects

The first-in-class anti-epileptic drug Trobalt has received its first license after gaining European Commission approval as an adjunctive treatment for partial epilepsy. While Trobalt has shown impressive efficacy in a poorly managed patient population, its positioning in the treatment algorithm may be hindered by poor tolerability and a narrow label.

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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.

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The price of a premium product

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Teva: promising oral drug to defend multiple sclerosis franchise against Gilenya

Following encouraging Phase III results, Teva's laquinimod is firmly in line to become the third approved oral treatment in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. However, with the recent launch of the first oral multiple sclerosis therapy, Novartis's Gilenya, Teva will face a serious challenge in keeping hold of its market-leading multiple sclerosis share.

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Teva/Cephalon: acquisition bolsters branded portfolio

On May 2, 2011, Teva announced that it was to acquire US-based Cephalon for $6.8bn. The consolidation of Cephalon will accelerate Teva's strategy of an increased presence in the branded pharmaceutical market. Given that Cephalon's pipeline is heavily focused on oncology, an area in which Teva has no major branded presence, the deal will also prompt future therapeutic diversification.

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Telcagepant failure gives Merck & Co. an unwanted headache

Having been expected to become an important treatment option for migraine and compete with the triptan class, the standard of care for the past 20 years, the discontinuation of promising Phase III acute migraine therapy telcagepant will add to Merck's woes. Without telcagepant, the acute migraine market will contract, leaving prophylactic treatment as the biggest opportunity for developers.

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Targacept: potential shift in research focus for ADHD candidate

Targacept's investigational neuronal nicotinic receptor agonist has failed to meet its primary endpoint in a Phase II trial in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Datamonitor expects that future development focus for TC-5619 will shift towards schizophrenia, in view of Phase II data demonstrating efficacy in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction associated with the condition.

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Stroke: two-fifths of UK emergency testing takes more than two hours

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Stroke: only 3% of Japanese cases occur in hospitals

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Stroke: 7% of UK patients present within necessary time window

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