Wyeth: Prempro linked with dementia

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association has shown that Wyeth's hormone combination therapy Prempro increases the risk of probable dementia in postmenopausal women aged 65 years or older. Further studies are needed to establish the role of estrogen therapies in the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

Published By Datamonitor

Wyeth & Elan: hope grows for Alzheimer's treatment

Shares in Wyeth and Elan have risen following the release of much anticipated results for Alzheimer's treatment bapineuzumab. Although the primary endpoint was not met, the results suggest that the product may slow disease progression in approximately half of patients with a specific genetic make-up.

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What will stem from stem cell research

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Vernalis: revised R&D focus after Frova decision hits home

Vernalis's decision to undergo major restructuring is a direct result of the non-approval of the company's sNDA submission for Frova, for the treatment of menstrual migraine. A successful application had been anticipated to double the revenue potential of Frova.

Published By Datamonitor

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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Valeant/GlaxoSmithKline: Potiga's novel mechanism provides hope for drug-resistant epilepsy patients

The FDA has approved Potiga as an adjunctive treatment for partial-onset epilepsy in adults, the first potassium channel activator to receive approval for the treatment of epilepsy. While this novel drug will provide a useful treatment option for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, its three times-daily dosing and high incidence of minor side effects will offset the benefits of efficacy.

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Underwhelming data at IEC detract from perampanel's innovative mechanism

Eisai has presented positive data from the latest Phase III clinical trial of its novel anti-epileptic drug perampanel. Despite mixed Phase III data suggesting lower efficacy to perampanel's closest competitor, Trobalt/Potiga, Datamonitor recognizes potential for the novel AMPA receptor antagonist in the treatment of patients with drug-resistant epilepsy.

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UK pharmaceuticals: NICE move by the government

The new legislation, designed to end concerns that patients are being denied effective treatment because of funding shortages, will also have a major impact on the pharmaceutical industry. In particular, the makers of Alzheimer's Disease, ADHD and schizophrenia drugs are likely to benefit. The move might even have repercussions in the rest of Europe.

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UCLA: epilepsy 'brain pacemaker' won't outpace drugs

University of California, Los Angeles and Advanced Bionics have developed a trigeminal nerve stimulation device to treat epilepsy. The device is a potential alternative to drug treatment and has several advantages over vagus nerve stimulation. However, device makers in this market face challenges due to the comparatively late arrival of nerve stimulation and limited patient reimbursement issues.

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UCB: winning European market with novel anti-epileptic?

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