ZymoGenetics: rhThrombin has great potential

In line with the rapid historical uptake of other recombinant protein products, following an anticipated approval in late 2007, ZymoGenetics' rhThrombin is expected to quickly take market share from King Pharmaceutical's Thrombin-JMI. Upon doing so, rhThrombin's revenues are forecast to grow from $165 million in 2008 to an impressive $459 million in 2010, well ahead of Wall Street consensus.

Published By Datamonitor

ZymoGenetics: early hope for late-stage disease

ZymoGenetics has reported positive results from its phase Ia study of IL-21 in patients with metastatic melanoma and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. This announcement warrants further studies of IL-21 in these indications, which is welcome news for ZymoGenetics and development partner Novo Nordisk. However, competition is already on the horizon, in the form of Bayer/Onyx' Nexavar.

Published By Datamonitor

ZymeTx: flu management program could be catching

Published By Datamonitor

Zetia: Potential to reshape the cholesterol drug landscape?

Statins have become the gold standard in the treatment of dyslipidemia, accounting for approximately 60% of treatments prescribed to patients with coronary heart disease in the late 1990s. However, with these drugs limited in their ability to lower LDL cholesterol to the target recommended by the National Institutes of Health an opportunity awaits for a therapy able to achieve this goal.<BR />

Published By Datamonitor

Zeltia: opening up options for ovarian cancer

Following promising Phase II trial results, Zeltia has announced the initiation of an international Phase III clinical trial to investigate a combination of Yondelis and Caelyx. Investigating Yondelis in relapsed ovarian cancer patients theoretically allows for its use in multiple lines of treatment, thereby greatly increasing its future commercial potential.

Published By Datamonitor

Zeltia: files for approval of Yondelis for ovarian cancer in the US

Zeltia/Johnson & Johnson are seeking US approval for Yondelis, following a pivotal Phase III trial in second-line ovarian cancer therapy. However, approval in this indication may only marginally increase the commercial potential of Yondelis, as competition from established platinum-based chemotherapy agents will restrict the drug's market potential.

Published By Datamonitor

Zelos: osteoporosis therapy to face challenge despite positive data

Significant, dose responsive increases in mean lumbar spine bone mineral density have been recorded in a four month study of Zelos' parathyroid hormone injections for the treatment of osteoporosis. However, although perhaps indicative of future FDA approval, the positive clinical trials results do not necessarily mean Ostabolin-C will make a significant impact on the osteoporosis market.

Published By Datamonitor

Zelboraf's approval demonstrates a significant shift toward personalized cancer therapy

The FDA has approved Zelboraf and Roche's companion diagnostic test for BRAF V600E mutation-positive metastatic melanoma. The joint approval is the first example of co-development and demonstrates the movement toward personalized cancer therapy, and Zelboraf's impressive efficacy data and the availability of a test will ensure rapid uptake.

Published By Datamonitor

Xolair: set for success?

The asthma treatment Xolair has moved a step closer to hitting the US market after an FDA advisory panel recommended it for approval. The decision represents a significant milestone for Xolair, which has been jointly developed by Genentech, Novartis and Tanox. The challenges facing Xolair look set to continue however, with the drug's success likely to be constrained by cost and safety issues.

Published By Datamonitor

Xolair: breathing easy over FDA approval

Xolair, developed by Genentech, Novartis and Tanox, reduces the number of attacks in severe allergic asthmatics. However prescribing restrictions, safety concerns and high cost are expected to limit sales to $593 million by 2010. The drug's best chance of success is through label extensions for pediatric use and for allergic rhinitis.<BR />

Published By Datamonitor