AAN 2011: recent FDA approvals for niche indications provide a positive tone

Datamonitor recently attended the 63rd American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii, held over April 9-16, 2011. Below are the highlights of the conference's coverage of new drugs for niche neurological indications.

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AAN 2012: BG-12 remains main focus of Biogen's extensive MS portfolio

Biogen used the platform of the 64th American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting to provide updates on its extensive MS portfolio. Much time was devoted to its Phase III pipeline candidate BG-12, which looks set to be the next agent to enter the market, as well as the presentation of long-term safety data for Tysabri.

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AAN 2012: Novartis presents new data in an attempt to boost confidence in long-term use of Gilenya

In keeping with American Academy of Neurology meetings of recent years, multiple sclerosis once again dominated proceedings at AAN 2012. Novartis used the platform to present new data from the extension FREEDOMS II trial to support the long-term use of Gilenya, and provided Phase II results for siponimod in relapse remitting multiple sclerosis.

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AAN 2012: pooled data support future use of late-stage MS and epilepsy products

Teva, Eisai, and GlaxoSmithKline all used the opportunity of this year's American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting to showcase pooled analysis of their late-stage pipeline candidates. While not groundbreaking, the positive data for laquinimod (MS) and perampanel and Potiga (epilepsy) will bolster physician confidence and position the drugs well in their respective markets.

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AAN 2012: research shows value of early disease identification, but caution in treatment is advised

At AAN 2012, Merck Serono presented data from a long-term study showing that early Rebif treatment significantly reduced the clinical progression of multiple sclerosis. However, early intervention should be used cautiously to avoid unnecessary treatment.

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Abbott enters bidding war for Solvay

US healthcare giant Abbott is reported to have made an offer to acquire the drugs unit of Belgian chemicals firm Solvay. A bidding war could now follow, with Nycomed and UCB also thought to be in negotiation with Solvay. Given its limited growth forecast in the prescription pharmaceuticals market and existing relationship with Solvay, Abbott's motivations are clear.

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Abbott Laboratories/Vysis: agreement for cancer tests

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Abbott Laboratories: arthritis drugs lift profits

Abbott's two arthritis drugs, Humira and Mobic, have shown strong sales growth in recent months, significantly boosting the company's second-quarter earnings. Continued growth is forecast for Humira, but this is likely to be eroded by generic threats to Mobic and the return of the drug's rights to its developer, Boehringer Ingelheim.

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Abbott Laboratories: Kos Pharmaceuticals a wise buy

Abbott has recently made public its definitive tender offer for US cardiovascular specialists Kos Pharmaceuticals, a deal worth $3.7 billion, or $78 per share. The move signifies Abbott's intention to retain its position in the lucrative lipid management market and will give the company access to Kos Pharma's extensive range of clinical development programs.

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Abbott Laboratories: new opportunities from strategic split

The restructuring will allow each new business to develop specific strategies tailored to their distinct markets. This is particularly important for the branded pharmaceutical segment, which is forecast to see low growth over the next five years. Datamonitor expects steady growth from the new medical products company and lower risk for stockholders, itself a primary driver behind this event.

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