Trends-in-Medicine
	Lynne Peterson, Senior Writer Trends-in-Medicine has no financial connections with any pharmaceutical or medical device company. The information and opinions expressed have been compiled or arrived at from sources believed to be reliable and in good faith, but no liability is assumed for information contained in this newsletter. Copyright©  2002 No articles may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Return Home
					April 2002 issues (click links below for full story) American Association for Cancer Research Summary: Oncologists raised questions about the efficacy of AstraZeneca's Iressa, but most believe that it will be approved. Doctors are dubious about the outlook for Genta's Genasense in melanoma, multiple myeloma or CLL. Novartis, Kosan Biosciences and Schering AG all have promising epothilones, but Bristol-Myers Squibb appears to have toxicity problems with its epothilone. Anti-angiogenesis agents are still alive, with the small molecules looking more promising than the antibodies. Farnesyl-transferase inhibitors also are alive but perhaps not well, with Schering Plough's Sarasar in the lead. New formulations of Taxol got a lot of attention, but the field is getting crowded and doctors are not sure yet of the clinical value of these agents. American Academy of Neurology Summary: The 48-week Rebif data from the EVIDENCE trial did not wow neurologists. Doctors believe the trial supports use of a high-dose interferon - that is, either Rebif or Betaseron. The outlook is for Rebif to capture up to 15% market share within a year, at the expense of both Avonex and Betaseron, with Copaxone also picking up a little share. Sources predicted that in 12 months the immunomodulatory market would break down: 34% Avonex, 33% Copaxone, 18% Betaseron and 15% Rebif, with Rebif patients coming equally from new patients and from switches. However, Rebif has several hurdles to overcome, including: painful injections, cost, neutralizing antibodies, compliance, and marketing. Thus, Rebif usage may increase as patients try out the newest drug, but then fall off. Biogen's Antegren appears safe and effective, and if the data holds up, it could capture significant market share. Cephalon's Provigil is catching on as a treatment for the fatigue so common with MS, and doctors predicted usage would continue to increase.
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