Trends-in-MedicineLynne 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
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December 2002 Issues
FluMist Moves a Step Closer to Market
Summary: MedImmune's nasal spray flu vaccine got a positive recommendation from an FDA Advisory Panel, which makes it likely the product will be on the market for the 2003-2004 flu season. However, the panel recommended a narrower age range - 5 to 49 - than the company wanted, and MedImmune officials indicated they will try to convince the FDA to broaden this to include 50 to 64-year-olds.
American Heart Association
Summary: Cardiologists are excited about Schering-Plough's Zetia (ezitimibe), and many predicted that it would be even more popular with primary care doctors, but cost and managed care coverage may limit use, at least initially. Mixed data on Alexion's pexelizumab. The trial missed its primary endpoint, but there was an unexplained mortality, warranting further investigation. Unimpressive results from CV Therapeutics' trial of tecadenoson (CV-510). Strong positive results from The Medicine Company's REPLACE-2 trial of Angiomax (bivalirudin), but many interventional cardiologists remain leery of it. Most plan to try it, but uptake will be slow, with about 12% of cath lab patients getting Angiomax in 12-months. Pfizer's Inspra (eplerenone) is generating little excitement among cardiologists. Long-term post-procedure use of Sanofi's Plavix (clopidogrel) is gaining popularity.