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©  2003 No articles may be reproduced without written permission of the publisher. Return Home
					July 2003 Issues Peanut Allergy Update - Quick Pulse Summary: Human trials of an E.coli vaccine for peanut allergies -- administered by rectal suppository -- may start within a year. There may be a test available within a couple of years to determine whether a person still has a peanut allergy. Oral activated charcoal is effective in muting an allergic reaction but should not be used in lieu of epinephrine or antihistamines, and it can make antihistamines less effective. About 20% of people grow out of their peanut allergy, but the allergy can reappear later. Experts warned against the off-label use of Genentech's Xolair for peanut allergy, saying that it is not clear whether Xolair is as effective as Tanox's TNX-901 or if the asthma dose is the correct dose for peanut allergies. Genentech is considering a study of Xolair for peanut allergy. International AIDS Society Summary: Roche/Trimeris' Fuzeon (T-20) is a very niche product that will be used in <5% of patients, generally as 3rd or 4th line therapy. Demand, not supply, is the issue; there is no pent-up demand or waiting list due to the BID injections and cost. ~28% of patients are salvage, but most of these are due to non-compliance. Within a year, doctors expect to be using as much of Bristol-Myers Squibb protease inhibitor, Reyataz (atazanavir), as Abbott's Kaletra. Doctors are divided on whether to boost Reyataz with ritonavir in naïve patients, but they will boost it in experienced patients. Use of Gilead's Viread (tenofovir) continues to increase, and doctors are not concerned about reports of renal toxicity. Sales of Gilead's Emtriva (FTC) are likely to ramp slowly until a combination Viread/FTC pill is available, and then the combination will take significant market share from 3TC.
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