Articles

Pfizer’s oral anti-migraine medicine Relpax, (Eletriptan hydrobromide) appears to have more patent protection than meets the eye. A report by GenericsWeb has uncovered an array of patent protection in terms of molecular form, active ingredient synthesis, formulations and medical use on not only the commercial product but also on potential commercial alternatives for generic competitors.
SYDNEY, N.S.W., May 23, 2006 – Pfizer’s oral anti-migraine medicine Relpax, (Eletriptan hydrobromide) appears to have more patent protection than meets the eye, according to an analysis of GenericsWeb Pipeline Patent Intelligence. Patent term extensions on the Eletriptan active ingredient are set to expire in Australia, Germany and the U.K. in 2015; and 2013 in the U.S. However, based on a comprehensive s…

Colin Williams, e-Marketing Director at PharmiWeb Solutions takes a look at the current e-detailing landscape and suggests what the future could hold for this much talked about tool for pharmaceutical sales and marketing departments.
Introduction - e-detailing, eDetailing, e-detail, eDetail, v-Detail, online detail…. Whatever you call it, there has been no escaping it over the past few years and with more people than ever who are connected with the pharmaceutical industry talking about it, this is only set to get worse…or better in my opinion! I’ve been involved in e-detailing since the heady dotcom days of 2000 and have been providing solutions for the pharmaceutical industry since then. While my frustrations with how long it has taken the industry to take full advantage of e-detailing hav…

DailyUpdates 18th May, 2006: As the antidepressant sector continues to go through a period of turbulance we report on new data for one blockbuster from this class - Lexapro. Selected for special mention from over 50 journal articles today's feature demonstrates great timing appearing at the same time as our feature - Major Depressive Disorder. Today's edition of DailyUpdates can be seen here
DailyUpdates 18th May, 2006: As the antidepressant sector continues to go through a period of turbulance we report on new data for one blockbuster from this class - Lexapro. Selected for special mention from over 50 journal articles today's feature demonstrates great timing appearing at the same time as our feature - Major Depressive Disorder. Today's edition of DailyUpdates can be seen hereComparative…

ExL Pharma is proud to present the inaugural Pharmaceutical Advocacy & Lobbying Forum, the leading event for government and public affairs professionals to address best practices to obtain optimal outcomes on key federal and state legislative issues impacting your company. According to in-depth research and feedback from industry executives, this event is a much needed resource for industry colleagues to meet, learn and network on lobbying and advocacy tactics to ensure the delivery of innovativ
Dear Colleague,Within the dynamic political environment surrounding health policy, it is becoming more important for pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device and healthcare companies to play a larger role in state and federal government legislation in order to have an impact on issues and policies th…

DailyUpdates 19th May, 2006: Today's edition of DailyUpdates (see it in full here) carries a couple of important articles on renal disease. One loks at the outcome of patients with renal dysfunction across various acute coronary syndromes. The featured article however demonstrates the efficacy of Novartis' Benazepril in treating advanced renal disease
DailyUpdates 19th May, 2006: Today's edition of DailyUpdates (see it in full here) carries a couple of important articles on renal disease. One loks at the outcome of patients with renal dysfunction across various acute coronary syndromes. The featured article however demonstrates the efficacy of Novartis' Benazepril in treating advanced renal diseaseBenazepril offers hope to patients with advance renal disease - Angiotensin-converting-enzym…

Without treatment, an estimated one in three women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime
Without treatment, an estimated one in three women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime (1). The risk of fracture can be substantially reduced by oral nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates such as alendronate (Fosamax) and risedronate (Actonel).  However, although these are widely prescribed, they are not widely adhered to by patients. At least half to three quarters of women stop treatment within one year (2).  Reasons for poor adherence are generally ascribed to inconvenience and, in part, to upper gastro-intestinal (GI) side effects which are thought to affect around one in five.  Dosing is complicated. Tablets have to…

Despite almost 200 million people suffering from hypertension in the seven major pharmaceutical markets alone, according to a new report, innovation is scarce within antihypertensive R&D. What little innovation that does exist is being delivered by Novartis, which is set to launch two new antihypertensives in 2007 in the shape of oral renin inhibitor Rasilez, and the 'two-in-one' pill Exforge.
Despite almost 200 million people suffering from hypertension in the seven major pharmaceutical markets alone, according to a new report, innovation is scarce within antihypertensive R&D. What little innovation that does exist is being delivered by Novartis, which is set to launch two new antihypertensives in 2007 in the shape of oral renin inhibitor Rasilez, and the 'two-in-one' pill Exforge. Th…

EntreMed has initiated a phase II trial of Panzem in combination with Genentech's Avastin in carcinoid cancer. The trial will examine how the therapy fares against potential rivals and its possible use in other tumor types. With the blockbuster Avastin possessing the potential to significantly raise the profile of Panzem, the study will prove crucial for EntreMed's lead pipeline drug candidate.
EntreMed has initiated a phase II trial of Panzem in combination with Genentech's Avastin in carcinoid cancer. The trial will examine how the therapy fares against potential rivals and its possible use in other tumor types. With the blockbuster Avastin possessing the potential to significantly raise the profile of Panzem, the study will prove crucial for EntreMed's lead pipeline drug candidate.Carcin…

DailyUpdates 15th May, 2006: Amongst the 50 or so papers and press releases featured today two focusing on VEGF jump out as being of especial interest. The first, a paper published by Stanford University, reports on the anti-cancer activity of an oncolytic virus in combination with gene therapy. The virus was engineered to selectively replicate in and kill cancer cells . The gene therapy encoded a soluble version of Flk1, one of the VEGF receptors. The two approaches together produce effective a
DailyUpdates 15th May, 2006: Amongst the 50 or so papers and press releases featured today two focusing on VEGF jump out as being of especial interest. The first, a paper published by Stanford University, reports on the anti-cancer activity of an oncolytic virus in combination with gene therapy. The…

When not doing 'insane sports', Amgen's Europe chief Rolf Hoffmann is battling big pharma
At Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company, health is not just the way people make their money. It is also a serious business in employees' personal lives. The California-based company has America's largest cycling club and if you want to get into the gym at lunchtime but have not booked a spot on the treadmill, forget about it. Even by this company's energetic standards, Rolf Hoffmann, head of Amgen's international operations, takes his exercise more seriously than most. A former Olympic swimmer for Germany, Mr Hoffmann is a self-confessed addict to "iron-man and insane, long-distance events". This summer, the 47-year-old will compete in a 200 mile race across Switzerland - one of Amgen'…

This summit aims to provide both strategic and practical information that will ensure that organisations can prepare for and survive what is now considered to be the inevitable pandemic. Professor Hugh Pennington from the Department of Medical Microbiology at University of Aberdeen will repeat his warning that, “Only one thing is certain and that is that there will be a pandemic.”
The topics to be covered at the Summit will stress that comprehensive plans must cover seemingly diverse aspects such as legal policy, staff travel, quarantine arrangements, as well as controlling rumour, speculation and scaremongering that can easily rage out of control If you or your team wish to attend , you can email me or register through one of the options below. You can view the programme and…

DailyUpdates 12th May, 2006 (click here for entire bulletin): Today appears to be cancer vaccine day with two important announements being made. First off, Genitope Corporation announce the initiation of an ealry phase clinical trial of their MyVax idiotype immunotherapy; this was followed by an announcement by Biovest reporting that fast track status had been awarded to their phase 3 candidate, BiovaxID. This follows in the footsteps of the company's announcement that the FDA had approved sale
DailyUpdates 12th May, 2006 (click here for entire bulletin): Today appears to be cancer vaccine day with two important announements being made. First off, Genitope Corporation announce the initiation of an ealry phase clinical trial of their MyVax idiotype immunotherapy; this was followed by an ann…

A new report estimates that there will be approximately 84,000 cases of adult and childhood leukemia in the world's seven major pharmaceutical markets in 2006. Acute leukemias will account for 43% of these cases, and, although this market is relatively small compared to other cancer types, the clear unmet needs and regulatory incentives should help encourage drug makers.
Rlapse rates high Unfortunately, relapse rates following treatment for AML and ALL are high, and current treatments offer little chance of long-term survival for most patients. While developmental drugs in this area have the opportunity to garner orphan drug designation and fast track approval status by the FDA, given the niche nature of treatments for this form of cancer, the return on investment for developers of novel…

This Conference will provide a platform for intellectual discourse in order to answer these questions and to discuss other pressing issues regarding the pharmaceutical industry in China in particular, and the world in general. Opportunities and challenges within the whole value chain, from research and development down to sales and marketing will be discussed and solutions put forward for the benefits of attendees.
WHAT YOU WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS CONFERENCE We believe that the quality of a conference program comes from listening to the requests and advice given by our target market. We pride ourselves in providing the most-up-to date subject matter suggested by the market in an environment that is conducive to networking and learning. At this event, you will have the unique opportunity…

A recent Department of Health study showed that healthcare associated infection (HCAI) affects 8 per cent of acute admissions to hospitals. These infections can delay discharge home by up to 11 days. For the NHS in England this represents a loss of 3.6 million bed days, with a projected cost of £1 billion a year.
Maureen Bott, Product and Development Manager, Kalamazoo Security Print, comments on the MRSA and solutions to combat the spread of it. “A recent Department of Health study showed that healthcare associated infection (HCAI) affects 8 per cent of acute admissions to hospitals. These infections can delay discharge home by up to 11 days. For the NHS in this represents a loss of 3.6 million bed days, with a projected cost of £1 billion a year. It is well documented that transmission…

In recent years, parallel trade of pharmaceutical products has grown to some the highest levels ever seen, exerting additional pressure on pharmaceutical companies' profitability. Companies need to be proactive to restrict parallel trade, especially in the EU, which is expected to continue to be the market of most concern for pharmaceutical firms.
Parallel trade of pharmaceutical products has risen over the past few years, driven by payers seeking to lower prescription drug expenditures and parallel traders seeking to cash in on the price differential of drugs in different countries. This has made parallel trade a growing concern for pharmaceutical companies - particularly those companies operating in the EU, where a high level of parallel trade exists because of EU law supporting the free…

In many areas there is a long waiting list for CBT delivered by a therapist and these new programmes offer genuine help for patients, which ought to reduce waiting lists and give greater access to services.
A recent DoH statement states, 'Ultrasis Plc and CCBT Ltd have been invited to work alongside senior officials from the DoH and the Care Service Improvement Partnership (CSIP) to establish a framework to deliver the commitment contained in the recent white paper 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say'. The commitment is to support Primary Care Trusts to implement all CCBT products recommended by NICE. It is expected that this guidance will be fully implemented across England by March 2007.' Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) combines two very effective kinds of psychotherapy delivered face to f…

Travellers’ Diarrhoea (TD) frequently occurs in individuals from industrialised countries when visiting destinations in developing countries. Consequences of TD include disruption of holiday and work capacity, and occasionally severe chronic disease. Existing methods of prevention are inadequate. We calculate that the number of travellers to TD risk regions was 88 million in 2003 and may reach 190 million per annum by 2020, suggesting that a significant potential market exists for a TD vaccine.
Travellers’ Diarrhoea – running amuck Travellers’ Diarrhoea (TD) is usually defined as the passage of at least three unformed stools in 24 hours, together with one or more symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain [1; 2].  It may arise as a result of infection by any of more than 20…

The Definitive Conference for Clinical Research Contract Professionals!
The Definitive Conference for Clinical Research Contract Professionals!FEATURING:New Format: 20 Sessions in 2 Tracks and 6 WorkshopsNew Session: Working with the Department of Veterans Affairs’ New CRADAs New Workshop: Sponsor/CRO Contracts and Relationships PHARMA PRESENTERS FROM:AllerganAstraZenecaBiogen IdecEli Lilly & CompanyNovartisPfizer

This month we try to unravel the mystery (or some may say misery) of assessment centres and interview techniques. As the job market becomes more competitive companies are tending to conduct assessment centres for job placement and also for development purposes.
These assessments may involve psychometric tests. Many of us may have experienced assessment centres when applying for new positions however there are few people who attend these centres who really enjoy them. For some the assessment centre can be a barrier for them in applying for a new job. Psychometric and personality tests are often the tests that people are most wary of as employees outside of HR do not generally understand why they are used. If you want to understand more about assessment centres and how psychometric tests w…