Articles

Allergic rhinitis is an increasingly prevalent disorder, affecting up to 40% of children and up to 30% of adults in the UK. The disease has traditionally been considered as either seasonal or perennial depending on the allergenic triggers and their presence in the environment. Typically, tree pollen promotes seasonal symptoms between February and April, grass pollens in late May through to early August, whilst weed pollens and mould spores are common in late summer and early autumn.
Allergic rhinitis is an increasingly prevalent disorder, affecting up to 40% of children and up to 30% of adults in the . The disease has traditionally been considered as either seasonal or perennial depending on the allergenic triggers and their presence in the environment. Typically, tree pollen promotes seaso…

Although difficult to determine accurately, annual global figures for reported cases of hepatitis A and typhoid are estimated to be in the region of 1.5 million and at least 16 million, respectively. Moreover, typhoid fever accounts for up to 600,000 deaths worldwide each year. The two diseases are often found in partnership and have common routes of transmission, particularly where sanitation is poor.
Although difficult to determine accurately, annual global figures for reported cases of hepatitis A and typhoid are estimated to be in the region of 1.5 million and at least 16 million, respectively. Moreover, typhoid fever accounts for up to 600,000 deaths worldwide each year. The two diseases are often found in partnership and have common routes of transmission, particularly where sanitatio…

There are 31.2 million COPD sufferers in the US, Europe and Japan - a prevalence rate of approximately 4.4% of the general population. Thus, the development of novel dual-action, once-daily inhaled therapies will provide important new treatment options for COPD and play a major role in the expansion of the market over the next decade.
The market for the treatment of COPD had worldwide sales of $4.6 billion in 2004, which is forecast to grow to $7.5 billion by 2015. Novel dual-action, long-acting bronchodilator combinations, most likely launched by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Novartis or Pfizer / Boehringer Ingelheim will be the most significant development in the inhaled COPD class at the start of the next decade. The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) covers a complex group of…

In addition to the traditional clinical needs, such as efficacy and resistance profile, product characteristics such as dosing and side effects can be fundamental in maintaining market share in the maturing antiretroviral market. In response to the launch of two once-daily protease inhibitors (PI), Abbott has reformulated its leading PI drug, Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir) in a once-daily dose.
Since the first case of HIV/AIDS was reported in 1981, HIV infection leading to AIDS has been a major cause of illness worldwide, with an estimated 40 million people currently infected with the disease. Indeed, in some parts of the world, HIV is associated with a high mortality rate, causing almost 3 million AIDS-related deaths. However, in the developed world, the past two decades have witnessed rap…

For decades, AstraZeneca's tamoxifen has been the standard therapy for hormone-receptor positive breast cancer patients post-surgery. Nearly two-thirds of early-stage breast cancer patients receive the drug post surgery. Now however newer antihormonal agents called aromatase inhibitors, which lower the estrogen level in the body are increasingly being used in place of tamoxifen.
Breast cancer is the most common malignancy that afflicts women, with more than 420,000 new cases expected to be diagnosed in the seven major markets in 2005. However, it remains a disease that is highly curable if diagnosed at early stage. Patients with early-stage breast cancer are treated - wherever possible - with surgery, the most effective form of treatment in prolonging survival. However a significant propor…

The idea of developing cancer vaccines is far from a novel concept. In fact initial attempts using tumor immunotherapy to combat cancer were made in the late 19th century by the American Dr William Coley. Unfortunately, despite Dr Coley's early efforts and those of numerous others since, there is still no effective therapeutic cancer vaccine on the market.
Dr Coley administered bacterial extracts known as Coley's toxins to patients with advanced cancer in the hope of inducing a non-specific systemic immune response and immune-mediated anti-tumor effects. As Dr Coley doubtless recognized, the concept of cancer vaccines is a promising idea, but putting the theory into practice has proved extremely difficult. To date, very few large-scale clinical trials have demonstrated a survival benefit as…

New on-line system for hospital pharmacies makes ordering medicines easier, quicker and, being paperless, virtually error-free.
The Agency has supported the development of the NHS Pharmaceutical Messaging Service, a pilot scheme which aims to streamline the supply of medicines to England’s hospitals. The project pinpointed efficiencies and is delivering savings through the introduction of an electronic ordering, information and invoicing system for hospital pharmacies. The Agency has supported the development of the NHS Pharmaceutical Messaging Service, a pilot scheme which aims to streamline the supply of medicines to England’s hospitals. The project pinpointed efficiencies and is delivering savings through the introduction of an electronic ordering, information and invoicing system for h…

Did you know you can generate SMS messages from any software that can send an email or generate an HTTP request such as Outlook, Lotus Notes..?
These practical, secure and easy-to-use products from PharmiWeb partner, RedOxygen, allow users to: Send SMS messages to staff, suppliers and customers around the world from their desktops using Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes or a delivery channel for a custom developed CRM/ERP application Receive message replies in their inboxes or on their mobile phones Receive calendar reminders on their phones via SMS Control corporate account usage, cost and technical support with online management tools. Several beneficial applications also help employees remain connected to both local and remote colleagues: Sales Managers can coordinate meetings with f…

The Healthcare Industry is currently experiencing the effects of a global shortage of qualified and experienced clinical research professionals – and this situation has evolved into the industry’s very own version of ‘Catch 22’. While employers are looking to hire candidates who are already experienced in the practice of clinical research, new Life Science graduates and others wishing to start on a career in the Healthcare Industry are unable to gain such experience without first being hired.
CRAcademyThe Healthcare Industry is currently experiencing the effects of a global shortage of qualified and experienced clinical research professionals – and this situation has evolved into the industry’s very own version of ‘Catch 22’. While employers are looking to hire candidates who are alread…

The government's Health Select Committee has published a stinging attack on the UK pharmaceutical industry. In a report spanning 126 pages and consisting of 48 conclusions and recommendations, the committee has lambasted the way in which the UK pharmaceutical industry conducts its business and the motives by which it is driven. Datamonitor's Duncan Emerton looks at the details...
Despite recognizing that the industry has improved the quality of life of many people and reduced the length of time spent in hospital, the Health Select Committee says that the industry has become dominated by marketing rather than science. In its report, released last week, all aspects of the drug development and commercialization process in the come under fire. Most criticism is directed at questionable indust…

There’s a phrase being mentioned in pharmaceutical circles more and more. Sometimes with a puzzled air, other times delivered reverentially as the silver bullet that will resolve all ills: interim management.
There’s a phrase being mentioned in pharmaceutical circles more and more. Sometimes with a puzzled air, other times delivered reverentially as the silver bullet that will resolve all ills: interim management. The dictionary definition of an interim (an intervening time, provisional, temporary, etc) is easier to find than one for an interim manager, but the Interim Management Association is a good place to start. It defines interim management as: “The rapid provision of senior executives to manage change or transition commissioned on an assignment basis, who act for a third party in t…

DOCS International in partnership with the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR) announce the launch of the CRAcademy. This exciting new intiative aims to provide relevant practical experience for Life Science graduates and others wanting to embark on a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Beginning on 1 April 2005, CRAcademy will organise core traineeships for starter clinical research professionals with Pharmaceutical Industry sponsors in key European countries.
DOCS International and the Institute of Clinical Research (ICR)announce the launch of CRAcademy The dilemma facing new Life Science graduates and others wanting to embark on a career in the Pharmaceutical Industry is that employers understandably prefer to hire candidates who already have relevant practical experie…

Depression is the most common mental disorder worldwide affecting around 120 million people globally. The depression market is the largest segment of the CNS market with global sales of US$15.5 billion in 2003 although this figure is dropping as generic equivalents of past blockbusters are launched. Although the depression market has matured, key areas of unmet clinical need will have to be addressed in order to drive further growth of the market. These include improvements in the safety/tolerab
  Depression is the most common mental disorder worldwide affecting around 120 million people globally. The depression market is the largest segment of the CNS market with global sales of US$15.5 billion in 2003 although this figure is dropping as generic equivalents of past blockbusters are la…

According to the WHO, 350-400 million individuals are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic infection with hepatitis viruses causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, both devastating diseases with few treatments and the demand for effective treatments for hepatitis infection is therefore high. Lamivudine dominates first-line therapy for HBV (see our feature on hepatitis B & C). Gilead's Adefovir prodrug (Hepsera) represent a second line option although nephrotoxici
According to the WHO, 350-400 million individuals are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic infection with hepatitis viruses causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, both devastating diseases with few treatments and the demand for effective treatments for hepatitis inf…

Beta blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility thereby reducing myocardial work load. Diastolic perfusion time is also lengthened by beta blockers supporting the use of this drug class as acute and chronic treatment following myocardial infarction. Studies have demonstrated that beta blockers can reduce total mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction and sudden death in patients who have already suffered a myocardial infarction by 20-30%. Despite the potential benefit of beta block
  Beta blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility thereby reducing myocardial work load. Diastolic perfusion time is also lengthened by beta blockers supporting the use of this drug class as acute and chronic treatment following myocardial infarction. Studies have demonstrated that…

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. In particular lupus nephritis claim a significant number of lives. More than 16,000 Americans develop lupus each year. It is estimated that 500,000 to 1.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus. Current treatments focus
  Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affect various parts of the body, especially the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys. For most people, lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs. For others, it may cause serious and even life-threatening problems. In particular lupus ne…

Imagine the benefits of working for a global organisation which turns over over £4 billion per year worldwide but is primarily family owned and complete with family values? This is exactly what Merck offers.
Company in View The best of both worlds – A global Organisation with family values Imagine the benefits of working for a global organisation which turns over £4.5 billion per year worldwide but is primarily family owned and complete with family values?  This is exactly what Merck offers. Merck, (not to be confused with MSD) is a company with over 34,000 employees, working in 55 countries, producing a financial output which places it as a major player in the world wide market.  The future pipeline is impressive with new products to be launched in key growth areas of Oncology…

Sankyo and Daiichi Pharmaceutical are considering merging in October 2005 to become Japan's number two drugmaker, as competition in the market continues to intensify. Following the announcement of mergers between Yamanouchi and Fujisawa, and Dainippon and Sumitomo, will continuous domestic consolidation ensure a place for global integration in the face of western pressure?
Following the announcement of a possible merger with Daiichi, Sankyo is expected to take the lead in the planned integration by putting up more than half the capital of the resulting holding company, although neither company has yet confirmed its intention to merge. There is some speculation as to whether or not the resulting company would maintain Sankyo's number two position after Takeda in the short to medium terms - o…

Bipolar affective disorder – previously referred to as manic depression – is a psychiatric disorder affecting at least 1% of the UK population, and depending on the definition used, may affect as many as 5% of the population. A recent World Health Organization analysis of the major global causes of disability, economic and social burden, indicated that bipolar affective disorders are ranked in the top ten, and account for 2.5% of total years lost to disability across all age groups.
Bipolar affective disorder – previously referred to as manic depression – is a psychiatric disorder affecting at least 1% of the UK population, and depending on the definition used, may affect as many as 5% of the population. A recent World Health Organization analysis of the major global causes of disability, e…

The oncology market is the third largest pharmaceutical market, behind the cardiovascular and CNS therapy areas, and is currently experiencing strong growth. Worth an estimated $35 billion in 2003, analysts predict that the sector will grow to $60 billion by 2010, yielding a compound annual growth rate of 8% over this period. Major changes are however occurring in the oncology market. Cytotoxics, a cornerstone of oncology, are reaching patent expiry and the last cytotoxic genericization is expec
Emerging oncology treatments: A focus on targeted therapeutics, supergeneric reformulations and supportive care (LeadDiscovery Special Feature - February, 2005) The oncology market is the third largest pharmaceutical market, behind the cardiovascular and CNS therapy areas, and is currently experienc…