Drug Watch: Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of hepatitis B and C virus infections (October 2008)
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Even though the Medicare prescription drug benefit has provided access to medications at less-than-anticipated cost to the government-and lower out-of-pocket spending for seniors-many Democrats and consumer advocates want to overhaul the program. Critics contend that the federal government can negotiate prices with pharmaceutical companies that are lower than those obtained by private insurers operating prescription drug plans (PDPs), and some reformers charge that the program is too complex and confusing for elderly beneficiaries, pointing particularly to the infamous "donut hole" that is affecting more Medicare patients than anticipated.
A systematic search of the literature published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice demonstrated that angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) used as monotherapy or in combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors are not associated with a beneficial effect on mortality in patients with heart failure (HF).
Labeling updates and warnings through October 2008 for adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), infliximab (Remicade), and rituximab (Rituxan).
A nested case-control analysis published in the Annals of Internal Medicine demonstrated an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with recently diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with ipratropium.
Recent FDA action (through October 2008) related to vernakalant, doripenem, custirsen, droxidopa, amrubicin, dronedarone, and imatinib.
Eltrombopag: A TPO receptor agonist for the treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Eltrombopag is a TPO receptor agonist that is currently pending FDA approval for the treatment of ITP. This agent has been granted orphan drug and priority review status. In May 2008, the Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that eltrombopag demonstrates a favorable risk:benefit profile for the short-term treatment of chronic ITP.
Recent FDA approvals and indications (through October 2008) related to Cancidas, Aloxi, and Vidaza.
New biologic: Romiplostim (Nplate), a thrombopoietin mimetic peptibody, was approved on August 22, 2008, for the treatment of chronic ITP.
New molecular entity: Tetrabenazine (Xenazine), a monoamine depleter, was approved on August 15, 2008, for the treatment of chorea associated with Huntington's disease.
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This article reviews the role of individual therapeutic agents and combination therapies that can be used for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia.
The Comparative Effectiveness Research Act of 2008 would establish the Health Care Comparative Effectiveness Research Institute as a private, nonprofit, nongovernmental entity that would contract with government agencies and private research organizations to conduct systematic reviews, observational studies, and randomized controlled clinical trials to obtain evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of therapies and treatments.
Primary androgen deprivation therapy does not prolong survival in most patients with prostate cancer
Primary androgen deprivation therapy (PADT), the second most common treatment for localized prostate cancer following prostatectomy, is no more effective than conservative medical management for prolonging survival in most older patients with prostate cancer.
Labeling updates and warnings through September 2008 for intramuscular naltrexone (Vivitrol) and for simvastatin (Zocor; generic simvastatin), ezetimibe/simvastatin (Vytorin), and niacin extended-release/simvastatin (Simcor) when used concurrently with amiodarone (Cordarone; Pacerone; generic amiodarone)
A retrospective cohort study published in the journal Stroke demonstrated an increased risk of stroke among users of rofecoxib and valdecoxib but not among users of other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
The purpose of this drug use evaluation was to report potentially inappropriate medication use, as defined by the full Beers criteria.
Alogliptin is a highly selective DPP-IV inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. An NDA for alogliptin was submitted in January 2008, and a response from FDA is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.
Generic drugs approved by FDA (through September 2008) including nisoldipine extended-release tablets and divalproex delayed-release tablets
Recent FDA action (through September 2008) related to Immediate-release diclofenac capsules, tocilizumab, sugammadex, topical alprostadil cream, fospropofol, iloperidone, lacosamide, and vascular endothelial growth factor b.
Recent FDA approvals and indications (through September 2008) related to Diovan HCT, Exforge, Cleviprex, Eovist, Stavzor, Promus Everolimus-Eluting stent, and Xience V Everolimus-Eluting stent
New indication: Tenofovir (Viread), an antiviral agent, was approved on August 13, 2008, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in adults.
Drug Watch: Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus (September 2008)
Potentially inappropriate medication use in hospitalized older adults: A DUE using the full Beers criteria; Focus on alogliptin; Drug Watch: Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of types 1 and 2 diabetes mellitus
Clinical updates from the 68th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association; Focus on tocilizumab; Drug Watch: Agents in late-stage development for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Information for Authors (revised 8/2008) (PDF)
Erythropoietin, a humoral factor produced predominantly in the kidney, stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used for years in the treatment of anemia, with extensive experience and benefits in anemia of chronic kidney disease. Recent data have suggested adverse consequences with use of ESAs, perhaps relating to inappropriate use, and prompting release of guidelines to ensure safe use and maximize benefit. When prescribing ESAs, indications, requirements to monitor laboratory parameters (hemoglobin levels and ferrokinetics), and clinical status need to be stringently followed.
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