The European Commission has, for the first time, given the go ahead for a vaccine that could provide protection against an avian influenza pandemic. GlaxoSmithKline's Prepandrix vaccine is reportedly already being stockpiled by several countries, including Switzerland and the US.
A biosimilar product could offer a cheaper alternative for treating the negative effects that cancer chemotherapy can have on white blood cells. According to a clinical Phase I trial conducted jointly by Kwizda Pharma GmbH (Austria) and Intas Biopharmaceutical Ltd, Neukine is safe, and exhibits an identical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile compared WITH a reference product. Upon completion of the clinical Phase III trial, both companies will lodge an application for approval in Europe and the market launch is planned for early 2010.
Pharma must engage with its customers online as its current initiatives are largely ineffective, according to a report from Datamonitor. The internet has altered the landscape in many sectors, but pharmaceutical companies have been slow to take advantage of the marketing opportunities available online. Meanwhile, customers are increasingly using the web for information.
Pfizer has discontinued a Phase III clinical trial that was studying a potential treatment for advanced melanoma. The trial for tremelimumab was stopped as the drug seemed to be no better than standard chemotherapy. Initially, it was believed that the treatment could stimulate patients' immune systems to attack their tumours, even in melanoma patients.
Action has been taken following a recent report that revealed EU citizens had unequal access to health and medicines information. The European Commission (EC) is now planning to reform the rules regarding information provision to patients.
An alternative to controversial stem cell therapy could be provided by patented technology that extracts mature white blood cells from veins and turns them into cells with programmable properties comparable to those of stem cells. The technology was developed by Blasticon (Germany).
Heparin, already responsible for deaths in the US, has now been tied to several adverse reactions in Germany, and there are now concerns that the heparin scare could become a global problem. In the US, the deaths were linked to heparin produced by Baxter, which has no link to Rotexmedica, where the German batches originated.
Selective reporting of antidepressant drug trials; SAFC Pharma expands solid state chemistry services; New facility for key cancer treatment
The European Commission has launched a sector inquiry after recent reports revealed a significant decline in FDA drug approvals. The European commissioner of competition, Neelie Kroes, says: "Patent protection has never been stronger, but the number of new pharmaceuticals coming-to-market is declining. Patents can sometimes be invented around, and will always expire eventually, but generic manufacturers are not jumping into the markets as quickly as we would expect."
