The current outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) is testing pandemic preparedness strategies across the globe. While widely implemented strategies seem to have prepared the world better than ever before, important gaps regarding the logistics of drug and vaccine distribution remain.
The neurodegenerative disease market saw few major announcements at this year's recent American Academy of Neurology conference. While the Alzheimer's disease field must wait until next year before efficacy data from late-stage pipeline drugs are released, Parkinson's disease announcements were restricted to post-marketing studies designed to reposition treatments or protect vulnerable franchises.
The recent outbreak of influenza A (H1N1) infection, previously referred to as swine flu, has thrown the spotlight on governments around the world and their ability to manage a pandemic. In the UAE, customers are currently finding it difficult to source antivirals but, with Dubai seen as a hub for international travel, the government has stockpiles ready for distribution should an outbreak occur.
Following positive results from two Phase II trials, Genentech/Roche's Avastin has obtained accelerated FDA approval for glioblastoma patients who have progressed after previous treatment. While the commercial potential in this indication is small, it creates an opportunity for Avastin to become an established treatment in this type of brain cancer.
With little market-shifting information announced across most neurological conditions at this year's AAN conference, it was left to the multiple sclerosis field to take center stage. Notably, Merck KGaA and Novartis presented positive Phase III data for their front running pipeline agents oral cladribine and FTY720 respectively. However, safety issues remain a concern for both products.
Recently released data show that the Mirapex once-daily formulation was superior to placebo in early Parkinson's disease patients, and comparable with the thrice-daily version of the drug. With generic versions of Mirapex expected in early 2010, the development of this reformulation may be too late to prevent significant revenue loss for Boehringer Ingelheim.
