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GLG News by this Author

Antidepressants Vary More in Side Effects, Not Efficacy

August 30, 2009

Analysis of:2nd Generation Antidepressants Prove Effective | health.usnews.com

[SIDE EFFECTS] The main differences among the newer antidepressants are side effects and drug interactions.  See the Commentary for a drug-by-drug list of these key differences. [PCP's] This review comes from a group of primary care docs, which is important because most depression is treated by PCPs. [FOLLOW-UP] It emphasizes the need for follow-up 1-2 weeks after initial prescription, which is KEY to improving adherence and addressing new side effects.

State Medicaid Cuts May Limit Market for New Antipsychotic Lurasidone

August 30, 2009

Analysis of:LURASIDONE DEMONSTRATED EFFICACY IN TREATING PATIENTS WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IN PIVOTAL PHASE 3 STUDY | www.pipelinereview.com

Lurasidone is an atypical antipsychotic owned by Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma. Phase 3 PEARL 1 Study: 6-week, multi-site, double-blind placebo-controlled trial in 500 pts with DSM4 schizophrenia with PANSS score greater than 80. RESULTS: 80mg dose was superior to placebo; 40mg & 120mg was not. MAIN side effects: akathisia, somnolence, Parkinsonism, weight gain. Similar to Abilify market (AstraZeneca). Economic factors which reduce the potential market are discussed.

Pharmacogenetic Tests for Antidepressants Disappointing So Far

July 28, 2008

Analysis of: TheraGenetics Licenses Intellectual Property Related To Predicting Patient Response To Antidepressant Therapy | www.medicalnewstoday.com

-Pharmacogenetic tests have not made it into the treatment or assessment process for most physicians. -Until the cost for these tests become negligible -- or, included in the cost of a particular antidepressant -- psychopharmacogenetic testing will not make it into the mainstream. 

Tapentadol: The New Ultram?

May 14, 2008

Analysis of:Johnson & Johnson Presents Tapentadol Phase 3 Clinical Data at American Pain Society's Annual Meeting | www.investor.jnj.com

Don't bother listening to the May 6 audio presentation, as it is a useless waste of time.  Just look at the pdf slide presentation, showing tapentadol IR to provide equivalent pain control to 10 or 15mg oxycodone, with reduced GI side effects, in treating acute bunionectomy pain and also arthritis pain.  They submitted a NDA to the FDA in January 2008.

Invasive Devices for Depression Not Catching On

June 4, 2007

Analysis of:Support Wavers for Brain Stimulation | www.clinicalpsychiatrynews.com

=== Vagal Nerve Stimulators (VNS) from companies like Cyberonics [CYBX] haven't captured as much of the market as once hoped for.   === Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), from companies like Medtronic [MDT], is losing steam as mentioned in this article.   === Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), from companies like Neuronetics, is the most likely device treatment for depression to capture market share due to its noninvasiveness and minimal side effects.

FazaClo Announcement a Yawner

June 4, 2007

Analysis of:Avanir Receives FDA Approval for New Formulation of Currently Marketed Antipsychotic Drug FazaClo | pharmalive.com

• Clozapine (Clozaril, FazaClo) is the original atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and some bipolar disorders. Usual daily dose is 300-500 mg. • Adding a 12.5 mg dose adds little to the management... breaking a 25 mg tab in half is pretty easy to do. • Blister packs help with compliance, so their new stock bottles won't add much.

DTC Education (not Advertising) is the Key

June 1, 2007

Analysis of:Time to Ban Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Marketing | www.medscape.com

• DTC is indeed a double-edged sword, but is driving up inappropriate use • Consumer Directed Healthcare + Direct-to-Consumer Advertising = Recipe for Disaster • Focus on DTC Education, not Advertising, and have it come from unbiased (or at least, less biased) sources

Price Transparency is Foreign to Most Health Care Providers

June 1, 2007

Analysis of:Doctors fail at fiscal prognoses | www.orlandosentinel.com

• Patients have generally expected their physicians to disregard costs when determining a treatment plan.  "Whatever's best, doc." • It is unusual for us docs to know what things cost in the first place. • As patients are increasingly expected to assume a greater financial stake in treatment decisions, physicians will need to become more fiscally aware of the costs of services and products. • This type of "price transparency" is one of the four pillars which quality improvement organizations are emphasizing now.

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