GLG News by Hematologists who Treat CLL (US)

Doubles survival BUT "comparator" arm is best supportive care. See http://investor.poniard.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=306218

Thalidomide literally started the improved outlook in MM along with, and followed by Velcade, Revlimid and Stem Cell transplants. To now have increased access in Europe should open up that market eventhough the other agents are in widespread use (I think)

A major insurer (Wellpoint) is using the guidelines of the FDA to restrict erythropoietin (Epo) use.

Xeloda, an oral agent, was non-inferior to infusional 5-FU, when combined ith oxaliplatin in a randomized trial in patients with metastatic colrectal cancer (m-CRC) In fact, Xeloda containing regimen was assocaited with less myelosuppression, but more rashes and diaarhea. This is good news for...

In MCRC FOLFOX which involves infusional 5FU has been the cornerstone of therapy. This study shows that an oral 5FU substitute, Xeloda, can replace the IV 5FU and expedide care and avoid cumbersome infusions.

"ASA404 is a Tumor-Vascular Disrupting Agent (Tumor-VDA) that selectively causes the collapse of existing tumor blood supply leading to extensive tumor cell death." It is being combined with Taxol and carboplatin in a randomized phase III study.

Alimta will be used first line with Cis Platin as a primary therapy for non squamous non small cell lung cancer (NSCLCA)

2 Texas U.S. Reps think that physcian owned hospitals are OK?

Co payments which had been $5/10/20 in the past are now a %age of the cost. When the cost may be upwards of $50-100K and you have a 20% co pay you can see the costs that are transfered back to the insured.

Genetech has an impressive inventory of block-buster drugs: Avastin, Rituximab,  and Herceptin,  whose sales have been increasing on a regular base. Hereceptin and Avastin will be getting more and more use with new indications and longer dosing schedules. However, given the sagging economy...