Analysis of:
Merck's Investigational MK-0524 Significantly Reduced Flushing Caused By Extended-Release Niacin in Phase II Study (biz.yahoo.com)
This article is important as it highlights the many benefits of the Niacin drugs. It describes how MK-0524 may significantly increase adherence as it reduces the side effect of flushing. This article describes preliminary trials with the new formulation clearly showing a reduction in the...
Analysis of:
NIH-Funded Study Disputes Current Practice Regarding Angioplasty and Stents (www.newsinferno.com)
Will favor a less aggressive approach to patients who present late after AMI.Will lead to more non-invasive evaluation for patients who have completed there MI prior to proceeding to cath.Although this will have a significant impact on how patients are treated in the days post-MI, the overall impact...
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New Study Shows Prasugrel Achieves Faster Onset and Higher Levels of Platelet Inhibition than Clopidogrel at Approved or Higher Doses (newsroom.lilly.com)
Prasugrel in early studies appears to show advantages over Clopidogrel (Plavix) that could make it the preferred adjunctive agent in the setting of percutaneous coronary interventions (stent placements) and acute coronary syndromes. Effective anti-platelet agents are critical to the overall success...
Analysis of:
New Study Shows Prasugrel Achieves Faster Onset and Higher Levels of Platelet Inhibition than Clopidogrel at Approved or Higher Doses (newsroom.lilly.com)
The article presents a laboratory assay of platelet inhibition after Prasugrel or Clopidogrel administration. The findings are that Prasugrel achieves faster and more effective inhibition of platelets compared with Clopidogrel using an in vitro assay. The implication is that Prasugrel should be more...
Analysis of:
Emisphere Technologies Demonstrates Safety and Efficacy of Oral Insulin in Phase 2 Trial in Type 2 Diabetics (www.emisphere.com)
Good proof of conceptNeeds lots more dataCost of final product will be key
Analysis of:
FDA pledges tougher scrutiny on medical device market (www.boston.com)
Post market surveillance is tough for medical devicesFunding to do it right is going to be very expensive
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Pfizer Updates Preliminary Results Of Torcetrapib/Atorvastatin Clinical Trials As Abstract For Phase 3 Study Is Released (www.medicalnewstoday.com)
- Effective lipid modification (HDL raising and LDL lowering) shown.- Outcomes data (mortality) still needed- Lower side effects make torcetrapib attractive
Analysis of:
Pfizer Updates Preliminary Results Of Torcetrapib/Atorvastatin Clinical Trials As Abstract For Phase 3 Study Is Released (www.medicalnewstoday.com)
It has become increasingly clear that the FDA requires "clinically relevant" endpoints for approval of cardiovascular drugs and devices.