All GLG News Analyses Filed Under: Cardiology

The news has drawn attention to the effectiveness of Avamys, the only prescription nasal steroid spray to achieve consistent results in all clinical trials. The report published in the Medical News Today (www.medicalnewstoday.com) is a confirmation from the GlaxoSmithKline plc about getting...

In terms of specific drugs, this is not a major change in the armamentarium available for treatment of allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis.   

This is the European equivalent of Veramyst.  The control of ocular symptoms is a major marketing push but raises a few questions.  There are concerns regarding cataract formation with the higher potency steroid molecules.  Although low bioavailability is shown, there must be some direct...

The relieve of eye symptoms is an advantage, but a lot of doctors who treat patients suffering from allergic rhinoconjunctivitis choose antihistamines for them. If it´is really easier to use, it will meet the patients needs, a very important item for compliance with long-term treatments

From the standpoint of what is clinically practical, Avamys is not a new drug: it is fluticasone in a nasal spray, available for years as Flonase, now off patent and available in the U.S. generically and as Veramyst (the same product as Avamys). Despite claims that Avamys/Veramyst is the first drug...

Separation of brain effects from stem cell proliferative effect is plausible. However, the establishment of efficacy in stroke models has not been very predictive in the past. 

This recent notice from the FDA is significant in that it identfies specfic serious concerns regarding the safe use of micro-bubble type contrast agents in certain clinical setting where echocardiography is commonly used to assess heart disease. Physicians using these contrast agents...

The failure of drug eluting stents in the eyes of the public and in the medical community is probably not a failure of the device as much as a failure of patient managment.  It is clear that atherothrombotic vascular disease requires a life-long commitment to blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood...

The current recall is yet another in the world of cardiac rhythm devices. The ICD market is already shakey and may be adversely affected. Will Medtronic's reputation suffer?

1) Data only shows trend towards higher lead fracture, not statistically significant on current numbers. 2) Medtronics did the "right thing". No attempts to hide data. 3) Number of potential claims should be minimal, as this is NOT a recall. Rather, more carefull monitoring of the already implanted...