New Drugs and Devices 2008

2008 | 2007 |2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998 | 1997

Cimzia for Crohn’s disease

Cimzia (Certolizumab)-UCB-this newly approved drug is indicated for patients with Crohn’s disease who have not responded to conventional therapy. It acts by blocking the substance TNF (tumor necrosis factor), a natural biochemical involved in thee inflammatory process. Common side effects include; headache, upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain and nausea. Because Cimzia affects the immune system it can lower the ability of the body to fight infections. Cimzia is given by injection every two weeks for the first three injections and then once every four weeks thereafter.

Intelence for resistant HIV infections

Intelence (Etravirine)-Tibotec-This is a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptor inhibitor (NNRTI) which is indicated for the treatment of HIV infections resistant to available NNRTI’s and other available anti-retroviral drugs. Side effects occur in >10% of patients and include rash (which resolves with continued use) and nausea. Other side effects include: diarrhea, abdominal pain, peripheral neuropathy and hypertension. Intelence should not be taken with any other NNRTI drug.

Kuvan for phenylketonuria

Kuvan (Sapropterin)-Biomarin-this is the first drug approved for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is caused by a relative deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor which works with phenylalanine hydrolyase to metabolize phenylalanine. Kuvan, which is given by mouth, is a form of tetrahydrobiopterin and thus increases the metabolism of phenylalanine thus potentially reducing the severe neurological damage which is common with PKU.

Pristiq for depression

Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine)-Wyeth-this is the third antidepressant in a class known as serotonin-epinephine reuptale inhibitors. Its potential advantage over the other two drugs in its class are: it is taken at a lower dose perhaps reducing side effects and there is no need to individualize doses.

Relistor for opioid-induced constipation

Relistor (Methylnaltrexone)-Wyeth-this is the first drug specifically approved for the reduction of the constipation induced by opioid drugs. This side effect is a common and often debilitating problem associated with the continuous use of opioid drugs used in the treatment of late-stage illnesses such as incurable cancer. Relistor is given once daily by injection every other day. Side effects include: abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness and diarrhea.