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News Features
Discover what is new in the world of innovation. Here you can find information on recent studies and news stories related to new medicines.
Studies Point to Drop in Heart Attacks, Cholesterol Evidence Underlines Value of Preventive Strategies; Overcoming Obesity, Diabetes
By Ron Winslow, Wall Street Journal, October 12, 2005
Two new studies suggest that increased use of cholesterol medicines and lifestyle changes are producing tangible heart health benefits for society. A new study, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), indicates that growing use of cholesterol lowering drugs, called statins, has led to a decrease in cholesterol levels, particularly in older Americans. A report from Solucient LLC, finds that annual hospital admissions for heart attacks have fallen more than 6% since 2000 and admissions for other conditions related to coronary-artery disease are leveling off or shrinking. This despite the fact that the number of heart attacks was expected to rise 11% due to the aging population. The JAMA article shows that at the same time statin use has nearly tripled in adults. "It makes perfect sense," says Christopher Cannon, cardiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston. "But it's very encouraging to see it in real life."
New Approaches to Breast Cancer Are Saving Lives
By Kitta MacPherson, The Star-Ledger, October 10, 2005
Years of research to better understand cancer cells at the molecular level has led to new, targeted treatments for breast cancer patients. This revolutionary new generation of drugs attack cancerous cells and not healthy ones, drastically reducing side effects and improving the effectiveness. Sue Woods, a computer consultant in Rockaway, NJ, is thankful for the advancements in treatment. In 2004 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and given a slim chance of survival, but she enrolled in a clinical trial for Herceptin, a new breast cancer treatment and responded well. “I feel lucky…I feel that clinical trials and current research are what’s making the difference in saving my life,” says Woods. Researchers strive to develop a more thorough understanding of cancer in order to create better treatments. Deborah Toppmeyer, director of the New Jersey Comprehensive Breast Care Center, sums up the ongoing effort saying, “The more we understand the other mechanisms by which cancer grows and multiplies, and the more drug development we do, the greater impact we’re going to have.”
Public Support Fuels Boom in U.S. Medical Research
By E.J. Mundell, Healthday Reporter, Forbes, September 20, 2005
A new report in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) finds that total U.S. investment in biomedical research has more than doubled over ten years, from $37 billion annually in 1994 to more than $94 billion by 2003. Of that investment, roughly 60% comes from industry and 40% from government and foundations, a proportion that is largely unchanged over the decade. A report from Research!America indicates that the increase in research spending is strongly supported by the public with 80% of people consistently supporting medical research as a top spending priority for the nation. Lead researcher for the JAMA report, Dr. Hamilton Moses said, “Without question, medicine and biomedical science has captured the public’s attention and their awareness of new treatments that are dependent on science – and that’s translated into funding.” At the same time, “biomedical research is an inherently high risk and lengthy process.” Scientific innovation “has prospered most when talent, supportive institutions, mobility, free communications, and financing are available in significant measure.”
Chemotherapy Research Leads to Shifts in Lung Cancer Research
By Denise Grady, New York Times, June 23, 2005
In a new study in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that chemotherapy following surgery in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (the most common form of the disease) significantly lengthens life in many patients previously believed not to stand any benefit. Previously, patients with non-small cell cancer received only surgery; many relapsed and died. The results are “astonishing,” according to Dr. Katherine M.S. Pisters, a lung cancer specialist at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. She added, “There was a remarkable improvement in survival… No question, the debate is over.” Standard care guidelines are now being rewritten to recommend that chemotherapy be given after surgery for early-stage lung tumors.
Shingles Vaccine Shows Promise -- A One-Time Shot Significantly Reduces Chance of Getting Painful Skin Condition, Study Says
By Barbara Martinez and Sylvia Pagan Westphal, Wall Street Journal, June 2, 2005
Vaccine Stops Shingles
By Delthia Ricks, Newsday, June 2, 2005
In a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, an experimental vaccine reduced adults’ chances of getting shingles by half. Shingles, a debilitating pain and nerve condition which produces painful rashes, is most common in people over 60. The study also cited a 66% reduction in postherpetic neuralgia, a common more debilitating complication of shingles which causes severe pain due to damaged nerves. "As people live longer, and the proportion of older people in our population increases, it is highly likely that the prevalence of shingles will increase. A preventive shingles vaccine would be an enormous boon for the health and quality of life of seniors," said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Therapies Shown to Cure Breast Cancer: Large Study Backs Aggressive Regimen
By Rob Stein, Washington Post, May 13, 2005
Therapies Cut Death Risk, Breast-Cancer Study Finds
By Denise Grady, New York Times, May 13, 2005
Articles in both the Washington Post and New York Times announcing findings that chemotherapy and hormone treatment have dramatically reduced death rates in women with early stage breast cancer. Citing results from a major study published in Lancet, the articles note the benefits of pharmaceutical treatments increased over time with survival rates greater after 10 to 15 years than after 5 years. The study also showed that the risk of death associated with side effects from chemotherapy and tamoxifen was only .2%, dispelling fears that standard treatment may cause problems later. "Women should feel very encouraged by the progress that has been made," a study author says.
Vaccine Cuts Risk of Cervical Cancer 90%, Study Says
By Barbara Martinez, Wall Street Journal, April 7, 2005
An experimental vaccine currently in clinical trials blocks the incidence infections that often lead to cervical cancer and genital warts by 90%, a recent study in Lancet Oncology found. It blocks four types of human papillomavirus (HPV), which are the most common cause of cervical cancer and genital warts. According to the article, "The study is another sign that the first vaccine that could prevent most of the world's cervical cancer cases is just around the corner."
New Drug Offers Hope to Brain Cancer Victims
By Sheryl Ubelacker, Canadian Press, March 9, 2005, Globe & Mail
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine finds that a new treatment for brain cancer increases patient survival. "This is the first advance in 30 years in the management of this disease, and we've not been able to make a dent until now," study co-author Dr. Warren Mason said. The story also illustrates how important gains against cancer are often made through smaller steps: "It doesn't sound like much ... but if you can demonstrate that you can extend life for two to three months for the average patient, that's a significant advance," Mason explained. "We’re hopeful that this is the first of many advances that we'll see in the coming years," study co-author Dr. Greg Cairncross said.
2nd Drug After Heart Attacks Can Help Patients, 2 Studies Find
Associated Press, March 10, 2005, New York Times
New Therapy Shows Promise in Heart Attacks-- Addition of Blood Thinner Is The First Big
Improvement in Drug Treatment in a Decade
By Ron Winslow and Paul Davies, Wall Street Journal, March 10,2005, (available online with a subscription)
In two recent large scale studies adding clopidogrel, a blood thinner, to the standard emergency drug regimen for heart attack patients resulted in fewer deaths and lessened the likelihood of second heart attacks. "It really is a great day for heart attack patients," a researcher, Dr. Christopher P. Cannon of the Harvard Medical School, said. The addition of clopidogrel proved not only effective but also safe with no increased risk of side effects. This discovery marks an advance in heart attack treatment given the high costs and not always readily available artery clearing equipment and procedures.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Shows Promise
Prostate-Cancer Treatment Shows Promise: Small Study Could Renew Interest in Vaccines
That Target Tumors: Keeping Expectations in Check.
By David P. Hamilton, Wall Street Journal, February 17, 2005
Prostate Cancer vaccine extends life
By Liz Szabo. Gannett News Service, February 17, 2005, The Chicago Sun-Times
A new study of an experimental cancer vaccine shows promise in helping patients with advanced prostate cancer live longer. Therapeutic cancer vaccines help to reprogram the immune system to turn against cancer cells. This marks the first time cancer vaccines have been shown to not only shrink tumors but also prolong survival.
Nanotech's Promise in Medicine
Tiny Is Beautiful: Translating ‘Nano’ Into Practical
By Kenneth Chang, New York Times, February 22, 2005
The promise of nanotechnology in medicine and other fields is described in this New York Times story. Nanotechnology - creation of tiny atom-based particles or structures on a nanometer (billionth of a meter) scale - offers "promise in medicine for sensitive diagnostic tests and novel treatments: the detection of Alzheimer's disease by finding a protein in spinal fluid, for instance, or nanoparticles that heat up and kill cancer cells," the story says. In addition, "shrinking some medicines to nanoparticle size could improve effectiveness."
Two Physicians Groups Urge Aggressive Diabetes Treatment
Associated Press, February 3, 2005, Wall Street Journal (available online with subscription)
New recommendations by two leading physician groups - the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists - urge early and aggressive drug treatment for Type II diabetes patients. They cite advances in the use of medicine to lower blood sugar levels and a great reduction in patient complications with early aggressive treatment.
AIDS Fight Shifts Fronts -- Researchers Aim to Fortify Cells to Prevent Virus From Getting In
By Hollister H. Hovey, Dow Jones Newswires, January 5, 2005, The Wall Street Journal (available online with subscription)
A new generation of HIV drugs is now in development and showing promise. This new class stems from the finding that a mutation found in about 1% of people renders them immune to the AIDS virus by preventing it from entering the cell. This would be the first treatment that focuses on strengthening cells to prevent entry of the virus, rather than attacking it. If the approach proves effective and safe for patients, it would mean a whole new set of treatment options.
More information on medicines in development for HIV/AIDS
More information on the impact of new medicines on HIV/AIDS
The Right Prescription for Rising Health Care Costs
By Mortimer B. Zuckerman, U.S. News & World Report, November 22, 2004 (available online for free)
The tendency to blame prescription drugs for rising health care costs “badly confuses just what’s going on in our society,” Zuckerman states. “There's a lot of research showing that newer drugs are not only better for patients but, despite their price, cost us less in the long run.” Artificial government imposed price controls would be “terrible medicine” and would reduce by 25% to 30% the research and development that leads to better treatments. Instead of focusing on reducing drug costs, we should focus on staying healthier and improving health outcomes, Zuckerman concludes.
Understanding the Cost of Discovering New Medicines
By Deroy Murdock, The New York Post, November 21, 2004 (available online for free)
“Those little pills do not invent themselves,” commentator Deroy Murdock notes, and it is critically important for politicians and all Americans to understand “this simple but vital truth.” He notes that on average it costs $802 million to bring one new medicine from the laboratory to patients.
Follow-On Prescription Medicines Create Therapeutic Alternatives
By Christopher Rowland, The Boston Globe, November 10, 2004 (available with subscription)
A new study by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development found that "follow-on drugs" - those drugs similar to ones on the market and which treat the same condition - introduces market competition and provides more treatment options for doctors and patients. "Far from being redundant, follow-on drugs create therapeutic alternatives, which enable physicians to individualize patient treatment," said Kenneth Kaitin, the center’s director.
Longer Use of Alzheimer's Drugs Gets Boost - Treatment Research Suggests Drugs Have Longer-Term Benefits; Weighing Cost, Side Effects
By Andrea Petersen, The Wall Street Journal, September 7, 2004 (available with subscription)
Several new studies on Alzheimer's disease show that medicines may be effective for longer and provide more benefits than previously thought. These findings could help families of patients with Alzheimer's make the difficult decision of whether and when to take their loved one off medicines, which become less effective over time, according to the article.
A Medicaid Mess
News Observer (NC), September 7, 2004
A new Duke University and New School University study finds that Medicaid would save $11,500 for each HIV patient over five years if it paid for treatments earlier in the course of illness rather than requiring poor patients to pay for certain amounts of care at the beginning. The study also said that similar savings could be had for hypertension, diabetes, addiction, or mental illness. According to this editorial, the new study shows Medicaid in North Carolina to be "not so much frugal as fiscally foolish." In addition, it criticizes Medicaid for its lack of compassion in treating poor, sick patients only when they become seriously ill.
New report by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) finds NIH-invented technologies are rarely part of a final product and even when they are, they are just one of numer
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