F.D.A. Allows New Remedy For Arthritis

[babylonsister]

F.D.A. Allows New Remedy For Arthritis

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: April 24, 2009


WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration approved a potential blockbuster drug from Johnson & Johnson on Friday that fights three forms of arthritis caused by immune-system disorders.

The injectable medication, called Simponi, is essentially a follow-up to the multibillion-dollar drug Remicade, which is marketed in the United States by Johnson & Johnson and in Europe and other countries by the Schering-Plough Corporation.

Combined sales of the drug were more than $5 billion last year.

Sales of the new drug would be similarly split between the two companies.

F.D.A. regulators have approved the drug for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, a painful, progressive form of spinal arthritis. All three forms of arthritis are chronic disorders in which the immune system attacks joints, causing stiffness, pain and restricted motion.

The drug is injected under the skin once a month. It is made to be used alongside drugs that suppress the immune system.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/25/business/25drug.html?hpw

[ShortnFiery]

1. There's not ever "something for nothing." The side effects, not to mention the

potential fall-out for suppressing an overactive immune system are not actions without consequence.

However, the individual patient must, with their trusted physician, weigh the costs and benefits.

It's not for the Pharmaceutical Industry to dictate through a few "cute commercials." :(

[Warpy]

2. Right, the drug class is an ugly one

and advertising this stuff on TV is inappropriate. The choice to undergo a trial is a difficult one since the side effects are often as bad as or worse than the disease.

However, I've seen this class of drug work absolute miracles on a host of autoimmune diseases from arthritis through Crohn's disease.

[rocktivity]

3. Those persecription commericals are downright comical

The first half talk about how great the drug is; the second half talks about its dangers. There's an anti-depressant out there that can trigger suicidial tendencies!

:crazy:
rocktivity

[rocktivity]

4. dupe, sorry n/t

.