Worldwide pharmaceutical sales are projected to exceed USD$1 trillion in 2020, according to an analysis by EvaluatePharma, a market intelligence company. Global sales in 2013 were $717 billion. Growth over the next seven years is projected to be about 5% per year despite a loss (-1.6%) in 2012 and minimal growth (+0.3%) in 2013. Higher growth is largely attributed to the development of biological agents, which are priced higher than pharmaceuticals and are less likely to be genericized. Read More
Neurology
Serotonergic mechanisms in PD: two reports
December 10, 2014Two studies have investigated the potential benefits of targeting serotonergic neurotransmission in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Read More
Future uncertain for active immunotherapies in AD – Part 1
December 10, 2014The recent failure of active immunotherapies targeting beta-amyloid in Alzheimer’s disease has dampened some of the initial enthusiasm for this approach. Development of AN1792, an active beta-amyloid vaccine, was terminated following the development of meningoencephalitis in 6% of vaccinated subjects. This complication was attributed to use of full-length beta-amyloid1-42. Read More
NeuroSound Radio at ACTRIMS/ECTRIMS 2014 – Part 2
November 19, 2014Toward a new standard in MS disease control
October 22, 2014REVIEWER: Dr. Mark S. Freedman, Director, Multiple Sclerosis Research Unit, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, Canada
Redefining therapeutic efficacy
Conclusions
New data on novel and emerging therapies were the centrepiece of the 2014 joint meeting of the Americas and European Committee for Research and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (ACTRIMS/ECTRIMS), with results suggesting that clinical standards are being redefined for optimal disease control in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Read More