The difficulties of developing new therapies for neurological disorders is well documented (see CNS drug development: a pipeline of problems, Neurosens, November 9, 2011). The most recent case in point: Eli Lilly, which has had a tough summer with two of its late-stage drugs.
Neurology
Testing the new NIA-AA criteria for MCI
November 21, 2012A European group has examined the risk of progression to Alzheimer’s disease for the four MCI subgroups outlined in the National Institute on Aging-Alzheimer’s Association (NIA-AA) recommendations (Guo et al. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2012; epublished August 30, 2012).
GDS recommended for depression screening in PD
November 21, 2012The Methods of Optimal Depression Detection in Parkinson’s Disease (MOOD-PD) study has reviewed patient self-report scales, concluding that the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) is the most efficient tool to screen for clinical depression in PD patients (Williams et al. Neurology 2012;78:998-1006).
FDA delays review of alemtuzumab
November 7, 2012The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a Refuse to File (RTF) letter in response to Genzyme’s application for approval of alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) as a treatment for MS. The RTF letter requires that Genzyme reorganize the data presented and resubmit its application. Although no new data are required, the RTF is expected to delay any approval of the drug in MS by at least six months. The drug is currently under review by the European Medicines Agency.
Botulinum toxin type A may be effective for trigeminal neuralgia
November 7, 2012About two-thirds of patients with trigeminal neuralgia (TN) may respond to injections of botulinum toxin type A (BTX-A), according to the results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Wu et al. Cephalalgia 2012;32:443-450).