Data presented at the American Pain Society’s 30th Annual Scientific Meeting demonstrated that NGX-4010, a capsaicin 8% patch significantly reduces pain in older patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a debilitating condition characterized by persistent pain following the healing of a herpes zoster rash.
Merck announced that the FDA has approved Victrelis (boceprevir), a hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor, for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection, in combination with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, in adult patients ≥18 years of age with compensated liver disease, including cirrhosis, who are previously untreated or who have failed previous interferon and ribavirin therapy.
Sanofi Pasteur announced that the FDA has approved Fluzone Intradermal (influenza virus vaccine) for the active immunization of adults 18-64 years old against influenza disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and type B contained in the vaccine.
Roche announced that the FDA has approved the cobas HPV Test, which is now available, to identify women at highest risk of developing cervical cancer.
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals announced that the FDA has approved Viramune XR (nevirapine) extended-release tablets, a one-pill, once-daily (400mg) formulation of nevirapine for use in combination with other antiretroviral agents for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in adults.
Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced interim results from its ongoing Phase 2 ZENITH study evaluating various regimens of VX-222 in combination with telaprevir, pegylated-interferon and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1.
Merck announced that Zostavax (varicella zoster vaccine, live, attenuated) has gained an expanded indication for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) in individuals 50-59 years of age.
Mylan’s subsidiary, Matrix Laboratories, announced that under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the FDA has approved water-dispersible zidovudine tablets, a generic version of Retrovir (GlaxoSmithKline).
The FDA has notified healthcare professionals of serious health problems that have been reported in premature babies receiving Kaletra (lopinavir/ritonavir oral solution; Abbott).
Vertex Pharmaceuticals announced data from its Phase 2 study of telaprevir in combination with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin compared to pegylated-interferon and ribavirin alone for the treatment of patients who are infected with both genotype 1 hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), also known as HCV-HIV co-infection.
