Merck reports positive test results for new type of antidepressant drug

Article Abstract:

Merck and Company Inc has announced preliminary findings that its experimental antidepressant MK-869 relieves depression as well as Paxil but with fewer side effects. Paxil produced sexual side effects in 26% of the 210 patients, while MK-869 caused sexual side effects in only 3% of patients. Unlike the currently popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, MK-869 fights depression by blocking a brain chemical called substance P. Pfizer Inc, Eli Lilly and Co, and Novartis are also testing or planning to test substance P blockers.

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Reports early findings that MK-869 relieves depression as well as Paxil, with fewer side effects

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1

Julie

Nov 5, 2009 @ 10:10 am

Interesting... if this was published in 1998, then it was three years before the patent on Paxil was officially up -- so perhaps what Merck was attempting to do was to was to prove PAXIL to be ineffective in comparision with their new drug, thus by the time the patent was up, no one would WANT to try and make generic PAXIL -- thus grabbing the stranglehold on the market. Brilliant! If only it had worked. Other sources indicate that research on this drug was aborted months later... get some better research and developers, Merck!

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Hoechst to intensify marketing battle with Immunex Corp. on arthritis drug

Article Abstract:

Hoechst AG hopes it has the edge in promoting its Arava, the updated drug treatment for rheumatoid arthritis which afflicts about 2.5 million Americans. One study showed that Arava slowed bone erosion by more than 75% over placebos. Side-effects may be more serious, though, than side-effects from taking the new drug, Enbrel, Arava's main competitor. Cost difference, however, is in Arava's favor. Arava can cost a patient about $3,000 a year compared with Enbrel's $10,000 per year.

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