Articles By Marcus Johnson

  1. HIV Drug Tabbed With Prevention Of Cervical Cancer 2/19/2014

    The HIV drug lopinavir has been studied by researchers looking for its effects on certain cancers. A University of Manchester study found that lopinavir was extremely successful at fighting cervical cancer—the drug killed HPV, or the pre-cancerous cells, in about 90%of women. Unlike other cancer treatments, lopinavir was not found to have any side effects. Photos of patients at the end of the study showed a reduction in the size of cervical lesions.

  2. FDA Needs More Information On Sprout's Female “Viagra” Drug 2/12/2014

    The FDA wants more information from Sprout Pharmaceuticals on their female “Viagra” drug, flibanserin. Sprout acquired the drug from Boehringer Ingelheim in 2011, and has since worked to develop it into a suitable option for women in western markets

  3. Survey Shows Half Of Drug Companies Use Counter-Generics Teams 2/11/2014

    A study done by Cutting Edge Information indicated that a significant portion of pharmaceutical companies use counter-generics teams to protect their drugs’ revenue streams, even as their patents expire. Some pharmaceutical companies have entire divisions dedicated to counter-generics, while others only create or employ a team when a particular drug’s patent is set to expire.

  4. Can JAK Inhibitors Treat Stomach And Colorectal Cancers? 2/7/2014

    A class of drugs called JAK inhibitors are currenting being used as a treatment for myelofibrosis, a condition that mimics cancer in a number of ways. Researchers are determining if JAK inhibitors can be used to treat stomach and colorectal cancers as well as other diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

  5. Pfizer's Breast Cancer Drug Trial Deemed A Success 2/4/2014

    Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has produced a new breast cancer drug which has generated successful results in clinical trial. The drug’s name is Palbociclib, and the company has invested heavily in its development. Pfizer estimates that the drug could net about $5 billion each year once in production.

  6. FDA Expected To Address Off-Label Marketing 2/4/2014

    The FDA is expected to address the practice of pharmaceutical companies making off-label claims about their products. Pharmaceutical companies cannot legally make off-label claims and are required to fully disclose any side-effects in any advertisements. While doctors can prescribe drugs for a number of different uses, drug companies can only market drugs for uses approved by the FDA.

  7. FDA Reassessing Testosterone Product Safety 2/4/2014

    Products marketed at middle aged western men looking to increase their energy levels, strength, and libidos have surged in recent years. Many of these products include testosterone therapy. Since 2010, there have been multiple studies on testosterone treatment, and there have been enough negative effects to prompt the FDA to start the reassessment process on drugs that use testosterone.

  8. Geisinger and Regeneron Partner Up 2/4/2014

    In an effort to spur innovation and improve care for patients, Geisinger Health System and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals announced that the two companies would collaborate on research in order to help find the genetic components of diseases in humans.

  9. Merck To End Testing On Chimps 1/31/2014

    Under pressure from animal rights groups and with the new cost effectiveness of improved technology, some companies in the pharmaceutical industry are giving up practice of testing drugs on animals, namely chimpanzees.

  10. A Unique Take On Pharmaceutical Research 1/31/2014

    In an increasingly competitive drug industry, getting key patents on new treatments can be extremely lucrative and drive not only sales, but research and development for new drugs. In a unique move, pharmaceutical company UCB has created a global competition where individuals or families with unique health characteristics are awarded.