Higher dose Copaxone
Posted: Wed May 31, 2006 4:39 am
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I'm not sure that "cynical" is the right word to describe my comments but I suppose it isn't too far off. When one has followed MS research for over 40 years and seen this kind of study result released at this particular time, you have to take it at face value....market share!ohtopher wrote:Harry's comments are a bit cynical, but MS can make us prolific cynics.
Unless you happen to be a member of The Cochrane Research Group who didn't have very many flattering comments to say about Copaxone. Actually, they came out and said that after reviewing the early trials of Copaxone it confirmed to them that it was all but useless in the treatment of MS. Now if I'm "cynical" about Copaxone, what does that make The Cochrane Group?When you evaluate this or any study, remember that the research community builds upon the results of previous studies. While the quoted study may help sell some more Copaxone in the short term, it may also be the first step in deciding whether it's worth researching and developing a higher or less frequent dose of an already-effective medicine.
Let's just say that I believe we are seeing a flurry of "new" trial information from the MS pharmas simply to keep or gain market share now that Tysabri is just around the corner. And now that Biogen has lost about 18 months of Tysabri sales due to their horrible introduction of the drug they are taking steps keep the shareholders happy....by raising the wholesale cost of the drug by about 22%! Don't you just love how these companies have the MS patient's interest at heartIf, in the long term, it gets us to a point where we have a once-a-week dose of Copaxone, I'm willing to let TEVA use it to boost their share of sales in the short-term.