New drugs are ahead which will be marketed to try to replace those with expiring patents. They are metabolites or isomers of existing drugs with the pitch that they will give better efficacy or fewer side effects.
Some live up to their pitch, some won't....but this is what's ahead:
Invega (paliperidone) - the active metabolite of risperidone. It is sustained release, so its dosed just once a day. Studies show it works as well, but will not require dose titration??? Also, less concern about drug interactions with drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 (paroxetine, fluoxetine)
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) - the major metabolite of venlafaxine. Has comparable efficacy & tolerability. It will be approved for depression & hot flashes, but also has been used off-label for fibromyalgia & neuropathic pain.
Don't know exactly when the release dates are, but they're expected in 2007. So....you've got a jump on the reps !
Finally, Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) was marketed to cause fewer side effects than methylphenidate....but, so far, no conclusive post-marketing proof.
Some live up to their pitch, some won't....but this is what's ahead:
Invega (paliperidone) - the active metabolite of risperidone. It is sustained release, so its dosed just once a day. Studies show it works as well, but will not require dose titration??? Also, less concern about drug interactions with drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 (paroxetine, fluoxetine)
Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) - the major metabolite of venlafaxine. Has comparable efficacy & tolerability. It will be approved for depression & hot flashes, but also has been used off-label for fibromyalgia & neuropathic pain.
Don't know exactly when the release dates are, but they're expected in 2007. So....you've got a jump on the reps !
Finally, Focalin (dexmethylphenidate) was marketed to cause fewer side effects than methylphenidate....but, so far, no conclusive post-marketing proof.