Zoledronic acid (Zometa) enhances the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine and fluvastatin...CellCept Aproved for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis

Todays Headlines from across the DailyUpdates network

Featured Journal Article (from DailyUpdates-Oncology): Zoledronic acid (Zometa) enhances the cytotoxic effect of gemcitabine and fluvastatin In 2002 Novartis announced the FDA approval of ZOMETA (zoledronic acid) for the treatment of bone metastases associated with a broad range of tumor types. These include prostate cancer, lung cancer, and other tumor types. Zoledronic, a bisphosphonate, limits bone metastasis by preventing resorption through a number of proposed mechanisms including the inhibition of osteoclastic activity and the induction of osteoclast apoptosis. In addition to acting on osteoclasts the bisphosphonates have increasingly been shown to act directly on tumor cells interfering with their migratory and invasive ability and their adherence to the bone matrix. These effects are potentiated when used in combination with various chemotherapeutic agents and appear to involve the stimulation of apoptosis, angiostasis, and host immunity. Today’s featured study evaluates the synergistic combinations of clinically available agents with zoledronic acid and data will hopefully help pave the way to broader use of ZOMETA. Already generating global sales in excess of $1.2 billion this should contribute to the ongoing success of this therapeutic [Oncology. 2006;70(2):147-53. Epub 2006 Apr 26]

Featured News Item (from DailyUpdates-Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases): CellCept Aproved for the Treatment of Lupus Nephritis The prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the US had been estimated as approximately 500,000 although a recent telephone survey commissioned by the Lupus Foundation of America suggested a prevalence of as many as 2,000,000. SLE is heterogeneous with respect to target organs. Pathologically the majority of patients with SLE may have renal involvement with clinically relevant kidney disease occuring in about 50% of patients. Treatments of systemic lupus erythematosus have remained unchanged for 30 years however in our report Autoimmune Disorders & Transplant Rejection published earlier this year we predicted the market entry of CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil). Today’s featured press release confirmed this prediction announcing the first approval by Malaysian authorities of CellCept for lupus nephritis. CellCept inhibits inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase thereby selectively inhibiting the proliferation of T and B lymphocytes. Initially approved in 1995 to prevent organ rejection, mycophenolate mofetil has been utilized as an off-label treatment of lupus nephritis. CellCept netted over $1 billion in global sales in 2005; more general approval for the use of CellCept in lupus is certain to increase this figure still further. [source: Aspreva]