Hello and good day, I’m Claire Bowie and these are today’s top headlines on Wednesday 6 December.
Sanofi-Aventis has presented data from a Phase III trial of its new obesity drug Acomplia (rimonabant) which shows that patients with type 2 diabetes who received the drug experienced significant improvements in both blood glucose control and weight loss, compared to those who took placebo.
The results from the trial suggest that Acomplia’s positive effect on
cardiometabolic risk factors come from the product itself and not just from weight loss, which could prove crucial in the thorny issue of reimbursement.
Sanofi shares rose as investors greeted the data with enthusiasm.
Acomplia is a key product for Sanofi, especially as a number of its major drugs are facing pressure from generics, notably the antithrombotic Plavix (clopidogrel). Depending on its indications, some observers believe Acomplia could be worth up to $3 billion a year to the firm at its peak.
Meanwhile, antidepressant usage is linked to a reduced risk of suicide and overall mortality among adults, although it may increase the likelihood of nonfatal suicide attempts, according to an analysis by researchers in Finland.
Use of an antidepressant was associated with a 39% increase in attempted suicide, but a 32% decline in completed suicide and death, compared to patients who were not taking antidepressants.
That’s all for today, we’ll be back tomorrow with more industry news.
