Dr. Week’s Comment: Well a Happy New Year it is! rare indeed is the publication of results which do NOT support the marketing of a new drug. Yet, here are three reports which serve patients more than Big Pharma. Perhaps this bodes well for more truth in publishing for 2014! If so, Happy New Year, indeed!
Teriflunomide in multiple sclerosis: Added benefit not proven (January 7, 2014) — Flu-like symptoms and reactions at the injection site of Teriflunomide for treatment of those with Multiple Sclerosis occur less frequently than under beta interferon 1a, whereas diarrhea and hair loss are more frequent. There are no relevant differences in other aspects of treatment. … > full story
Aflibercept in macular oedema: Added benefit not proven (January 7, 2014) — Due to a lack of suitable data, it is not proven that visual impairment in macular oedema can be treated more effectively with aflibercept than with the appropriate comparator therapy. … > full story
Dabrafenib in melanoma: Added benefit not proven (January 7, 2014) — No positive effects regarding mortality, symptoms and quality of life can be derived from the available data on the use of Dabrafenib in melanoma treatment. The side effects are too concerning, says a new study, and overall, the data are too uncertain for it to be recommended. … > full story