New product newswire: March 20, 2006

REX

NEW DRUGS

The antifungal drug Eraxis (anidulafungin) has been approved for Pfizer Inc., New York City, (212) 733-2323. Indicated to treat patients with esophageal candidiasis, candidemia, and other forms of Candida infection, it has shown improved efficacy over fluconazole, the longstanding treatment for candidemia and other fungal infections.

NEW INDICATIONS

South San Francisco-based Genentech, (650) 225-1000, has an expanded indication for its cancer drug Rituxan (rituximab). The drug now provides first-line IV treatment of diffuse large B-cell CD20-positive, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, in combination with the chemotherapy regimen CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, prednisone) or other anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens. Rituxan was already approved as a single agent for use in relapsed or refractory, low-grade or follicular CD20-positive B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

NEW FORMULATIONS

Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, (317) 277-6583, is introducing a new premixed insulin, Humalog Mix 50/50 (50% insulin lispro protamine suspension, 50% insulin lispro injection [rDNA origin]). The new formulation, available in a pen delivery device, is used to control high blood sugar in patients with diabetes who need more insulin control at mealtime. Taken 15 minutes before a meal, it begins lowering blood sugar more quickly than regular human insulin and helps manage blood sugar after meals.