New product newswire: November 20, 2006

RX

NEW DRUGS

In time for the upcoming 2006-07 flu season, a new influenza immunization is available from GlaxoSmithKline. FluLaval (Influenza Virus Vaccine) has been approved for the active immunization of adults 18 years of age and older against influenza types A and B. FluLaval, already marketed in Canada under the name Fluviral, will be available in 10-dose multi-dose vials.

NEW INDICATIONS

Berlex has also received approval for an expanded indication for Betaseron (interferon beta-1b). Administration of the drug, used to treat relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis (MS) to reduce the frequency of clinical exacerbations, now includes use in MS patients following a first clinical episode who have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features consistent with MS to delay the time to a second clinical event.

Aricept (donepezil hydrochloride) from Eisai Inc., Teaneck, N.J., (201) 692-1100, already approved to treat patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, has been approved for the treatment of severe dementia as well as all forms of dementia from Alzheimer's.

A new treatment option can help slow the spread of locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Taxotere (docetaxel) Injection Concentrate, a Sanofi-Aventis product, has been approved for use in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil prior to radiotherapy.

Remicade (infliximab) now carries a new indication: maintaining clinical remission and mucosal healing in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who have responded inadequately to conventional therapy. Thereby, it is also effective in helping patients to discontinue use of corticosteroids. Remicade is the product of Centocor Inc., Horsham, Pa., (610) 651-6000.

NovoSeven-coagulation factor VIIA (recombinant)-from Novo Nordisk, Princeton, N.J., (800) 727-6500, has been approved as the only recombinant therapy for treating acquired hemophilia, a rare, non-inherited, and life-threatening bleeding disorder. NovoSeven is currently indicated in the treatment of bleeding episodes, and for the prevention of bleeding in surgical interventions or invasive procedures, in hemophilia A or B patients.