Expert review of clinical pharmacology
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · May 2014
EditorialWhat are our pharmacotherapeutic options for MERS-CoV?
Since the initial description of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus (MERS-CoV), the disease has been associated with a high case-fatality rate. There is a lack of proven effective medications for therapy of MERS-CoV. The current knowledge of therapeutic options for MERS-CoV is based on the experience from SARS-CoV and from in vitro studies. In this article we review the different therapeutics available for MERS-CoV from SARS experience, in vitro and animal studies of this emerging disease.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Mar 2014
ReviewClinical value of tapentadol extended-release in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is difficult to treat, partially because the underlying mechanism of pain is not fully understood. Various treatment guidelines recommend first-line agents, such as α2-δ ligands, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, and tricyclic antidepressants but combination therapy of alternative agents including opiates is often warranted. ⋯ Previous reviews of tapentadol have focused on chronic pain. The purpose of this review article is to assess the efficacy and safety of tapentadol extended-release in adult populations with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy and provide guidance for formulary decisions.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Jan 2014
CommentCanagliflozin versus glimepiride treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin (CANTATA-SU trial).
Evaluation of: Cefalu WT, Leiter LA, Yoon KH et al. Efficacy and safety of canagliflozin versus glimepiride in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with metformin (CANTATA-SU): 52-week results from a randomized, double-blind, Phase III non-inferiority trial. Lancet 382, 941-950 (2013). ⋯ Blood pressure was modestly reduced by both CANA treatments. Both high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased by both doses of CANA compared to glimepiride. Documented hypoglycemia was lower with CANA, but polyuria, pollakiuria, genital mycotic and urinary tract infections were significantly greater in both doses of CANA compared to glimepiride.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Sep 2013
ReviewNIHR Medicines for Children Research Network: improving children's health through clinical research.
The need to evaluate medicines for children is widely acknowledged due to pervasive unlicensed medicine use in the pediatric setting. The EU Paediatric Regulation was developed to address these considerations, which subsequently led to the establishment of the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Medicines for Children Research Network (MCRN) in England. ⋯ Enpr-EMA was established to foster and coordinate research, and develop collaborations across Europe. MCRN works with Enpr-EMA, industry and others to improve the conduct of research for the benefit of children's health.
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Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol · Sep 2013
ReviewRidaforolimus in advanced or metastatic soft tissue and bone sarcomas.
Patient outcomes remain poor for advanced or metastatic soft tissue sarcomas (STS) and bone sarcomas despite a growing number of clinical trials involving single- and multi-agent chemotherapy. mTOR is an intracellular kinase that plays a central role in regulating cell growth, metabolism, survival and proliferation. mTOR inhibitors including temsirolimus, everolimus and ridaforolimus have demonstrated broad anticancer activity. Ridaforolimus is a non-prodrug analog of rapamycin (sirolimus) with conserved affinity for mTOR but improved solubility, stability and bioavailability when compared with sirolimus. Early clinical trials reveal a reproducible and predictable pharmacokinetic profile, a potent, rapid and prolonged target inhibition and an acceptable safety and tolerability profile. Phase II and III trials of ridaforolimus have produced promising clinical activity against advanced sarcomas and will be presented.