Clinical therapeutics
-
Clinical therapeutics · May 2008
ReviewRotigotine transdermal system for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Levodopa has been the cornerstone of the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) for >30 years, but long-term levodopa therapy is associated with development of such motor complications as motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, and drug-induced involuntary movements. Rotigotine is a dopamine agonist with high affinity for the D(2) receptor. Rotigotine transdermal system, the first such system approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the management of PD, has been formulated to deliver a consistent concentration of drug to the bloodstream with the goal of minimizing the complications associated with pulsatile dosing. ⋯ The available evidence suggests that rotigotine transdermal system was effective compared with placebo in decreasing morbidity in patients with early and advanced PD. The most commonly reported adverse events associated with rotigotine transdermal system were application-site reaction, nausea, and somnolence. Additional clinical trials are needed to determine the long-term tolerability profile of rotigotine transdermal system and its clinical efficacy and tolerability compared with oral dopamine agonists.
-
Clinical therapeutics · May 2008
In vitro stability of two formulations of recombinant activated factor VIIa reconstituted in inappropriate solvents or at inappropriate volumes.
Recombinant activated factor VIIa (rFVIIa) is indicated for on-demand treatment of bleeding and the prevention and treatment of surgical bleeding in patients with hemophilia A or B who have antibodies to coagulation factors VIII or IX. The currently approved single-use formulation of rFVIIa is freeze dried and is stable for up to 3 years when stored at 2 degrees C to 8 degrees C (36 degrees F-46 degrees F). A new formulation has been developed that is stable for up to 2 years when stored at temperatures up to 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). This formulation does not require refrigerated storage and does not have to be brought to room temperature before use. Both formulations must be reconstituted before use. The original formulation is reconstituted with sterile water for injection (SWFI), whereas the new formulation is reconstituted with a solvent containing histidine. ⋯ Based on the results of these experiments, the 2 rFVIIa products should be reconstituted using the appropriate solvent at the correct volume.