Depression in the elderly - falls and pitfalls

Article Abstract:

More research is needed on the use of different antidepressants in the elderly. Most pre-marketing clinical trials of drugs compare the drug to a placebo, not to another drug. And these trials almost never include elderly patients, especially those in nursing homes. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as Prozac are believed to have fewer side effects than tricyclic antidepressants. But a 1998 study found that nursing home patients taking Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were just as likely to fall as those taking other antidepressants.

Health aspects, Editorial, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Falls (Accidents), Accidental falls, Antidepressants, Nursing home patients

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Torcetrapib and Atorvastatin-Should marketing drive the research agenda?

Article Abstract:

Pfizer, which holds the patent on torcetrapib is launching several studies to assess the clinical outcomes of treatment with the drug. Pfizer's trials that study torcetrapib in combination with the company's widely used atorvastatin (Lipitor), may not optimally meet the scientific needs of presribers, the clinical needs of patients and the economical needs of payers but they meet the business needs of the sponsor and thus protect the market share of product.

United States, Marketing procedures, Science & research, Pharmaceutical preparations, Research, Pharmaceutical industry, Marketing, Pfizer Inc., Company marketing practices, PFE, Atorvastatin, Torcetrapib (Medication)

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FDA standards - good enough for government work?

Article Abstract:

A minimum standard is considered acceptable in the area of evidence needed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for sanctioning new drugs. Such drugs might provide short-term benefits but long-term side effects, to avoid which higher evaluation standards are recommended for adoption by the FDA.

Product standards, safety, & recalls, New England States, Standards, New England, United States. Food and Drug Administration, Drug approval

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