Lyme disease vaccine
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved the first vaccine against Lyme disease. LYMErix, produced by SmithKline Beecham, is made from a synthetic form of the outer surface protein of Borrelia burgdorferi, the microorganism transmitted by ticks that causes Lyme disease. When an infected tick bites someone who has been vaccinated, antibodies in their blood destroy the microorganism inside the tick. In clinical trials, three doses of vaccine were 100% effective in protecting people from infection. However, levels of protective antibody drop very quickly and the long-term safety of the vaccine is unknown. Antibiotics are very effective in treating Lyme disease.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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Infliximab (Remicade) for Crohn's disease
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved infliximab for the treatment of Crohn's disease. The drug is a monoclonal antibody sold under the trade name Remicade. It inhibits tumor necrosis factor, which is an inflammatory protein believed to be involved in Crohn's disease. Patients with Crohn's disease who do not respond to other treatments have responded to infliximab and many have gone into remission. However, relapses are common and the drug's long-term safety is not known. It must be given as an intravenous infusion.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1999
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Pramipexole and ropinirole for Parkinson's disease
Article Abstract:
Two drugs have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for treatment of Parkinson's disease. They are pramipexole, which is marketed by Pharmacia & Upjohn as Mirapex, and ropinirole, sold by SmithKline Beecham as Requip. In double-blind trials, each drug was found to improve motor function for Parkinson's disease patients and to allow reduction of levadopa dosage. No tests have been done comparing effectiveness of one drug to the other.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1997
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- Abstracts: Immunodeficiency diseases. Primary immunodeficiency diseases
- Abstracts: Immunohematologic diseases. Immunohematologic disorders
- Abstracts: Supplying the vaccine. The quest for a vaccine. Third World vaccine production: vaccine producers in the developing countries have an important role to play in supplying high-quality products, and their efforts need to be supported by both the public and private sectors
- Abstracts: Liver disease in pregnancy. Autoantibodies and pregnancy loss
- Abstracts: Autonomic disorders and their recognition. Neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers. Eating disorders and diabetic complications