E-DRUG: Isomers and omeprazole

[Kirsten Myhr <myhr@online.no>]

E-drug: Isomers and omeprazole
---------------------------------------------

Dear E-druggers,

In my previous response to the Norplant debate I suggested that use
of isomers is only considered when the patent-time is close to expiry.

Support of this explanation is found in Scrip no 2304 in a comment to
Astra's forecasting. I quote: Astra is banking on CNS products to boost
its growth over the next few years as the first Losec (omeprazole)
patents begin to expire. It also predicts that its single isomer of
omeprazole, will become a blockbuster drug.

Now, why should Astra do this, if there was no difference in effect
and/or safety? And if it is safety (the only argument I can see) they
have up to now claimed that omeprazole has few side effects. I wonder
what will be the claims for the advantages of the isomer, justifying the
high cost this drug will have.

In a Swedish journal another aspect on omeprazole and Astra's effort
to keep the market at top price has been featured. Astra is developing
a tablet formulation which it will only register in high-cost countries
(Nordic countries, UK, France, Germany, Austria and Switzerland) i.e.
not in Southern Europe. Then it will withdraw the capsules in this
market. This is probably to prevent the parallel import taking place
today. The parallel imported drugs most often come from Greece, Italy,
Spain and Portugal.

Don't say the industry is not inventive! 

Kirsten
Ms Kirsten Myhr, MScPharm, MPH
Bygdoy Alle 58B
0265 Oslo
Norway

Tel: +47 22 56 05 85 (h)
Fax: +47 22 24 90 17 (w) Tel: +47 22 24 88 55 (w)
E-mail: myhr@online.no
or (w): kirsten.myhr@helsetilsynet.dep.telemax.no
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