The bigger they are, the harder they fall? In yet another blow to the embattled diabetes drug Avandia, the Department of Veterans Affairs is severely restricting its use. Until now, the VA accounted for about 8 percent of Avandia sales.
Once upon a time, Avandia delivered $2.2 billion to GlaxoSmithKline's top line in the U.S. alone. Since reports of safety problems surfaced in May, those sales have free-fallen by 60 percent. And more downward pressure may be on its way. Despite an advisory panel's recommendation that it remain on the market, the FDA is still arguing whether to pull the drug.
- read the article [1] from the New York Times
Related Articles:
What to do with Avandia sales force? Report [2]
Expert committee says Avandia should stay. Report [3]
Docs shunning Avandia in wake of safety study. Report [4]
Avandia risks exposed under deal to post data. Report [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/business/18drug.html?_r=1&ref=health&oref=slogin
[2] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/what-do-avandia-sales-force/2007-08-14
[3] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/expert-committee-says-avandia-should-stay/2007-07-31
[4] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/docs-shunning-avandia-in-wake-of-safety-study/2007-05-29
[5] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/avandia-risks-exposed-under-deal-to-post-data/2007-05-23
[6] http://www.fiercebiotech.com/tags/glaxosmithkline
[7] http://www.fiercepharma.com/tags/avandia