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Myelos Corp.

 
• By Mary Stuart

Myelos Corp. was applying its novel derivatives of neurotrophic factor prosaposin to the difficult problem of nerve damage caused by diabetes and other diseases, when it discovered, through serendipity, the pain-relieving potential of its compound.

The best way to discover drugs for neuropathic pain, it seems, is by serendipity. No drugs are currently approved for neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain that follows nerve-damaging diseases or injuries, nor does this type of pain respond well to conventional opioid pain relievers or NSAIDs. Studying the etiology of neuropathic pain, which can arise from diabetes, shingles, AIDS, or amputation, hasn't yielded any outstanding insights about treating it; nor has a target-based approach yet solved the problem, although Elan Corp. PLC is getting close with a neuronal calcium channel blocker known as ziconotide; for which it submitted an NDA in December 1999.

Several drugs approved for other indications, however, have serendipitously proven to be useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain, and...

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Final Chance To Have Your Say: Take Scrip's Reader Survey This Week

 
• By Eleanor Malone

Editor’s note: This is your final call to participate in the survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. The deadline is 20 September.

Shape Our Content: Take The Reader Survey

 
• By Eleanor Malone

Editor’s note: We are conducting a survey to better understand our subscribers’ content and delivery needs. If there are any changes you’d like to see in the coverage topics, content format or the method in which you receive and access Scrip, or if you love it how it is, now is the time to have your voice heard.

Galapagos Expands Point-Of-Care CAR-T Study To The US

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

CEO Paul Stoffels said gaining US clearance for an IND for its novel CAR-T product was demanding, but now opens up a pathway towards a pivotal study starting in 2025.

Analysts Split On Eisai’s Chances Of Changing EU Regulator’s Mind On Leqembi

 
• By Andrew McConaghie

A final rejection of Leqembi could also spell the same fate for Lilly’s rival drug but public outcry and demand for Alzheimer’s therapies might force the regulator’s hand

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Titans Of Pharma: Lilly’s Ricks Tops Big Pharma Pay Chart

 
• By Eleanor Malone, Edwin Elmhirst, and Kosh Naran

The big pharma CEO with the highest-valued compensation in 2024 was David Ricks of Eli Lilly, while Pfizer and J&J executives slipped into third and fourth place behind AbbVie's now retired chief Richard Gonzalez. European firms brought up the rear.

In Brief: Gilead HIV Trials On Hold Over Safety Signal

 
• By Sushmita Panda

The FDA has paused Gilead’s HIV trials of GS-1720 and GS-4182 over safety concerns. The company’s upcoming PrEP PDUFA looks to be unaffected.

Pharma’s Space Trails Entering Transformative Era - Keytruda’s Been There

 
• By Anju Ghangurde

Merck and Lilly are among the leading pharma players using space-based research to power drug development. From reusable satellites to process drugs in low earth orbit to biomanufacturing labs experts discuss R&D opportunities in the starry canvas above.