New uses for old drugs: Novel therapeutic options

New uses for old drugs: Novel therapeutic options

Since decades, the rational discovery of new medicines has depended on the modification of molecular structures. Introducing a new drug to the market now costs an average of US$ 897 million which includes preclinical and clinical costs before the US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval and costs associated with studies conducted after a product has gained such approval. Moreover, the pro...

Old drugs, new uses: solving a Hatch-Waxman patent predicament.

In early 2003, two panels of the Federal Circuit clashed in a pair of cases (Warner-Lambert v. Apotex and Allergan v. Alcon) dealing with the question of whether an action for inducement of infringement could be leveled against a generic drug manufacturer seeking FDA approval for an unpatented drug with both patented and unpatented uses. This paper takes up this debate, analyzing the interpreti...

Paclitaxel: new uses for an old drug

Paclitaxel (Taxol), one of the most important anticancer drugs, has been used for therapy of different types of cancers. Mechanistically, paclitaxel arrests cell cycle and induces cell death by stabilizing microtubules and interfering with microtubule disassembly in cell division. Recently, it has been found that low-dose paclitaxel seems promising in treating non-cancer diseases, such as skin ...

New uses for old urine tests.

Ketamine: new uses for an old drug?

Over the years, ketamine has found many applications in paediatric anaesthesiology. Recent insights into the mechanism of its central action, and the pharmacology of its isomers have led to a re-evaluation of this drug, expanding the range of indications in adults. The best examples of the uses of ketamine as an analgesic are: in brief diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, during the post-opera...