E-DRUG: Patented new uses for old drugs (4)
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In addition to new indications and new formulation development, another approach to commercial franchise protection/line extension is the development of combination formulations:
- fluoxetine (Prozac) with olanzapine (Zyprexa) = Symbiax (for bipolar
depression - a new indication).
- Pfizer has/will have several atorvastatin (Lipitor)-based combination
pills, including Caduet [amlodipine besylate/atorvastatin calcium] (on the market) and atorvastatin/torcetrapib (due to launch in 2009, I believe)
- Merck has Vytorin [ezetimibe/simvastatin]
Cynthia Lander, PhD
Cynapse Consulting, LLC
USA
Cynapse7@aol.com