New Drug Approvals: March 2003

Date of Approval: March 13, 2003

Company: Roche

Treatment for HIV Infection

Fuzeon is a fusion inhibitor used in combination with other medicines to treat HIV, which causes the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Date of Approval: March 20, 2003

Company: Galen Ltd

Treatment for Postmenopausal Symptoms

Femring is a vaginal estrogen product in the form of a flexible, self-inserted ring. Estradiol is delivered at a steady and consistent rate during the three-month dosing period, offering women both dual symptom relief and convenient dosing. Femring is indicated to treat both the hot flushes and vaginal symptoms associated with menopause.

Company: Pharmacia and Upjohn

Treatment for Acromegaly

Date of Approval: March 27, 2003

Company: Merck

Treatment for Nausea/Vomiting -- Chemotherapy Induced

Emend is a P/neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist used in combination with other antiemetic agents to prevent and control acute and delayed nausea and vomiting associated with initial and repeat courses of highly emetogenic cancer chemotherapy.

Company: Allergan

Treatment for Bacterial Conjunctivitis