2007 - The Year in Drugs
The year 2007 saw a number of advances in drug research and development, with many new drugs approved over a wide range of medical conditions. Below is a summary of the drugs that made their debut into the medical world in 2007.
ADHD
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is an amphetamine derivative prodrug administered once-daily for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Vyvanse was developed to lower abuse potential by remaining therapeutically inactive until metabolized in the body.
Allergies
Xyzal (levocetirizine dihydrochloride) is a once-daily prescription antihistamine for the relief of symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis and urticaria in adults and children six years of age and older.
Veramyst (fluticasone furoate) is an intranasal corticosteroid administered once-daily for the treatment of seasonal and year- round allergy symptoms in adults and children two years of age and older.
Alzheimer's Disease
Exelon Patch (rivastigmine) is a transdermal formulation of rivastigmine indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.
Bone Conditions
Reclast (zoledronic acid) is a bisphosphonate administered as a single-dose infusion for the treatment for Paget's disease. Reclast has also been approved as the first and only once-yearly medicine for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Cancer
Tasigna (nilotinib) is a kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of chronic phase and accelerated phase Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).
Ixempra (ixabepilone) is a semisynthetic analog of epothilone B indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic or locally advanced breast cancer.
Torisel (temsirolimus), an inhibitor of mTOR kinase, is an antineoplastic agent indicated for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Tykerb (lapatinib ditosylate) is a kinase inhibitor indicated in combination with Xeloda (capecitabine) for the treatment of patients with advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Bystolic (nebivolol) is a once daily beta blocker approved for the treatment of hypertension.
Azor (amlodipine and olmesartan) is a fixed-dose combination of a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (olmesartan) indicated for the treatment of hypertension.
Exforge (amlodipine and valsartan) is a single-tablet combination of a calcium channel blocker (amlodipine) and an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) taken once-daily for the treatment of hypertension.
Letairis (ambrisentan) is an endothelin receptor antagonist (ERA) indicated for the once-daily oral treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
Tekturna (aliskiren) is a direct renin inhibitor indicated for the once-daily oral treatment of high blood pressure.
Diabetes
Janumet (sitagliptin and metformin) is an oral antihyperglycemic combination for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Endocrine Disorders
Somatuline Depot (lanreotide acetate) is a sustained-release somatostatin analogue indicated for the long-term treatment of acromegaly.
Supprelin-LA (histrelin acetate) is a once-yearly implant of the gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) analog histrelin, indicated for the treatment of central precocious puberty.
Gastrointestinal Conditions
Lialda (mesalamine) is a once-daily oral formulation of mesalamine indicated for the induction of remission in patients with active, mild to moderate ulcerative colitis.
Hematological Conditions
Evithrom (human thrombin) is a blood-clotting protein used to help control bleeding during surgery.
CaloMist (cyanocobalamin) is a nasal spray formulation of cyanocobalamin indicated for the maintenance of vitamin B12 concentrations in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency.
Ceprotin (Protein C Concentrate (Human)) is a replacement therapy for patients with life-threatening blood-clotting complications related to severe congenital Protein C deficiency.
Soliris (eculizumab) is a monoclonal antibody indicated for the treatment of patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) to reduce hemolysis.
HIV/AIDS
Isentress (raltegravir) is an integrase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1 infection in combination with other antiretroviral agents.
Selzentry (maraviroc) is a CCR5 antagonist indicated for use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of adults with CCR5-tropic HIV-1.
Immune System Disorders
Privigen (Immune Globulin Intravenous (Human)) is a polyvalent human immunoglobulin indicated for the treatment of patients with primary immunodeficiency (PI) and chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Infections
Doribax (doripenem) is a penem antibacterial indicated for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and complicated urinary tract infections, including pyelonephritis.
Metabolic Disorders
Kuvan (sapropterin dihydrochloride) is the synthetic form of 6R-BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin) indicated for the treatment of phenylketonuria.
Neurological Disorders
Nuvigil (armodafinil) is a non-amphetamine wake-promoting agent for the treatment of excessive sleepiness associated with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS), narcolepsy, and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD).
Ophthalmic Conditions
Triesence (triamcinolone acetonide) is a synthetic corticosteroid for use during eye surgery.
Combigan (brimonidine tartrate and timolol maleate) is an alpha adrenergic receptor agonist and beta adrenergic receptor inhibitor combination ophthalmic solution for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
AzaSite (azithromycin) is an antibiotic ophthalmic formulation indicated for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.
Pain and Related Conditions
Voltaren Gel (diclofenac sodium) is a topical gel non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication for the pain of osteoarthritis in joints such as the knees and those of the hands.
Zingo (lidocaine hydrochloride monohydrate) is a needle-free, local anesthetic intradermal injection system to reduce the pain associated with venous access procedures in children.
Amrix (cyclobenzaprine) is an extended-release skeletal muscle relaxant for the relief of muscle spasm associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Flector (diclofenac epolamine) Patch is a transdermal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug for the topical treatment of acute pain due to minor strains, sprains, and contusions.
Parkinson's Disease
Neupro (rotigotine) is a non-ergolinic dopamine agonist transdermal system, administered once daily for the treatment of early-stage Parkinson's disease.
Prevention of Disease
Afluria (influenza virus vaccine) is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine, indicated for active immunization of persons ages 18 years and older against influenza disease.
ACAM2000 (Smallpox (Vaccinia) Vaccine, Live) is live vaccinia virus smallpox vaccine intended for active immunization against smallpox disease for persons determined to be at high risk for smallpox infection.
Influenza Virus Vaccine, H5N1 is an inactivated influenza virus vaccine indicated for immunization of persons 18 through 64 years of age who are at increased risk of exposure to the H5N1 influenza virus, commonly referred to as avian influenza or "bird flu."
Renal Conditions
Mircera (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) is an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent indicated for the treatment of anemia associated with chronic renal failure.
Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) is a phosphate binder indicated for the control of serum phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease on dialysis.
Respiratory Conditions
Perforomist (formoterol fumarate) is a long-acting beta(2)-adrenergic agonist inhalation solution for the maintenance treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Skin Conditions
Atralin Gel (tretinoin 0.05%) is a retinoid indicated for topical treatment of acne vulgaris.
Extina (ketoconazole) Foam is a topical antifungal formulation for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
Altabax (retapamulin) Ointment is a topical antibiotic indicated for the treatment of impetigo in adults and children aged 9 months and older.
Olux-E (clobetasol propionate) Foam is a topical steroid formulation for the treatment of psoriasis and eczema in patients 12 years of age or older.
Weight Loss
Alli (orlistat) is an over-the-counter weight-loss product containing the same ingredient in prescription strength Xenical. Alli is indicated for weight loss in overweight adults.
Women's Health
EvaMist (estradiol) is an estradiol transdermal spray administered once daily for the treatment of vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes) associated with menopause.
Endometrin (progesterone) is a vaginal insert indicated to support embryo implantation and early pregnancy as part of an Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) treatment for infertile women.
Divigel (estradiol) is a low dose topical estrogen gel, which is applied to the skin of the thigh once daily for the treatment of moderate to severe hot flashes associated with menopause.
Lybrel (levonorgestrel and ethinyl estradiol) is a low-dose combination contraceptive pill taken continuously (without a pill-free interval) and over time may eliminate scheduled menstrual periods. Lybrel is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy.
Other Conditions
Totect (dexrazoxane) is a topoisomerase inhibitor used as a detoxifying agent for the treatment of extravasation resulting from intravenous anthracycline chemotherapy.
Posted: January 2008
