Latest Drugs

Pixantrone is a new drug out for treating non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, although it has not, at this time, been reviewed by the FDA. That is on their agenda for April 23, 2010, according to Cell Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq and MTA: CTIC) on September 5, 2009. If everything is in order, this drug could be available for doctors to prescribe in a few months.

How does it work? It works by interfering or stopping the actions of the enzymes that change the DNA structure of cells. In other words, it prohibits the cells from becoming cancerous. Pixantrone is, supposedly, a newer and faster acting Topisonmerase inhibitor -- whose actions is explained above.

It supposedly differs by postponing or eliminating a return of the illness after a remission. Remissions are periods when the body is apparently free of the disease. These are common in leukemia and Hodgkin diseases.

New drugs that have been approved are Xiaflex (collagenase clostridium histolyticum) for Psoriasis, approved February, 3, 2010. Psoriasis is that flaky skin condition that is harder to control than flies in a home with screenless, open windows. A new drug will be good news, indeed.

Oleptro (trazodone) was approved February 2, 2010 for the treatment of depression. It is a tablet taken once a day, and supposedly blocks the chemicals that cause the condition. It is one of many SARI (serotonin antagonist reuptake inhibitor) drugs for adults.

Victoza (liraglutide) is a new medication that is injected for the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus Type II, approved, January 25, 2010.

Ampyra (dalfampridine), approved January 22, 2010 is a new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis. It acts as a potassium channel blocker and supposedly allows patients better control when walking.

Actemra (tocilizumab) was approved January, 8, 2010 for rheumatoid arthritis. Whether or not it is effective against this debilitating, crippling form of arthritis is yet to be seen.