'Lissa+
06-01-2007, 06:36 PM
I searched for the old thread on the reformulation of Rebif, but I couldn't find it so I started a new one. As you may recall, there have been a few press releases about Serono changing the formula for Rebif. This is being done to remove human albumin. This was done to reduce the risk of developing neutralizing antibodies (at least so say the press releases).
There were some questions here about when the new formula will hit the streets and the fact that some of the news articles say that while removing albumin from the drug is supposed to reduce the risk of developing NABs and injection site reactions, it can increase flulike symptoms.
I talked to my neuro about it yesterday. He had been to the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Boston in April and he said he hadn't heard about this. He said it was probably one of the thousands of 20 minute presentations that are given. But, he hasn't heard any buzz about it. He said he believes this is a marketing tactic on the drug maker's part to try to sell Rebif.
He said the American Academy of Neurology has a position paper that says the relationship between NABs and the efficacy of these drugs has not been established and therefore neurologists need not even test for them. He said there is debate; some research shows NABs don't affect the efficacy of the drugs and other research shows that they do. He said that the researchers who say that NABs are a concern are almost all tied to drug companies.
Just thought I'd report on what I heard. Anyone heard when the new stuff is actually coming out?
There were some questions here about when the new formula will hit the streets and the fact that some of the news articles say that while removing albumin from the drug is supposed to reduce the risk of developing NABs and injection site reactions, it can increase flulike symptoms.
I talked to my neuro about it yesterday. He had been to the American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting in Boston in April and he said he hadn't heard about this. He said it was probably one of the thousands of 20 minute presentations that are given. But, he hasn't heard any buzz about it. He said he believes this is a marketing tactic on the drug maker's part to try to sell Rebif.
He said the American Academy of Neurology has a position paper that says the relationship between NABs and the efficacy of these drugs has not been established and therefore neurologists need not even test for them. He said there is debate; some research shows NABs don't affect the efficacy of the drugs and other research shows that they do. He said that the researchers who say that NABs are a concern are almost all tied to drug companies.
Just thought I'd report on what I heard. Anyone heard when the new stuff is actually coming out?