Search

Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of Xalatan ® with generic latanoprost (Latoprost) in subjects with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH). Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, open label, crossover, two period comparative study. At the baseline visit, subjects were randomized to two groups. Group A received Xalatan ® for weeks 1-12 followed by Latoprost for weeks 13-24. Group B received Latoprost for weeks 1-12 followed by Xalatan ® for weeks 13-24. Results: 30 subjects were recruited, 12 in Group A and 18 in Group B. In subjects administered Xalatan ®, intraocular pressure (IOP) showed a greater decrease ( P < 0.001) from 23.64 ± 3.13 mmHg at baseline to 14.29 ± 1.61 mmHg at week 12 (fall of 9.35 ± 3.55 mmHg, 38.66% ± 10.29) than that seen in the Latoprost group (22.74 ± 2.47 mmHg to 16.98 ± 2.49 mmHg, fall of 5.76 ± 1.41 mmHg; 25.42% ± 5.98). In period 2 when subjects were crossed over to Xalatan ® from Latoprost, there was a further fall from 16.98 ± 2.49 mmHg to 16.09 ± 1.49 at week 24 (fall of 0.89 ± 1.59 mmHg; 4.3% ± 8.76). However, when subjects were crossed over to Latoprost from Xalatan ®, the IOP rose from 14.29 ± 1.61 mmHg to 15.36 ± 1.71 mmHg at week 24 (8.86% ± 17.76). There was no significant difference in incidence of conjunctival hyperemia or any other adverse events in both the groups. Conclusion: The magnitude of IOP lowering in patients with POAG and OH with Xalatan ® and Latoprost is different. In our study, the IOP lowering with Xalatan ® was higher than that with Latoprost.

Objective: The real-world INFORM study analyzed sociodemographics, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Australia, South Korea (S.Korea) and Taiwan preceding incorporation of poly(ADPribose) polymerase inhibitors into clinical practice. Methods: Retrospective data from patients diagnosed with EOC (high-grade serous EOC for Taiwan) between January 2014 and December 2018 with =12 months follow-up from diagnosis were analyzed descriptively. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier with two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Of the 987 patients (Australia, 223; S.Korea, 513; Taiwan, 251), 98% received platinum-based chemotherapy (CT). In S.Korea and Taiwan 76.0% and 78.9% respectively underwent primary cytoreductive surgery; in Australia, 56.5% had interval debulking surgery. Bevacizumab was included in primary/maintenance therapy for 22.4%, 14.6% and 6.8% of patients in Australia, S.Korea and Taiwan, respectively. Patients receiving bevacizumab were high-risk (reimbursement policy) and achieved similar real-world progression-free survival (PFS) compared with CT only. Overall, the median real-world PFS (months; 95% CI) was similar across Australia (16.0 [14.63-18.08]), S.Korea (17.7 [16.18-19.27]) and Taiwan (19.1 [17.56-22.29]). Conclusion: This study reveals poor prognosis despite differences in demographics and treatment patterns for patients with EOC across Asia-Pacific suggesting the need for biomarker-driven novel therapies to improve outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spread of coronavirus epidemic has resulted in a change in the work schedule for Medical affairs professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. There has been an increase in virtual scientific interactions and prioritization of scientific communication. In the long term, this is likely to affect the structure and responsibilities of Medical affairs teams. New areas such as interactions with patients' groups, leading treatment access in specific channels of health-care delivery and role in specialty care are likely to be an integral part of the Medical Affairs function. Along with that, Medical Affairs teams would take a proactive role in developing platforms for real-world evidence programs and forging cross-industry partnerships. To make this successful, Medical affairs teams will have to build specialized skills such as expertise in healthcare, use of digital technology, patient engagement, and soft skills such as agility and ability to influence. The future of medical affairs is set for a major change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Indian pharmaceutical industry, like any other industry, has undergone significant change in the last decade. The role of a Medical advisor has always been of paramount importance in the pharmaceutical companies in India. On account of the evolving medical science and the competitive environment, the medical advisor's role is also increasingly becoming critical. In India, with changes in regulatory rules, safety surveillance, and concept of medical liaisons, the role of the medical advisor is evolving continuously and is further likely to evolve in the coming years in important areas like health economics, public private partnerships, and strategic planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of Xalatan with generic latanoprost (Latoprost) in subjects with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH).Materials and Methods: This was a single-center, randomized, open label, crossover, two period comparative study. At the baseline visit, subjects were randomized to two groups. Group A received Xalatan for weeks 1-12 followed by Latoprost for weeks 13-24. Group B received Latoprost for weeks 1-12 followed by Xalatan for weeks 13-24.Results: 30 subjects were recruited, 12 in Group A and 18 in Group B. In subjects administered Xalatan, intraocular pressure (IOP) showed a greater decrease (P < 0.001) from 23.64 +/- 3.13 mmHg at baseline to 14.29 +/- 1.61 mmHg at week 12 (fall of 9.35 +/- 3.55 mmHg, 38.66% +/- 10.29) than that seen in the Latoprost group (22.74 +/- 2.47 mmHg to 16.98 +/- 2.49 mmHg, fall of 5.76 +/- 1.41 mmHg; 25.42% +/- 5.98). In period 2 when subjects were crossed over to Xalatan from Latoprost, there was a further fall from 16.98 +/- 2.49 mmHg to 16.09 +/- 1.49 at week 24 (fall of 0.89 +/- 1.59 mmHg; 4.3% +/- 8.76). However, when subjects were crossed over to Latoprost from Xalatan, the IOP rose from 14.29 +/- 1.61 mmHg to 15.36 +/- 1.71 mmHg at week 24 (8.86% +/- 17.76). There was no significant difference in incidence of conjunctival hyperemia or any other adverse events in both the groups.Conclusion: The magnitude of IOP lowering in patients with POAG and OH with Xalatan and Latoprost is different. In our study, the IOP lowering with Xalatan was higher than that with Latoprost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The real-world INFORM study analyzed sociodemographics, treatment patterns and clinical outcomes for patients with newly diagnosed advanced epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) in Australia, South Korea (S.Korea) and Taiwan preceding incorporation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors into clinical practice., Methods: Retrospective data from patients diagnosed with EOC (high-grade serous EOC for Taiwan) between January 2014 and December 2018 with ≥12 months follow-up from diagnosis were analyzed descriptively. Survival was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier with two-sided 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: Of the 987 patients (Australia, 223; S.Korea, 513; Taiwan, 251), 98% received platinum-based chemotherapy (CT). In S.Korea and Taiwan 76.0% and 78.9% respectively underwent primary cytoreductive surgery; in Australia, 56.5% had interval debulking surgery. Bevacizumab was included in primary/maintenance therapy for 22.4%, 14.6% and 6.8% of patients in Australia, S.Korea and Taiwan, respectively. Patients receiving bevacizumab were high-risk (reimbursement policy) and achieved similar real-world progression-free survival (PFS) compared with CT only. Overall, the median real-world PFS (months; 95% CI) was similar across Australia (16.0 [14.63-18.08]), S.Korea (17.7 [16.18-19.27]) and Taiwan (19.1 [17.56-22.29])., Conclusion: This study reveals poor prognosis despite differences in demographics and treatment patterns for patients with EOC across Asia-Pacific suggesting the need for biomarker-driven novel therapies to improve outcomes., Competing Interests: Anna DeFazio, Sian Fereday and Nadia Traficante have received a research grant from AstraZeneca., (© 2023. Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Korean Society of Gynecologic Oncology, and Japan Society of Gynecologic Oncology.)