Wyeth not?

Must … milk … drug … for … every … possible … indication …

This is what I picture a Wyeth exec saying with his last dying breath. The pharma company has remixed Effexor XR like the best DJ in the best club in the world, and it’s slated to be approved for depression and hot flashes on Monday. (Interestingly, I didn’t have hot flashes till I started taking Effexor, but that’s another matter.)

Pristiq is the name of the new drug. It sounds like a synonym for the male manhood, to put it in romance-novel terms. But you have to sympathize with Wyeth a bit. First of all, what name is left? Secondly, in 2010 the company will be seriously challenged by generics, so they have to find a way to stop the loss of blood. By 2011, I guarantee you, your shrink will start hyping Pristiq as a replacement for your Effexor. Remember me then, and smile.

Wyeth depression/hot flash drug faces hurdles

liz | 2:12 PM | Uncategorized