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Feature Articles
  • Eltrombopag: A TPO receptor agonist for the treatment of chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura


    Eltrombopag is a TPO receptor agonist that is currently pending FDA approval for the treatment of ITP. This agent has been granted orphan drug and priority review status. In May 2008, the Oncology Drugs Advisory Committee unanimously agreed that eltrombopag demonstrates a favorable risk:benefit profile for the short-term treatment of chronic ITP.

    Rational approaches to the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia


    This article reviews the role of individual therapeutic agents and combination therapies that can be used for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia.

    Alogliptin: A dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor for the treatment of type 2 diabetes


    Alogliptin is a highly selective DPP-IV inhibitor under investigation for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. An NDA for alogliptin was submitted in January 2008, and a response from FDA is expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

    Potentially inappropriate medication use in hospitalized older adults: A DUE using the full Beers criteria


    The purpose of this drug use evaluation was to report potentially inappropriate medication use, as defined by the full Beers criteria.

    Tocilizumab: A humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis


    Tocilizumab, an investigational agent for the treatment of moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis, is a humanized anti-IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody. Because tocilizumab contains a mouse monoclonal antibody grafted onto human immunoglobulin, the grafted antibody is less antigenic and has a longer half-life than the mouse antibody. When administered, tocilizumab inhibits IL-6 activity by competing for both the membrane-bound and soluble types of IL-6 receptors, thus eliminating IL-6 transduction into the cell.

    Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents for anemia in older adults


    Erythropoietin, a humoral factor produced predominantly in the kidney, stimulates red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been used for years in the treatment of anemia, with extensive experience and benefits in anemia of chronic kidney disease. Recent data have suggested adverse consequences with use of ESAs, perhaps relating to inappropriate use, and prompting release of guidelines to ensure safe use and maximize benefit. When prescribing ESAs, indications, requirements to monitor laboratory parameters (hemoglobin levels and ferrokinetics), and clinical status need to be stringently followed.

    Clinical news updates from the 68th Scientific Sessions of the American Diabetes Association


    Among the new data presented at the 68th Scientific Sessions of the ADA were the results of phase 3 trials of the investigational agents liraglutide, ABT-335, saxagliptin, and alogliptin.

    Update on the diagnosis and treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia


    Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is a frequently occurring complication of endotracheal intubation and hospitalization that is associated with a significant increase in morbidity, mortality, and cost of care.

    Tolvaptan: A novel oral vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure and hyponatremia


    Tolvaptan is an oral selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist that works to produce aquaresis (water diuresis without electrolyte excretion) by blocking the effects of AVP. This effect makes tolvaptan a viable treatment option for patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) and hyponatremia.

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