Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1999. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
PRNewswire - October 25,1999
"The acquisition of RESCRIPTOR reflects our commitment to a comprehensive approach to the treatment of HIV infection and AIDS," said Peter Johnson, Agouron's president and chief executive officer.
"We are very pleased with this agreement for Agouron to acquire rights to RESCRIPTOR," said Goran Ando, M.D., Executive Vice President and President Research and Development, Pharmacia & Upjohn. "Agouron has a strong and growing presence in the HIV treatment arena that will be enhanced with the addition of RESCRIPTOR. We believe this agreement represents the best option for the future of the product and is in the best interests of patients."
RESCRIPTOR Tablets are indicated for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with appropriate antiretroviral agents when therapy is warranted. The indication is based on surrogate marker changes in clinical studies. Clinical benefit has not been demonstrated with RESCRIPTOR based on survival or incidence of AIDS-defining clinical events in a completed trial comparing RESCRIPTOR plus didanosine with didanosine monotherapy.
RESCRIPTOR has been shown to be generally well tolerated. The most commonly reported side effect attributable to RESCRIPTOR was a skin rash that occurred in 18 percent of patients. In most cases, the rash disappeared within three to 14 days without a dosage reduction or interruption of treatment (4.3 percent of patients in clinical trials discontinued due to rash).
VIRACEPT is indicated for the treatment of HIV infection when antiretroviral therapy is warranted. This indication is based on analyses of surrogate marker changes in patients who received VIRACEPT in combination with nucleoside analogs or alone for up to 24 weeks. At present, there are no results from controlled trials evaluating the effect of therapy with VIRACEPT on clinical progression of HIV infection, such as survival or the incidence of opportunistic infections.
The most commonly observed adverse event was diarrhea of moderate or greater intensity occurring in 20% of patients receiving VIRACEPT 750 mg TID with zidovudine and lamivudine. New onset or exacerbation of diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, changes in the distribution of body fat, and increased bleeding in patients with hemophilia types A and B have been reported with protease inhibitors.
For further information about Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., or about VIRACEPT, please dial toll free 1-888-VIRACEPT (847-2237). To receive full prescribing information for VIRACEPT via fax, dial 1-888-288-9639.
Agouron's HIV portfolio is led by VIRACEPT(R) (nelfinavir mesylate), the most extensively prescribed HIV protease inhibitor in the United States. Agouron's development of anti-HIV therapies includes the NNRTI AG1549, the novel HIV protease inhibitor AG1776, and an immune-based therapy, REMUNE(TM) (HIV-1 Immunogen), all being investigated for the treatment of HIV infection.
Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Warner-Lambert Company (NYSE: WLA), is an integrated pharmaceutical company committed to the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of innovative therapeutic products engineered to inactivate proteins that play key roles in cancer, AIDS, and other serious diseases. Agouron employs more than 1100 people of whom approximately 700 are engaged in research and development.
Pharmacia & Upjohn is a global, innovation-driven pharmaceutical and health care company. Pharmacia & Upjohn's products, services, and employees demonstrate its commitment to improve wellness and quality of life for people around the world.
VIRACEPT(R) and Agouron(R) are registered trademarks of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
RESCRIPTOR(R) is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn.
REMUNE(TM) is a trademark of The Immune Response Corporation.
SOURCE Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc.
CONTACT: Joy Schmitt of Agouron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 858-622-3220; or Paul Fitzhenry, 908-901-8770, or Karen Carolonza, 908-901-8515, both of Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc./
Web Site: /http://www.agouron.com/
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