Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly Halt Prasugrel Trials (Japan)

Daiichi Sankyo and Eli Lilly have worked together to develop the powerful anti-coagulant prasugrel. However, the results of that study, which included 13,600 patients, have now been thrown into question. On Oct. 24, Daiichi and Lilly announced they were halting two small, related trials. According to company representatives, the two trials were stopped because researchers felt the dosing needed to be tweaked for some populations. The smaller trials were using the same 60 mg initial dose, followed by 10 mg daily doses, as the TRITON trial. Despite this setback, some insiders say there is no need for investor panic. They contend if there was a major safety issue with the drug, trials would have been halted a long time ago. Others argue if there was no need for concern, the companies would not have halted the trials before the TRITON results were announced. If the results do turn out to be negative, it would have a serious impact on the financial projections for both companies. By the time new studies could be conducted, Sanofi-Aventis' Plavix, prasugrel's major competitor, could be available in a generic form, making the drug an extremely tough sell in a market looking to cut drug costs. (Click here for more - May Require Paid Subscription