Treatment for esophageal cancer; FDA bans soaps; Dr Reddy’s Launches; Cipla Gets Approval

Targeted treatment can become a reality for esophageal cancer, as a study opens door

A group of researchers Scientists, funded by Cancer Research UK and Medical Research Council, have discovered that oesophageal cancer can be classified into three different subtypes, paving the way for testing targeted treatments tailored to patients’ disease for the first time. This discovery, published in Nature Genetics, could help find drugs that target specific weaknesses in each subtype of the disease, which could make treatment more effective and boost survival.

FDA bans soaps with chemical entities on grounds that they do not work

The FDA has dealt strictly with soap manufacturers, banning products that contain chemical entities that once boasted of killing germs. The chemicals that are facing the brunt are triclosan and triclocarban, once thought of being safe due to their killing action on germs. The FDA banned more than a dozen chemicals long-used in antibacterial soaps, saying manufacturers failed to show they are safe and kill germs. Some limited research in animals also suggests that these chemicals interfere with hormone levels and spur drug-resistant bacteria

Dr Reddy’s Launches Generic Anti-Depressant Drug In US

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories have launched Bupropion extended release tablets, an anti-depressant, in the US market. The launched drug comes in strengths of 100 mg, 150 mg and 200 mg, and is generic version of GSK’s Wellbutrin SR. Wellbutrin SR brand and generics had US sales of around $109.6 million.

Cipla Gets Approval by the FDA For Overactive Bladder Treating Drug

Cipla has received final approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Darifenacin extended-release tablets from the United States Food and Drug Administration, and is the generic equivalent of Allergan’s Enablex tablets, 7.5 mg and 15 mg. The drug is a muscarinic antagonist indicated for the treatment of overactive bladder with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency and frequency. The product will be launched immediately as per the company officials.