Biotech Values

[biotech jim]

Amiodarone results in pulmonary fibrosis for those who take the drug chronically. I know, as that is the nasty side effect that my mother had from amiodarone. Her cause of death a few months back was pulmonary fibrosis. Dronedarone (marketed as Multaq) was the Sanofi follow on to its amiodarone and is quite similar in structure, has substantial side effects (QT prolongation, bradycardia, nausea, diarrhea, rash, and creatinine elevation) and the efficacy is weak compared to amiodarone. Both drugs are considered multiple ion channel blockers.

Here are the updated labels for both Sovaldi and Harvoni, and it is stated that the mechanisms for DDI with amiodarone for both is unknown.

http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/sovaldi/sovaldi_pi.pdf

http://www.gilead.com/~/media/Files/pdfs/medicines/liver-disease/harvoni/harvoni_pi.pdf

We need a good drug for Afib. I agree, Peter, that there likely is not a significant overlap of amiodarone users with the treated HCV population.