Replies to post #41963 on Biotech Values

[DewDiligence]

>I really can't think of any reason for this product, other than to have something novel.<

To allow a user to collect disability payments for hemophilia-A?

[gofishmarko]

>>> Part of this goes back to one of the key precepts of modern pharmacologic design: get as close to the ultimate effector of a particular pathway as possible. I think most physicians are firm believers in this concept. <<<

I'm not really trying to imply that I have insights into the future value , or lack thereof , of FVIII inhibitors vs. other approaches. However , it's easy to think of examples where the key precept described above has been ignored , and will be ignored going forward , and for good reasons.

One example , appropriately , is hemophilia which is treated with FVIII , not something closer to the ultimate effector(s) of clotting.

Another example that we'll likely see going forward is in anti-TNF therapy for things like arthritis and psoriasis. The current use of anti-TNF mabs fits the key precept and as a result , some patients die ( with itchless skin and pain-free joints! ) from severe infections or cancer because a vital immune mediator has been clumsily blocked . Targeting the dysregulated TNF production further back on the signalling 'tree' , on a more individualized basis , may allow pain-free joints and a fully-functional immune system to coexist.

[dewophile]

My next intelligent post will occur on March 5, 2007

I'll be anxiously waiting for your post(s) on this day!

PS: interesting thread..i happen to think for something like anticoagulation, where one needs to fine-tune the degree of the intended repsonse, a target that does not represent a final common pathway or rate-limiting step has the potential to widen the therapeutic index for the desired effect