Pharma Blog Watch

Actimmune Off-Label Use Remains Unproven (Pharmalot)
In his blog, Ed Silverman writes about InterMune's failed trial of Actimmune. "There was a lot of hope surrounding Actimmune and pulmonary fibrosis, because a 2003 trial of only 18 patients suggested it improved lung function," he writes. "Meanwhile, doctors and patients seized on the small study and off-label use grew."

"The drug generated $90 million in sales last year, but sales derived from two approved uses would bring in just a fraction of that amount. So InterMune didn't seem bothered about off-label use, even though last fall it agreed to pay $36.9 million to settle charges of off-label promotion."

"There are no easy answers to this dilemma. Drugmakers are widely criticized for off-label promotion as a means to boost sales improperly," he continues. "Should someone facing death be denied an experimental med?"