In a study conducted by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists, the researchers found that high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or advanced myelodysplasia (a blood disorder) patients who received a cancer vaccine shortly after a stem cell transplant not only had few complications but also mounted a strong immune system attack on the disease. Moreover, the rate of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), a potentially severe aftereffect of immune system-based therapies, was no higher than with that from stem cell transplants alone. The study is to be published in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences in the week of August 24.

Glenmark Generics Limited has received ANDA approval from the FDA for Alcometasone Dipropionate Ointment, 0.05%. Alcometasone Dipropionate ointment is a low to medium potency corticosteroid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and manifestations of corticosteroid- responsive dermatoses. The company will commence marketing and distribution of this product in the US market immediately.

Daiichi Sankyo Co’s new influenza drug CS-8958 has been successful in the late stage clinical studies. The company is planning to filing for government approval in Japan by March. The new drug has demonstrated better efficacy and safety in its phase-3 studies as compared with Roche’s Tamiflu, one of the most widely prescribed influenza drugs. CS-8958 also produced better results than Tamiflu in pediatric studies without any serious safety problems, Daiichi Sankyo said. Daiichi Sankyo expects CS-8958 to be also effective for treating swine flu.

Novartis Vaccines has started shipping the first of 30 million doses of its Fluvirin® seasonal influenza vaccine to the US. The shipping has started weeks ahead of schedule. The vaccine indicated for patients aged four years and over will be used to help meet the anticipated increase in demand for the seasonal vaccine as a result of the current global (A) H1N1 swine flu pandemic.