A recent survey of oncologists indicates market share for Genentech's Avastin could more than double as a first-line and second-line breast cancer therapy following last month's approval to treat the disease.

Genzyme announced the US launch of phosphate binder Renvela (sevelamer carbonate) for dialysis patients.

The FDA approved AstraZeneca's Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium) for short-term use in children ages one -11 years for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Friday's approval of Genentech's Avastin to treat breast cancer caught many on Wall Street off guard and could represent a change in the way the agency measures the effectiveness of cancer medicines.

The FDA granted approval to Abbott's NDA for Simcor, a fixed-dose combination of Niaspan (extended-release niacin) and simvastatin, the generic version of Merck's Zocor.

Astellas Pharma won FDA approval for their sNDA for the use of Mycamine (micafungin sodium) for injection in the treatment of patients with candidemia, acute disseminated candidiasis, candida peritonitis and abscesses.

Nycomed said the FDA has approved Alvesco (ciclesonide) inhalation aerosol in the US for the maintenance treatment of asthma and as prophylactic therapy in adult and adolescent patients aged 12 years and older.

Canadian health officials have approved Merck's Januvia (sitagliptin phosphate monohydrate), a once-daily, oral medication in a new class of anti-hyperglycemic agents known as DPP-4 (dipeptidyl peptidase-4) inhibitors.

Introduced last week, MM&M's New Drug Dossier is enjoying a successful debut, as pharmaceutical marketers continue to recognize the utility of this business intelligence tool.

MM&M's New Drug Dossier is designed to give pharmaceutical marketers authoritative promotional and clinical insights on the latest new molecular entities in one online resource.