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Pipeline

Roflumilast (Daxas), a phosphodiesterase 4 enzyme inhibitor, has been submitted to the FDA. It is a once-daily oral treatment for patients with symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).16
Tocilizumab (Actemra), an interleukin-6 receptor-inhibiting monoclonal antibody to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), has been approved for use in Europe. Its manufacturer has announced that the FDA has accepted its reapplication for treating moderate to severe RA. It is available in Japan for treating RA, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Castleman’s disease.17
TZP-102, an investigational oral prokinetic agent for treating diabetic gastroparesis, has received FDA fast-track status. A multinational study is under way for this ghrelin receptor agonist.18 TH

Michele B. Kaufman, PharmD, BSc, RPh, is a freelance medical writer based in New York City and a clinical pharmacist at New York Downtown Hospital.

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