Chapter 28.: To market, to market -: 2000

This chapter describes the therapeutic chemical and biological entities launched in the pharmaceutical industry in the year 2000. The (S)-enantiomer of omeprazole, Nexium, is the first proton pump inhibitor to be developed as a pure optical isomer and provides superior acid control compared to the racemic mixture. Diotul, an aluminum complex of diosmin, has demonstrated very poor absorption and, consequently, a low incidence of side-effects. The cardiovascular field was also well represented with four new chemical entities. Tikosyn, a seemingly unique class III antiarrhythmic agent, has a very specific mechanism of action on a single potassium channel without any effect on the conduction system. Zeldox was the sixth atypical antipsychotic launched for the treatment of schizophrenia, with a complex binding profile for 5-HT and dopaminergic receptors. Precedex, a full α2-agonist which is much more selective than clonidine, is a novel agent for sedation during intensive surgery and allows patients to rapidly recover. Almogran was the fifth triptan to be introduced for the treatment of acute attacks of migraine, exhibiting the best oral bioavailability in this class. © 2001. All rights reserved.