Electronic Health Reporter

From rheumatoid arthritis to HIV, the pharmaceutical industry is well on its way to making this a banner year for new drug implementation. Here are just a few exciting breakthroughs for big pharma in 2020.

Hulio Injection for Arthritis and Other Diseases

Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. has proven they are a company that can get significant results. On July 6, the FDA approved Mylan’s Hulio Injection, a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker that reduces the symptoms of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and plaque psoriasis.

Rukobia Extended-Release Tablets for HIV

For some patients who have HIV, there are few treatment options, that is, until now. Those who are resistant to other drugs, Rukobia (fostemsavir) is a first-in-class attachment inhibitor for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Approved on July 2, 2020, Rukobia is used in combination with other antiretrovirals (ARV) for patients who are resistant to a wide range of therapies, or where safety is a consideration.

Phesgo Injection for Breast Cancer

Unfortunately, even with the best surgical procedures and advanced interventions, some forms of breast cancer have a high likelihood of returning, which is where Phesgo comes in.

It was approved in June 2020 for use in conjunction with other drugs to fight the early stages of breast cancer. It is also used in combination with docetaxel for metastatic breast cancer patients who have not received chemotherapy.

Upneeq Ophthalmic Solution for “Drooping Eye”

In their seventies and beyond, older adults can finally get relief from “drooping eye syndrome” (also known as ptosis) caused by the muscles that control the eyelids weakening from old age. Osmotic Pharmaceuticals just released a brand new prescription medication to help relieve the condition.

In the most severe cases, surgical interventions may still be necessary. If left untreated, a drooping eye can cause impaired vision and astigmatism.

Qwo Injection for Cellulite

Women battling cellulite will be happy to know there is another treatment besides topical creams and dry brushing, which yield limited results. A new collagen-based drug developed by Endo International was recently approved for the treatment of moderate to severe cellulite, which is delivered by injection and is available by prescription through a dermatologist.

REXULTI for Depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression, is a severe mental illness characterized by several weeks of low mood, loss of interest in everyday activities, and low self-esteem. It can negatively affect the patient’s sleep habits, eating habits, and overall health. REXULTI works in combination with antidepressants to help increase their effectiveness.

Additional/Alternative Treatments for Depression

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure for depression help that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. An electromagnet worn against the forehead painlessly delivers a magnetic pulse to areas of the brain that are thought to have decreased activity in depression. TMS is administered in a doctor’s office, and each treatment usually lasts about 40 minutes. Treatments are typically scheduled for several consecutive days lasting up to six weeks.

Exercise is also frequently recommended. Although there is still much research to be done concerning the correlation between exercise and depression, there is evidence to suggest a relationship between regular exercise and eased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Exercise has also been shown to help prevent symptoms from recurring. The body releases endorphins and other chemicals in the brain that can enhance the sense of well-being. Exercise and sports participation can also help the patient take their mind off of everyday stress and worry.

Similarly, research on nutrition and depression continues. Several studies show the connection between poor diet and depressive disorders. A diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and refined sugar contributes to poor mental health outcomes, especially in young children and teenagers. In contrast, a healthy diet has been known to increase brain function and help prevent symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), unlike the approach of looking at a patient’s subconscious mind to formulate a diagnosis and treatment, gets to the heart of the problem by challenging unhelpful thought patterns, improving behaviors, and providing coping strategies. The therapist’s role using CBT is to help the patient set goals and formulate a strategy to help decrease the symptoms of depression. Leading psychotherapists in the US recommend it as the first treatment for most cases involving depression and anxiety.