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Pharmaceutical industry

FDA Approves New Dose of AstraZeneca's Blood Thinner Brilinta

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for a new 60 mg dose of AstraZeneca's blood thinner Brilinta, which can be used by patients beyond the first year to prevent blood clots that can cause heart attacks, strokes, and deaths. This approval is expected to double the number of patients taking the medicine and strengthen the company's revenue prospects, with sales potentially reaching $3.5 billion by 2023. The new dose was approved following a clinical trial involving over 21,000 patients, but some analysts have raised concerns about potential side effects, including suicidal thoughts in some patients who participated in clinical trials for a different indication. AstraZeneca executives remain optimistic about the new dose's potential, citing its ability to drive consistent growth over time.

Key Takeaways:

  • The FDA has approved a new 60 mg dose of AstraZeneca's blood thinner Brilinta for long-term use among patients with a history of heart attacks.
  • The new dose is expected to double the number of patients taking the medicine and increase company revenue prospects.
  • Clinical trial results involved over 21,000 patients, with some participants experiencing side effects, including suicidal thoughts.
  • AstraZeneca executives are optimistic about the new dose's potential, citing its ability to drive consistent growth.
  • Analysts have raised concerns about potential litigation for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts.
  • Joseph Fuhr, a professor of economics at Widener University, noted that patients can potentially sue AstraZeneca for unintended consequences.
  • Brilinta vice-president Tom Keith-Roach expects the new dose to drive strong and consistent growth over time.

Statistics:

  • The new 60 mg dose of Brilinta is expected to be available in the market by the end of the month.
  • Over 21,000 patients participated in the clinical trial for the new Brilinta dose.
  • AstraZeneca estimates that sales of Brilinta could reach $3.5 billion by 2023.
  • The FDA's approval of the new Brilinta dose is expected to double the number of patients taking the medicine.

Sources:

  • "FDA Approves AstraZeneca's Brilinta for Long-term Use" (Contify.com, no date)
  • Joseph Fuhr, quoted in "FDA Approves New Dose of AstraZeneca's Blood Thinner Brilinta" (Contify.com, no date)
  • Tom Keith-Roach, quoted in "FDA Approves New Dose of AstraZeneca's Blood Thinner Brilinta" (Contify.com, no date)
  • G. D. Technologies, "FDA Approves New Dose of AstraZeneca's Blood Thinner Brilinta" (Contify.com, 2015)

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