New Drug approved by FDA ~ Xofigo

The FDA has approved Radium-223, formerly known as Alpharadin for use in metastatic prostate cancer and it comes as no surprise. It's been rumored for a while that Radium-223 would get its approval in the first half of 2013 and it has met the deadline...

www.medscape.com/viewarticle/804184

"Xifigo is for use in men with symptomatic metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer that has spread to the bone but not to other organs. It is intended for men whose cancer has spread after medical or surgical therapy to lower testosterone, according to the FDA."

Tony

Great news. This is another article.
www.fiercebiotech.com/story/breaking-fda-oks-pinpoint-prostate-cancer-radiation-drug-xofigo-bayer-alget/2013-05-15

In my case the drug is contraindicated because I participated in a clinical trial where Samarium 153 (early version Alpharadin) was tested to determine its effectiveness in slowing PSA doubling time.
On a palliative platform I think this drug is a winner.

Jim

I'd like to see it used for bone mets before castration-resistance, or even before they become painful or skeletal events occur.

Jerry L. - They seem to be on an X or Z kick lately: Xgeva, Xtandi, Xofigo, Zytiga, Zometa

"X's" and "z's" not so good for us so far. Zytiga - PSA and bone met increase, Zometa - ONJ, Xtandi - se about did him in and PSA and bone mets drastically increased.....lets start new pattern. .

That's it? 3.6? Thought it was more hopeful.

Tony,

Zufus and I watched a taped lecture by Dr. Robert Dreicer* of the Cleveland clinic about Radium 233 Tuesday night. The accomplished Dr. was/is quite high on this protocol.

Looks like we have added another arrow to the quiver.

*http://my.clevelandclinic.org/staff_directory/staff_display.aspx?doctorid=3126

Nothing will be cheap through todays FDA methods and processes, just the way it is configured and a nice dosage of marketing is now thrown in for good measure. My Kreskin like guess is whatever Samarium was priced at, this will be higher and it is also looking better (thus marketing says better is gonna cost you). Based upon the now marketing farces (I mean forces) it will cause mental melt down just hearing the price. Who would have thought a better casodex (Xtandi) would cost $7,350/ mo. for blanking pills???  Placebo's will now become fashionable....

Samariums cost from the internet:   Q: What is the cost for a treatment of Samarium?

A: As at August 2010 the cost is approximately $3500 - $4000 which includes a consultation with Professor Max Zuber and 3 days in our Nuclear Medicine Ward. Cost w... Read More »

Source: www.gladesvillevet.com.au

Therefore, let us guess if using comparative dosage levels and a dash of marketing:  $7,500 ?????

Post Edited (zufus) : 5/17/2013 5:54:52 AM (GMT-6)