1. The Mayo clinic data is a case series, calling it "skewing" is not the answer, there are findings and an association wiht the use of the drugs, more studies are needed to clarify, but it is not good to start with.
2.Pulmonary hypertension (very similar mechanism to the valvular damage and sometimes a dual finding) was known in Europe and even the probability (1 in 40,000)was given by an article favorable to Redux in the NEJM where the authors try to say that the finding is similar in the obese population and should not be attributable to Redux. Sorry, I do not have the reference at hand.
3.Echocardiograms are heavily used now and not before, it could explained the lack of the valvular findings in the past.
4.Mitral valve prolapse(with or without regurgitation) is relatively common, but not aortic regurgitation. Calling it an obese finding is not the answer, especially not good with the Jury (blame the victim).
5. The new W-A study is new to me and wellcome.
6. The actual findings in the report on patients that were without symptoms: out of 291 patients study, 92 had abnormal echocardiograms. Numbers for Redux alone are indeed small 6 affected out of 20, only two in redux alone. ( my memory of 5% was below the actual 10 to 25%, of course this are small numbers, but good the frug is out before more damage is done.) The companies retire the drug, they do know much better than what is out. Time will tell.
7. Again, it is not good news for the stock. And technically is under heavy distribution. If at all, I will wait for the citicoline news before going in, maybe a little late but in the safe side. |
