Cacaito, thanks for sharing the observation. Either reason makes sense to me.
Speaking of seasonal diseases, though unrelated to Xoma or BPI, and recalling that you once mentioned that your medical specialty is neonatology (so is my brother's)... I understand RSV infections, say, in premature neonates, or in young children with BPD, can be pretty serious. Current therapy/prophylaxis includes a poly-clonal anti-RSV preparation (RespiGamm) and a so-so antiviral (rivarin or somethink like that, made by ICN Pharmaceuticals). What do you think would be the reimbursement situation (insurance companies, HMOs, etc) for a "good" prophylactic drug? I am trying to evaluate the realistic market for a drug, MEDI-493, likely to be approved before the 98-99 RSV season. Along similar lines, do you have direct or indirect experience with RespiGam? (MEDI-493 is a monoclonal anti-RSV) I've gotten good medical/technical background on this from my brother, but as he works in a 3rd world country, he cannot say much, if anything, of the likely economics of this drug in the US.
Thanks,
PB |
