Pepin’s Pharmaceutical Prattle for 09-01-2003
	Quote of the day: Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body. Seneca (5 BC - 65 AD)

Happy Labor Day! Another summer gone? For the history of …Labor Day Click here. When the alarm goes off every weekday, don't look at it as an interruption of that much needed beauty sleep but as a reminder that you have a job for which to be thankful. This Monday most of us will forgo the alarm (unless there is fishing or fun that can't wait). Let us all celebrate the dignity of work. (it beats the alternative!) What we do for a living helps to build and maintain society and provides the means for us to house and feed ourselves. Not a bad time to thank your company and customers for providing for you. I wish for you a fulfilling and productive year… but enjoy the time off. Don't forget the sunscreen!

1) Canada wants to import drugs from USA?

Canada wants to import drugs from USA? This only reinforces what I have been saying all along. Brands may be cheaper in Canada due to Canadian price controls but generic drugs are cheaper here in the US because we do not restrict the number of generic providers. The way it stands right now, the Canadians will have to wait years before they will have a generic version. The Canadian patent was extended.. When it does become available generically the price will be higher than the US. Canadian generic providers have what has been described as a cartel. The government sets the maximum price it will pay for a generic and the generic manufactures don't charge anything less (unlike their southern neighbors who compete on price). Unlike the US, generics in Canada are the only products that pay rebates! …Click here for full text of story. http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030822/RDRUG22/TPTechnology

2) Tell me which letter of "no!" is the hardest to understand.
	FDA speaks to municipalities and States about the legality of using Canadian pharmacies. Just in case you just woke up from a 2 year coma or have not been following the Prattle….it is illegal for individuals, corporations, municipalities, or even pharmacists to import drugs from Canada. …Click here for full text of story http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/030827/0216000064_1.html.

3) Making more work for Labor.

MS Blaster Worm author tracked down in Minnesota. Not exactly pharmaceutical prattle but still interesting. An 18 year old boy (read ADULT) was captured and admitted a virus attack. Maybe 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine will discourage others. The biggest penalty I see inflicted so far is that the culprit had his 5 computers confiscated and he is barred form using ANY computer while under house arrest. Most virus promulgators will eventually be tracked down but most feel they are too smart. If they were so smart they would be doing good, not harm. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.msnbc.com/news/958852.asp?vts=082920031545

4) Medicare drug bill stuck!
	Stuck in the throats of those who will have to pay for it. Not surprisingly, rural hospitals would rather spend the money on rural health care. Enlightened self interest rules again! …Click here for full text of story. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/27/politics/27MEDI.html?th

5) Monster saliva isn't so sweet
	Gilla Monster spit may halt diabetes and allow weight loss. The scientist was observant…Gilla Monsters eat only about 4 times a year and stay alive….their metabolism HAS to be interesting. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=3332293 or you can go to the Lilly site for more nformation. …Click here for full text of story. Lilly Site

6) Cialis approved for ED (but in Mexico not USA…yet!)

Cilais will be the second challenger for Viagra yet this year. The article this week outlines the strategy that they will each employ to hold or gain market share. The market is expected to grow by 2010…why?….the Baby Boomers will be in the hunt for help. Did you know that by age 40 years about 40% of men experience ED? And about 1% are added to the sufferers each year. 50% at age 50… 60% by age 60…etc. The predictions are very simple math. If you haven't already taken some action (decreased quantities, high copays, 4th tier, etc for 2004 then you should or watch your ED spend go up. …Click here for full text of story. http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/health/drugs/2003-08-24-edbattle_x.htm for more on MEXICO……Click here for full text of MEXICO story. http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/030828/health_lillyicos_1.html

7) You can PROVE IT?…Why didn't you SAY so?

Congress wants studies that show effects of drugs related to their competitors. The Crestor package insert is a great example of the type of comparative studies that would be useful in determining a NATIONAL MEDICARE FORMULARY….but don't get too worked up yet. Just because I see it coming doesn't mean it will. There are many people against this. If we follow the "enlightened self interest theory" then we could point toward American pharmaceutical companies. Many years ago, the FED wanted to impose tougher clean air standards on autos. The American automakers hired 1000 lawyers to prevent it while the Japanese hired 1000 engineers to find a way to make it happen. Who won? Don't fight it…evidence-based medicine is our only hope! Look back at the quote of the day now….Does it make any sense here? …Click here for full text of story. http://www.nytimes.com/2003/08/24/politics/24DRUG.html

Have a GREAT week! Steve

Disclaimer: "Pepin's Pharmaceutical Prattle" (AKA "The Prattle") is the property of PHARMWORKS, LLC and Steven M. Pepin, Pharm. D, BCPS. The opinions expressed are those of the bald-headed author. To start or stop any drug without the advice a supervision of you physician would be stupid. So don't do anything based upon what you read here without professional advice. To be added to or removed from the distribution list please e-mail your request to spepin@pharmworks.com . All insightful comments from readers are thoughtfully considered (the rest are callously discarded). Copyright 1998-2003 PHARMWORKS,LLC all rights reserved.