PFIZER INC.

Ovarian cancer treatment has advanced with multi-modality care, platinum-based chemotherapy, anti-angiogenic therapy, and PARP inhibitors, especially for BRCA mutation carriers. Challenges include resistance to therapy and the need for personalized treatment approaches. Research focuses on overcoming resistance, identifying biomarkers, and targeting specific molecular pathways for improved outcomes.

Amid the obesity epidemic, the development and approval of new obesity drugs face challenges due to stringent FDA safety and efficacy standards. Recent approvals of Qsymia and Belviq highlight a shift, influenced by societal pressure and improved risk management strategies. The article suggests enhancing transparency in risk-benefit deliberations for obesity drugs through formal modeling, explicit discussions, and value-based considerations.

Off-label drug use (OLDU) involves prescribing medications for uses not approved by the FDA, common in specialties like pediatrics and psychiatry. Despite its prevalence, OLDU lacks extensive scientific support, leading to legal and ethical considerations. Physicians must balance risks and benefits, ensuring patient care is based on credible evidence.

Pharmaceutical companies engage in 'disease mongering' by expanding treatable illness boundaries to market new drugs. This involves creating alliances with doctors and patient groups to frame conditions as widespread and severe, often turning ordinary ailments into medical problems. The practice risks unnecessary treatment, economic waste, and diverts resources from serious diseases. Independent information is crucial to counteract this trend.

Gene patents cover diagnostics, compositions of matter, and functional uses, raising ethical and practical concerns in research and clinical medicine. Despite fears, evidence shows limited restraint on research. However, issues like licensing difficulties and high costs persist, necessitating vigilant policy and public awareness to maintain social benefits.