Pharmalittle: Lilly conflict questions raised, narcolepsy pill cleared

And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. Not a moment too soon, yes? This is, you may recall, our treasured signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is, so far, rather modest. We plan to tidy the Pharmalot grounds, catch up on our reading, promenade with the official mascots, and of course, hold a listening party with Mrs. Pharmalot. So far, the rotation will include this, this, this, this, and this. And what about you? This may be an opportunity to tend to the grounds. You could take a long walk in a park or wander about city streets. Holidays are approaching so perhaps this an opportunity to go shopping and boost the economy. Or you could be zen for a while, relax your mind and do absolutely nothing. Well, whatever you do, have a grand time. But be safe. Enjoy, and see you soon.…

Takeda reported that its narcolepsy pill, the first treatment to target the underlying cause of the rare sleep disorder, is now available in the U.S. after ‌the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration removed the final regulatory hurdle for its rollout, Reuters notes. The DEA has classified Orzeyful as a Schedule IV controlled substance, a category considered to have a low potential for abuse and dependence. The U.S. list price has been ⁠set at $16,500 per 60-tablet bottle, across all strengths. About ⁠120,000 people in the U.S. have the disorder.

Pfizer will no longer sell its hormone replacement therapy Premarin, which has been available as a vaginal cream and three strengths of oral tablets, in Canada following an internal review, Reuters reports. Premarin vaginal cream, used to treat ‌symptoms of menopause, has been in shortage in Canada since June and no further batches will be supplied. Demand for hormone replacement therapy has been rising, particularly in the U.S., where prescriptions have increased after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration removed long-standing safety warnings a year ago. Some other hormone therapy ⁠products to treat menopause symptoms are also facing supply constraints in Canada.

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