Pharmaceutical Executive-08-30-2005

Scientists at the University of Michigan found a brain mechanism that increases the release of pain-fighting endorphins when the subject was given a placebo. The implication? Better clinical trials, and maybe, new methods of pain relief, researchers say.

An ingenious pharmacogenetic test from Third Wave Technologies tests for the presence of a genetic change that inhibits metabolism of irinotecan. Oncology specialists explain how it works, and why it matters.

Legal experts play Monday-morning quarterback with Merck's first Vioxx loss. The lessons, they say: learn to present science better, pay attention to jury emotion and, oh yes, worry about shareholder lawsuits.