Future Prescriber

Stokes, Paul; Young, Allan

doi: 10.1002/fps.106pmid: N/A

Although we have had efficacious medications for both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder for over half a century, there remains a clear need for more effective and better‐tolerated treatments for both conditions. Current antipsychotics often have troubling side‐effect profiles particularly with respect to weight gain and cardiometabolic parameters. These drawbacks also extend to treatment of mania and there are very few evidence‐based treatments for the depressed phases of bipolar disorder. The introduction of a novel treatment with a potentially better risk‐to‐benefit profile is therefore welcome.

Foot, Oliver; Malaviya, Anshuman

doi: 10.1002/fps.107pmid: N/A

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic inflammatory condition characterised by an erosive arthropathy and other extraarticular manifestations. It affects approximately 1 per cent of the population1 and the incidence is three times higher in women than men, peaking between the ages of 40 and 70 years. The disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of patients as well as on society at large and effective treatments are highly sought after. Although biologic therapies have transformed the management of RA, there is still scope for newer therapies and treatment strategies continue to evolve. This review will focus on the presently available treatments, the current unmet need and the future therapeutic strategy with a focus on some of newer molecules that show promise.

Duncan, Sarah; Dorrell, Lucy

doi: 10.1002/fps.108pmid: N/A

The mortality associated with HIV has declined since the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) and life expectancy for those who begin treatment early enough is now approaching that of the general population. However, key concerns in maintaining long‐term control of HIV are side‐effects and convenience/adherence. This review will discuss the available and recently introduced treatments, and the potential future therapies currently under investigation.

doi: 10.1002/fps.109pmid: N/A

Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Europe is a new name to many in the UK but, as its range of innovative medicines comes to market, it will be an increasingly familiar one. Based in London, the company focuses on innovative medicines for areas of unmet clinical need that call for highly specialised early‐stage clinical development.