Use of non-specific intravenous human immunoglobulins in Spanish hospitals; need for a hospital protocol.

Unlabelled: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) use in non-approved indications, the increase in consumption and its high cost recommend rationalisation in its utilisation.

Aims: To assess the use of IVIG in Spanish hospitals.

Methods: An observational, prospective and multicentre drug utilisation study was conducted in 13 tertiary Spanish hospitals.

Bioequivalence evaluation of two strengths of risperidone tablet formulations in healthy volunteers.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate bioequivalence of two strengths (1 and 2 mg) of oral risperidone tablet formulations (test product manufactured by Vita-Invest, S.A., Barcelona, Spain, reference product manufactured by Janssen-Cilag Ltd.

Antiviral efficacy of NS3-serine protease inhibitor BILN-2061 in patients with chronic genotype 2 and 3 hepatitis C.

BILN-2061, a specific and potent peptidomimetic inhibitor of the HCV NS3 protease, has recently been shown to markedly lower serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA levels in patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1 in three 2-day proof of principle studies. The aim of the current study was to assess the antiviral efficacy of BILN-2061 in patients with genotypes 2 and 3 HCV infection. The antiviral efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and tolerability of 500 mg twice-daily BILN-2061 given as monotherapy for 2 days in 10 patients chronically infected with non-genotype 1 HCV (genotype 2: n = 3; genotype 3: n =7) and minimal liver fibrosis (Ishak score 0-2) were assessed in a placebo-controlled (placebo n = 2), double-blind pilot study.