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I haven't heard it but it's no surprise that the drug companies are recouping profits via a captive clientele john -----Original Message----- From: Parkinson's Information Exchange Network [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of [log in to unmask] Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 7:41 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Merck & Co. issues supply warning for Sinemet and Sinemet CR I came across this news item on the European PArkinson's Disease Association's website saying that there would be a world- wide shortage of sinemet until 2011. This was posted on Oct. 19th,, but strangly I couldn't find anything else about it since then. Has anyone heard more about it? Is it true? The full text is at: http://www.epda.eu.com/news/medical_Pharmaceutical.asp#merck191009 Merck & Co., Inc issues supply warning for SinemetR and Sinemet CRR tablets for the treatment of all stages of Parkinson's disease"Starting in late 2009 and continuing into 2011 Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD) will experience a significant global supply shortage of SINEMETR and SINEMET CRR (carbidopa-levodopa controlled release). This temporary shortage is related to a change in the source of supply for the drug and the necessary timelines needed to obtain regulatory approvals for this supply change. It is important to note that this situation is not due to product quality or safety issues, nor is it due to delays on the part of individual regulatory agencies that approve this supply change. To address the expected shortfall, Merck & Co., Inc. (Merck), the parent company, and MSD are taking action to manage available supply of these products through a process that primarily takes into account patient needs, as well as availability of alternative treatments (which exist in most markets), and contractual obligations. In accordance with analysis carried out by Merck, some markets will get their full needs met, many will experience a significant shortfall in their supply, and many will not get any supply of these products. "We know that it can be difficult for physicians to find the optimum treatment regimen for Parkinson's patients and we know that it can be difficult to change therapies. We apologize in advance as we know that some physicians and patients may experience temporary challenges if therapies need to be changed. Many countries are being asked to take reduced allocations so that Merck and MSD can supply product to patients in countries that have no or limited alternative treatment options. We want to thank you for your understanding, assistance, cooperation and patience as we do our best to put patients first from a global perspective. We want to assure you that we are working hard to return to the level of customer service that you expect from MSD. We are advising other customers and stakeholders as appropriate of this expected shortfall in those markets in which carbidopa-levodopa are marketed by MSD or licensed to third-party partners. If there is anything further we can do to help please do not hesitate to contact us." Contact informationUK supply related questions that you may have should be directed to Customer Services for emergency supply enquiries on <?XML:NAMESPACE PREFIX = SKYPE /> +44 (0) 1992 462094 +44 (0) 1992 462094. For medical information enquiries please contact the Medical Information Department on +44 (0) 1992 467272 +44 (0) 1992 467272. For all other European Countries please contact the local MSD Office. Contact details can be found at the following link: http://www.merck.com/contact/contacts.html ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn