Get Drugged In 2008

Promising new drugs that experts believe might be approved this year and have potential to become blockbuster drugs.

Kynapid, from Cardiome (CRME, $7.64) would be the first new atrial fibrillation drug approved by the FDA since 2000. The drug is given intravenously, which can be a hassle. But the company is working on an oral form that would be “a clear blockbuster,” according to Mike King, an analyst with Rodman & Renshaw.

Sugammadex, made by Schering-Plough (SGP, $21.28) would be used to reverse the effects of strong muscle relaxants given during surgery. The drug appears to help patients come out of anesthesia more quickly, and with fewer side effects, than existing drugs. The drug was recently granted priority review by the FDA, but still doesn’t have a final brand name.

Methylnaltrexone, from Progenics (PGNX, $17.00) prevents constipation in patients taking opiates. In an unusual move, Progenics partnered with Wyeth to test the drug in hospice patients, who tend to receive high doses of opiates. An injected version of the drug could be approved in April for hospice patients. And an oral version for a broader patient population is being studied.