Paxil was first tested in arrays of 6766 pharma compounds, and was the only one which had any effect. Then it was checked on test tubes with blood vessel tissues and found to stop reactive oxygen specifics, and then in live rats. It seems to half the degeneration of blood vessel linings in rats which have been made diabetic. Rats are used to test diabetes drugs because they have diabetes in ways comparable to human beings.

This is a potential huge blockbuster for GSK because an existing pharmaceutical with a new use is much cheaper to patent and run trials on than a new drug. We already know the dosage and dangers of Paxil (formally paroxetin), its side effects and interactions with other drugs people may be taking. So bringing it to market if it works can be fast. Think of the last time this happened, when Pfizer found that a rheumatism drug called Viagra helped men overcome impotence.

GSK also announced a jv with GlycoVaxyn of Switzerland to develop anti-bacterial vaccines via bio-symthesis against a host of undisclosed pathogens under a contract with an undisclosed fee. The Swiss firm develops recombinant DNA jabs in protein-poly-saccaride complexes in E.Coli.

Patti, our Biotech Maven also notes that the COPD jv with Theravance is only the tip of the iceberg as the two firms are working together in other two-drug attacks on blocked airways diseases like asthma and others. There will be results of these trials in 2013 she adds. GSK is aiming at unmet medical needs, she thinks.