Saturday 31 March 2012

Peripheral Vision-Medical Issue-Xanax-Psych

Xanax and coordination after 4 years?

Every doctor I've met assumes any medical issue I have is related to psych meds.1-1.5 years ago I started slipping when going up the stairs, almost falling down when I turn around, brushing against stuff as I walk by them, but I'm not light headed, dizzy, or anything like that. I tke 4 mg XR a day, every other week drop it down to 3mg for a day so I don't get hooked. My libido is lost, but I also have "low vision." I was born blind in my right eye, dealt with several battles of Glaucoma, and the peripheral vision in my left eye is fading. However, they like to blame it on the Xanax. I tell them I've been on it along with 450mg Wellbutrin for 4 years, the first year my psychiatrist built me up to 4mg because the lower doses did not work. I can't take these "experts." - Filed in Alprazolam - Post a Reply read more..

Weather In Orlando-Weather Watcher-Medicare

Today’s Weather Watcher for the Medicare Congress

On behalf of the 9th Annual Medicare Congress, we at the Healthcare: From Policy to Practice blog would like to wish you a very happy, healthy, and successful New Year! We are a little more than one month away from the largest and longest-running conference devoted to the Medicare marketplace, and my colleagues and I eagerly look forward to welcoming you to this event. As we get further into winter, don’t miss out on your opportunity to head to sunny Florida so you can learn from and network with the luminaries in healthplan management.
Check out this weekend's weather in Orlando:
As a reader of this blog, when you register to join us in Orlando from February 6-8, 2012, and mention code XP1706BLOG, you receive a 25% discount off the standard rate!
Ditch the winter blues and join us in sunny Florida this February! read more..

Medicaid Managed Care

Our Gift to You: The Medicaid Managed Care Congress Agenda is Ready

Happy Holiday from the Medicaid Managed Care Congress, taking place April 30-May 2, 2012 in Baltimore. We are pleased to announce that the completed brochure is now ready for review.
Download it here.
What can you look forward to from MMCC 2012?

  • - The largest and longest running event that gives you the tools to improve quality care and comply with the ACA and protect profitability
  • - Over 50 sessions including over 20 case studies in three all new tracks designed to meet the needs of every stakeholder in your organization
  • - The right mix of States and Plans with more and more States attending every year as Managed Medicaid continues to expand
  • - All new State Snapshots from the States everyone is talking about—Texas, DC, PA, and NJ
  • - The 2nd Annual Medicaid Managed Care Innovation Awards to recognize the exceptional work you do every day
  • - 20 years of experience bringing you the most visionary speakers and actionable content to improve clinical and financial outcomes
As a reader of the Healthcare: From Policy to Practice Blog, you can use priority code XP1726BLOG to receive 25% off of the standard rate! If you have any questions or need any further information, feel free to email jpereira@iirusa.com. read more..

Friday 30 March 2012

Digital Mammography System-Fujifilm Medical Systems

'Superinfected' Patients Give Clues to Fighting HIV

THURSDAY, March 29 -- A stronger immune response occurs in women who have been infected with two different strains of HIV by two different sexual partners than in women infected with one strain of HIV, a new study finds.This type of dual infection... read more..


Fujifilm Unveils Aspire CRm Digital Mammography System

Fujifilm Unveils Aspire CRm Digital Mammography System
Fujifilm's expanding women's health offering provides lower vol...
FUJIFILM MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC. read more..


Fujifilm Unveils Aspire CRm Digital Mammography System

STAMFORD, Conn., March 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FUJIFILM Medical Systems U.S.A., Inc. today unveiled the Aspire CRm Full Field Digital Mammography (FFDM) system, the latest addition to the company's expanding women's health offering. The Aspire CRm is an ideal option for... read more..

Intellectual Property-Compulsory License-Indian Government-Natco Pharma-Patent Case

U.S. questions India's IP regime after Nexavar move

Is intellectual property safe in India? That's the question drugmakers--and now U.S. officials--are asking, as the country's top court considers a landmark patent case, and after the government ordered its first compulsory license on a Big Pharma-patented drug.The issue drives to the heart of pharma's push into emerging markets; after all, if innovative drugs aren't protected, then how can the makers of those drugs profit? But, at the same time, developing countries--and the citizens who can barely pay for food, much less medication--can't afford to pay the prices demanded in mature markets. And what good is a lifesaving drug if only a tiny fraction of patients can use it?Not surprisingly, U.S. Commerce Secretary John Bryson came down on Big Pharma's side, The Economic Times reports. During a visit with Indian Commerce Minister Anand Sharma, Bryson protested the government's order that Bayer ($BAY) allow domestic drugmaker Natco Pharma to knock off its cancer drug Nexavar at a vastly reduced price.Bryson told Sharma that "(a)ny dilution of the international patent regime was a cause for deep concern for the U.S.," a government official told the ET. But Sharma countered, saying the World Health Organization's compulsory licensing provisions were established for cases just like this--life-threatening illness treated by a drug out of reach at brand-name prices.Meanwhile, India's Supreme Court is hearing arguments in Novartis' ($NVS) long-running patent dispute. The fight involves the Swiss drugmaker's groundbreaking cancer treatment Gleevec, which India's patent officials deemed unworthy of market exclusivity. The case not only determines the fate of Gleevec--and the patients who need it--but could affect access to HIV drugs and other treatments now produced and sold at low cost.If Novartis succeeds in striking down the Indian patent provision in question, "it will open a flood of patents," Leena Menghaney, a lawyer with Médecins Sans Frontières, told the Globe and Mail. And that could make many drugs suddenly inaccessible.But Novartis maintains that access to medicines depends on patent protection. The company "is seeking clarity on whether we can rely on patents in India and whether we as a research-based organization can continue to invest in the development of better medicines for India," Novartis' top official in India, Ranjit Shahani, told the newspaper. We'll soon see how the Indian justices feel.- see the ET story
- get more from The Globe and MailRelated Articles:
Indian government forces Bayer to accept generic Nexavar competition
Indian government defends country's generics industry
Natco wants OK to copy patented Pfizer HIV drug read more..

Sleep Cycle-Lunesta

An App for Troubled Sleepers that Lunesta Would Love... Maybe.

What makes a mobile app effective?
That was the question posed by Jim Dayton (@JimDayton), Snr Dir Emerging Media at Intouch Solutions, at the iPharmaCONNECT conference this past Monday. As I suggested in a previous post, Dayton was not able, IMHO, to answer the most important questions about effectiveness; namely, provide truly useful KPIs (see "Pharma Social Media Religion Versus Science").
Today, I can explore what makes an app effective based on my personal experience with an app called "Sleep Cycle." Available in the iTunes store (here), Sleep Cycle is "an alarm clock that analyzes your sleep patterns and wakes you in the lightest sleep phase - a natural way to wake up where you feel rested and relaxed." After setting the alarm to the time you wish to wake up, you put your iPhone under your pillow (actually, next to it as shown in the photo below) and the app collects data about your sleep pattern during the night.
The app uses the iPhone's accelerometer to detect and measure your movements during the night. According to the developers, Sleep Cycle calculates the optimal time to wake you up during a 30 minute window that ends at your set alarm time.
It was amazingly simple to use. That's the first characteristic of an effective app.
But does it work? I must admit I had my doubts. It could be like those pads that draw out bad karma from the soles of your feet while you sleep. Yeah, sure. After my first use last night, I can say that it definitely worked!
Here's the chart showing how I slept last night:
The app DID wake me at a deep sleep point at 4:57 AM - 3 minutes before 5 AM, which was the time I set it to.
But could the chart just be faked? The app could have generated a random series of peaks. How would I know? Here's why I know it is for real. At about 1 AM in the morning we experienced a power failure that lasted only a minute or so. It was enough to wake me and my wife. The red arrow indicates the highest peak in my sleep cycle because I (and my wife) definitely woke up after hearing alarms from other digital devices in the bedroom -- such as beeps from the cable box as it turned back on.
What's the utility of such an app? First of all it's fun! Secondly, it records real data that I can use to help me get a better night's sleep. If I were being treated by my doctor for insomnia, I could send the data by email to my doctor. If I was being treated with a drug like Lunesta, I could determine if it really helped (although I should know it helped or not without charting my movements during sleep).
The third reason why this is an effective app is the most important one. I will use it every night. The novelty won't wear off because it fits into my routine of charging my iPhone every night when I sleep -- right there next to me on the night stand. This is an app that keeps your phone charging while it works instead of wasting battery life!
One last thing. The app is NOT free -- it costs $0.99, which is practically free, but makes me feel that I have a stake in using it. No matter how much money you make, you not likely to toss a dollar bill into the trash.
Sunovion Pharmaceuticals (formerly Sepracor), which markets Lunesta (a sleep aid drug), could have developed this app, but here's a better suggestion: SPONSOR it through advertising. I'm not quite certain how advertising works on smartphones, but I have seen free apps that include ads that pop up when the app is started or during its use. It's not usual for ads to appear in apps that you pay for, but Sunovion can pay the developers $0.99 for each app download that includes its ad -- the app would be free to users.
Sleep Cycle is one the top apps in terms of downloads all over the world. It claims "We are now helping more than 1 000 000 people to wake up rested!
#1 Top Paid app in Japan
#1 Top Paid app in Germany
#1 Top Paid app in France
#1 Top Paid app in Russia
#1 Top Paid app read more..

Thursday 29 March 2012

Lifestyle Changes-Type 2 Diabetes-Weight Loss

Lifestyle Changes Help Type 2 Diabetics Keep Moving

WEDNESDAY, March 28 -- Weight loss and regular exercise help prevent disability in obese people with type 2 diabetes, according to new research.After four years, 21 percent of people enrolled in a lifestyle-intervention program focusing on diet... read more..

Weight Gain-Cilift

weight gain cilift

I am a 26 year old female and have been on cilift since i was about 17 years old, my doctor assures me that it is toatlly safe to carry on for long periods of time, he also says its even safe for pregnant woman.
So my question is, could i be putting on weight from the cilift back when i was about 18 i was super skinny VERY skinny 47kgs and 1,66m i put on a bit of weight and was very happy at the age of 21 being 57kgs but since then it just seem to be coming and coming, gradually, i am now 1,69m and 66kgs i have not changed my lifestyle since i was 21 i eat well and exercise (which i never did when i was 18-21) ive now started eating ever BETTER and gyming more but the weight still keeps coming?
PLEASE HELP!! im getting more depressed over my weight then anything else! i am only on 20mg once a day, another one of my friends lost weight on cilift?? whats going on! pleae help
Sally - 13 Replies read more..

Loews Hotel In Philadelphia-Metastatic Breast Cancer-Metastatic Disease-Annual Conference

Philadelphia to Host Conference for Women Living With Metastatic Breast Cancer

HAVERFORD, Pa., March 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) has announced it will host its annual conference for women with metastatic breast cancer at the Loews Hotel in Philadelphia on Saturday, April 28 and Sunday, April 29, 2012. This event, now entering its sixth year promoting the theme Enhancing Your Health and Quality of Life, is designed to address the unique challenges faced by women diagnosed with metastatic disease, their families and their caregivers. Breast cancer is considered metastatic (often referred to as Stage IV) when it spreads from the breast to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones, liver or brain. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE))MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Wednesday 28 March 2012

American Heart Association-Human Papillomavirus-Cervical Conditions-Medicare Recipients

Black Women, Uninsured Get Worse Ovarian Cancer Care: Study

TUESDAY, March 27 -- Women with ovarian cancer who are black, either uninsured or Medicare recipients, or who have annual incomes of less than $35,000 are more likely to receive poorer-quality care, a new study shows.Researchers found these racial... read more..


HPV Vaccine May Help Women With Cervical Conditions

TUESDAY, March 27 -- A new study finds that women diagnosed with pre-cancerous cervical conditions after they get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can still benefit from the shot because it cuts their risk of future HPV-related cervical... read more..


Feature Story: Go Red For Women

This Merck-sponsored campaign, initiated by the American Heart Association, is designed to empower women of all ages to take charge of their heart health. read more..

Public Health Challenge-Interventions-Doctor-Merck

Feature Story: Let's Go There

Let's Go There, a new national Merck Women's Health campaign celebrates women's "don't settle" mindset and reveals new insights about today's woman. As part of the campaign, Merck has joined forces with actress JoAnna Garcia Swisher to help inspire today's woman to take control of her health and be proactive in evaluating her options. read more..


Feature Story: Merck for Mothers

We are committed to saving mothers' lives. Saving mothers is the right thing for women and the right thing for Merck. We're going to listen, partner and bring our scientific and business expertise. read more..


Feature Story: A Different Kind of Health Problem

Non-adherence happens when a doctor prescribes a new fitness regimen, a change in diet – or new medication – and we don't follow the recommendations. Merck is addressing this important public health challenge by creating tools and interventions to help patients stay on track with their health. read more..

Dermatologic Society-Licensing Agreement-Biologic Therapies-Clinical Trial-Prnewswire

Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) Announces 2012-2013 Leadership and Honorees

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), the nation's third largest dermatologic organization, announces its 2012-2013 Officers, Board of Directors and annual honorees, as presented at the 37th Annual Meeting Luncheon held recently in... read more..


First Patient Treated in Trillium's Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome Clinical Trial

TORONTO, March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Trillium Therapeutics Inc., a
privately-held biopharmaceutical company developing proprietary and
innovative biologic therapies, today announced that it has dosed the
first patient in a phase I clinical trial evaluating TTI-1612, an... read more..


Sequent Medical and Inceptus Medical Announce a Licensing Agreement on MicroBraid Technology

ALISO VIEJO, Calif., March 28, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sequent Medical, Inc. and Inceptus Medical, LLC announced today an agreement that provides Inceptus Medical with a license to Sequent Medical's MicroBraid™ technology for use in select medical device applications. Sequent... read more..

Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme-Medical Journal Of Australia-Generic Medications

Pricing of Generics Should Be Reviewed, Australia

A report published in the February 20 issue of the Medical Journal of Australia, reveals that if the pricing system for generic medications was improved and they were prescribed more often, Australia could save hundreds of millions of dollars in Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsides. The Medical Journal of Australia is a publication of the Australian Medical Association... read more..

Medicare System

What's the future for Medicare?

In a recent article at Chico News, they examine what has kept the Medicare System running to this point - and what will have to happen for it to run successfully into the future.  The two main problems Larry Mitchell offers are that there is a lack of proper reimbursement from Medicare to the doctors themselves, as well as fewer and fewer doctors due to many of the doctors retiring themselves.  Many doctors have had the time to foster relationships with their patients and collaborate and communicate on what the patients are feeling.  However, with the current process - doctors being paid on the amount of patients they see and treat - this is one of the things that is failing in the system.
At The 2012 Medicare Congress, Charles Mackay, CPHQ, Health Insurance Specialist, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be on hand to examine many of these problems in his presentation "Health Rebooted: How Taking Technology All the Way will Solve Both the Cost and Quality Problems".  For more information on his presentation and the rest of the event, download the brochure here.  Don't forget, as a valued reader of this blog, when you register and mention code XP1707BLOG, receive 25% off the standard rate!
Do you agree with the statements in the Chico News? How can Medicare step in and fix the issues they face?  What is the best solution to have doctors spend quality time with their patients yet also treat more of them at the same time? read more..

Urine Test-Drug Test-Ativan

Ativan usage only three times a week... Will I pass drug test?

I take 1 MG. Ativan three nights a week ( skipping a night or two in between). I exercise 4-5 times a week and drink tons of water. Have to take urine test in ten days. Do you think I will pass? Also I am prescribed this by my psychiatrist so I may even be allowed to have this in my system...? This is my first drug test and I am scared. - Filed in Ativan - Post a Reply read more..

Tuesday 27 March 2012

Glucosamine Sulphate-Weakness

For What Diacerein Glucosamine Sulphate Potassium Chloriden Is Prescibed

I am 40 years, India
My comlain is problem in Knee. I have mild soreness-pain, heavyness feeling, feel weakness in knee while climbing stairs.
Dr prescribed me above medicine for 20 days one tab each per day.
Please let me know side effects , if any
Is it necessary to take this medicine, can exercise subsititue these medcines.
Please give more and more details and direction how to keep my knee fit, since I am just 40 yrs now.
Manay thanks in advance.
- Filed in Glucosamine - 2 Replies read more..

Obstetrics And Gynecology-Therapeutics Inc-Cancer Treatment-Routine Visits-Heart Disease

Few Young Women With Cancer Take Steps to Preserve Fertility

MONDAY, March 26 -- Very few young women with cancer take measures to preserve their fertility while undergoing cancer treatment, a new study says.The findings suggest that reproductive-age women with cancer need more information about fertility... read more..


Ob/Gyn Visit a Good Time to Screen for Heart Disease: Study

MONDAY, March 26 -- Women should be screened for heart disease -- a leading cause of death among women in the United States -- during routine visits to obstetrics and gynecology clinics, a new study suggests.Researchers from Mount Sinai Medical... read more..


Galectin Therapeutics Inc. Announces Exercise of Over-Allotment Option

Galectin Therapeutics Inc. Announces Exercise of Over-Allotment Option
Galectin Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ: GALT)(NASDAQ: GALTU) ...
Galectin Therapeutics Inc. read more..

'Tis The Season-David Brennan-Astrazeneca-Seroquel

AZ's Brennan nabs 11% pay hike to $5.89M

'Tis the season for executive pay raises, and AstraZeneca's ($AZN) David Brennan is no exception. Last year, Brennan won an 11% increase in overall compensation to £3.37 million, from £3 million in 2010, the Financial Times reports. For those of us who think in dollars, that's $5.89 million and $4.77 million, respectively.The FT makes the point that Brennan's raise comes at a challenging time for AstraZeneca, with Seroquel's patent expiring today and three more significant expirations over the next 5 years (see our Seroquel story for more). It has also seen some R&D disappointments recently, dismaying investors who were hoping that a few late-stage drugs could jump into the patent-cliff gap.But stacking up Brennan's pay alongside his Big Pharma brethren, $5.89 million comes in toward the bottom. U.K. rival GlaxoSmithKline's ($GSK) boss got a 24% raise to £6.7 million, or $10.5 million, while Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) chief Lamberto Andreotti clocked a 27% increase to almost $15 million. It can certainly be argued that these companies have better short-term prospects than AstraZeneca does, particularly Bristol-Myers, which has an impressive recent record on the R&D side. But the fact remains that Brennan is far from the highest paid pharma exec out there--and given AstraZeneca's current problems, that raise could be considered hazard pay.- read the FT story?Related Articles:
With patent running out, AZ loses bid to block Seroquel copies
Abbott execs take pay cuts, but White still nabs $24M
J&J's Weldon due for $143M retirement package
After big hike in 2011, GSK CEO's pay set to jump again read more..

Coordination Office-Jennifer Coleman-Coverage Areas-Dual Eligibles-Medicare

Updates on Duals from Jennifer Coleman of CMS’s Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office

Your patients with chronic diseases require the greatest investment of money and time for your healthplan. And we know their treatment needs grow more complex if they are dual eligibles. Join us at the 9th annual Medicare Congress - the largest and longest-running conference devoted to the Medicare marketplace – as we have exclusive coverage on the chronically ill and dual eligibles.
Expert speakers include:

  • • CMS’s Senior Advisor for the Medicare-Medicaid Coordination Office, Jennifer Coleman, will detail CMS’s new demonstration program to test new financial models for integrating coverage for dual-eligibles. Learn more about their timelines, coverage areas, and best operational practices required to adapt to these new initiatives.
  • • Karol Attaway, VP of Operations at HealthCare Services, will detail how you can use risk assessment stratification to predict and prepare for the financial costs of your most seriously ill patients.
To learn more about the program, download the program agenda.
The Medicare Congress is taking place February 6-8, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. If you’d like to join us, use priority code XP1707BLOG to receive 25% off of the standard rate! This is an exclusive discount to this blog. We encourage you to register ASAP because the hotel block is 80% sold out and the negotiated rate expires this Sunday. If you have any questions about the agenda or event, please contact Jennifer Pereira at jpereira@iirusa.com or visit the homepage. read more..

Monday 26 March 2012

Young Adults-White House-Obamacare-Activists

Happy Birthday, Obamacare (Part Deux!)

Obamacare was signed into law on March 23, 2010. This week, the White House organized activists in an effort to tout the law’s alleged benefits: seniors on Monday, women on Tuesday, young adults and kids on Wednesday, health costs on Thursday, and pre-existing conditions on Friday. So let’s go through and discuss what the law actually does in these areas. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News) read more..

Cardiovascular Exercise-Subcutaneous Injection-Comparable Efficacy-Aerobic Exercise

Health Tip: Why You Need Aerobic Exercise

-- Aerobic exercise, also called cardiovascular exercise, helps improve your heart and lung health. Examples include walking, running, swimming, biking and hiking.The Cleveland Clinic says potential benefits of aerobic exercise include:Better... read more..


Roche's Herceptin given by subcutaneous injection offers greater convenience and reduces costs

Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced results from the Phase III HannaH study in women with HER2-positive early breast cancer (eBC) showing for the first time that a new way of giving Herceptin (trastuzumab) by subcutaneous (SC) injection leads to comparable efficacy (based on pathological complete response (pCR); read more..

Social Media-Gorsky

Advice to J&J's New CEO Alex Gorsky: Start Tweeting, Blogging, and YouTubing

Alex Gorsky will have to address trouble at J&J's consumer business when he becomes CEO, notes the Wall Street Journal (see here).
Sure, "those who know Mr. Gorsky laud his skills diagnosing problems by reviewing reams of data and visiting the company's front lines, motivating experts on staff to fix the issues and then holding the staffers responsible," but can he tweet? That's what I want to know.
Gorsky should learn from the mistakes of his predecessor, Bill Weldon, who flubbed handling the growing PR crisis by not adequately, IMHO, leveraging social media to assure consumers he was working to resolve the issue. More importantly, however, Weldon did not use social media to interact directly with consumers.
Gorsky should have his own Twitter account, Blog, and YouTube Channel. And ALL of them should allow comments. Open the social media floodgates and learn why J&J is now ranked #7 instead of #1 or #2 in the Harris Poll Reputation Quotient study.
You might object and say that a CEO of a huge corporation such a J&J simply does not have the time to engage in social media. That may be the case. But I advise Gorsky to learn from celebrities and political candidates -- have surrogates (ie, PR people) handle the day-to-day interactions and make sure you approve what they say in your name. But EVERY day make at least one personal tweet or reply to a tweet and every week write a blog post. Once a month, do a YouTube video update. Is that too much to ask of a CEO?
I cannot find a Twitter account for Gorsky, whereas at least 5 J&J junior executives have such accounts according to my "Pharma Social Media Pioneers" database (here).
The only social media account I can find for Gorsky is a LinkedIn page (here). It is out of date! Mr. Gorsky, how come you only have 160 links? Not only should you update your page and start linking to more people on LinkedIn, you should have a "vanity" URL. Mine is www.linkedin.com/in/pharmaguy. How about www.linkedin.com/in/Gorsky? Whoops! That's already taken! What about www.linkedin.com/in/AlexGorsky? That's taken as well. Too bad. You should have thought of this sooner.
Having a personal social media presence, however, is even more important when the NEXT crisis occurs -- and, Mr. Gorsky, it will occur, believe me.
During a previous JNJ PR crisis, I was asked what I would do in JNJ's shoes by Melissa Davies -- a mom and Social Media Practice Lead at Return on Focus, a company that helps companies market their brands. Melissa asked:
"John, could you share some thoughts on what you would advise JNJ to do as part of a more fully developed social media response strategy? Are you thinking the company should have more Tweets, engage on more sites, etc.? I'm curious what you think the ideal roadmap looks like."My response:
"For what it's worth, I believe this situation calls for more information and conversation no matter what the channel or the road.
But since we are talking about social media, let's stick to that.
Because the CEO has been targeted, is expected to meet with Congress, and posted a message to JNJBTW, he should lead the discussion. In addition to a formal letter posted to the corporate blog, how about opening up a YouTube channel in which he and McNeil executives talk directly to their audience and provide updates. They should allow comments -- and respond to as many as necessary.
Twitter can work with this to keep people informed about what is going on and link to specific videos.
If the CEO talks to Congress, get the transcript and post it before anyone else does. Ask readers to comment on how well or not so well questions were answered by the CEO and what was missing.
Of course, there needs to be some progress if you are going to give updates. Actions speak louder than words. Social media won't solve the problems.
Right now, I feel that JNJ doesn't have a handle on what's causing the problems. At least that's what read more..

Sunday 25 March 2012

Breast Cancer Recurrence-Migraine Headaches-Hormonal Changes-Scalp Diseases

Hair Care Can Pose Health Risks for Black Women

THURSDAY, March 22 -- Certain hairstyling practices can result in serious hair and scalp diseases for some black women, an expert warns."Hair is an extremely important aspect of an African American woman's appearance," Dr. Diane Jackson-Richards,... read more..


Obese Women at Higher Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence: Study

FRIDAY, March 23 -- Overweight and obese breast cancer patients are at increased risk for recurrence of the disease, a new study finds.The findings -- which held true even though chemotherapy doses were adjusted for weight -- provide further... read more..


Hormonal Changes May Trigger Migraines in Some Women

FRIDAY, March 23 -- Hormonal changes are a major reason women are far more likely than men to have migraine headaches, research suggests.About 30 million Americans suffer from migraines, and women are nearly three times more likely to have them... read more..

Subcutaneous Injection-Comparable Efficacy-Administration-Breast Cancer-Herceptin

Roche's Herceptin given by subcutaneous injection offers greater convenience to patients and reduces overall healthcare costs compared to standard IV infusion

Subcutaneous administration of Herceptin is less invasive and takes approximately 5 minutes instead of 30-90 minutes with currently approved IV administration. Roche today announced results from the Phase III HannaH study in women with HER2-positive early breast cancer (eBC) showing for the first time that a new way of giving Herceptin (trastuzumab) by subcutaneous (SC) injection leads to comparable efficacy (based on pathological complete response (pCR); complete eradication of the tumour cells in the breast) to the current way of giving the medicine by intravenous (IV) route. (Source: Roche Investor Update) read more..

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors-Dangerously High Blood Pressure-Us Department Of Health

Antidepressants May Raise Risk for Pregnancy Complication

THURSDAY, March 22 -- Pregnant women taking the antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) face a slightly increased risk of developing dangerously high blood pressure, Canadian researchers report.This condition,... read more..


Study highlights need to treat nursing-home patients for vitamin D deficiency

The majority of older women in nursing homes are likely to be deficient in vitamin D during winter months, and those with the lowest levels are at a significantly increased risk of death, according to a study published online February 8, in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology (Source: Drug Topics - Pharmacy News) read more..


Teens Can Use ‘Morning After’ Pill Easily: Study

Three months ago, the US Department of Health & Human Services took the unprecedented step of overruling the FDA and thwarting a move to ease access to Plan B, which is also known as the morning after pill. The contraceptive is currently available only to women age 17 and older without a prescription, but behind [...] read more..

World Health Organization-Therapeutic Drug-Novel Endocyte-Companion

Endocyte Receives USAN Approval for Nonproprietary Names of Novel Endocyte Drug Candidates

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., March 22, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Endocyte, Inc. (Nasdaq:ECYT), a biopharmaceutical company developing targeted small molecule drug conjugates (SMDCs) and companion imaging diagnostics for personalized therapy, today announced that the World Health Organization and the United States Adopted Names (USAN) Council have approved the nonproprietary name "vintafolide" (pronounced vin ta foe' lide) for Endocyte's therapeutic drug candidate EC145 and the nonproprietary name of "etarfolatide" (pronounced et" ar foe' la tide) for Endocyte's companion imaging agent EC20. Vintafolide and etarfolatide are currently being evaluated in the Phase 3 PROCEED trial for the treatment of women with folate-receptor positive platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Etarfolatide is being used to ... read more..

Attention Problems-Government Report-Air Pollutants-Breast Density-Breast Cancer

Fewer Americans Tying the Knot, Survey Shows

THURSDAY, March 22 -- That shiny band of gold may be losing its luster: A new government report shows more Americans are either avoiding marriage or marrying much later in life than their parents' generation did.The percentage of women aged 15 to... read more..


Breathing Smog in Pregnancy Linked to Child's Behavior Problems

THURSDAY, March 22 -- Women exposed to higher levels of certain air pollutants while pregnant are more likely to have children with anxiety, depression and attention problems by ages 6 and 7, new research suggests."This study provides new evidence... read more..


Dense Breasts May Be Linked to Cancer Recurrence

THURSDAY, March 22 -- Breast cancer is more likely to recur in women over 50 who have denser breast tissue, researchers report, noting that doctors should take breast density into account when making initial treatment decisions.The Swedish study... read more..

Saturday 24 March 2012

Eligibility Verification-Eligibility Categories-Medicaid Expansion-Final Rule

Are You Ready for HHS's Final Rule on Medicaid Expansion?

HHS's final rule on Medicaid expansion was released on Friday, March 16, 2012. Based in part on feedback from more than 800 comments, the 268 page document provides tactical insight into managing the newly eligible population (most non-disabled adults under 65 up to 133% FPL) and simplifies the eligibility categories into 4 primary groups: children, pregnant women, parents, and the new adult group. It also seeks to modernize eligibility verification rules and ensure coordination across Medicaid, CHIP and Exchanges.
Click here to read the complete document.
It took HHS from August 2011 until March 2012 to get from draft to final.
Will your State and Plan be ready for the 2014 deadline?
YES! If you register today for the one event that gives you your best shot at being prepared for the 2014 deadline. Understand what you must do to get ready for real time eligibility approvals and multi-program coordination
Download the brochure to learn more about the agenda and the speakers.
The Medicaid Managed Care Congress is taking place April 30-May 2, 2012. As a reader of the Healthcare: From Policy to Practice blog, use priority code XP1726BLOG to receive 25% off of the standard rate! If you have any questions or need any further information, feel free to email jpereira@iirusa.com or visit the webpage. read more..

Reproductive Health Clinics-Emergency Contraception-Emergency Contraceptive-Women's Health

Study: No reason teens can't buy emergency contraception OTC

Girls younger than 17 can safely use emergency contraception without a prescription, and there is no reason they can't buy it over-the-counter. At least that's the conclusion from a study whose final analysis included 340 girls who requested emergency contraception from reproductive health clinics in 5 cities.University of California researchers tracked the girls who came into the clinics. Of the 340 girls, 91.5% were able to appropriately decide when to use the pill. Also, 92.9% of the 298 girls who eventually took the pill used the contraception correctly."Restricting young females' use of a single-tablet emergency contraceptive by prescription only is not warranted, because females younger than 17 years can use it in a manner consistent with over-the-counter access," the researchers concluded in the study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology."This study confirms findings from two other studies that teens are able to understand (emergency contraception) labeling in order to use it safely and effectively," Megan Kavanaugh, a senior research associate at the Guttmacher Institute in New York, told Reuters Health via email.The study was funded by research grants from Teva ($TEVA) Women's Health Research.Last year, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius set off a firestorm after trumping the FDA on expanding access to the Plan B contraceptive. At issue was whether Teva's product should be taken out from behind the pharmacists' counter, making it available outside pharmacy hours--and without a prescription for girls younger than 17 for the first time. The FDA was inclined to approve, but HHS intervened, overruling that decision.- here is the study
- get more from Reuters
- read the Pharmalot postRelated Articles:
FDA rejects citizen's petition on Plan B
HHS chief smacks down FDA's Plan B decision
FDA mulls behind-the-counter drug sales read more..

Friday 23 March 2012

Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Illinois-Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Alabama-Carefirst Blue Cross Blue Shield

Look who’s Attending the 2012 Medicare Congress

We're less than 3 weeks away from the Medicare Congress in Orlando, February 6-8. We’re expecting a big turnout this year so don’t miss your opportunity to attend the largest, longest running Medicare event in the industry and network with Health Plan executives and CMS officials.
Look at the companies who are attending:
AARP, Aetna, Allergan, American Enterprise Institute, Ameri-Plus Select Services , Arcadian Health Plan & Management Services, Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield, BCBS of Minnesota, Bloom Marketing Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield Northern Plains Alliance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Bristol Myers Squibb, Cain Brothers, Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Care N Care Health Plan , CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield of Maryland, Cazma LLC, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CIGNA Healthcare, Colibrium Partners LLC, DMW Worldwide, Dynamic Healthcare Systems Inc, Endo Pharmaceuticals, Epstein Becker Green, Family Physicians Group, First Recovery Group, Forbes, Forest Laboratories, Gorman Health Group LLC, Health Alliance Plan of Michigan, Healthcare Partners, HealthPlanCRM , HealthSpring, HMS Permedion, Humana, Inter Valley Health Plan, Kaiser Family Foundation, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser Permanente, KBM Group Health Services, LA Care Health Plan, Matrix Medical Network, Milliman USA, National Committee for Quality Assurance, Oliver Wyman Actuarial Consulting, Optum Health, OptumInsight, PharmMD, Preferred Care Partners, Silverlink Communications, Sterling Life Insurance Company, Susquehanna Research Group, SXC Health Solutions Corporation, SXC Health Solutions Corporation, The National Advisory Board on Improving Health Care Services for Seniors, The Weekly Standard, United Community Health Plans, United Health Care, Universal American Corporation, Wellpoint
The Medicare Congress is taking place February 6-8, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. If you’d like to join these companies, use priority code XP1707BLOG to receive 25% off of the standard rate! This is an exclusive discount to this blog. If you have any questions about the agenda or event, please contact Jennifer Pereira. read more..

International Commercial Partnership-Alexza Pharmaceuticals-Public Offering-Fda Approval

Alexza's vaporized anti-psychotic threatened by dwindling cash

Even with a beefed up international commercial partnership, a public offering, restructuring and layoffs, Alexza Pharmaceuticals ($ALXA) has disclosed that its cash could run out by year-end. And so stakes increase even further over the FDA's pending evaluation of Adasuve, the company's inhaled, fast-acting, vaporized formulation of the antipsychotic drug loxapine.Mountain View, CA-based Alexza just can't catch a break. As of Dec. 31, the company said it had just $16.9 million in cash, equivalents and securities on hand. And after taking steps earlier this year to raise more than $20 million in a public offering, slash 38% of its workforce (29 jobs), and boost its international commercial partnership stake with Grupo Ferrer, the company reported that current cash burn rates will only carry it through the 2012 fourth quarter.Alexza is struggling to gain FDA approval for Adasuve, which improves on the long-used oral version of loxapine to treat adults for schizophrenia-related agitation or bipolar I disorder. The drug is housed in the company's Staccato inhalation device, which delivers a vapor directly to the lungs and subsequently reaches the bloodstream quickly.We learned in January that the FDA delayed its review deadline from Feb. 4 to May 4, in order to review how Alexza is addressing changes to safety and dosage guidelines recommended by an FDA panel of experts in December. Its decision, clearly, could make or break the company. So May 4 could be Doomsday or Christmas. An FDA-approved Adasuve would compete with injectable drugs made by companies including Bristol-Myers Squibb ($BMY) and Eli Lilly ($LLY).Alexza booked a $9.7 million net loss during the fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and $40.5 million net loss for the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31.- read the financials releaseRelated Articles:
Alexza's Adasuve slapped with delayed FDA review
Alexza layoffs looming read more..

Indiana University In Bloomington-Exercise

Ladies: Orgasm During Exercise - Really?!

Okay, I'd like the real scoop, now.  (Hint: that's what comments are for.) Do you get the big shiver from squeezing your abs? Researchers at Indiana University in Bloomington are using the term "coregasm" for the phenomenon of  involuntary orgasm during exercise - which they say is much more common than most people think. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News) read more..

American Heart Association-Heart Failure-Impact Women

Taking Vitamin E Does Not Impact Women's Heart Failure Risk

DALLAS, March 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Taking vitamin E supplements does not increase or decrease heart failure risk among women, according to a study in Circulation: Heart Failure, an American Heart Association journal. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

Thursday 22 March 2012

Johns Hopkins University School Of Medicine-Interventional Cardiology-Cardiology Conferences

Acclaimed Cardiologists Blumenthal, Cannon and Yancy Announce 2012 Schedule for CardioCareLive, the World's Largest Online Cardiology Event

NEEDHAM HEIGHTS, Mass., March 20, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CardioCareLive, the popular website for live online streaming video cardiology conferences, today announced that course chairs Roger Blumenthal, MD of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Chris Cannon, MD of Brigham & Women's Hospital and Clyde Yancy, MD of the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, have outlined 2012 program topics for CardioCareLive. Topics to be discussed live via interactive video range from Atrial Fibrillation to Interventional Cardiology to Diabetes Management. More than 30 hours of live continuing medical education will be offered in 2012. Upcoming programs at www.CardioCareLive.com include: (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

National Breast Cancer Screening Programs-Routine Mammography-Satellite Symposium

Pregnancy Safe for Women With Estrogen-Sensitive Breast Cancer

WEDNESDAY, March 21 -- Pregnancy is safe for women with estrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, according to a new study.These types of breast tumors are especially sensitive to levels of estrogen in the body, and the findings address concerns... read more..


Two Studies Find Routine Mammography Saves Lives

WEDNESDAY, March 21 -- Two long-term studies from the Netherlands suggest that routine mammography screening does save women's lives.One of the longest national breast cancer screening programs in the world led to a significant drop in deaths and... read more..


Dune Medical Devices Hosts Symposium Featuring MarginProbe® System at European Breast Cancer Conference

VIENNA, March 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Dune Medical Devices, the manufacturer of the MarginProbe® System, held a satellite symposium featuring discussions with experts in the field of breast cancer regarding the treatment of women with early stage breast cancer and the... read more..

Proxy Statement-Base Salary-Pfizer

Setting new course, Pfizer CEO gets 44% pay hike

Ian Read (pictured) collected a super-sized paycheck last year after he took on the super-sized job of running the world's largest drugmaker. The Pfizer ($PFE) CEO's pay leaped by 44% to about $25 million, the company said in its proxy statement, recognizing his promotion to CEO and his plans for streamlining and restructuring. The total puts him about on par with predecessor Jeff Kindler, whose 2010 package amounted to $24.7 million--but that included a $4.5 million severance payment, too.In 2011, Read collected a base salary of $1.7 million plus incentive pay of $3.5 million, which was $900,000 more than his initial bonus target. He also was awarded $5.68 million in stock, plus another $6.92 million in options. Deferred compensation came to $6.89 million.For this year, Read's base salary has been set slightly higher, at $1.75 million, and his incentive target is 150% of his base salary, or $2.6 million, RTT News reports."Under the leadership of Ian Read, we set a course to redefine and strengthen Pfizer," the company said in its proxy statement. And there's no question that Read has set a new bearing for the company.Soon after he took over as CEO, Read announced he'd be reviewing the company's business units with an eye toward streamlining and refocusing on Pfizer's core prescription drug business. Analysts and investors cheered the idea; some even called for a wholesale breakup of the company. In July, Read announced Pfizer would be divesting its animal health and nutrition units, hanging on to consumer healthcare and generics. Since then, the company has accepted some bids for both units, even though it appears to be leaning toward a spin-off, rather than sale, of the animal health business.Meanwhile, Read oversaw an aggressive bid to hang on to market share for its top-selling drug, Lipitor, which went off patent at the end of November. He also fashioned a major restructuring of R&D, closing laboratories and slashing payroll with the goal of cutting spending by $2 billion.- check out Pfizer's proxy filing
- see the Reuters news
- read the RTT News coverage
- get more from BloombergSpecial Report: Top 10 Pharma CEO salaries of 2010Related Articles:
Divestments 'not a trivial exercise,' Read tells FT
Pfizer weighing baby-formula offers from Nestle, Danone
Pfizer to shed vet unit, keep generics
Pfizer chiefs new and old get big bumps in pay
Pfizer exec outlines spin-off strategy read more..

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery-Medical Device Company-Deep Brain Stimulation-Stereotactic Surgery

Third Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / Anti Aging Medicine: The Next Generation Symposium Brings Industry Leading Courses and Programming to New York City

New York, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The third Aesthetic Plastic Surgery / Anti Aging Medicine: The Next Generation Symposium will be held on July 20-22, 2012 at the Conrad New York, a new luxury complex overlooking the Hudson River in lower Manhattan. This interactive,... read more..


UCLA Professor of Neurosurgery and NeuroSigma Co-Founder Honored for Groundbreaking Work including Deep Brain Stimulation for Treatment of PTSD

LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- NeuroSigma, Inc., a Los Angeles-based medical device company, is pleased to recognize the accomplishments of Antonio A.F. De Salles, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Neurosurgery and Head of the Stereotactic Surgery Division of the Department... read more..

Food And Drug Administration-Television Advertisement-Prescription Drugs-Warning Letter

A Loophole (?) in New FDA Guidance on Pre-Dissemination Review of TV Direct-to-Consumer Ads

On September 27, 2007, President Bush signed into law the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), which gives FDA the authority to ". . . require the submission of any television advertisement for a drug . . . not later than 45 days before dissemination of the television advertisement." The notice of issuance of "Draft Guidance for Industry Direct-to-Consumer Television Advertisements — FDAAA DTC Television Ad Pre-Dissemination Review Program" was published today in the Federal register (see "Draft FDA Guidance on PreDissemination Review of TV Direct-to-Consumer Ads").
Before I get to the "loophole," here's a summary of the guidance.
Up until now, the FDA allowed the VOLUNTARY submission of TV ads for review prior to airing, but did not require it. The draft guidance details which type of TV ads REQUIRE approval prior to "dissemination," how long it will take FDA to review these ads and get back to the sponsor (45 days), and what the sponsor can do if the FDA does NOT meet the 45-day deadline. Of course, it also mentions CRIMINAL and CIVIL MONETARY penalties that may be sought by the FDA for violations.
Which Ads Will Require "Pre-dissemination" Review?
The Agency intends to require sponsors to submit TV ads for pre-dissemination review in the following categories:

  • Category 1: The initial TV ad for any prescription drug or the initial TV ad for a new or expanded approved indication for any prescription drug 
  • Category 2: All TV ads for prescription drugs subject to a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) with elements to assure safe use (see section 505-1(f) of the FD&C Act) 
  • Category 3: All TV ads for Schedule II controlled substances 
  • Category 4: The first TV ad for a prescription drug following a safety labeling update that affects the Boxed Warning, Contraindications, or Warnings & Precautions section of its labeling 
  • Category 5: The first TV ad for a prescription drug following the receipt by the sponsor of an enforcement letter (i.e. a Warning or untitled letter) for that product that either cites a TV ad or causes a TV ad to be discontinued because the TV ad contained violations similar to the ones cited in the enforcement letter  
  • Category 6: Any TV ad that is otherwise identified by FDA as subject to the pre-dissemination review provision
"Specifically, these categories allow the Agency to review and provide comments on TV ads for prescription drugs with particularly serious risks," says the FDA
Regarding the 45-Day Review Period, FDA says:
"Once the 45-day review time has elapsed, there is no specific legal consequence resulting from disseminating the proposed TV ad without waiting for FDA’s comments. However, once an ad is disseminated, the sponsor is at risk of enforcement action if the ad violates the FD&C Act and implementing FDA regulations."
That is, if the FDA misses its deadline, the situation reverts back to what is the current practice -- air the commercial and perhaps suffer the consequences, which could be nothing more than a warning letter, but may also require the sponsor to air a correction.
What Exactly Will the FDA Review?
In the past, FDA has primarily reviewed TV Ad storyboards, which are graphical representations of key scenes in the ad with dialog included. Storyboards are blueprints for production and are created BEFORE any video production has begun. Now, however, FDA requires a video of the TV ad to be submitted to fulfill the submission requirements. Only after the video is submitted will the 45-day review clock start running.
"FDA cannot provide final comments on the acceptability of a TV ad without viewing a final recorded version in its entirety. FDA understands that some sponsors may wish to receive comments from the Agency before producing a final recorded version of the ad. In such situations, sponsors can submit a pre-dissemination review packag read more..

Supplemental Nutrition Program-Brigham And Women's Hospital-Gross Domestic Product

Study Suggests Mental 'Fog' of Menopause Is Real

TUESDAY, March 20 -- The memory blips and distractible moments that women say they experience during menopause may be as real as the hot flashes and poor sleep, a new study suggests.Researchers gave women who said they were experiencing "menopause... read more..


Less Heart Disease Among Women in Wealthier States: Study

TUESDAY, March 20 -- A state's level of wealth affects women's heart disease risk, a new study says.Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston assessed gross domestic product, poverty rates and levels of financial inequality in each... read more..


Corner Stores Stock Healthier Foods After Aid Program Changes

TUESDAY, March 20 -- Small stores in two low-income areas of North Philadelphia began stocking healthier foods after changes to a popular U.S. government food-aid program, a new study finds.The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women,... read more..

Tuesday 20 March 2012

Institutional Investors-Share Purchase Warrants-Equivalent Number-Warrant Exercise

TearLab Announces Warrant Exercise by Institutional Investors

SAN DIEGO, March 19, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TearLab Corporation (Nasdaq:TEAR) (TSX:TLB) ("TearLab" or the "Company") announced today that 1,373,700 share purchase warrants issued in connection with the Company's June 2011 private placement financing have been exercised by certain institutional investors into an equivalent number of common shares of the Company for total gross proceeds of approximately $2,555,000. Approximately 2,472,454 share purchase warrants issued in connection with the June 2011 financing remain outstanding. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

The  Patient Protection And Affordable Care Act-Individual Mandate-The Supreme Court

The Supremes and Obamacare - Women and Weapons - Wheat and Weed

When the Supreme Court takes up the question of the "individual mandate"  to buy health insurance unde the  Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Obamacare") it is important that we remember that they are not considering whether the mandate is a good idea.  They will be considering whether Congress has the power under the Constitution to make the mandate.  It is time for Constitutional purists.  Activists and advocates tend to use the Constitution like a drunk uses a lamppost - more for support than illumination.  You can see this in the marriage equality debates.  Conservatives are all for states rights when states ban gay marriage - not so much when they permit it.  Liberals really aren't any better in that regard. (Source: Forbes.... read more..

Antibiotic Ointments-Dietary Supplement-Drug Stores-Vital Field-Exercise

Exercise May Trigger Orgasm in Some Women

MONDAY, March 19 -- Sex may not always be essential for orgasm: A new survey finds that some women can also experience the sensation while exercising.This type of orgasm is sometimes referred to as a "coregasm" because of its association with... read more..


What’s new on your shelves?

What’s different in your drug stores this month? Your customers who are allergic to antibiotic ointments and creams will find a new first aid gel that’s antibiotic-free. There’s a prenatal dietary supplement with 450 mg of DHA. Men can check their sperm count at home with a new 10-minute tes,t and women will find a laxative that’s made just for them. A familiar brand of mouthwash has been made even stronger. And a new dipeptide product supports healthy aging. (Source: Drug Topics - Pharmacy News) read more..


STEM: A Fast Growing And Vital Field With A Declining Share Of Women, According To A New Report

Jobs in science, engineering, technology, and math (STEM) fields are expected to grow by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, nearly double the growth of all other fields. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News) read more..

Food And Drug Administration-Health Insurance Coverage-Generic Versions

Health Highlights: March 19, 2012

Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:Women Still Have Higher Health Insurance RatesThe same health insurance coverage still costs women more than men in most states, even though... read more..


FDA approves first Boniva generics to treat or prevent osteoporosis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved the first generic versions of Boniva (ibandronate) tablets, a once-monthly product to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. read more..


FDA approves first Boniva generics to treat or prevent osteoporosis

FDA approved the first generic versions of Boniva (ibandronate) tablets, a once-monthly product to treat or prevent osteoporosis in women after menopause. (Source: Drug Topics - Pharmacy News) read more..

Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate-Clinical Trial Management-Clinical Trials Industry

DATATRAK Exhibits at CBI's 5th Annual Forum on CTMS

CLEVELAND, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire / -- DATATRAK International, Inc. (OTCQX: DATA), a technology and services company focused on global eClinical solutions for the clinical trials industry, today announced its attendance at CBI's 5th Annual Forum on Clinical Trial Management Systems... read more..


Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) Market is Expected to Reach USD 16.0 Billion by 2016: Transparency Market Research

ALBANY, New York, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research (http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com) "Methylene Diphenyl Diisocyanate (MDI) Market: Global Market Analysis, Size, Share & Forecast (2009 - 2016)", Global... read more..


Bone Marrow Transplant Arrests Symptoms in Model of Rett Syndrome

Results Emphasize Immune Component of Autism Spectrum DisorderTRUMBULL, Conn., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A paper published online in Nature describes the results of using bone marrow transplant (BMT) to replace faulty immune system cells in models of Rett Syndrome.... read more..

The European Association Of Urology-Prostate Cancer

The challenge of prostate cancer drug approval versus reimbursement

Here at the European Association of Urology (EAU) congress in Paris, there are some interesting debates amongst delegates attending the meeting regarding new therapies either recently – or about to be approved – for castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). For example: … Continue reading ? read more..

Monday 19 March 2012

Life Technologies Corporation-Energieforschung Geeignet-Bioscience Industry-Global Provider

Life Technologies Launches GeneArt® Precision TALs

CARLSBAD, Calif., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Life Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE) today announced the launch of GeneArt® Precision TALs, generally referred to as TAL effector proteins (TALE), which will allow researchers the ability to edit genomes and control gene.. read more..


Life Technologies führt Präzisions-TAL-Effektoren GeneArt® ein

CARLSBAD, Kalifornien, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --- Lifes TAL-Effektorproteine ermöglichen eine präzise Bearbeitung von Genomen und sind zur Anwendung im Gesundheitswesen, der Landwirtschaft und der Energieforschung geeignetLife Technologies Corporation (NASDAQ:LIFE)... read more..


BioStorage Technologies to Host Live Webinar on Optimizing the Value of Sample Assets

INDIANAPOLIS, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- BioStorage Technologies, a global provider of comprehensive sample management solutions, biomaterial storage and cold chain logistics for the bioscience industry, announced today that it will host a live, complimentary webinar titled,... read more..

American Association For Cancer Research-Molecular Targets-Pancreatic

nab-Paclitaxel and its potential role in pancreatic cancer

Back in 2009 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Molecular Targets meeting, a researcher (Anirban Maitra) from Boston had a most interesting poster about the use of nanotechnology to deliver nab-paclitaxel (Abraxane) to pancreatic adenocarcinomas in a more … Continue reading ? read more..

Biopharmaceutical Company-Varian Medical Systems-Chief Medical Officer-Predator Nutrition

ImmusanT Names Patrick Griffin as Chief Medical Officer, Expands Management Team

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., March 19, 2012  /PRNewswire/ -- ImmusanT announced today that Patrick H. Griffin, MD, has joined the biopharmaceutical company as Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President of Development, and Michelle Hipwood joins as Director of Finance and... read more..


Varian Medical Systems Schedules Second Quarter FY2012 News Release and Conference Call

PALO ALTO, Calif., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Varian Medical Systems (NYSE: VAR) announced today that it will report results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2012 following the close of regular trading on Wednesday, April 25, 2012.  The news release will be followed by a... read more..


Predator Nutrition Founder Slams Latest Red Meat Research

BRADFORD, England, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --The founder of Predator Nutrition, Europe's leading sports supplements retailer and distributor, has questioned the validity of a recent study by Harvard School of Public Health that claims red meat consumption may increase the risk of... read more..

Cancer News-News Wires-Research

J&J unblind Zytiga phase 3 trial in pre-chemotherapy castrate-resistant prostate cancer

The big cancer news that hit the news wires this morning was not entirely surprising: “Janssen Research & Development, LLC today announced that it has unblinded the Phase 3 study of ZYTIGA (abiraterone acetate) plus prednisone for the treatment of … Continue reading ? read more..

Mental Health Medications-Psychotropic Medications-Men And Women

The Mental Health Gender Gap: Women Far Exceed Men in their Use of Psychotropic Medications as Utilization Increases Among Both Sexes

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Women far outpace their male counterparts when it comes to the consumption of mental health medications, with 25 percent using at least one psychotropic read more..


More is Sometimes Less: Women are Prescribed a Greater Number of Medications Than Men but Take Less of the Drugs They Need

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- There is a wide gender divide when it comes to how men and women are prescribed and adhere to their medications.  According to a new study, while women use more pr read more..

Transformational Strategies-Kforce Clinical Research-Healthcare Supply Chain-Definitive Agreement

Transformational Strategies and Proven Results: The GHX Healthcare Supply Chain Summit 2012 Session Line-up

LOUISVILLE, Colo., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In its 12th year as the industry's largest event for healthcare supply chain leaders, GHX announced its breakout session line-up for the 2012 GHX Healthcare Supply Chain Summit taking place May 7-9, 2012 in Orlando, Florida. At this... read more..


inVentiv Health To Acquire Kforce Clinical Research

BURLINGTON, Mass., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- inVentiv Health, Inc., offering best-in-class clinical, commercial and consulting services to the healthcare industry, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Kforce Clinical Research, Inc.... read more..


Merz Pharmaceuticals Introduces New Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel

GREENSBORO, N.C., March 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Mederma, the #1 doctor(1)-and pharmacist(2)-recommended brand for scars for over a decade, announced today the introduction of Mederma® Advanced Scar Gel, which reduces the overall appearance of scars caused by injury, acne,... read more..

Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital-Solove Research Institute-Ohio State University

Cancer cells send out the alarm on tumor-killing virus

Brain-tumor cells that are infected with a cancer-killing virus release a protein "alarm bell" that warns other tumor cells of the impending infection and enables them to mount a defense against the virus, according to a study led by researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC - James). read more..

Animal Health And Nutrition-Trivial Exercise-Divestments

Divestments 'not a trivial exercise,' Read tells FT

Pfizer ($PFE) CEO Ian Read (photo) told the Financial Times that he hopes to divest the company's animal health and nutrition units by June 13, gaining cash to finance new bolt-on acquisitions and return money to shareholders. Report read more..

Sunday 18 March 2012

Overestimate-Women Ages-Prweb

Survey Finds Women In Their 30s "40s Overestimate Fertility

Women seriously overestimate their ability to become pregnant in their 30s and 40s, according to a recent National Infertility Association poll of 1,000 women ages 25-35.(PRWeb March 16, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9286601.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals) read more..

Vigorous Exercise-Exercise Delays-Neighborhood-Bike Trail

Too Much Exercise Delays Pregnancy in Normal-Weight Women: Study

THURSDAY, March 15 -- Exercise is a plus for women trying to become pregnant, but overdoing workouts might make it harder to conceive -- unless you're overweight, researchers report.Usually a risk factor for most health problems, being overweight... read more..


Bike Trail in Poorer Neighborhood Boosts Exercise

THURSDAY, March 15 -- Children in a neighborhood with an extra-wide walking/bicycle trail were three times more likely to get vigorous exercise than those in a neighborhood with regular sidewalks, a new study shows.The researchers compared... read more..

Symptoms Of Menopause-Antidepressant Zoloft-Menopausal Symptoms-Dutch Study

Menopause May Cost Women Sick Days

FRIDAY, March 16 -- Women who suffer the unpleasant and sometimes debilitating symptoms of menopause are more likely to miss days at work, a new Dutch study finds."If you have really bad menopausal symptoms, which could be insomnia, mood swings,... read more..


Zoloft During Pregnancy Linked to Increased Heart Defects Risk

Women who use the antidepressant Zoloft during pregnancy may face an increased risk of giving birth to a child with serious heart defects,...(PRWeb March 16, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/3/prweb9277535.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Texas Medicaid Funds-Obama Administration-Texas Women-Health

Many Women Say No to Breast-Feeding for 6 Months: Survey

THURSDAY, March 15 -- Current recommendations from experts urge new mothers to breast-feed their newborns for the first six months of life. But, a new survey out of Scotland suggests that for many women, this expectation just isn't... read more..


Texas Medicaid Funds Cut Over Planned Parenthood

The Obama administration said it would stop funding a Texas women's health-care program after the state excluded Planned Parenthood from participating. (Source: WSJ.com: Health)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please support the Doctors In Chains campaign for the medics tortured and sentenced for up to 15 years in Bahrain. #FreeDoctors read more..

Cardiovascular Changes-Ischemic Heart Disease-Vascular Disease-Brain Health

Giving Birth to Small Babies Linked to Heart Disease in Moms: Study

THURSDAY, March 15 -- Women who deliver full-term infants with low birth weights have nearly double the risk of developing ischemic heart disease, a new study says.These types of pregnancies may cause long-term cardiovascular changes that increase... read more..


Eyes a Window Into Brain Health: Study

THURSDAY, March 15 -- People who have mild vascular disease that damages the eyes' retinas are more likely to have vascular disease in the brain that causes thinking and memory problems, new research indicates.The study included 511 women with an... read more..


Deeper Voices Win Over Voters, Study Finds

THURSDAY, March 15 -- Politicians may want to keep the pitch of their voice low when asking for votes, because people appear to prefer candidates with deep voices, scientists have found.The study included dozens of men and women who listened to... read more..

Friday 16 March 2012

Food And Drug Administration-Drug Shortages-Crisis-Usa

US drug shortages could continue for years : The Lancet

Sharmila Devi Recent shortages of critical drugs in the USA have hampered patient care and attracted much media attention. Sharmila Devi examines the problems with America's drug supply.Severe shortages of drugs such as sterile injectables that have forced physicians in the USA to practise medicine from crisis to crisis are likely to continue for several more years, say regulators and health-care providers.Around 280 drugs, almost all manufactured in the USA, remain in short supply because of factors including a dwindling number of makers of some drugs, deteriorating conditions in factories, and low prices for generics leading to a lack of investment to upgrade plants.The shortages have led to delays in surgery and cancer treatments, left patients in pain, and forced hospitals to prescribe less effective treatment, said a review by the Associated Press late last year. At least 15 deaths in 15 months were blamed on the shortages, according to data compiled by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, a patient safety group, and the true number might be higher because many deaths and injuries caused by shortages go unreported.“We don't have any expectation the issue will be resolved soon”, Sandra Kweder, deputy director of the Food and Drug Administration's Office of New Drugs, told The Lancet. “It will be several years before companies building new plants get them up and running.” via thelancet.com Posted via email from Jack's posterous read more..

American Heart Association-Physical Activity Program-Palms Of The Hands-Globe Newswire

Cool Hands May be the Key to Increasing Exercise Capacity

SAN DIEGO, March 13, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cooling the palms of the hands while working out could help you stick with a physical activity program, according to a small study presented at the American Heart Association's Epidemiology and Prevention/Nutrition, Physical Activity and Metabolism 2012 Scientific Sessions. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

Thursday 15 March 2012

Reproductive Rights Of Women-Psychiatric Evaluations-Postmenopausal Women-Cardiac Stress Tests

Most Women Need Pap Test Only Every 3 Years: U.S. Panel

WEDNESDAY, March 14 -- The annual Pap smear may soon be a thing of the past, since new guidelines issued Wednesday say that most women need the cervical-cancer screening only once every three years.In its first update since 2003, the U.S.... read more..


Mixing Politics With Healthcare: Not What The Doctor Ordered

The continued right wing attempts to limit reproductive rights of women, and the recent response from the left to require men who use Viagra to have psychiatric evaluations, prostate exams and cardiac stress tests, begs the question again: should politics have a role in healthcare? As a physician, I vote no. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..


Aspirin may reduce incidence of strokes in postmenopausal women with high trans-fat intake

Postmenopausal women with higher intake of trans fat were associated with a higher incidence of ischemic stroke but aspirin may reduce the adverse effects of trans fat, according to a new study (Source: Drug Topics - Pharmacy News) read more..