Monday 30 April 2012

Chairman And Chief Executive Officer-Meeting Of Shareholders-Health Care Industry

Johnson "Johnson Holds 2012 Annual Meeting of Shareholders(Apr 26, 2012)

New Brunswick, NJ (April 26, 2012) – After 10 years presiding over Johnson & Johnson during  a period of extraordinary change in the health care industry, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bill Weldon officially transferred responsibilities for running the company to incoming CEO Alex Gorsky at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders held today. Weldon remains Chairman of the Board and Gorsky, who was elected to the Board of Directors today, begins his new role as the company’s seventh CEO..... (Source: Johnson and Johnson) read more..

Affordable Care Act-Health Insurance-Michael Cannon-John R. Graham-Cato Institute

How a Drafting Error Could Liberate States from Obamacare's Employer Mandate

Today’s Politico contains a profile of two free-market health wonks—my co-blogger, John R. Graham, and Michael Cannon of the Cato Institute—who have been waging an all-out campaign to persuade Republican-run states not to implement the Affordable Care Act’s subsidized insurance exchanges. John and Mike appear to be succeeding, and not all Republicans are pleased. But the Politico report buries the big story in all of this: that a critical drafting error in Obamacare may liberate states from the law’s provision forcing employers to provide health insurance for all of their full-time workers. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News) read more..

Sunday 29 April 2012

Government Analysis

Leisurely Strolls More Popular, Yet Walk Times Shorter: CDC

FRIDAY, April 27 -- In recent years, more Americans have embraced the habit of taking leisurely walks, a new government analysis reveals.The finding stems from a comparison of two national physical activity surveys, which indicated that while 41.5... read more..

State House Of Representatives-Inpatient Mental Health-Taunton State Hospital-Gov. Deval Patrick

Taunton State Hospital backers lose this round

The state House of Representatives has failed to support a budget amendment that would have kept open the Taunton State Hospital, which as the Sun Chronicle reports is an early blow to advocates of the effort to maintain the 169-bed facility.Taunton State Hospital is one of six state-run inpatient mental health facilities, and Gov. Deval Patrick announced its planned closure earlier this year. the announcement has been met with widespread disapproval, given plans to ship services from Taunton to... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines) read more..

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian-Brain Cancer Vaccine Trial-Northwest Biotherapeutics

New DCVax-L brain cancer vaccine trial starts enrolling

Another site in the U.S., Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Orange County, CA, has begun recruiting for a Phase II clinical trial of Northwest Biotherapeutics' ($NWBO) DCVax-L personalized brain cancer vaccine for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive and lethal form of brain cancer. By the end of February 2012, Northwest Biotherapeutics had 30 sites open and recruiting in the U.S., and the company plans for 40 by the end of the second quarter. DCVax-L is made from the patient's blood and tumor tissue. In January 2011, FierceVaccines reported that Northwest Biotherapeutics had restarted recruitment into Phase II trials after a two-year postponement, because of the company's cash issues. Press release read more..

Women's Health Services-Evergreen Healthcare-Breast Health-Cialis

reputable online seller

I have been using Cialis for more than 18 months & am tying to find a reputable/cheap pharmacy online to deal with.Too many I realise are scams.Also any women that have used womens Cialis or Viagra could you plz comment. - Filed in Cialis - 2 Replies read more..


Evergreen Healthcare Foundation Gala Raises Nearly $1.1 Million to Benefit Breast Health Center

KIRKLAND, Wash., April 29, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Evergreen Healthcare Foundation raised nearly $1.1 million for Women's Health Services at Evergreen thanks to the generous support of more than 700 guests of this evening's 11th annual gala.  The proceeds raised at this year's... read more..

Counterfeit Drugs-Fda Commissioner-Track And Trace-Cancer Drug

FDA, industry differ on level of track and trace needed in U.S.

Drug manufacturers may have derailed the FDA's plan to force creation of a vial-specific tracking plan to combat counterfeit drugs.The plan is facing resistance from companies like Pfizer ($PFE) and Merck ($MRK), as well as from pharmacies and distributors. It is estimated it would cost pharmacies $6 billion to put their piece in place.The industry is backing a plan that tracks lots instead of individual containers. They say it could be refined later to track smaller quantities. The plan put up by an industry coalition would put unique serial numbers on individual drug packages, but require scanning drugs only in "lots" when they get to distributors."Often in crafting policy, there's the search for the perfect and we just walk by the good," Pfizer spokesman Peter O'Toole told Reuters. "We could be saying in 10 years, 'we have to work on something perfect.' And in the intervening years, we would have done nothing, and that would be a shame for patients."The discovery of fake versions of Roche's ($RHHBY) cancer drug Avastin throughout the U.S. in recent weeks has added to the urgency to create a program."To learn that the cancer drug you were taking to save or prolong your life might be nothing but a counterfeit is unthinkable," FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg recently wrote on the agency's blog. "We ... need authority to require a robust system to track and trace all drugs throughout the supply chain."The discussion of how to trace individual containers has been going on for a long time, but no one wants to foot the bills. The experience of California is an indication of how difficult it has been to get the industry's support. It passed a track and trace law in 2004, but opponents have repeatedly delayed implementation. It is now set to go online in 2015.The FDA and the industry are both seeking to have the outlines of a plan included in FDA user fee legislation now before Congress, but which plan, if any, makes it in is still up in the air.- here's the Reuters storyRelated Articles:
FDA warns 56 more docs of fake Avastin supplies
Fake Avastin case highlights need for supply-chain controls read more..

Saturday 28 April 2012

Johnson Financial Group-The Business Journal-Women Of Influence-El Camino Hospital

Business Journal announces Women of Influence winners

Helen Johnson-Leipold, chairwoman of Johnson Financial Group, and Kristine Seymour, president of Humana Inc. Wisconsin, highlight the list of the winners of The Business Journal’s 2012 Women of Influence awards. (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines) read more..


Record crowd honors 100 Women of Influence

This was year five for our Women of Influence Business Journal event and the energy in the room was incredible. We had a record number of attendees, 970, and the faces of the 100 honorees said it all: They were excited and proud to have been chosen for the Class of 2012.Tomi Ryba, the CEO of El Camino Hospital (also an honoree) set the stage for the night. She stood at the podium, looked out on the crowd of mostly women and said, “If we all worked in the same company, imagine what we could all... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines) read more..

Friday 27 April 2012

Watson Pharmaceuticals-Diabetic Macular Edema-Ampio Pharmaceuticals-Iridex Corporation

IRIDEX Introduces Non-Invasive MicroPulse™ Therapy for Glaucoma

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- IRIDEX Corporation today announced the launch of a new non-invasive, in-office glaucoma procedure based on its proprietary MicroPulse™ technology.  The new glaucoma therapy, a tissue-sparing, repeatable therapy called... read more..


Ampio Awarded US and Canadian Patents that will Bolster the Commercialization of Optina™ for the treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo., April 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Ampio Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMPE), a biopharmaceutical company conducting clinical trials on its three lead drugs (Ampion™, Optina™ and Zertane™), licensing distribution of these drugs and developing... read more..


Equinix, Watson Pharmaceuticals Among Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs Thursday

Equinix, Watson Pharmaceuticals Among Stocks Hitting 52-Week Highs Thursday
Fox Business - 18 hours ago
While trading on above-average volume, Equinix (EQIX) climbed today, reaching and then surpassing its previous 52-week high of $161.56. read more..

Hepatitis C Initiative-Public Education-Health Issue

Feature Story: Tune in to Hep C

A new public health campaign, Tune In to Hep C, aims to turn up the volume on this important health issue. Merck has a long-standing commitment to support the chronic hepatitis C community, and its Hope Against Hepatitis C initiative includes a variety of public-private partnerships that will involve public education, patient support programs and collaborative research efforts. read more..

Breast Cancer-Berries

Eating Berries Might Help Preserve Your Memory

THURSDAY, April 26 -- Regular consumption of berries, such as blueberries or strawberries, may help keep your brain functioning well as you age, new research suggests.The study found that women with the highest intake of berries appeared to delay... read more..


Can Exercise Make You Smarter? New Research Says Yes

Would you pick up those weights a little more often if you knew it would sharpen your thinking? (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..

University Of South Florida-Student Inventors

University of South Florida inventors up for $50K prize

Two student inventors from the University of South Florida are finalists for a $50,000 Cade Museum Prize.Their project, eCath, is an electronic catheter stethoscope that will let doctors listen to the inside of the body with non-invasive sensors, according to the Gainesville Sun. There are three other inventors in the running for the prize out of more than 120 inventors and entrepreneurs who applied across the state.So far, USF's Phil Hipol and Stuart Hart have survived three rounds of judging... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines) read more..

Thursday 26 April 2012

Ranbaxy Laboratories-Malaria Treatment-Malaria Drug

From copycat, Ranbaxy emerges drugmaker

From copycat, Ranbaxy emerges drugmaker
mydigitalfc.com - 18 hours ago
By Abhinav Kaul Apr 25 2012 , New Delhi treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in adults. This puts India in the elite club of new drug developer countries. read more..


Synriam is a CSR initiative, it will not bring us significant profits

Synriam is a CSR initiative, it will not bring us significant profits
Livemint - 17 hours ago
Ranbaxy Laboratories launched India's first indigenously developed drug for malaria treatment, Synriam, on the occasion of World Malaria Day on Wednesday. read more..


Ranbaxy launches malaria drug Synriam

Ranbaxy launches malaria drug Synriam
Livemint - Apr 25, 2012
New Delhi: Ranbaxy Laboratories, India's top drugmaker by sales, said it launched a new malaria treatment drug Synriam in the country and was working to introduce it in other Asian countries, Africa and South America. read more..

Enormous Public Health Challenge-Cardiovascular Disease-Merck Research Labs-Cardiovascular Care

Feature Story: From the Heart

Fighting cardiovascular disease, the world's leading cause of death, is Dr. Andrew Plump's mission as head of cardiovascular discovery at Merck Research Labs. Merck's commitment to advancing cardiovascular care dates back to the 1950's. While there has been much progress in understanding and treating cardiovascular disease in the last sixty years, it remains an enormous public health challenge around the globe. read more..

Cleveland Clinic-Early Menopause-Fitness Goals-Breast Cancer-Osteoporosis

Early Menopause Tied to Osteoporosis in 29-Year Study

WEDNESDAY, April 25 -- Women who go through menopause early are almost twice as likely to have the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis later in life, new research indicates.In addition, researchers from the Skane University Hospital in Malmo,... read more..


Health Tip: Dealing With Stress

-- A key way to handle stress is not to avoid life's challenges, but to deal with them head-on, the Cleveland Clinic says.The clinic offers these suggestions for women:Deal directly with challenging situations, instead of avoiding them.Accept... read more..


New Products from Abbott’s EAS® Sports Nutrition Brand Help Athletes Improve Post-Workout Recovery and Meet Fitness Goals

(Source: Abbott.com)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Biopharmaceutical Industries-Stress Fracture-Interphex 2012-Javits Center-Health Tip

Health Tip: Stress Fracture of the Foot

-- The bones of your feet are designed to absorb the weight and energy of the rest of your moving body. But when nearby muscles are overused and can no longer absorb the shock of running, jogging or playing sports, for example, your foot may develop... read more..


Industry Is Anticipating INTERPHEX 2012, Gearing Up For Exhibits And New Programming

The pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries have marked their calendars for INTERPHEX 2012, as the countdown continues for its run at New York’s Javits Center on May 1-3, 2012. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News) read more..

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Dangerous Drug-Yasmin-Prweb

Yaz and Yasmin Litigation Update: Bayer to Pay Minimum of $110 Million...

The Defective and Dangerous Drug attorneys of McSweeney / Langevin are currently helping women who have experienced health problems as a result of Yaz and Yasmin. Please dial 1-800-888-4425 to have...(PRWeb April 24, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9428787.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..

Physician Compensation-Income Charts-Frustration-Medscape

Physician Frustration Grows, Income Falls -- But a Ray of HopePhysician Frustration Grows, Income Falls -- But a Ray of Hope

Dissatisfaction and declining income are abundant among physicians. Specialists top the income charts, and men earn more than women. Read the results of Medscape's 2012 Physician Compensation Survey. Medscape Business of Medicine (Source: Medscape Business of Medicine Headlines)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Heart Blood Flow Increases-Metastatic Breast Cancer-Dutch Researchers-Treatment Option

Stress May Be Tougher on Women's Hearts Than Men's: Study

TUESDAY, April 24 -- Heart blood flow increases in men when they experience mental stress, but does not change in women, a small new study suggests.The finding may explain why women are more likely than men to have heart trouble when they suffer... read more..


'Watch-and-Wait' Approach Best When Water Breaks Before Labor: Study

TUESDAY, April 24 -- Rather than induce labor, pregnant women whose water breaks early may fare just as well if they are closely monitored by medical staff, a new study indicates.Dutch researchers found this "watch-and-wait" approach to preterm,... read more..


/R E P E A T -- VIDEO B-ROLL AVAILABLE VIA CNW - New Treatment Option Significantly Prolongs Overall Survival in Pre-treated Metastatic Breast Cancer Patients/

TORONTO, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - The following B-Roll is available by
Video On-Demand web download:STORY SUMMARY:
In 2011, 23,000 Canadian women were diagnosed with breast cancer - this
is the second most common cause of cancer death in women.Although a diagnosis with this... read more..

Economic Development-Genetic Sequencing-Life Technologies-Drug Development-Manufacturing

Life Technologies expands manufacturing in Scotland

The use of genetic sequencing in drug development is expanding and Life Technologies ($LIFE) is lining up its pieces to get more of that market with a manufacturing plant expansion in Scotland.The company says that Scottish economic development agencies are providing some help so that it can invest $20 million in its operations in Inchinnan. The expansion will increase production of its GIBCO cell culture products.The company said it expects the site up and running next year and actually shipping products in 2014. It will serve markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. There are currently 500 employees working at its facility at Inchinnan.It didn't disclose the level of incentives provided by Scotland, but Life Technologies CEO Gregory Lucier said the company is "grateful for the support."Life Technologies seems to be reminding potential customers it is in the game after all of the attention has been focused on competitor Illumina ($ILMN) and its back-and-forth battle with Roche ($RHHBY). The Swiss company last week gave up its $6.7 billion, $51-per-share bid for Illumina after its board repeatedly threw up roadblocks to the hostile takeover attempt.- here's the PBR story
- check out Life Technologies' releaseRelated Article:
Roche's bid for Illumina may be kaput read more..

Parkinson's Disease Drug-Complications-Fda Warnings-Verification-Pink Sheet

Nurokind Od - sideeffects

I am 32 rs old and was affected wit swine flu during pregnancy....there were multiple complications with bed ridden state for 4 months...nw i can walk bt severe pain in left leg(knee + ankle) ...doctor suggested me to take neurokind od along wit shelcal and orofer ....want to know side effectes of neurokind od - 2 Replies read more..


Coming In Monday's 'The Pink Sheet' DAILY - Novartis To Withdraw Valturna But Will Keep Other Aliskiren-Containing Drugs On Market

Novartis to withdraw Valturna in response to FDA warnings about aliskiren-containing drugs - Sanofi taps Michael J. Fox Foundation to run a Phase Ib trial of a potential Parkinson's disease drug - Thiel looks to bridge the pre-venture capital funding gap for biotech read more..


VERIFICATION OF IUD AND TRAPIC MF

i have been inserted copper t on 46th day of my first delivery i have been bleeding since then now 4th month is running bleeding has stopped for only 10 days other days i was continuously bleeding .i just want to know when will my bleeding stops i consulted ny gyni she asked me to take trapic mf500mg during heavy bleeding will it cause any sideaffects for me. - Filed in Copper - Post a Reply read more..

Tuesday 24 April 2012

American Council On Exercise-Asia Pacific Markets-Asia Pacific Women-Strength Training

Health Tip: Overcoming Obstacles to Exercise

-- Life's problems often get in the way of your best intentions when it comes to exercise.The American Council on Exercise offers these possible solutions to combatting exercise "saboteurs":When you're stressed out, schedule time for even a very... read more..


Strength Training May Give Boost to Seniors' Brains

MONDAY, April 23 -- Elderly women noticing the first signs of memory decline might ward off full-blown dementia by engaging in routine strength training, new research suggests.But while supervised weight-lifting seemed to boost mental functioning... read more..


Asia Pacific Women Health Devices Market Review by iData Research...

New research report “Asia Pacific Markets for Women’s Health Devices 2012” provided by iData Research has been recently published by Market Publishers Ltd. The report states that the large market...(PRWeb April 23, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9432068.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals) read more..

Convertible Preferred Stock-Oculus Innovative Sciences-Institutional Investor-Definitive Agreement

Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. to Raise $3.1 Million in Registered Direct Offering

PETALUMA, Calif., April 23, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq:OCLS) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with a single life science-focused institutional investor for the purchase of a combination of 1) 1,000 shares of its new Series A Convertible Preferred Stock at $1,000 per share, which are convertible into 1.1 million shares of its common stock and 2) 2.4 million of its common shares at $0.90 per share and 3) a 2.5-year warrant to purchase up to approximately 3.5 million of common stock at an exercise price of $1.18 per share, which is not exercisable for six months. The Series A Convertible Preferred has no dividend and is perpetual. Oculus Innovative Sciences, Inc will receive approximately $3.1 million in gross proceeds from...MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

South Texas Veterans Health Care System-Motorcycle Rally-Veteranos-Fiesta

Fiesta motorcycle rally to benefit Fisher House

The South Texas Veterans Health Care System (STVHCS) will host the annual motorcycle rally “Fiesta de los Veteranos” in conjunction with the 12th Annual “To Hell and Back” Biker Run, Saturday, April 21, 2012, from noon to 4 p.m.A Fiesta-sanctioned event in support of veterans, the rally is followed by a “Warrior Veteran Block Party” that will include live music, food booths and fun family activities. The rally will be held at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, located at... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)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..

Monday 23 April 2012

Knoxville Tennessee Area-Methadone

Need Dr to prescribe

I have been on methadone for over 15 years. I go to a clinic in Georgia but live in Tennessee . The clinic nearest where I live is not a good place to go. This is why I have travelled all these years. However I'm tired of doing this every 2 weeks and tired of it totally running my life. It's had to plan a lot. Always having to make sure it won't interfere with my clinic date
I have been clean for these years so I have a good record.
I would like to find a Dr in the Knoxville Tennessee area who will prescribe methadone. I want to live as normal a life as possible and be able to travel just like other people with regular monthly prescriptions. Not have to worry about getting to the clinic or explaining why I have all these numerous bottles with 1 days medicine in each.
Isn't the goal to live a life as normal possible? - Filed in Methadone - 1 Reply read more..

Global Medical Technology Company-Natus Medical Incorporated-Health Supplement Products

CareFusion to Sell Neurodiagnostic Business to Natus Medical for $58 Million

SAN DIEGO and SAN CARLOS, Calif., April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CareFusion (NYSE: CFN), a global medical technology company, and Natus Medical Incorporated (NASDAQ: BABY), a leading provider of health care screening, diagnostic and treatment products, today announced that they have... read more..


Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To Supply All Hospitals In Three Chinese Provinces With Huangyangning Tablets

XIANYANG, China, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia-FirstCall/ -- Biostar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ GM: BSPM) ("Biostar" or "the Company"), a PRC-based manufacturer and marketer of pharmaceutical and health supplement products in China for a variety of diseases and conditions, today... read more..


Once-daily oral anticoagulant receives positive Common Drug Review recommendation for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Bayer Inc. welcomes support for public reimbursement of new treatment TORONTO, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Hundreds of thousands of Canadians
living with atrial fibrillation (AF) are now one step closer to getting
public reimbursement for a new stroke prevention therapy -... read more..

University Of Tennessee Lady Vols-Alzheimer's Association-National Alzheimer-Tyler Summitt

Alzheimer's Association to Honor Legendary University of Tennessee Lady Vols Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt and Son Tyler at National Alzheimer's Dinner

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association will present University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Head Coach Emeritus Pat Summitt and her son, Tyler Summitt, with its Sargent and Eunice Shriver Profiles in Dignity Award at the Alzheimer's... read more..

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia - new to it and absolutely lost and feeling alone

I have just been told it's likely I have fibromyalgia ... I'm pretty terrified as in 6 months I have gone from being a fit and active woman to being in a wheelchair. I can no longer stand on my legs due to a combination of pain and exhaustion and general legs refuse to support me and I'm often puffed and my heat beats like I've done a mile run just from 5 mins exersion... my concern is going on drugs... I'm afraid that things will get worse if I start taking drugs.. I have little or no faith in the medical proffession as they keep saying oh we think it's fibromyalgia but we really arn't sure and... they are shocked at how quickly I am detoriating but offer me a reason why other than they are saying muslces detoriate from lack of use... but in a few months? I do push myself to keep moving... can anyone offer some solutions as to what options are available with minimum side affects.. i tend to react very strongly with drugs and fall pray to side affects if there are any. Feeling a bit - 12 Replies read more..

Sunday 22 April 2012

Aurobindo Pharma-Resistance Level-Profile America-Census Bureau-Business Line

tablet to take to get period before

hi, i always have my periods on 30th of every month, but this time i did not have periods on time, i have no boyfriend & am unmarried,but i taken stomach pain killer (meftal) to stop mesuration pain .on 31st plz suggest medicine to get my periods. coz today is 5th feb - 10 Replies read more..


Sizzling Stocks - Aurobindo Pharma (Rs 133.1)

Sizzling Stocks - Aurobindo Pharma (Rs 133.1)
Business Line - 42 minutes ago
Aurobindo Pharma conclusively broke out of a key resistance level at Rs 120 by surging 8 per cent on April 16, which it was testing from early February this year. read more..


U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for April 22

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO) SUNDAY, APRIL 22: INSULINProfile America — Sunday, April 22nd.  One of the... read more..

Prescription Drug-Fda Regulations-Public Hearing-Social Media-FDA

A Cautionary Tale for Anyone Expecting FDA Social Media Guidelines Any Time Soon

If you think waiting over two years for FDA to issue guidelines it promised for regulation of "Promotion of Prescription Drug Products Using Social Media Tools," then you should take a look at the following timeline and weep.
This timeline documents the major steps in FDA's process of developing guidance for direct to consumer television (DTC) and radio ads; ie, "standards that would be considered in determining whether the major statement in direct-to-consumer television and radio advertisements relating to the side effects and contraindications of an advertised prescription drug intended for use by humans is presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner":

  • 1 November 2005: FDA convenes a 2-day public hearing to discuss the issue (see "FDA DTC Hearings: Snippets from Day 1" and "DTC Pros and Cons Presented at Public Hearing"). Sound familiar?

  • 21 August 2007: FDA announces it will conduct a study of "consumer evaluations of variations in communicating risk information in direct-to-consumer (DTC) prescription drug broadcast advertisements." It opens a 90-day period to submit comments regarding this study. This study used the latest cognitive science technique called Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP), in which participants are asked not to judge the TV ads' imagery directly, but to judge whether or not a Chinese character shown to them afterward is positive or negative. I suggested it NOT use Chinese characters because that would be discriminatory, but they did not listen to me (see "FDA at a Mall Near You: The Manchurian Connection"). With regard to social media guidelines, the FDA has also announced it will do some studies before issuing guidance (see "FDA's Proposed Web Study Will Further Delay Social Media Guidelines"). Deja vu all over again!

  • 29 March 2010: FDA finally publishes the draft guidance, more than 4 years after the public hearing (see Federal register ref: 75 FR 15376). FDA was goosed along by an act of Congress: the Food and Drug Administration Amendments Act of 2007 (FDAAA), which required that the major statement in DTC television or radio advertisements (or ads) relating to the side effects and contraindications of an advertised prescription drug intended for use by humans be presented in a clear, conspicuous, and neutral manner. FDA was forced into RULEMAKING mode rather than GUIDANCE mode, which is how the pharma industry wants the agency to approach the regulation social media drug promotion as well (see "Pfizer Asks for New FDA Regulations, Not Guidance, for Social Media").

  • June 2011: FDA published an executive summary of a study of the methodology of the AMP study cited above entitled "A Supplementary Test of Distraction in DTC Advertising Using an Implicit Measure, The Affect Misattribution Procedure" (find it here). Maybe FDA read my comments after all!

  • 27 January 2012: FDA announced that it added a document to the docket for the proposed rulemaking concerning a study entitled: "Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Distraction on Consumer Understanding of Risk and Benefit Information in Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Drug Television Advertisements" (Distraction Study; see Docket No. FDA–2009–N–0582). This document reopened the comment period (extending the deadline to February 27, 2012) for the rulemaking proceeding to allow an opportunity for comment on the study as it relates to the proposed standards. Way back during the public hearing in 2005 I was unimpressed by research claiming that TV drug ads were designed to "distract" viewers from reading the fair balance (see op cit and "Ruth Day and the Bees Repeat Performance at House DTC Hearing" for an update on that).

  • 23 March 2012: FDA reopens the comment period for a second time "in response to a request for more time to submit comments to the Agency." The new comment period will expire on April 9, 2012. According to the FDA, the "Pharmaceut read more..

Saturday 21 April 2012

Spinal Surgery-Complications-Brain

Men More Prone to Complications After Brain, Spine Surgery

FRIDAY, April 20 -- Men are twice as likely as women to have complications after brain or spinal surgery, and also spend more time in the hospital after the operation, a new study finds.The findings suggest that a patient's gender, along with... read more..

Social Media Marketing-Panel Discussions-Pharma Industry-Mobile Search

Musings from DTC National 2011

Didn’t attend DTC Perspectives’ big DTC National conference in Boston this year?
No worries. I spent three days there last week (my first time). Several of us tweeted the highlights using hashtag #DTCN2011, so you can view all the tweets by searching the hashtag on Twitter. You can still view the conference agenda online.
I tweeted. A lot. But one can only say so much in 140 characters or less. So beyond the tweets, I wanted to provide a more in-depth review. Below is the first in a series of blog posts with key observations by day:
DTC National: Day One
Day one of the conference kicked off with a small pre-conference workshop in the morning. Pharma folks gathered for a series of small panel discussions, moderated by Bob Ehrlich, on the following topics:
- Optimizing The Brand Web Site
- The Use of Search
- Advertising on the Web/mobile
- Direct Mail and Direct Response
I was surprised there wasn’t a social media panel, but perhaps everyone’s sick of talking about that for now. How much more can we say about FDA still not delivering guidance anyway?
The panels were lively and informative, focusing in depth on these areas more than – as I learned in later days – the main conference itself. The audience asked questions and there were healthy discussions. I always like the smaller group settings better at these things. A few highlights:
• I laughed during the “Optimizing the Brand Web Site” session when conference chairman and moderator Bob Ehrlich asked the panel to stop talking about mobile (because there was a separate upcoming panel on mobile). What was left unsaid was that the Web and mobile are so intertwined that the two cannot be separated. I saw a tweet last week rom the iStrategy conference (source unknown) that over 50% of Web activity occurs on a mobile device! But wait … I’m not supposed to be talking about mobile here … so moving on …
• I spoke on the panel on which I thought was going to be about online and mobile media – “Advertising on the Web/mobile” - but which turned out to be all about mobile. We talked about optimizing sites and the plethora of healthcare apps available today. And we all agreed that there is a lot more for pharma to be doing in this channel. It struck me, too, that there’s so much more to mobile than just apps or mobile sites … there’s mobile media, mobile search, and optimizing emails for mobile viewing. At what point will pharma pay attention to these on a regular basis? I fear we’re a long ways off.
• I particularly enjoyed the “Use of Search” panel where Yahoo!, Google, and Bing representatives (among others) all gathered to discuss character limitations and potential implications of coming DDMAC guidance. To their credit, they were certainly mindful of the issues the industry faces. And the question was asked … who says there have to be character limitations? Not FDA .... Google, Yahoo! and Bing decide! I was pleased to see so many search reps at the conference and their industry’s openness to working with the pharma industry's – shall we call them – "special circumstances."
• The multicultural panel was hosted by several multicultural marketing agencies who made the very valid case for pharma to be reaching out to minorities, especially in relevant conditions such as diabetes and hypertension that disproportionally affect African-Americans and Hispanics. I have the hunch multicultural marketing is to pharma now as social media marketing was to pharma a few years ago: Marketers have an inkling they need to be doing it, but they don’t know much about it so they avoid it altogether.
While Bob’s panel moderation style came across a bit condescending - as if he didn’t believe people went on the Web or used mobile phones to do anything but talk - it also provided healthy perspective. We in the marketing and digital worlds drink our own Kool-Aid every day. Bob’s right – some of the consumers we’re trying to reach are read more..

The Government Accountability Office-Regulatory Compliance Services-Outdated Technology

GAO hammers FDA for not updating IT system, using faulty system to track foreign drugmakers

The FDA will continue to rely on an outdated technology system for tracking foreign drugmakers while it continues to implement a new IT system it started on a decade ago. A report issued recently by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) says the agency has significant work left to do before it implements all of its Mission Accomplishments and Regulatory Compliance Services (MARCS) system. Until that is up and running--perhaps in 2014 if a lot gets done in the next two years--it will continue to use it OASIS system, which the GAO twice has criticized for not being able to provide accurate reporting of drug manufacturers outside of the U.S., inPharma Technologist reports. FierceGovernmentIT points out that part of the problem is that FDA has no unified, long-term IT strategy because it's had 5 chief information officers in the last four years. Story | More from FierceGovernmentIT read more..

Friday 20 April 2012

High Blood Pressure-Exercise

Exercise May Help Patients With High Blood Pressure Live Longer

THURSDAY, April 19 -- Exercise reduced the risk of death in people with high blood pressure during the course of a new 12-year study.The researchers also found that inactivity increased the risk of death during the study approximately the same... read more..

World Congress Of Cardiology-Acute Coronary Syndrome-Aggressive Treatment-Birth Control Pills

Basketball Legend Pat Summitt Leaving as Tennessee Women's Coach

THURSDAY, April 19 -- Less than one year after revealing that she had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's disease, celebrated women's basketball coach Pat Summitt is stepping aside as head coach of the University of Tennessee Lady Vols... read more..


Women don't receive the same treatment as men for heart disease the world-over

Women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) receive inferior or less aggressive treatment compared to men, according to three large studies presented today at the World Congress of Cardiology. read more..


The US Drug Watchdog Now Warns Time May Be Running Out For Young Women...

The US Drug Watchdog is now warning that with a very poorly publicized possible settlement for women, who used the birth control pills called Yaz, Yasmin, or the generic version called Ocella, and...(PRWeb April 19, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9419584.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals) read more..

American Council On Exercise-Lifestyle Choices-Healthy Lifestyle-Cancer Diagnosis

Healthy Lifestyle Choices Could Cut Cancer Rates: Report

THURSDAY, April 19 -- Most people know what lifestyle choices will keep the chances of a cancer diagnosis low: Don't smoke, eat healthy, exercise and get the recommended screenings.But, many Americans don't make those choices, and a new report... read more..


After Hospitalization, Men More Likely to Show Up in ER

THURSDAY, April 19 -- Men are much more likely than women to require urgent hospital care within a month of being discharged from the hospital, a new study finds.Researchers followed 367 men and 370 women for 30 days after they were discharged... read more..


Health Tip: Consider Kickboxing

-- Kickboxing is a fun way to burn calories and tone muscles. But experts say participants, especially beginners, should take precautions to avoid injury.The American Council on Exercise offers these suggestions for people who are just starting to... read more..

Ethylene Glycol-Fda Inspectors-Hospira-Csl

CSL recalling product tainted with ethylene glycol

Two companies that have fallen under the shadow of FDA inspectors in the last year initiated product recalls this week. CSL Biotherapies ($CSL.AX) is recalling 6 batches of Albumex after tests showed some of it is contaminated with low levels of ethylene glycol. In a separate incident, Hospira ($HSP) is recalling syringes because some were believed overfilled.The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in March quarantined 96 batches of the CSL product to investigate ethylene glycol contamination. The organic compound, which is commonly associated with antifreeze, has medical uses. It can cause poisoning in high enough doses.In an announcement Wednesday, the TGA says of those 96, 18 batches have low levels of ethylene glycol. Most of those have already been quarantined at hospitals or warehouses, but 5 that had already been exported are being recalled.Hospira began a recall of one lot of morphine sulphate injection after a customer reported discovering syringes containing more than 1 ml. Hospira distributed the lot, each box of which contains 10 prefilled cartridges, to "a limited number of hospitals" in 10 states, in-Pharma Technologist reports. The FDA alert says the affected lot was distributed in January but that Hospira has not received any reports of adverse events related to the problem.Both companies have had run-ins with the FDA over lapses in their manufacturing quality. Flu vaccine maker CSL was cited by the FDA in June for a lack of follow-through on raw material test failures to half-hearted investigations into adverse reactions suffered by hundreds of Australian children after they received the Fluvax shot last year. Twenty-three of those children landed in the hospital with seizures and fever. The Australian government ultimately withdrew the flu vaccine for use in children.The company has been working through manufacturing issues at plants in Austin, TX, and Rocky Mount, NC. The North Carolina facility was closed in December after quality issues were raised by the FDA but resumed production in January after the company threw extensive resources at fixing problems. It expects the plant to hit 60% to 70% production capacity by year's end.The company has been adding a slew of new people to its manufacturing and quality control ranks. Just this week it named industry veteran John B. Elliott senior vice president of operations. He will have responsibility for Hospira's global operations organization.- here's the in-Pharma Technologist story
- get the TGA announcement
- read the FDA alertRelated Articles:
Vax maker CSL hit with FDA warning
Hospira taps drug industry veteran to oversee operations
Hospira sees dim light at end of plant troubles read more..

Armed Forces Medical Examiner-Chief Medical Examiner-Broward County

Broward gets new chief medical examiner

Dr. Craig Mallak has been named the new chief medical examiner in Broward County after a critical inspector general report about how the office was run.As the U.S. Armed Forces medical examiner, Mallak managed the Armed Forces Toxicology Laboratory and presided over a $50 million budget and staff of 250, including pathologists, toxicologists, DNA scientists and support personnel, a county news release said. He provided oversight in the death investigations of some high-profile cases, including... (Source: bizjournals.com Health Care:Pharmaceuticals headlines)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Thursday 19 April 2012

Suboxone-Heroin

just want to take suboxone for a few days to detox from heroin will it work

hey guys, i have been taking dilaudid for about 5 months 4,8mg a day then switched to heroin for 1 month 2 bags a day,now my friend gave me 4,8mg suboxones and told me it would help me get off h for good, i waited 24 hours took half a subox and i must say it works for wd's but when i run out witch i estimate will be in 2,3 days will i just suffer again;like where i left off or will the h be out of my system and the wd's light enough to withstand, please help, im not a newbee to drug abuse had bad h habits in the past and know the nature of the beast, just want this stuff out of my life so i can go back to work and live again, i need the truth or as close as i can get, can i beat it like this or am i wasting my time,maybe i can get one or two more subs from my freind - Filed in Suboxone - 37 Replies read more..

Picosecond Laser Platform Technology-Pulmonary Function Testing-Electronic Medical Record

Crowell Systems - Medformix® and nSpire Health™ - KoKo Spirometer Announce the First Bi-Directional Interface Connecting Patient Electronic Records to Pulmonary Lung Testing Equipment

CHARLOTTE, N.C., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowell Systems, a leading electronic medical record manufacturer, and nSpire Health, the nation's leading pulmonary function testing systems worldwide, have announced the first bi-directional interface connecting patient electronic records... read more..


Cynosure Announces Presentations and Published Abstracts on Cellulaze™ and New Picosecond Laser Platform Technology at 32nd ASLMS Conference

WESTFORD, Mass., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Cynosure, Inc. (NASDAQ: CYNO) today announced an invited presentation and three published abstracts demonstrating favorable results for the Company's picosecond Alexandrite laser technology, which is designed for multiple applications,... read more..

Utilization Management-Fractional Resurfacing-Global Market Leader-Aesthetic Treatments

Specialty pharmacy utilization management proves effective

SAN FRANCISCO, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Utilization management (UM) programs such as prior authorizations (PAs) can be used to improve safety and efficacy as well as cost-effectiveness for specialty drugs, according to two new studies being presented tomorrow by Prime... read more..


Solta Medical's Clear + Brilliant™ Resurfacing Device Demonstrates Significant Reduction of Pore Count and Pore Size

HAYWARD, Calif., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Solta Medical, Inc. (Nasdaq: SLTM), the pioneer in fractional resurfacing and a global market leader in aesthetic treatments, today announced the results of a first-of-its-kind, IRB-approved clinical study that evaluated the use of its... read more..


InterMune To Release First Quarter Financial Results On April 26

BRISBANE, Calif., April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- InterMune, Inc. (NASDAQ: ITMN) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2012 financial results at the close of the U.S. markets on Thursday, April 26, 2012.  A live conference call and webcast will be hosted by... read more..

Nicaraguan Ministry Of Health-Rotavirus Gastroenteritis-Vaccination Program-Free Vaccinations

Access Feature Story: Providing Free Vaccinations to Nicaraguan Babies

In 2006, Merck, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, UNICEF and leading health organizations established a three-year partnership to provide free vaccinations against rotavirus gastroenteritis to all eligible infants born in Nicaragua. Through the partnership - called the Nicaraguan Rotavirus Vaccination Program - Merck expects to donate more than one million doses of ROTATEQ (rotavirus vaccine, live, oral pentavalent) through the end of 2009, representing a $75 million commitment. read more..

Pharmaceutical Company-Sales And Marketing-Michael Sullivan-Pharmaceuticals-Women's Health

Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC Names Michael Sullivan as new VP, Sales and Marketing

ATLANTA, April 18, 2012 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- Avion Pharmaceuticals, LLC, a specialty pharmaceutical company focused in Women's Health, recently announced the appointment of Michael Sullivan as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Sullivan will be responsi... Biopharmaceuticals, Dermatology, PersonnelAvion Pharmaceuticals (Source: HSMN NewsFeed)MedWorm Sponsor Message: Please have a look at this new site driven by MedWorm: The Breast Cancer Daily read more..

Pregnancy Category-Insulin Detemir-Classification-Pregnant Women-Pharmacy News

Women With Older Partners More Often Admitted to Nursing Homes

WEDNESDAY, April 18 -- Women are more likely than men to be admitted to a nursing home because they're often married to older men who can't provide care at home due to age-related physical problems, a new study finds.Researchers in Northern... read more..


FDA approves pregnancy category change for insulin detemir injection

FDA has approved insulin detemir [rDNA origin] injection (Levemir, Novo Nordisk) pregnancy Category B classification, indicating that when used in pregnant women with diabetes, the injection did not increase the risk of harm to the unborn baby. (Source: Drug Topics - Pharmacy News)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..

Equity Group-Terra Firma-Tablet-Brandy

Terra Firma among Four Seasons bid line-up

Private equity group run by Guy Hands is said to be a potential bidder, in a deal which would value the group at up to £1bn (Source: FT.com - Drugs and Healthcare) read more..


Tablet For Cold

As I am suffering from cold,running nose,sneezing I took 2 spoons of brandy for 3 days continously in the night times.But my cold has not reduced.So please suggest me some good tablest to reduce cold.Also how many times should I take cetzine tablet in a day and so far there is no relief from cold. - 1 Reply read more..

Wednesday 18 April 2012

American Heart Association-Testosterone Supplements-Pregnancy Complications-Heart Failure Patients

Overweight Pregnant Women at Higher Risk for Complications

TUESDAY, April 17 -- Pregnant women who are overweight and have slightly elevated blood-sugar levels are at increased risk for pregnancy complications, a new study shows.These women have a higher risk than those who are obese with normal blood... read more..


Testosterone Supplements May Help Heart Failure Patients

DALLAS, April 17, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Testosterone supplements helped heart failure patients breathe better and exercise more, according to research in Circulation Heart Failure, an American Heart Association journal. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

Testosterone Supplementation-Testosterone Supplements-Nasogastric Tube-Heart Failure

Testosterone Supplements Might Help Patients With Heart Failure

TUESDAY, April 17 -- Patients struggling with moderate to severe heart failure might benefit from testosterone supplementation to boost their ability to exercise, new Canadian research suggests.But it's far too soon to recommend testosterone as a... read more..


neugaba m 75mg

let me know how safe it is 75 year old women having severe hip pain the doctor has prescribed it to be taken one at bed time what happens if it is is topped after 10 days - 3 Replies read more..


The 'Feeding Tube Diet' And Our Limitless Weight-Loss Idiocy

There?s a new weight loss regimen that trumps almost all other extreme diets in terms of ill advisability and downright cartoonishness. The K-E Diet has doctors putting feeding tubes into healthy people ? usually young women before their wedding days ? to help them lose weight: Up to 20 pounds in 10 days. The ?patients? tote around a solution in a bag or purse, which delivers fats, protein, and water (no carbs) through the nasogastric tube into the stomach. Patients consume about 800 calories a day, and do not eat any actual food over the 10-day period. (Source: Forbes.com Healthcare News) read more..

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Tylenol Extra Strength-Methadone Clinic-Pentrexyl Wile-Benzo

Is It Save To Take Pentrexyl Wile Breast Feeding?

i have swollen tonsils and i been running a fever so i being taking Tylenol extra strength and im breast feeding my baby so i was feeling really bad that i took 2 Tylenol pills and a pentrexyl but i wonder if it has any side effects on my 5 month old baby? - Filed in Tylenol - 1 Reply read more..


Benzo Withdrawal

If I buy a s***load of benzo's and take them everyday and run out, im in the methadone clinic and the methadone pretty much takes any withdrawal away. Then again you would have to be in the methadone clinic. I dont drink, smoke pot, or anything else. I just like my benzo's a couple times a month and if I ever over do it I get my methadone to save my a** - Filed in Methadone - 1 Reply read more..


Health Tip: Is That Bump a Bunion?

-- When you walk, the joint at the base of the big toe supports a lot of the body's weight. So when bunion forms at that joint and forces the big toe to curve toward the others, it can be quite painful.The American Podiatric Medical Association... read more..

Public Offering-Common Stock-Corporation

TearLab Corporation Announces Closing of Public Offering of Common Stock Including Full Exercise of Over-Allotment Option

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- TearLab Corporation (Nasdaq:TEAR) (TSX:TLB) ("TearLab" or the "Company") today announced that it has closed an underwritten public offering of 3 million shares of its common stock at a price to the public of $3.60 per share. Prior to the closing, the underwriter exercised in full the option to purchase an additional 450,000 shares of common stock at a price of $3.60 per share solely to cover over-allotments. The Company plans to use the approximately $11.3 million in total net proceeds for working capital and general corporate purposes. (Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE)) read more..

American Society Of Plastic Surgeons-Montefiore Medical Center-Chin Augmentation

Chin Implant Surgeries On the Rise in U.S.

MONDAY, April 16 -- The number of American women and men having cosmetic chin surgery increased drastically in 2011, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.The growth in chin augmentation procedures was greater than breast... read more..


HIV Raises Anal Cancer Risk in Women, Study Says

MONDAY, April 16 -- Women with HIV are at increased risk for anal cancer, a new study finds.Researchers at Montefiore Medical Center in New York City looked at 715 HIV-infected women and found that 10.5 percent had some form of anal disease and... read more..


ArQule Announces Completion of Common Stock Offering with Full Exercise of Option to Purchase Additional Shares

ArQule Announces Completion of Common Stock Offering with Full Exercise of Option to Purchase Additional Shares
ArQule, Inc. (N...
ArQule Inc. read more..

University Of South Florida-Florida State University-Antidepressant Drug-Drug Development

At USF, dreams fade for blockbuster drug and its royalties - Tampa Bay Times

TAMPA A promising antidepressant drug developed at the University of South Florida and sought by major pharmaceutical firms conjured dreams of vast royalties akin to Gatorade enriching the University of Florida."We all know Gatorade, and we all know some of the big names" of cash-cow products spun out of university labs, Karen Holbrook, then USF's vice president for research and innovation, said back in 2009 when the university's drug caught industry attention. "One of those is hitting the University of South Florida."But things have not gone as hoped. Clinical trials of the USF drug known as "TC-5214" are a bust, dashing the university's vision of a commercial blockbuster, a royalty home run and R&D bragging rights among the nation's big research universities. Gatorade has delivered close to $12 million a year and more than $150 million overall to UF in royalties. Another drug that did succeed in reaching the market, the cancer drug Taxol developed at Florida State University, generated $65 million in FSU royalties in just 2000, though sums have since dropped with the rise of generic drugs.Breakthroughs in university research that hit commercial paydirt are rare. USF's experimental TC-5214, which specifically was being tested as a secondary drug to augment the effects of a primary antidepressant drug, smacked of such potential."This was the biggest thing of financial potential to come out of USF," said Valerie McDevitt, the university's assistant vice president of patents and licensing. "It would have been great if it had succeeded."But when it comes to drug development and clinical trials, there are very few Taxols at the end of the day. We hope one of them will be ours."Two drug companies seeking to develop TC-5214 — Targacept and its much bigger partner, AstraZeneca PLC — recently scrapped plans to develop the drug and win federal FDA approval. It was one of Targacept's lead product candidates.TC-5214 affects the same neuron receptors as nicotine. But it failed in the drug company tests to show a substantial increase in the standard measurement for depression — the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale — compared to a placebo.For North Carolina's Targacept, which has patent agreements on the drug with USF, the poor performance of TC-5214 contributed to devastating financial results. Since Nov. 8, Targacept shares have dropped nearly 80 percent. Shares closed Friday at $4.40, down from nearly $20 a share in early November.The 150-employee company added about 35 employees in the past 18 months, some on the assumption of commercializing TC-5214. Further, the company recently learned its top shareholder, The baupost Group LLC of Boston, had sold its entire stake in Targacept holdings of 6 million shares.AstraZeneca has also taken its lumps. In December 2009, it announced it would make a $200 million payment to Targacept to begin a joint effort to develop the drug. Last month, AstraZeneca said it will write off $50 million tied to the failed trials with TC-5214.USF's McDevitt emphasized that TC-5214 may still have potential as a future drug, and it will be up to the drug companies to decide what alternative testing may be considered."I do not think this is over," she said.Paul Sanberg, USF vice president of research and innovation and one of the patent holders on TC-5214, acknowledged the drug did not work for the application pursued by the drug companies. But he stated the drug and its licensing agreement was a bigger story than that in terms of developing a mechanism to help the brain. Sanberg was traveling in China last week and relayed his remarks through a USF spokesman. He did not respond directly to an email seeking more detail."I think we are just starting to see the university become more mature," McDevitt said Friday. "Some of these drug developments can take 10 years just to get where we are. This is a natural progression."Despite the disappointment, the bigger message seems clear: Don't count USF out of th read more..

Monday 16 April 2012

Adventrx Pharmaceuticals-Senior Advisory Board-Sickle Cell Disease-The Martin Center

ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals to Sponsor "Present at the Martin Center's 2012 Sickle Cell Disease Conference

SAN DIEGO, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- ADVENTRX Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE Amex: ANX) today announced that the Company is a sponsor of and will be presenting at the Martin Center's 2012 Indiana Statewide Sickle Cell Disease Conference at the Indiana Landmarks Center in... read more..


Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3

Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3
Moneycontrol.com - 8 minutes ago
However, Tulsian has a negative view of IVRCL and is doubtful that the correct company's valuations would be reflected in the books of the Essel Group. read more..


Jefferies Appoints Global Senior Advisory Board

Jefferies Appoints Global Senior Advisory Board
MarketWatch (press release) - 6 minutes ago
NEW YORK, Apr 16, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Jefferies today announced that it has appointed six distinguished executives to its Global Senior Advisory Board: Mr. read more..

Merck Company Foundation-Antiretroviral Treatment-Government Of Botswana-Hiv And Aids

Access Feature Story: Fighting HIV/AIDS in Botswana

In 2000, in response to the massive threat HIV and AIDS posed in the sub-Saharan nation of Botswana, Merck joined with the Government of Botswana and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to form the African Comprehensive HIV/AIDS Partnerships. The Merck Company Foundation has committed $56.5 million to the partnership to provide treatment, care and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, as well as to help prevent its further spread. In addition, Merck agreed to donate its antiretroviral medicines to Botswana's national antiretroviral treatment program for the partnership's duration. read more..

Dhea Supplement-Birth Control-Melinda Gates-Global Agenda-Prweb

FERTINATAL™, the Much-Anticipated First DHEA Supplement for Female...

FERTINATAL DHEA products are designed to help women with diminished ovarian reserve conceive.(PRWeb April 13, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/dheaproducts/diminishedovarianreserve/prweb9384699.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals) read more..


Melinda Gates Fights To Put Birth Control On The Global Agenda -- And Save Children's Lives

Melinda Gates, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, says that making sure all women have access to birth control must become "a total priority" for countries both rich and poor. (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..

Physical Activity Levels-Breast Cancer Patients-American Women-Bevacizumab

Women Less Apt Than Men to Get Recommended Daily Exercise

FRIDAY, April 13 -- American women are less likely than men to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, a new study shows.Current recommendations call for adults to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity most days of... read more..


Exercise May Boost Breast Cancer Patients' Quality of Life

SATURDAY, April 14 -- Exercise can help improve breast cancer patients' quality of life while they undergo treatment, a new study indicates.University of Miami researchers examined the physical activity levels and mental/physical health of 240... read more..


Women in London with difficult to treat breast cancer set to benefit from funding green light for Avastin® (bevacizumab)

Women in London with difficult to treat breast cancer set to benefit from funding green light for Avastin® (bevacizumab) read more..

Midwest Medical Aesthetics-Unmarried Couples-Government Report-Unmarried Women

More Unmarried Couples Having Babies: CDC

THURSDAY, April 12 -- More unmarried women who live with their partners are having babies than ever before, a new government report shows.Twenty-seven percent of births between 2003 and 2010 were to such couples -- a threefold increase from 1985,... read more..


What Causes Hot Flashes, Anyway?

THURSDAY, April 12 -- Millions of middle-aged women experience it: that sudden onset of intense heat, sweating and flushing known as a hot flash.Though it's long been believed that the drop in hormone levels that accompanies menopause contributes... read more..


Midwest Medical Aesthetics Center, Now Offering The Latest...

Midwest Medical Aesthetics Center is thrilled to be offering Allumera as the latest photodynamic cosmetic treatment that produces dynamic results for timeless skin and offers a new way for women &...(PRWeb April 11, 2012)Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2012/4/prweb9385242.htm (Source: PRWeb: Medical Pharmaceuticals) read more..

Sunday 15 April 2012

Search Advertising-Dtc Advertising-Lipitor

Lipitor Holds Key to DTC Ad Spending in 2012

As reported by Nielsen, direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising spending by the pharmaceutical industry was down by 1% compared to 2010. I used that bit of information to update my chart of DTC spending trend over the years (see below).
This chart actually plots measured media data (excluding Internet display and search advertising) through 2010 from AdAge, which got the data from TNS Health. I calculated the 2011 total based on the 1% decrease reported by Nielsen (sorry, I don't have TNS data for 2011).
The final bar of the chart is my estimate for 2012, which is based on the premise that DTC ad spending for Lipitor will be less than half of what it was in 2011. Of course, Lipitor is now available in generic form, so we would expect Pfizer to spend less on its advertising. However, for the first 6 months or so in 2012, Pfizer will continue to spend money on advertising its $4 co-pay coupon for branded Lipitor. But after that, I expect spending to drop precipitously.
I did a little exercise to predict that DTC spending in 2012 will be down by over 3% compared to 2011 solely due to the drop in Lipitor advertising. Here's how I came up with that estimate.
First, let's look at the TOP 20 brands by DTC spending in 2011 (this chart is based on Nielsen data that I found in the April 2012 issue of MM&M):
In 2011, Pfizer spent $220 million on Lipitor DTC advertising according to Nielsen. That compares to $272 million in 2010 (a 20% decrease). So, right away, we know that Lipitor DTC spending is dropping although it still represents 5.5% of the total spend in 2011 (it was 6.3% in 2010).
Based on what I said above and a poll of readers (see here), I estimate that Pfizer will spend less than $100 million (ie, $90 million) on Lipitor DTC in 2012. If we assume everything else remains the same, that decrease of $130 million represents a 3.3% decrease in overall DTC spending!
Of course, not everything else will "remain the same." Other drugs may come on the market that may be have substantial DTC advertising budgets. But I don't think that is likely -- more and more drugs in the TOP 20 list will be coming off patent.
In any case, this is just a little thought exercise that demonstrates how much a SINGLE drug can impact the overall DTC spending trend. Not only that, but a single drug company -- Pfizer -- accounts for nearly one-quarter (22.3%) of the total (see chart below)! Seven of the TOP 20 drugs are marketed by Pfizer.
One of the TOP 20 advertised Pfizer drugs is VIAGRA. Currently, it appears that Pfizer is focusing on the counterfeit Viagra problem to bring in web visitors to viagra.com (see display ad on left).
Another TOP 20 advertised Pfizer drug is ENBREL. Pfizer & Amgen spent nearly $100 million on Enbrel DTC advertising in 2011 (compared to $71 million in 2010). And this number does NOT include what the Amgen/Pfizer has paid Phil Mickelson to be the Enbrel celebrity spokesperson (see "Amgen Blows Its Marketing Budget on Phil Mickelson Campaign" for more on that). On TV, Mickelson promotes Enbrel for the treatment of his psoriatic arthritis. According to the MM&M article cited above, psoriatic arthritis afflicts "around one in 20 of the 2% of Americans who suffer from psoriasis." That works out to be 3 375,000 people (1 in 20 of 7.5 million).
Approximately 63 cents out of every DTC ad dollar goes to TV. So, Pfizer/Amgen spend about $63 million to reach 375,000 people via TV ads! It seems a bit exorbitant to spend so much for broadcasting versus a more targeted approach. Anyway, that's the crazy world of Pharma DTC advertising! Go figure. read more..

Nausea And Vomiting-International Team-The Immune System-Mental Illnesses-Correct Spelling

Researchers ID Genes That May Determine Mental Illness

SUNDAY, April 15 -- Genes that increase or reduce the risk of certain mental illnesses and Alzheimer's disease have been identified by an international team of scientists.The researchers said they also pinpointed a number of genes that may explain... read more..


bendictine

I took this drug in the 1970's while pregnant. Am looking for the side effects to the babies. Drug has been off the market for many years. Not sure on correct spelling. Used for nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Thank you for any help you can send me. Sincerely, Dana Jones. - 328 Replies read more..


Discovery could help to develop drugs for organ transplant and cancer patients

Loyola researchers are reporting surprising findings about a molecule that helps ramp up the immune system in some cases and suppress it in others. The finding eventually could lead to new drugs to regulate the immune system by, for example, revving it up to attack tumor cells or tamping it down to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs. read more..

Food And Drug Administration-Active Ingredient-Bevacizumab-Cancer Drug-Avastin

Fake Avastin (Bevacizumab) Found In USA

Fake cancer drug, Avastin (bevacizumab) has been distributed in the USA, according to statement issued by Roche, Genentech and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) today. Roche warns that the counterfeit medication does not have the active ingredient - bevacizumab - and should not be used or taken. Roche says it was told about the fake Avastin from a non-US health authorities... read more..

Saturday 14 April 2012

Medicaid Managed Care-State Representative-Medicaid Expansion-Health Insurance-State Government

Have Lunch with your State Medicaid Representative at the Medicaid Managed Care Congress!

The 20th Annual Medicaid Managed Care Congress is just around the corner, taking place April 30-May 2, and you’re invited to an exclusive luncheon discussion with a State Representative. This is your opportunity to ask state government officials questions and converse with other attendees about Medicaid Expansion, Health Insurance Exchanges, and Dual Eligibles. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to speak with key stakeholders and walk away with exclusive information about your state.
To reserve your seat at the table, please use the specific state Priority Codes when registering:
Lunch on Tuesday, May 1:

  • - Michael Norton, Senior Program Manager, Massachusetts Health Connector
    • ?Register with Priority Code BLOGMA
  • - Deborah Florio, Administrator, Center for Child & Family Health, Rhode Island Department of Human Services
    • ? Register with Priority Code BLOGRI
  • - Joe Vesowate, Deputy Director, Managed Care Operations for Medicaid and CHIP Texas Department of Health & Human Services
    • ? Register with Priority Code BLOGTX
  • - Amy Allen, Healthcare Reform Planning Director, Department of Community Health, Michigan
    • ? Register with Priority Code BLOGMI

Lunch on Wednesday, May 2:
  • - Valerie Harr, Director, Division of Medical Assistance & Health Services, State of New Jersey.
    • ? Register with Priority Code BLOGNJ

For more information on The Medicaid Manged Care Congress, including the complete program, visit the webpage to download the brochure.
Also, don’t forget as a reader of this blog, you can receive 25% off the standard registration rate with the above Priority Codes. For more information on the Medicaid Managed Care Congress and to register to have lunch with your Medicaid Representative, visit our webpage.  If you have any questions about the event, feel free to email Jennifer Pereira. read more..

Friday 13 April 2012

Symptom Progression-Multiple Sclerosis-Neurologist-Turnaround-Cellcept

cellcept for multiple sclerosis

cellcept was prescribed for me by neurologist for multiple sclerosis. Have had MS for 20 years and had symptom progression 2 years ago. Within 4 weeks I had almost complete turnaround with my MS disabilities. I could see better, was able to walk without my cane. I could swallow without choking. I speach and handwritting improved 100%. My doctor is with the Vanderbilt MS clinic. I have not been able to talk with anyone else with MS who has had such improvement. I have had no side effects. I must have CBC blood test every 6-8 weeks. Would like to hear if this is considered a break-through with other MS patients. I don't think FDA has approved cellcept for use in MS treatment. - Filed in CellCept - 51 Replies read more..