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Pfizer backs its highest grosser Lipitor

Pfizer’s Lipitor, a blood cholesterol lowering drug, is a popular one the among general population. However now that a generic competition for the drug has arrived in the market the company has devised discounts and incentives for patients, insurers and companies that process prescriptions that will, at least for the next six months, make the brand name drug about as cheap as or cheaper than the generics.

30 Nov 2011

Study investigates 'missing link' between environmental factors and heart failure

A University of Cambridge study, which set out to investigate DNA methylation in the human heart and the 'missing link' between our lifestyle and our health, has now mapped the link in detail across the entire human genome.

30 Nov 2011

Study finds no difference in running economy of senior runners

Runners over the age of 60 are the fastest-growing group in the sport. A new study from the University of New Hampshire suggests that their running can remain fast as they age, too.

30 Nov 2011

Dems' ad about Romney 'flip flops' triggers analysis, campaign reaction

Mitt Romney's campaign is rebutting the Democratic National Committee's claims about his record on health reform and abortion rights.

30 Nov 2011

State roundup: No Mass. insurance mandate referendum

If you chafe against the Massachusetts requirement that you have health insurance, sorry but you won't have a chance to vote against it -; not in the next election, anyway. Backers of a ballot measure to repeal the state's insurance mandate sent out an email last week saying they had failed to gather the needed signatures.

30 Nov 2011

Viewpoints: GOP leaders, Obama share link to mandate; expensive benefits for seniors

I don't want to focus on the differences between Romney and Gingrich. I want to focus on the commonalities. Because these two men have a lot in common with not only each other but also with President Obama. Both Gingrich and Romney, for instance, supported a universal health care plan backed by an individual mandate requiring all Americans of means to purchase health-care insurance -; just as Obama does.

30 Nov 2011

Scientists create genetically-altered neurons that light up as they fire

In a scientific first that potentially could shed new light on how signals travel in the brain, how learning alters neural pathways, and might lead to speedier drug development, scientists at Harvard have created genetically-altered neurons that light up as they fire.

30 Nov 2011

EC extends therapeutic indication for Soliris to treat atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the European Commission (EC) has extended the therapeutic indication for Soliris® (eculizumab) to include the treatment of pediatric and adult patients with atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS).

29 Nov 2011

Crucial part of nervous system linked to increased risk of death from heart failure

A team of neuroscientists and anaesthetists, who have been using pioneering techniques to study how the brain regulates the heart, has identified a crucial part of the nervous system whose malfunction may account for an increased risk of death from heart failure.

29 Nov 2011

IVC filter study reinforces SIR's guidelines surrounding retrieval or permanent placement

Researchers have published the largest single patient population study to date on a method for following patients with retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters-devices used to keep blood clots from traveling to the lungs.

29 Nov 2011

Most heart attack patients not transported quickly enough for angioplasty

Most heart attack patients transferred between hospitals for the emergency artery-opening procedure called angioplasty are not transported as quickly as they should be, Yale School of medicine researchers report in the first national study of "door-in door-out" time for transfer patients.

29 Nov 2011

UIC recruiting volunteers for study on effectiveness of vitamin D in addition to asthma medication

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago are recruiting volunteers with asthma for a study of whether taking vitamin D can make asthma medication more effective.

29 Nov 2011

Scientists identify cellular protein that plays central role in formation of new blood vessels

Scientists at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine have identified a cellular protein that plays a central role in the formation of new blood vessels.

29 Nov 2011

Virtual childbirth software can help plan majority of C-sections

Newly developed computer software combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a fetus may help physicians better assess a woman's potential for a difficult childbirth. Results of a study using the new software were presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).

29 Nov 2011

Siemens debuts single-source CT scanner, SOMATOM Definition Edge at RSNA 2011

At the 97th Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA), from November 27 to December 2 in Chicago, Siemens Healthcare (Booth #822, East Building/Lakeside Center at McCormick Place, Hall D) is unveiling the SOMATOM® Definition Edge – the first single-source CT to use Siemens recently developed Stellar Detector.

From Siemens Healthineers 29 Nov 2011

New database for scientists researching fission yeast

A new database promises to be an invaluable resource to scientists who use a unique single-celled fungus to study human diseases.

29 Nov 2011

Individuals with mood disorders twice as likely to have heart attacks

Depression may have more far-reaching consequences than previously believed. Recent data suggests that individuals who suffer from a mood disorder could be twice as likely to have a heart attack compared to individuals who are not depressed.

29 Nov 2011

Peninsula Foundation secures funding for PCOS and diabetes research

The Peninsula Foundation, the charitable arm of the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, has secured funding of -15,000 from The Duchy Health Charity for research into Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and diabetes. The research led, by Professor Jonathan Pinkney at the Knowledge Spa campus in Truro, will be the first non commercial medical research to be carried out at the site.

29 Nov 2011

New way of monitoring blood pressure wins innovation and technology award

Revolutionary device developed by University of Leicester, in collaboration with biotech SME HealthStats in Singapore and the NHS, wins Times Higher Education Award.

29 Nov 2011

Heart operation at the age of 22 hours: Toby’s story

A 22 hours age, baby Toby Dring became Britain’s youngest open heart surgery patient. He had Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome and had to be given the life-saving operation when his health deteriorated dramatically at birth. Toby’s condition affects one in 5,000 babies and occurs when the left side of the heart fails to form properly.

28 Nov 2011