Shingles News and Research

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Shingles (herpes zoster) is an outbreak of rash or blisters on the skin that is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox — the varicella-zoster virus. The first sign of shingles is often burning or tingling pain, or sometimes numbness or itch, in one particular location on only one side of the body.

Study: Besides nerves, skin has a unique sensory system

The human sensory experience is far more complex and nuanced than previously thought, according to a groundbreaking new study published in the December 15, 2009 issue of the journal Pain (http://www.painjournalonline.com/article/S0304-3959%2809%2900526-0/abstract).

8 Dec 2009

Chicken pox vaccine also reduces risk of herpes zoster in children

Herpes zoster, also known as shingles, is very rare among children who have been vaccinated against chicken pox, according to a Kaiser Permanente study in the December issue of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Journal.

5 Dec 2009

Children vaccinated against chickenpox at much lower risk of developing shingles

Vaccination to prevent chickenpox (varicella) appears to have an added benefit for children—a reduced risk of shingles (herpes zoster). That's the finding of a study in the November issue of The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal, published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading provider of information and business intelligence for students, professionals, and institutions in medicine, nursing, allied health, and pharmacy.

3 Dec 2009

Epiphany Biosciences announces results from its valomaciclovir Phase 2b trial for shingles

Epiphany Biosciences announced results from its Phase 2b dose-ranging study of EPB-348 (valomaciclovir) in patients with shingles (herpes zoster) infection. The study's primary endpoint was non-inferiority of once-daily valomaciclovir compared to thrice-daily valacyclovir in terms of time to complete crusting of the shingles rash.

18 Nov 2009

FDA approves Qutenza, a pain relief product for patients who suffer from PHN

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the approval of Qutenza (capsaicin) 8% patch, a medicated skin patch that relieves the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), a serious complication that can occur after a bout with shingles.

18 Nov 2009

FDA approves NeurogesX's Qutenza patch for postherpetic neuralgia treatment

NeurogesX, Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Qutenza(TM) (capsaicin) 8% patch, the first and only product containing prescription strength capsaicin, for the management of neuropathic pain due to postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the nerve pain which can follow shingles.

17 Nov 2009

Positive results from Winston Laboratories' Civamide Patch trial

Winston Laboratories, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Winston Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced positive top-line results from Study WL1001-04-03, a Phase II clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of the company's patch formulation of Civamide, a novel TRPV-1 receptor modulator in the treatment of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN).

16 Nov 2009

Money-saving tips for healthy, beautiful hair

These days, saving a little money here and there is all the rage. Even small changes - carpooling to work or making coffee at home - can really add up. But when it comes to cutting back on hair care, many people might be hesitant to make significant changes for fear that it could impact their looks and the health of their hair. That's where a dermatologist can help.

11 Nov 2009

Third-quarter 2009 financial results announced by Inhibitex

Inhibitex, Inc., today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. The Company held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $21.1 million at September 30, 2009, as compared to $33.1 million at December 31, 2008.

6 Nov 2009

Inhibitex completes $23 million private placement of common stock and warrants

Inhibitex, Inc. today reported the completion of its previously announced $23 million private placement of common stock and warrants. Investors in the private placement purchased units, each consisting of one share of common stock and a warrant to purchase .45 of a share of common stock, at a purchase price of $1.28 per unit, which is equal to the consolidated closing bid price of the common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Capital Market for October 22, 2009, plus $0.06.

29 Oct 2009

Pregabalin reduces abdominal pain and improves sleep in women with adhesions

Pregabalin, FDA-approved for neuropathic pain (pain caused by shingles and peripheral neuropathy), effectively reduced abdominal pain and improved sleep in women with adhesions, according to a Henry Ford study.

27 Oct 2009

Inhibitex to raise $23 million through private placement

Inhibitex, Inc. today announced that it has entered into definitive purchase agreements with institutional investors for the sale of approximately $23 million of its common stock, and warrants to purchase common stock, in a private placement.

24 Oct 2009

Merck's sales increases by 2% in third quarter 2009

Merck & Co., Inc. today announced financial results for the third quarter of 2009. The company reported non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter of $0.90, which excludes a $1.7 billion after-tax gain from the sale of the company's interest in Merial Limited as well as restructuring charges and pre-closing merger-related expenses. Third-quarter GAAP EPS was $1.61.

22 Oct 2009

Positive results from Depomed's Phase 3 clinical trial of DM-1796 for postherpetic neuralgia

Depomed, Inc. today announced top-line results from a Phase 3 clinical trial demonstrating DM-1796 (also referred to as gabapentin ER) achieved a statistically significant reduction in pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) versus placebo using the baseline observation carried forward (BOCF) method required by FDA.

5 Oct 2009

GSK reports positive Phase II results from trial evaluating GSK1838262 for post-herpetic neuralgia

GlaxoSmithKline and XenoPort, Inc. today announced top-line results from a Phase II clinical trial evaluating GSK1838262/XP13512 (gabapentin enacarbil) in adult patients with neuropathic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) who have had a history of inadequate response to gabapentin doses of 1800 mg/day or higher.

5 Oct 2009

H1N1 infected people continue to shed live virus days after the symptoms

ABC News and other outlets are reporting that two studies released on Tuesday suggest that people infected with the H1N1 virus continue to shed virus after the point where current recommendations say they can resume their normal activities.

19 Sep 2009

Results from Phase IIb clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of GSK1838262/XP13512 announced

GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK) and XenoPort, Inc. (Nasdaq:XNPT) today announced top-line results from a Phase IIb clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of GSK1838262/XP13512 (gabapentin enacarbil) for neuropathic pain associated with post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) in adults.

17 Sep 2009

Retigabine's Phase IIa clinical trial preliminary results announced

Valeant Pharmaceuticals International today announced preliminary results from its Phase IIa proof-of-concept clinical trial of retigabine for the treatment of pain associated with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), a painful and common complication of shingles.

24 Aug 2009

Seasonal flu vaccinations to cost less in Safeway's U.S. Stores

Safeway Inc. (NYSE:SWY) added to its leadership reputation in health care reform and cost control by offering seasonal flu vaccines in its U.S. stores at a substantial savings compared with the cost of doctor-administered vaccines. The lower cost will help consumers and businesses control health care spending in a challenging economy.

20 Aug 2009

Inhibitex reports Q2 2009 financials

Inhibitex, Inc. (Nasdaq: INHX), today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2009. The Company held cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments of $24.5 million at June 30, 2009, as compared to $33.1 million at December 31, 2008.

12 Aug 2009