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KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals presents its two Phase 2 clinical study results

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (KYTHERA) today presented detailed results from two double-blind Phase 2 studies, each designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ATX-101, a first-in-class injectable drug for the reduction of small volumes of fat.

3 Oct 2009

Five-year follow-up study reveals the efficacy of OsseoSpeed implant

The five-year follow-up study was made by Dr. Steveling and co-workers at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Heidelberg University in Germany. The conclusion is that the OsseoSpeed implant shows very good results also in compromised sites when using an early loading protocol.

3 Oct 2009

Doctors battle proposed penalties for heavy use of tests

"Doctors are trying to remove a provision in the Senate's latest health bill that would cut Medicare payments to those who administer the most tests and treatments," The Wall Street Journal reports. "The proposal -- aimed at reducing waste -- is one of several proposals in the bill by the Senate Finance Committee that could change how doctors are evaluated and paid."

3 Oct 2009

International Society for Hip Arthroscopy to focus on new procedures for hip surgery at its inaugural meeting

Recent advances in diagnostic imaging techniques and hip arthroscopy procedures are giving physicians and surgeons better tools with which to treat hip pain. The 2009 International Society for Hip Arthroscopy meeting, hosted by Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, brings together leading surgeons from all over the world to take an in-depth look at hip arthroscopy and its potential benefits.

3 Oct 2009

Fact check: Canadian versus. U.S. systems; AARP claims

The Associated Press examines rhetoric and reality in the case of a Canadian who came to the U.S. for health care.

1 Oct 2009

Mayo study reveals infliximab reduces the need for colectomy

A new study led by Mayo Clinic researchers has found that ulcerative colitis patients had a 41 percent reduction in colectomy after a year when treated with infliximab, according to a study published in the October 2009 issue of Gastroenterology.

1 Oct 2009

UMDNJ's University Hospital agrees to pay $8.3M to settle allegations

The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) has agreed to pay the government $8.3 million to settle allegations that it illegally paid kickbacks to cardiologists and caused the submission of false claims to Medicare, the Justice Department announced today.

1 Oct 2009

Clinical study results of prostate cancer patients treated with CyberKnife Radiosurgery released

Accuray Incorporated, a global leader in the field of radiosurgery, announced today publication of results from a study of early stage prostate cancer patients treated with CyberKnife Radiosurgery.

1 Oct 2009

Provectus Pharmaceuticals commences Phase 1 study of PV-10 for liver cancer

Provectus Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a development-stage oncology and dermatology biopharmaceutical company, has initiated a Phase 1 study of PV-10 for liver cancer. The study will enroll up to six subjects with cancer metastatic to the liver or with recurrent liver cancer. PV-10 is the company’s lead oncology drug candidate that is also currently undergoing Phase 2 study for metastatic melanoma.

1 Oct 2009

ACS NSQIP recognizes Baylor Dallas for achieving exemplary outcomes for surgical patient care

Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas has been recognized as one of 25 hospitals in the nation achieving exemplary outcomes for surgical patient care.

1 Oct 2009

NIH awards $10.5 million grant for OCD treatment research

A new research center exploring the science underlying a potential new treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder has been established at the University of Rochester Medical Center, thanks to a $10.5 million award from the National Institute of Mental Health.

1 Oct 2009

Six Indiana and Alabama hospitals settle whistleblower lawsuit

Three hospitals in Indiana and three hospitals in Alabama have agreed to pay the federal government a total of $8.3 million to settle a whistleblower lawsuit that alleged the hospitals deliberately overcharged Medicare for routine, minimally-invasive back surgery.

1 Oct 2009

Lumenis announces launch of the AcuPulse Fractional CO2 Laser System for Aesthetics

Lumenis Inc., a global developer, manufacturer and seller of laser, light-based and radio-frequency devices for surgical, aesthetic, and ophthalmic applications, announced today the launch of the AcuPulse(TM) Fractional CO2 Laser System for aesthetic applications at the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery's annual meeting in Phoenix this week.

From Lumenis Inc. 1 Oct 2009

Progressive infantile scoliosis responds well to a series of casts: Study

When parents are told their babies' scoliosis needs treatment, they often try bracing first. If that fails, they need surgery to place metal rods in their backs with spinal fusion later on. These children face the risk of complications from the surgery and their backs and chests may be stiff for life.

1 Oct 2009

Promising results from Cell Therapeutics' phase II OPAXIO study for advanced esophageal cancer

Cell Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that, in a study from Brown University to be presented by Howard Safran, M.D., head of the Brown University Oncology Group, in the proffered oral session at the Annual Meeting of the International Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology (ISGIO) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania patients with cancer of the lower esophagus demonstrated a high rate of complete remission (CR) when given OPAXIO(TM) (paclitaxel poliglumex), a biologically enhanced paclitaxel, when administered in combination with standard cisplatin and concurrent radiation.

1 Oct 2009

Acute therapy and follow-up care of burn disease discussed

Almost three quarters of patients with extensive burns die of the consequences of a severe infection. In the current edition of Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, Timo A. Spanholtz of the Cologne-Merheim Burn Center and his coauthors discuss the acute therapy and follow-up care of burn disease.

1 Oct 2009

Stellartech and Orthomems to design and develop external reader device

Stellartech, a world leader in the design, development and contract manufacture of sophisticated medical systems, and OrthoMEMS, a medical device company focused on biomedical applications of patented MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) and wireless technology from Cleveland Clinic, today announced a strategic alliance that is set to deliver a groundbreaking, commercial reader for wireless communication with a miniature implanted sensor in the spine.

1 Oct 2009

Cardiac experts study a new procedure to treat leaky heart valves

Cardiac experts at Rush University Medical Center are studying a new, minimally invasive procedure to treat leaky heart valves. Instead of open heart surgery, patients will undergo a less complex catheter-based procedure to treat mitral regurgitation, a serious heart disorder where blood leaks backwards toward the lungs with each heart beat.

1 Oct 2009

Study reveals that training pediatricians will help reduce early childhood cavities

Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) have found that pediatricians provided with the proper communication, educational and information technology tools and training could reduce the rates of children developing early childhood caries (ECC) or cavities by 77 percent. This study appears in the October issue of the Journal Medical Care.

1 Oct 2009