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Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory for 2010 December focusses on tackling norovirus outbreaks

In early 2010, Pennsylvania nursing homes and hospitals reported an increased number of cases of gastrointestinal illness which are consistent with recurring outbreaks of the highly contagious norovirus and norovirus-like illnesses nationwide. With a new norovirus season approaching, the Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority issues its 2010 December Pennsylvania Patient Safety Advisory with data analysis, guidance and success stories provided by Pennsylvania nursing homes for preventing and controlling the illness.

2 Dec 2010

FDA grants 510(k) clearance to Focus Diagnostics Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV test on 3M Integrated Cycler

Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, the world's leading provider of diagnostic testing, information and services, today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued 510(k) clearance to the Focus Diagnostics Simplexa Flu A/B & RSV test on the 3M™ Integrated Cycler. The Simplexa test, developed and manufactured by Quest Diagnostics' Focus Diagnostics business, is intended as an aid in the detection and discrimination of influenza A, influenza B and RSV virus infections.

From Quest Diagnostics 2 Dec 2010

More effective treatment for severe form of influenza

Flu season is upon us and while getting the nasty bug is bad news, the good news is it's now possible to treat the severe form of the virus more effectively, according to a Ryerson University researcher. Though Canada is not expecting a pandemic flu season this winter Health Canada reports that about 4,000 to 8,000 Canadians die each year from flu-related pneumonia.

2 Dec 2010

New book investigates past influenza pandemics

Influenza pandemics have been among the most unpredictable and devastating natural disasters, but discussions about them are usually confined to specialists. This book makes fascinating reading for anyone who wants to understand the context of pandemics but may have been deterred by the technical detail.

1 Dec 2010

PepTcell changes name to SEEK

PepTcell, a leading UK privately-owned drug-discovery group, today announced it is changing its name to SEEK.

1 Dec 2010

Canadians at increased risk for flu complications not aware of all the facts

It starts with a headache, chills or that all-over-achy feeling. It comes on quickly, yet too many Canadians ignore the rapid onset of flu symptoms. But for the millions of Canadians at increased risk for developing serious complications from the flu, including people 65 and older, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease and diabetes, this 'laissez faire' attitude could be putting their health in jeopardy.

30 Nov 2010

University of Adelaide researcher leads collaboration for universal flu vaccine

A University of Adelaide researcher is leading a collaboration between Australia and Indonesia on the production of a universal flu vaccine. The frequent arising of new influenza strains represents the greatest challenge to health authorities as it renders currently available vaccines ineffective, says Dr Mohammed Alsharifi, the Head of the Vaccine Research Group at the School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, University of Adelaide.

30 Nov 2010

FDA approves Axiron topical solution CIII for testosterone replacement therapy in men

Acrux , a drug delivery company that develops and commercializes patented pharmaceutical products for global markets, and Eli Lilly Company today announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Axiron® topical solution CIII for testosterone replacement therapy in men. Axiron is the first testosterone topical solution approved for application via an underarm applicator.

29 Nov 2010

QIAGEN to supply point-of-need molecular veterinary diagnostics for disease detection in emerging countries

QIAGEN has been selected to contribute to the fight against infectious diseases in animals in emerging countries by supplying an international pilot project associated with the United Nations with portable devices to perform ultra-fast molecular testing in the field.

From QIAGEN Manchester Limited 29 Nov 2010

CIHI study finds impact of H1N1 pandemic on Canadian hospitals

While the H1N1 global pandemic may not have resulted in as many severe cases as originally predicted, a new study released today by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) shows that more than 15,000 Canadians were admitted to hospital for H1N1 in Canada between April and December 2009.

24 Nov 2010

Vertex submits NDA for telaprevir for treating hepatitis C

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced that it has completed the submission of a New Drug Application (NDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval for telaprevir, Vertex's investigational treatment for people with hepatitis C.

23 Nov 2010

Pennsylvania's first reported flu-related death of 2010-11 flu season

The Department of Health today confirmed a 45-year-old man from Lehigh County as Pennsylvania's first reported flu-related death of the 2010-11 flu season.

23 Nov 2010

New simple diagnostic tool to detect dangerous viruses

Boston University researchers have developed a simple diagnostic tool that can quickly identify dangerous viruses like Ebola and Marburg. The biosensor, which is the size of a quarter and can detect viruses in a blood sample, could be used in developing nations, airports and other places where natural or man-made outbreaks could erupt.

22 Nov 2010

HHS details health law MLR requirement: insurers must spend at least 80 percent on medical care

The medical loss ratio, also know as MLR, rule requires insurance companies to spend at least 80 cents of the premium dollar on medical care and quality. For employer plans covering more than 50 people, the requirement is 85 cents, according to The Associated Press.

22 Nov 2010

Quercetin in Gene-Eden may be beneficial against flu virus: Research

Recently, researchers discovered that quercetin, a key ingredient in the natural antiviral supplement Gene-Eden, may be beneficial against the flu virus.

20 Nov 2010

Doctors provide tips to protect children from seasonal flu

Doctors at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center want to make sure children are protected from influenza this flu season. The flu is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs caused by a variety of strains of influenza viruses. While the flu typically causes mild symptoms, it can be severe enough to cause hospitalization or even death. Flu most commonly occurs in the winter and early spring.

20 Nov 2010

HHS, AARP to provide tips for seniors to stay healthy during flu season

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Catherine Alicia Georges from AARP will lead an important webcast for seniors to discuss tips on how to stay healthy this flu season.

19 Nov 2010

CINJ experts to comment on importance of blood donation

Every two seconds, there is someone in the United States in need of blood. According to the American Red Cross, 65 percent of the American population is eligible to donate blood, but only five percent actually do. In New Jersey only two and a half percent of eligible donors will donate, while nine out of ten New Jersey residents will need blood at least once in their lives.

19 Nov 2010

CDC data: Adults remain unvaccinated against preventable infectious illnesses

New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that adults remain largely unvaccinated against preventable infectious illnesses.

18 Nov 2010

Scientists solve structure of key protein from Lassa virus

Scientists at Emory University and the University of St. Andrews have solved the structure of a key protein from Lassa virus, which is endemic to West Africa and can cause a deadly hemorrhagic fever.

18 Nov 2010