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U.S. adult population is becoming obese and sedentary; healthy BMI and exercise improves fitness levels

Men and women become gradually less fit with age, with declines accelerating after age 45, according to a report in the October 26 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine, one of the JAMA/Archives journals. However, maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI), not smoking and being physically active are associated with higher fitness levels throughout adult life.

27 Oct 2009

Physicians launch SUCCEED, program for breast cancer survivors

Breast cancer. A diagnosis of those two words elicits an array of emotions ranging from fear and anger, to confusion and uncertainty. To cope, women often look to family, friends and survivors for support, forming a network of people to help guide them through their diagnosis and treatment. As treatment begins, the plan seems clear.

27 Oct 2009

NCI funds new Center on Microenvironment and Metastasis to research on cancer

Adding potent research firepower and fresh physical perspectives to combat cancer, the National Cancer Institute (NCI) has funded the new Center on the Microenvironment and Metastasis, which will be headquartered at Cornell University.

27 Oct 2009

Researchers show link between alcohol and cancer

Alcohol consumption has long been linked to cancer and its spread, but the underlying mechanism has never been clear.

27 Oct 2009

Innovative approach to build a new drug to treat a number of CNS diseases

Working like an architect, Prof. Hagit Eldar-Finkelman of Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine is "building" a new drug, L803-MTS, to treat a number of central nervous system (CNS) diseases like Alzheimer's. In pre-clinical studies, it also shows promise against Parkinson's, Huntington's and diabetes.

27 Oct 2009

Medicare fraud: One of the most profitable crimes in U.S.

Medicare "provides a rich and steady income stream for criminals who are constantly finding new ways to steal a sizable chunk of the half trillion dollars that are paid out each year in Medicare benefits," 60 Minutes reports. "In fact, Medicare fraud - estimated now to total about $60 billion a year - has become one of, if not the most profitable, crimes in America." Medicare fraud leaves little evidence: an FBI agent in South Florida said "the only visible evidence of the crimes are the thousands of tiny clinics and pharmacies that dot the low-rent strip malls.

26 Oct 2009

National Cancer Institute awards Johns Hopkins $14.8 million for cancer research

Researchers from the Johns Hopkins Institute for NanoBioTechnology have been awarded $14.8 million from the National Cancer Institute to launch a research center aimed at unraveling the physical underpinnings of the growth and spread of cancer.

26 Oct 2009

Analysis from Phase 3 trials of HZT-501 presented at 74th ACG meeting

Horizon Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, today presented an analysis from two pivotal Phase 3 trials (REDUCE-1 and REDUCE-2) evaluating its lead investigational compound HZT-501, a combination of ibuprofen with high-dose famotidine.

26 Oct 2009

Athletes may face future health problems despite their rigorous exercise routines, says study

For today's athletes, size and strength can mean the difference between championships, scholarships and million-dollar paydays. But new research comparing the signs of metabolic syndrome in professional baseball and football players, presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 74th Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, reveals that the larger professional athletes - specifically football linemen - may encounter future health problems despite their rigorous exercise routines.

26 Oct 2009

House Democratic leaders huddle on public insurance option

House Democratic leaders faced an impasse late last week as it became clear that a liberal version of the public option did not have enough support in the caucus.

26 Oct 2009

A selection of today's opinions and editorials

Aging in Place" is the popular rallying cry in the senior community. But living at home is not so easy, either for the frail elderly or younger people with disabilities. Interestingly enough, the reasons may have more to do with social issues than medical concerns (Howard Gleckman, 10/26).

26 Oct 2009

Major fundraising initiative launched for Rett syndrome research

Inspired by recent breakthroughs in research, today the International Rett Syndrome Foundation (IRSF) announced a major fundraising initiative entitled Research to Reality: Funding Progress. Funds raised by the campaign are earmarked to accelerate the progress of crucial research, and bring promise to reality. Country music sensation Clint Black, whose niece Courtney lost her battle with Rett syndrome in 2003 at age 16, will serve as Honorary Chair of the campaign.

26 Oct 2009

CMSC analyses patient self-management in Multiple Sclerosis

The Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) released a white paper, written by a panel chaired by CMSC member Robert T. Fraser, Ph.D., of the University of Washington Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in Seattle, Washington, analyzing patient self-management in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) to develop recommendations for best practices aimed at improving patients' lives.

26 Oct 2009

Dysport, a new wrinkle fighter, available now in the United States

The story: Dysport(TM), a new wrinkle fighter, is now available in the United States. Dysport(TM) is a Botulinum-A enzyme like Botox Cosmetic. Dysport(TM) is positioned as the new arch-nemesis and first direct competitor of Botox Cosmetic in the United States.

26 Oct 2009

Dey Pharma launches EpiPen Auto-Injector

Dey Pharma, L.P., a subsidiary of Mylan Inc., today launched a newly designed, patient-friendly EpiPen® Auto-Injector 0.3/0.15 mg. This next-generation EpiPen Auto-Injector maintains the simplicity, speed, safety and reliability of EpiPen Auto-Injector with several new, user-friendly features, including being the only auto-injector with needle-protection before and after use.

26 Oct 2009

EMG and NCS reports performed by 'non-prequalified' physicians are found to be unreliable

In a recent study of workers’ compensation injury cases, Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies (NCSs), which were performed by physicians who were not evaluated and pre-determined to meet a certain level of quality, were discovered to be highly unreliable.

26 Oct 2009

Winners of the EDCTP Award For Outstanding African Scientist

The European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) has given its Awards for Outstanding African Scientist to Dr Alexis Nzila and Dr Dominique Pepper.

26 Oct 2009

First Edition: October 26, 2009

Several Democratic senators voiced optimism on Sunday that Congress would pass a health care bill containing at least the germ of a government-run insurance program. Their expectations were grudgingly seconded by Senator John McCain, the Republican presidential candidate in 2008 (The New York Times).

26 Oct 2009

Additional CFTR inhibitor technology licensed to Napo Pharmaceuticals

Napo Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has in-licensed from the University of California Regents additional small-molecule cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) inhibitor technology including gastrointestinal (GI) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) indications.

26 Oct 2009

Dr. Dennis Lin retains Adam Kluger Public Relations to promote his psychiatric practice

Adam Kluger Public Relations (www.adamklugerpr.com) announced today that Dr. Dennis Lin, MD (www.drdennismd.com) has retained the New York based boutique PR firm to provide media support and to promote his psychiatric practice which specializes in sexology, sexual relationships, interpersonal difficulties and couples therapy.

26 Oct 2009