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Federal appeals court partially reverses ruling in BRCA patents case

In a 2-1 decision, a federal appeals court today partially reversed a lower court's ruling in a case challenging patents on two human genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The court ruled that companies can obtain patents on the genes but cannot patent methods to compare those gene sequences.

3 Aug 2011

BD third quarter revenues increase to $2.014 billion

BD, a leading global medical technology company, today reported quarterly revenues of $2.014 billion for the third fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2011, representing an increase of 10.0 percent from the prior-year period.

From BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) 2 Aug 2011

Global Democracy Promotion Act 'would help keep ideology in check'

The Global Democracy Promotion Act, recently introduced in the House by Rep. Nita Lowey, "would bar the use of U.S. foreign aid to restrict people's liberty and says that organizations accepting U.S. assistance cannot be forced to quash perfectly legal activities in return," Planned Parenthood Federation of America Vice President Latanya Mapp Frett writes in a New York Daily News opinion piece.

2 Aug 2011

HHS announces new guidelines for women's preventive services

The rule includes everything from distribution of birth control pills to administration of breast exams. Ultimately, women will no longer pay out of pocket for preventive services. However, Politico reports that the Department of Health and Human Services may include a "conscience clause" in the regulation.

2 Aug 2011

More opinions: Berwick, Deparle, Rep. Pitts and others on health costs; public health transparency guidelines

Unfortunately, there are too many examples that show how our system can fail to meet patients' needs. These problems are not a reflection on the many doctors, nurses and other professionals who work tirelessly to deliver the highest quality care they can.

2 Aug 2011

New birth control guidelines in U.S.

Planned parenting groups are cheering while some religious organizations are unhappy with the move that would require health insurance companies to provide women free birth control, in keeping with new Obama administration guidelines. The Department of Health and Human Services call it “historic” and also say that insurance companies must provide women with other preventive services free of charge.

1 Aug 2011

Viewpoints: Sanders on angry Americans; Sebelius on Md. exchanges; Samuelson: 'it's the elderly, stupid'

If the Republicans have their way, the entire burden of deficit reduction will be placed on the elderly, the sick, children and working families. In the midst of a horrendous recession that is already causing severe pain for average Americans, this approach is morally grotesque. ... The Reid plan is bad. The constantly shifting plan by House Speaker John Boehner is much worse. ... Those cuts would mean drastic reductions in Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid.

30 Jul 2011

U.S. foreign policy should promote healthy women

"When women are healthy and empowered, they can spark a ripple effect in their families, communities and nations that can lead to lower rates of poverty and stronger economic growth and productivity," Tamara Kreinin, executive director of women and population at the United Nations Foundation, writes in a "RH Reality Check" blog post.

29 Jul 2011

Hoag signs license and implementation agreement for Unibased ForSite2020 RMS software

Unibased Systems Architecture, Inc. announced today that Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian (Hoag) has signed an agreement for the license and implementation of the Unibased ForSite2020 Resource Management System (RMS) software application suite, including the POCET and CASH physician and consumer portals.

27 Jul 2011

Menopause has no additional effect on risk for diabetes

Menopause has little to no impact on whether women become more susceptible to diabetes, according to a one-of-a-kind study.

27 Jul 2011

Teva second quarter net sales increase 11% to $4.2 billion

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today reported results for the quarter ended June 30, 2011.

27 Jul 2011

Viewpoints: The effects of the debt debate; Medicare's birthday; N.Y. drug plan

In the scramble to cut the nation's debt burden, President Obama, congressional Democrats and even some Republicans have proposed squeezing money out of Medicare by changing the way it pays for prescription drugs.

27 Jul 2011

Viewpoints: Van Hollen on Medicaid cuts; debate on rising Medicare age; women's health issues

Walking away from the federal commitment to Medicaid doesn't solve the problem; it just passes health care costs down to states. Because almost every state, including Maryland, is required by law to balance its budget every year, it means cuts in services and more financial strains for already suffering families, cuts in provider payments, lost jobs in the health care sector, and dampened business activity as the consequences of lost jobs and unmet health care needs ripple through the economy.

26 Jul 2011

Bionovo completes 13 weeks repeat dose animal toxicology studies for Menerba

Bionovo, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of safe and effective treatments for women's health and cancer, announced today the successful completion of 13 weeks repeat dose animal toxicology studies with Menerba.

25 Jul 2011

Viewpoints: Will Gang of Six compromise work?; endorsing birth control recommendations; Minn. budget deal

Not surprisingly, the plan has drawn complaints from the left about cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and from the right about defense cuts and tax increases. But the senators are right about the need to simplify and broaden the tax code and to put entitlements on a sustainable footing without slashing aid to the most vulnerable.

22 Jul 2011

Komen for the Cure applauds new mammography guidelines

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists' new recommendation that women begin getting mammograms annually beginning at the age of 40 is a victory for women's health that opens a door to early detection of breast cancer for millions, officials with Susan G. Komen for the Cure said today.

21 Jul 2011

Texas Tribune reviews new anti-abortion law; health debate

An amendment that conservative state lawmakers hoped would wipe out the only taxpayer-funded elective abortions in Texas ultimately might not do much at all. One of many tacked onto an omnibus health care bill during the Legislature's special session in June, the amendment by Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center, aims to remove state funding from any hospital district — a health care system financed by city or county tax dollars - that provides elective abortions.

21 Jul 2011

International Journal of Cancer publishes Bionovo's Bezielle research

Bionovo, Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of safe and effective treatments for women's health and cancer, today announced the publication of a study of the metabolic effects of its drug candidate, Bezielle, on cancer cells in the International Journal of Cancer.

19 Jul 2011

Viewpoints: Teaching hospital cuts; Medicare & debt deal politics; end-of-life care

Teaching hospitals educate the next generation of physicians—who are clearly essential for our future. But the importance of academic medical centers and teaching hospitals goes far beyond delivering care.

15 Jul 2011

Progesterone could fight against neuroblastoma

High doses of the hormone progesterone can kill neuroblastoma cells while leaving healthy cells unscathed, scientists at Emory University School of Medicine have found in laboratory research.

14 Jul 2011