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CFC-propelled inhalers no longer available as of Dec. 31 2008

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today issued a public health advisory to alert patients, caregivers and health care professionals to switch to hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)-propelled albuterol inhalers because chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-propelled inhalers will not be available in the United States after Dec. 31, 2008.

30 May 2008

Fireflies' glow helps researchers track cancer drug's effectiveness

The gene that allows fireflies to flash is helping researchers track the effectiveness of anti-cancer drugs over time.

29 May 2008

Is mankind contaminating space?

Life in outer space is an absolute certainty, and it is likely to be more familiar than we might think, according to an article in the May issue of Microbiology Today. Ever since the start of the space race we have sent more than just satellites and astronauts into space: spacecraft are not routinely decontaminated and are teeming with microbial life.

28 May 2008

Bureaucracy has delayed plans for three FDA offices in China

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt on Friday said that Chinese bureaucracy has delayed plans to establish FDA offices in three cities -- Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou -- that would monitor exports of food, medications, medical devices and other consumer products to the U.S., the Associated Press reports.

28 May 2008

Toronto Star examines efforts of Stephen Lewis Foundation's grandmother to grandmother campaign in Africa

The Toronto Star on Monday examined the efforts of the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers campaign in Africa, particularly Swaziland.

28 May 2008

San Francisco Mayor rejects proposed budget cuts to HIV/AIDS services

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom recently rejected proposed cuts to HIV/AIDS services in his fiscal year 2009 budget, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. According to the Chronicle, Newsom rejected a proposal by Mitch Katz, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, to cut $3 million of the $10 million the department allocates to 30 not-for-profit groups that provide HIV/AIDS services.

28 May 2008

FDA proposes major revisions to the physician labeling for prescription drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today proposed major revisions to the physician labeling for prescription drugs (including biological products) to provide better information about the effects of medicines used during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

28 May 2008

Barr confirms Entocort patent challenge

Barr Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today confirmed that its subsidiary, Barr Laboratories, Inc., has initiated a challenge of the patents listed by AstraZeneca LP in connection with its Entocort(R) Enteric Coated Capsules (budesonide), 3mg.

27 May 2008

Preservatives and food colours may be the culprits in ADHD

The suspicion that additives such as preservatives and artificial food colours can contribute to hyperactive behaviour in children has been around for years.

25 May 2008

Federal Government should use pre-emption to strengthen citizens' protections, editorial says

"Since the conservative ascendancy in Washington," many of those who once thought federal laws "trampl[ed]" on states' rights have now "begun burying" states' rights -- "not to protect citizens' rights, but to take them away" by using the pre-emption rule, Adam Cohen writes in New York Times opinion piece.

25 May 2008

Japan pledges $560 million to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

Japan on Friday announced that it had pledged $560 million to the Global Fund To Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, AFP/Google.com reports.

25 May 2008

Sea buckthorn berries may ward off liver disease

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) berries are well known for their cholesterol busting properties, but scientists in India say that its leaves are also rich in anti-oxidants and may help ward off liver disease, according to new research due to be published in the Society of Chemical Industry's (SCI) Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture.

25 May 2008

Scientists back the use of maize as an efficient 'factory' for protein-based pharmaceutical products

Scientists from the Universidad de Lleida (University of Lleida) have published a study confirming that maize seeds are an effective and sure platform within molecular agriculture to alleviate diseases. Over the next few years AIDS could be one of the first diseases to benefit from these results, although regulations for this technology are being developed at the same time as research is being undertaken.

25 May 2008

Bliss Nipple Cream warning from FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning consumers not to use or purchase Mommy's Bliss Nipple Cream, marketed by MOM Enterprises, Inc., because the product contains potentially harmful ingredients that may cause respiratory distress or vomiting and diarrhea in infants.

25 May 2008

New efforts to improve medical products for patient safety

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced efforts underway at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will complement each other to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care.

22 May 2008

Global food crisis and transport policy are linked

The world's food crisis will not be solved until there is greater recognition that transport policy is inextricably linked to food policy, according to an article in today's Lancet.

21 May 2008

When it comes to your teeth smoothies are roughies

Dentists are warning about the dangers of the currently popular fruit 'smoothies' and say they could lead to widespread tooth damage.

21 May 2008

Elderly too often malnourished and unnoticed in hospital

New research has revealed the shocking plight of some of Australia's most vulnerable citizens.

21 May 2008

Advaxis files investigational new drug application for Lovaxin C

Advaxis Inc. completed its filing of a new investigational new drug ("IND") application with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA"). This filing follows the successful completion of a Phase I study overseas.

20 May 2008

Trends of vitamin B6 status in US population sample identified in study

In an epidemiological study, Tufts University researchers identified trends of vitamin B6 status in a sample of the United States population based on measures of plasma pyridoxal 5'- phosphate (PLP) levels in the bloodstream. Plasma PLP is the indicator used by the federal government to set the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6, a nutrient essential for red blood cell function and important for maintaining a healthy immune system and blood glucose levels.

20 May 2008