Healthcare News and Research

Latest Healthcare News and Research

Pfizer finalizes settlement agreement with U.S. DOJ regarding past promotional practices

Pfizer Inc today announced that it has finalized a previously reported agreement in principle with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to settle an investigation regarding past off-label promotional practices related to Bextra, which Pfizer voluntarily withdrew from the market in 2005.

3 Sep 2009

Beijing Rain and Earth Technology to provide cheaper blood dialysis in China

RainEarth Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: RNER; "the Company") announced that in the second quarter of 2009, the Xinhua News Agency publicized the creation of "Opinions of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Deepening the Reform of the Medical and Health Care System" ("Opinion").

3 Sep 2009

Health insurers ask employees to lobby Congress to weaken health reform

Consumer Watchdog today asked California Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown to investigate major health insurers that have asked their workers to lobby Congress -- during business hours -- to weaken health reform. United Healthcare and Wellpoint have launched national campaigns to individually "assist" employees in writing and calling members of Congress.

3 Sep 2009

Umass Medical School implements translational research solution

Recombinant Data Corp., a healthcare data warehousing and clinical intelligence solutions provider, today announced that it has implemented a translational research solution at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

3 Sep 2009

Health Information Resource Center recognizes SHPS, presents nine awards

SHPS, a leading provider of health improvement and health benefits solutions, received nine awards for its healthcare communications in the 2009 National Health Information Awards(SM) program.

3 Sep 2009

Seasonal flu vaccinations increases by 237% this season compared to the same four weeks during last season

According to SDI, a leading healthcare market insight and analytics firm that consolidates electronic healthcare claims data, there have been over 477,000 seasonal flu vaccinations already administered through Aug. 29 — the fourth week of this year’s flu season. That is an increase of 237% compared to the same four weeks during last season.

3 Sep 2009

Oracle OpenWorld conference to discuss challenges facing healthcare organizations

The upcoming Oracle OpenWorld conference, October 11-15, 2009 at Moscone Center in San Francisco, will feature dedicated programming and lively discussion exploring today's unprecedented challenges facing life sciences and healthcare organizations.

3 Sep 2009

Report on ageing world inspires employers to expand and shift their strategic thinking, says Chairman of Mercer

The World Economic Forum has just published Transforming Pensions and Healthcare in a Rapidly Ageing World: Opportunities and Collaboration Strategies with the support of Mercer and the OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development). The report and a related Mercer Perspective can be downloaded at www.mercer.com/WEF.

3 Sep 2009

Office managers set the policy for allowing sales rep visits

In a national survey of U.S. medical practices, SK&A Information Services, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare information and research, found that office managers wield as much influence as lead physicians in determining the policy for allowing industry sales representatives to visit with physicians.

3 Sep 2009

The Quantum Group submits final patent for PWeR technology platform

The Quantum Group (NYSE Amex:QGP) announces that it has submitted a final patent filing that covers unique solutions for optimizing performance and access in a cloud computing environment. PWeR, the Quantum technology platform, was built on a cloud computing architecture and is designed to integrate all of the principal applications a provider uses into one system including Electronic Medical Records (EMR).

3 Sep 2009

Study reports a potential new investigational therapy for skin cancer

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reports a potential new investigational therapy for advanced and metastatic basal cell skin cancer tested at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare and other sites appears to demonstrate tumor shrinkage and limited side effects in patients.

3 Sep 2009

TAHU recommends revision of proposed healthcare plan

The Texas Association of Health Underwriters (TAHU) released a statement on behalf of more than 1700 insurance agents from across the state of Texas outlining their recommendation for a revision to the proposed healthcare plan.

3 Sep 2009

Netherlands shows the way in healthcare accountability

As national healthcare reform initiatives grab headlines throughout the U.S., Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, is quietly demonstrating how physicians, nurses, and administrators can be held accountable to national performance standards.

3 Sep 2009

Neuronetics raises funds to expand sales team for NeuroStar TMS Therapy

New Leaf Venture Partners (NLV Partners) announced today it has led a $30 million Series D financing round in Neuronetics, Inc., maker of NeuroStar TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Therapy® for the treatment of depression.

3 Sep 2009

Humana renews contract agreement with Zix Corporation

Zix Corporation (ZixCorp(R)), (Nasdaq: ZIXI), the leader in email encryption services, today announced that Humana renewed its contract with ZixCorp. This latest agreement is a two-year extension of Humana's original agreement which has now spanned seven successful years.

3 Sep 2009

Will Obama disavow the pledge-breaking tax hikes that violate his campaign promise?

If Obama is serious about keeping his central campaign promise, will he disavow the four pledge-breaking provisions in the House Democrat healthcare bill?

3 Sep 2009

Biosante's CEO to present an overview of the company and its impending merger with Cell Genesys

BioSante Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: BPAX) today announced that Stephen M. Simes, its president and CEO will present an overview of the company and its impending merger with Cell Genesys (NASDAQ: CEGE) at two healthcare investment and partnering conferences during the month of September.

3 Sep 2009

Bio-Reference Laboratories reports third-quarter fiscal 2009 revenues

Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ: BRLI) (Except for Per Share Data or where otherwise noted, numbers are in thousands) announced that the Company recorded current quarter revenues of $97,424, the best ever quarter in terms of revenues in corporate history and an increase of more than 25% over the $77,776 recorded in the third quarter, fiscal year 2008.

3 Sep 2009

Rural states with much to gain under reform also feature most vocal opponents

The Los Angeles Times reports: "Some of the most vociferous opposition to the proposals before the House and Senate comes from residents of rural states that could benefit most if the present system is revamped.

3 Sep 2009

New clinical trials to address the effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs

Scientists are addressing the threat of antimicrobial drug resistance by launching two new clinical trials aimed at prolonging the effectiveness of currently available antibacterial drugs. The concept underlying both studies: Less is more.

3 Sep 2009