Pain News and Research

Latest Pain News and Research

BCBSMA institutes enhanced safety measures on coverage for powerful pain killers

In an effort to limit possible prescription narcotic misuse and dependence among its members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) announced today that it is instituting enhanced safety measures on how it will cover the use of powerful pain killers.

8 May 2012

Brief empathy training program improves resident physicians interactions with patients

Resident physicians' participation in a brief training program designed to increase empathy with their patients produced significant improvement in how patients perceived their interactions with the residents.

8 May 2012

Breast brachytherapy with strut-based applicator effective for women with DCIS

Breast brachytherapy with a strut-based applicator appears to be an effective treatment for women who have ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast, according to a groundbreaking study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, held in Phoenix May 2-4.

8 May 2012

LAA occlusion effectively reduces risk of stroke in patients with A-fib

Patients with atrial fibrillation (A-fib) who cannot take blood thinners now have an alternative to reduce their risk of stroke, which is five times more common in people with the rhythm disorder. The non-surgical procedure works by tying off the left atrial appendage (LAA), the source of most blood clots leading to stroke in patients with A-fib. Northwestern Medicine- heart rhythm specialists from the Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute were the first to perform this procedure in Illinois.

8 May 2012

New analysis on why some soldiers never seek PTSD care

U.S. Army researcher Maj. Gary H. Wynn, M.D., shared new analysis on why some Soldiers suffering from combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) never seek care or drop out of treatment early during a presentation today at the American Psychiatric Association's annual meeting. His presentation, "Epidemiology of Combat-Related PTSD in U.S. Service Members: Lessons Learned," also described the approaches the Army is using to address this issue and improve overall patient outcomes.

8 May 2012

Meningitis B vaccine on the horizon

Meningitis B is particularly dangerous for children, leading to 120 deaths in the UK every year. There are around 1,200 new cases of meningitis B every year. Around 1 in 10 victims die and another 15 per cent are left with permanent disabilities - often limbs have to be amputated due to blood poisoning. The infection causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Symptoms include a severe headache, vomiting, a rash, sensitivity to light and a stiff neck.

8 May 2012

Can curry really be beneficial for cancer?

Curcumin is found in the spice turmeric has been linked to a range of health benefits. Studies have already shown that it can beat cancer cells grown in a laboratory and benefits have been suggested in stroke and dementia patients as well. Cucurmin, which acts as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties, has traditionally been used as an alternative remedy for liver disease, digestive disorders, acne and a range of allergies. Some studies have shown it may slow the spread of cancer, boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy and protect healthy cells from the effects of radiotherapy.

8 May 2012

Over $300 million set aside in the budget for dental assistance

The move was announced by federal Health Minister Tanya Plibersek at the weekend. It is claimed to provide $345.9m over three years to reduce the long waiting lists for public dental treatment. This could benefit 400,000 people. Ms Plibersek also announced that the Voluntary Dental Graduate Year Program will be increased from 50 to 100 placements per year by 2016 at a cost of $35.7 million over three years. “This funding boost will provide practice experience and professional development opportunities, including in under-serviced areas, to additional dental graduates,” she said.

8 May 2012

Mini-Lecture Series from ARUP Laboratories

ARUP Laboratories, a national reference laboratory, is pleased to announce its Mini-Lecture Series during the annual Scientific Meeting of the American Pain Society in Honolulu.

8 May 2012

Salix first quarter total product revenue increases 62% to $171.1M

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. today announced financial and operating results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012 and other business updates.

8 May 2012

NCPIE launches three acetaminophen safe use modules

The National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) today launched three customized, online educational modules to promote safe use of acetaminophen products.

8 May 2012

Otsuka announces results from aripiprazole Phase 3 trial on schizophrenia

Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and H. Lundbeck A/S today announced results from a Phase 3 clinical trial evaluating the efficacy, safety and tolerability of once-monthly aripiprazole intramuscular (IM) depot formulation for the maintenance treatment of adults with schizophrenia.

8 May 2012

Specific proteins can help identify patients with IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is hard to diagnose as well as treat, but researchers at the Sahlgrenska Academy, at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, have discovered a way of confirming the disorder using stool samples.

8 May 2012

Vertex reports interim data from VX-809 and KALYDECO combination Phase 2 study for cystic fibrosis

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated announced today an interim analysis of data from an ongoing Phase 2 study of VX-809 and KALYDECO (ivacaftor) that showed significant improvements in lung function (FEV1) among adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) who have two copies.

7 May 2012

Galleon GAL-021 safe and well-tolerated in Phase I respiratory depression clinical study

Galleon Pharmaceuticals, a leader in the development of novel medicines to treat breathing disorders, today announced that its investigational drug GAL-021 appeared to be safe and well-tolerated and demonstrated dose-proportional pharmacokinetic effects on respiration in a Phase I clinical study of 30 healthy adults.

7 May 2012

Nuvo receives BfArM positive opinion for Pliaglis

Nuvo Research Inc., a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to building a portfolio of products for the topical treatment of pain and the development of its immune modulating drug candidate WF10, today announced that it has received notice of a positive opinion from the European Decentralized Procedure for the approval of Pliaglis from the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM), the reference member state.

7 May 2012

KYTHERA ATX-101-10-16 trial for submental fat meets primary endpoints

KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced the presentation of initial trial results from Study ATX-101-10-16, the first of two pivotal European Phase III clinical trials with ATX-101, a facial injectable drug for the reduction of unwanted fat under the chin, or submental fat.

7 May 2012

New study on curcumin for advanced bowel cancer

Compounds found in curry are being investigated as a way of improving drug response in patients with advanced bowel cancer in a new study launched on Monday.

7 May 2012

AHA recognizes HHS’ Charla de Lupus program with HAVE

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has recognized Hospital for Special Surgery's Charla de Lupus (Lupus Chat) program with its Hospital Award for Volunteer Excellence.

5 May 2012

Teva announces new data from women's health franchise

Teva Women's Health today announced new data from the Company's expanding women's health franchise will be featured at the 60th Annual Clinical Meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in San Diego, California, May 5-9, 2012.

5 May 2012