Pain News and Research

Latest Pain News and Research

Teva first quarter net revenues increase 25% to $5.1 billion

Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today reported results for the quarter ended March 31, 2012.

9 May 2012

Regulatory T cell diversity provides cumulative protective effect against RA

Untangling the root cause of rheumatoid arthritis has been a difficult task for immunologists, as decades of research has pointed to multiple culprits in our immune system, with contradictory lines of evidence. Now, researchers at The Wistar Institute announce that it takes a diverse array of regulatory T cells (a specialized subset of white blood cells) to prevent the immune system from generating the tissue-specific inflammation that is a hallmark of the disease. Regulatory T cell diversity, the researchers say, provides a cumulative protective effect against rheumatoid arthritis. When that diversity is not present, it allows the immune system to attack joints.

9 May 2012

Medtronic’s Valiant Captivia Stent Graft now available in seven countries

Increasing patient access to endovascular repair of aortic aneurysms worldwide, Medtronic, Inc. is expanding availability of the Valiant Captivia Thoracic Stent Graft System in several countries, including China, Japan and the United States.

From Medtronic 9 May 2012

Lannett third quarter net sales increase 19% to $30.7 million

Lannett Company, Inc. today reported financial results for the fiscal 2012 third quarter and nine months ended March 31, 2012.

9 May 2012

ACADIA first quarter net loss increases to $6.2 million

ACADIA Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on innovative treatments that address unmet medical needs in neurological and related central nervous system disorders, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2012.

9 May 2012

New measurement tool for clinical trials to help children with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease

An international study led by the University of Sydney and published in the Annals of Neurology has the potential to improve the design of clinical trials for the treatment of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, a disorder which affects the peripheral nervous system.

8 May 2012

Bacterin International announces third national GPO contract with Novation

Bacterin International Holdings, Inc., a leader in the development of revolutionary bone graft material and antimicrobial coatings for medical applications, announces its third national GPO contract, a three-year agreement with Novation, a leading health care supply chain expert and contracting company.

8 May 2012

Bayer Yakuhin, Santen enter co-promotion agreement for EYLEA Injection in Japan

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Bayer HealthCare today announced that Bayer's Japanese subsidiary, Bayer Yakuhin, Ltd., and Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. entered into a co-promotion agreement for EYLEA aflibercept) Injection in Japan.

From Santen Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 8 May 2012

FDA approves St. Jude Medical's Assura family of implantable defibrillators

St. Jude Medical, Inc., a global medical device company, today announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its Assura portfolio of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillators (CRT-Ds).

8 May 2012

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