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Researchers develop genetic screening method to identify drug-resistant HCV strains

In recent human trials for a promising new class of drug designed to target the hepatitis C virus (HCV) without shutting down the immune system, some of the HCV strains being treated exhibited signs of drug resistance.

30 Sep 2010

NABP seeks to educate public about rogue Internet drug outlets, counterfeit medications

Earlier this year, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) was introduced to the AWARxE campaign, which was created and implemented by the Minnesota Pharmacists Foundation in 2007. Moved by the power of the campaign, NABP obtained the AWARxE program so that its message could be shared on a national level.

30 Sep 2010

Researchers receive NIH award to investigate regenerative potential of retinal cells

Zhang and co-principal investigators Sheng Ding, PhD, from The Scripps Research Institute, and Thomas Reh, PhD from the University of Washington, received the highest possible scores for their proposal to investigate the regenerative potential of retinal cells. Their long-term goal is to restore visual function lost through diseases such as macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa.

30 Sep 2010

Obama challenged on health care in Iowa meeting

The Washington Post: "Back in Iowa, President Obama got an earful Wednesday from voters about two of his key policies: health care, and his desire to roll back Bush-era tax cuts. ... Standing in the back yard of a resident, Obama stood patiently as one woman described, at length, her fears that the U.S. health-care system will soon resemble that of Great Britain. ... The official topic in Iowa was 'challenges currently facing the middle class,' part of a series of similar economy-driven stops" (Kornblut, 9/29).

30 Sep 2010

FDA, EMA and Health Canada approve Progenics' RELISTOR in pre-filled syringes

Progenics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), along with the European Medicines Agency (EMA) of the European Union (E.U.) and Health Canada, the Canadian Regulatory Agency, have each approved single-use, pre-filled syringes of RELISTOR® (methylnaltrexone bromide) Subcutaneous Injection for use in their respective territories. These pre-filled syringes provide a simplified dosing option for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in palliative-care patients with advanced illness.

30 Sep 2010

Stock prices of home health companies fall after DOJ requests Medicare documents

Home health companies have come under investigation this year by Congress and the Securities and Exchange Commission over Medicare reimbursements for therapy visits,The Wall Street Journal reports.

30 Sep 2010

First direct genetic link to ADHD

The latest study shows evidence of a genetic link to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The researchers from Cardiff University, Wales said the disorder was a brain problem like autism and not due to bad parenting. The paper appeared in the acclaimed journal Lancet.

30 Sep 2010

Health law's medical loss ratios, exchanges scrutinized

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, which is working with the Department of Health and Human Services on implementing key parts of the health law, is still considering how to determine the kinds of insurers' expenses that are considered medical care.

30 Sep 2010

Mammogram for women over 40: Debate continues

A report this Wednesday showed that routine screenings for breast cancer called mammograms cut the breast cancer death rate by 26 percent for women in their 40s. The results have been received in a mixed way by experts.

30 Sep 2010

SCT transplantation benefits in Hodgkin's lymphoma is unclear

It remains an unresolved question whether adult patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma, a certain type of lymph node cancer, benefit from allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) with an unrelated donor. This is due to the fact that studies are lacking that compare this therapy with autologous transplantation or conventional chemotherapy without SCT.

30 Sep 2010

Midlife crisis is hitting Britons earlier: Survey

The latest British research shows that the tmidlife crisis that was once thought to hit people on their fifties is now affecting people in their mid-thirties. The changes in the work culture may be the main reason say researchers.

30 Sep 2010

ACT updates myoblast program for heart failure treatment

Advanced Cell Technology, a leader in the field of regenerative medicine, provided an update today on the status of its myoblast program. The program has successfully and safely completed Phase I human clinical trials in more than forty patients in over four independent studies.

30 Sep 2010

USFDA grants Sun Pharma subsidiary tentative approval for generic Crestor ANDA

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. announced that USFDA has granted its subsidiary a tentative approval for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to market a generic version of IPR Pharmaceutical's Crestor ® tablets 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg.

30 Sep 2010

Study: Racial disparities in end-of-life care

A new study in the Archives of Internal Medicine finds that black patients and white patients may not receive the same quality in end-of-life care.

30 Sep 2010

Study shows blueberries may help fight atherosclerosis

Blueberries may help fight atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, according to results of a preliminary U.S. Department of Agriculture funded study with laboratory mice. The research provides the first direct evidence that blueberries can help prevent harmful plaques or lesions, symptomatic of atherosclerosis, from increasing in size in arteries.

30 Sep 2010

Duke receives approval to initiate NPC-1C Phase I trial for advanced pancreatic and colorectal cancer

Neogenix Oncology, Inc. announced today that researchers at Duke University Medical Center have received approval to move forward with a Phase I trial of the company's lead therapeutic antibody, NPC-1C, in patients with advanced stage pancreatic or colorectal cancer. Duke joins Johns Hopkins Hospital which is already conducting the Phase I trial of NPC-1C. In addition to Johns Hopkins, North Shore - LIJ has also enrolled patients on this multi-center study.

30 Sep 2010

Precautionary guidelines on flu vaccine safety for allergic children

With the flu season looming and health officials calling for across-the-board immunization, some parents may wonder just how safe the egg-based flu vaccine is for children with allergies. Pretty safe, say pediatricians from Johns Hopkins Children's Center: Even though the flu vaccine contains egg protein, most children with egg and other food allergies can be immunized safely with a few basic precautions.

30 Sep 2010

Stress-factors leading to mental problems and burnout in IT-industries

According to health insurances, employees in IT-industries are very fit. By using an online-survey, Technische Universität Dortmund monitored this statement in cooperation with some freelancer-networks. Results indicate that this is due to the phenomenon "presentism"- meaning IT-employees do not appear in health insurance statistics as they continue to work even when they are ill. Actually, the sample reported on distinct health problems- predominantly musculoskeletal problems and mental afflictions.

30 Sep 2010

Scientists discover gut stem cells replacement mechanism

CANCER RESEARCH UK scientists have discovered that gut stem cells replace each other in a 'one in, one out' system, which is completely different to previously accepted theories.

30 Sep 2010

Grants seek to bolster, expand primary care workforce

CQ HealthBeat: "Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on Tuesday announced $320 million in grants to bolster and expand the nation's primary care workforce as part of the health care overhaul law. … Of the $320 million, $253 million will go to six programs administered by HHS' Health Resources and Services Administration The money will be used by states to deal with current and expected labor shortages.

30 Sep 2010