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Amicus Therapeutics Commences Phase 3 Trial Evaluating Amigal(TM) For The Treatment Of Fabry Disease
Amicus Therapeutics (Nasdaq: FOLD) announced it has commenced the U.S. registration Phase 3 trial with its investigational drug, Amigal(TM) (migalastat hydrochloride) for the treatment of Fabry disease. The Company has reached agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on the key protocol design elements of the pivotal trial, including the use of the surrogate primary endpoint of the change in the amount of kidney interstitial capillary GL-3, the substrate that accumulates in the cells of Fabry patients. In addition, the FDA is in agreement that the Company is eligible to seek Accelerated Approval for Amigal according to Subpart H regulations. The Company has begun submitting the Phase 3 protocol to investigational sites worldwide and expects to begin the dosing of subjects in the second half of this year.
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John Muir Health Foundation Funds Advanced Robotic Technology For Minimally Invasive Surgery
John Muir Health Foundation, the charitable fundraising organization for all John Muir Health programs and services, has provided funding to enable John Muir Health to purchase two advanced high definition daVinci® Surgical Systems for its Walnut Creek and Concord campuses. Surgeons at John Muir Heath will use the daVinci® "robots" for a variety of minimally invasive urological, gynecological, gynecologic/oncologic and colorectal treatments.
News of the day
NHS Meets Target To Cut C. Difficile Infections Two Years Ahead Of Schedule, UK
Health Secretary Andy Burnham has congratulated NHS staff for their success in meeting the Government"s target to reduce Clostridium. difficile (C. difficile) infections by 30 per cent two years ahead of schedule.

Nutrition

Patient Upside Murky In Drug-Price Cases

"The prices of hundreds of brand-name drugs are about to be cut 4%, and millions of Americans may soon receive a check in the mail as compensation for having overpaid for their prescriptions," but "the extent to which the average consumer will benefit isn"t yet clear," the Wall Street Journal reports. "The price cuts and expected payments are the result of federal class-action settlements involving two drug-price publishers and a major drug wholesaler that were accused of inflating drug prices."

The Pressure Is On For African Americans With Hypertension

Nearly two-thirds (63

Lack Of Information Fuels Cancer Screening Fears According To Review Covering Nearly 6,000 Women

Fear plays a major role in whether women decide to go for cancer screening or not, but healthcare providers underestimate how much women need to know and wrongly assume that they will ask for information if they want it.

A Real-Life Example Of Humans\' Dual Vision System

It"s rare when real-world events perfectly mirror experiments that scientists are conducting.

Protecting Against Obesity And Atherosclerosis By Blocking A Muscle Growth-Limiting Hormone

Knockout of myostatin, a growth factor that limits muscle growth, can decrease body fat and promote resistance against developing atherosclerosis, or "hardening" of the arteries, according to a new study conducted in mice. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society"s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Colorectal Surgery Risk Determined By New American College Of Surgeons Risk Calculator

New research published in the June issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that a risk calculator developed by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) can help surgeons provide patients with more detailed and accurate preoperative information about the risk of death and complications following colorectal surgery. The tool will also allow surgeons to adjust risk probabilities for patients based on their hospital"s performance during prior years.

A New Way The Body Fights Fungal Infection Discovered By Researchers At Case Western Reserve

A team of researchers led by Amy G. Hise, M.D., M.P.H., assistant professor at the Center for Global Health and Diseases, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, is the first to discover how the body fights off oral yeast infections caused by the most common human fungal pathogen, Candida.

New Book About Women\'s Health Looks At The Good And Evil Of Hormones

The evidence is in. Estrogen does not halt aging or protect women from heart disease and dementia, nor is it the safest or best treatment for the hot flashes, night sweats and the insomnia that are associated with menopause and perimenopause. Quite simply - estrogen is not a good and magical hormone - as Susan Baxter, PhD., and Dr. Jerilynn C. Prior, painstakingly prove in their book, The Estrogen Errors; Why Progesterone is Better for Women"s Health.

Calorie-Burning \'Brown Fat\' Found In Adults, Especially Women

Keeping your baby fat turns out to be a good thing, as long as it is "brown fat"- the kind that burns calories, according to a study that found adults have much more of this type of fat than previously thought. The results, which suggest a new way to treat obesity, were presented at The Endocrine Society"s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Rosiglitazone Does Not Harm Bone Healing If Combined With Metformin In Rats

Taking the diabetes medications metformin and rosiglitazone together reverses the adverse effects on bone of rosiglitazone treatment alone in an experimental model, according to a new study done in rats. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society"s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Bacterial \'Sex\' Causes Antibiotic Resistance

Some disease-causing bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics because they have peculiar sex lives, say researchers publishing new results in the journal Science. The new study helps scientists understand how bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics, which is a major challenge for those treating infectious diseases, say the authors from Imperial College London.

New Phase 3 Data Continue To Indicate That Wyeth\'s Investigational 13-valent Vaccine Has The Potential To Cover Against Pneumococcal Disease

New data from Phase 3 European clinical trials reinforce that Wyeth"s (NYSE: WYE) investigational pneumococcal vaccine, Prevenar 13 (Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Conjugate Vaccine, 13-valent [Adsorbed]), has the potential to provide coverage against the 13 most prevalent serotypes associated with pneumococcal disease (PD), the leading cause of vaccine-preventable death in children younger than five worldwide.

IDRI Makes Its Adjuvant Available To Increase Global Supply Of Pandemic Vaccines

Following the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of swine flu pandemic, the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) announced it has successfully developed an adjuvant that could significantly enhance both the effectiveness and supplies of pandemic flu vaccines. The Seattle-based not-for-profit organization will make its adjuvant technology available to flu vaccine manufacturers for the production of A (H1N1) or future pandemic flu vaccines.

Drug That Targets Vasculature Growth Attacks Aggressive Thyroid Cancer

A medication that helps stop the growth of new blood vessels has produced dramatic benefits for some patients with aggressive thyroid cancer, research from Mayo Clinic indicates.

What Is Embolism? What Are The Different Types Of Embolism?

An embolism - from the Greek çİmbolos meaning "stopper" or "plug" - is the term that describes a condition where an object called an embolus is created in one part of the body, circulates throughout the body, and then blocks blood flowing through a vessel in another part of the body. Emboli (plural of embolus) are not to be confused with thrombi (plural of thrombus), which are clots that are formed and remain in one area of the body without being carried throughout the bloodstream.

Gene Therapy Technique Thwarts Cancer By Cutting Off Tumor Blood Supply

University of Florida researchers have come up with a new gene therapy method to disrupt cancer growth by using a synthetic protein to induce blood clotting that cuts off a tumor"s blood and nutrient supply.

Depression Medications May Reduce Male Fertility

As many as half of all men taking the antidepressant medication paroxetine (trade names Seroxat, Paxil) may have increased sperm DNA fragmentation -- a predictor of compromised fertility. Research led by NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center also found that the changes are reversible with normal levels of sperm returning after discontinuation of the drug.

Yeast \'DNA Damage Sensor\' Provides Chemotherapy Resistance Clue

Cancer Research UK scientists have been part of an international collaboration that has revealed the structure of a protein found in simple yeast cells and shown how it flags up damaged DNA for repair. The results of their study are published in Nature*. The finding may provide clues as to how some cancer cells become resistant to certain chemotherapy drugs.

Genetic Immunity, InPlay Completes Patient Enrollment In Phase II Trial Of DermaVir Patch HIV Immunotherapeutic Nanomedicine Lead Product Candidate

Power of the Dream Ventures, Inc. (OTCBB: PWRV), Hungary"s premier technology acquisition and development company, is pleased to present this Genetic Immunity release, based on a previously announced agreement whereby Power of the Dream Ventures will issue communications for Genetic Immunity on a going forward basis.

World Health Organization Raises Pandemic Alert Level To Phase 6

Following today"s decision by the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise its H1N1 influenza pandemic alert to Phase 6, its highest level, Marsh, the world"s leading insurance broker and risk advisor, is recommending that all organizations continue to focus on potential economic and jurisdictional issues in shaping their response to the current pandemic.

Emergent BioSolutions Meets With FDA To Review Regulatory Strategy For Recombinant Anthrax Vaccine

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS) announced that it has met with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to review Emergent"s regulatory strategy for the development of its recombinant anthrax (rPA) vaccine. Emergent recently submitted to FDA, among other documents, its rPA Development Plan in response to the Department of Health and Human Services" (HHS) amendment to its request for proposal (RFP) to develop and deliver up to 25 million doses of an rPA vaccine for the Strategic National Stockpile. In amending the RFP, HHS required that all bidders deemed to be in the competitive range submit to FDA a comprehensive plan outlining the regulatory strategy for their rPA vaccine. Emergent completed that submission on May 12, 2009 ahead of the June 15, 2009 submission deadline.

Brain Neural Circuit Formation Requires Identification Of A Key Molecular Pathway

The research group of Dr. Frçİdçİric Charron, a researcher at the Institut de recherches cliniques de Montrçİal (IRCM), has made a discovery which could help treat spinal cord injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. This new finding has been published in the current issue of the prestigious scientific journal Neuron. Patricia T. Yam, Sçİbastien D. Langlois and Steves Morin, all at the IRCM, are listed as co-authors.

Cook Completes Patient Enrollment In REFORM Clinical Trial

Cook Medical is pleased to announce the completion of patient enrollment in its REFORM clinical trial, officials of Cook Medical reported today. The REFORM trial is designed to evaluate Cook"s advanced Formula™ Balloon Expandable Stent for the treatment of renal artery stenosis, a narrowing of the renal artery that can result in hypertension, renal atrophy, and kidney failure if left untreated.

Individuals Who Apply Pesticides Are Found To Have Double The Risk Of Blood Disorder

A study involving 678 individuals who apply pesticides, culled from a U.S. Agricultural Health Study of over 50,000 farmers, recently found that exposure to certain pesticides doubles one"s risk of developing an abnormal blood condition called MGUS (monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance) compared with individuals in the general population. The disorder, characterized by an abnormal level of a plasma protein, requires lifelong monitoring as it is a pre-cancerous condition that can lead to multiple myeloma, a painful cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. The study will appear in the June 18 issue of Blood, the official journal of the American Society of Hematology.

Transcept Pharmaceuticals Announces Expected FDA Extension Of Regulatory Review Period For Intermezzo(R)

Transcept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: TSPT) announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has informed the company that it should expect to receive formal notice of a three month extension of the review period for the new drug application (NDA) for Intermezzo(R) (zolpidem tartrate sublingual tablet). The Intermezzo(R) NDA had been assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) date of July 30, 2009. Under this revised timeline, Transcept now anticipates action from the FDA on the NDA on or before October 31, 2009.

LA Eye Surgeon Performs 8 Corneal Transplants In Syria

Dr. Jonathan C. Song, director of the Cornea Institute in the Vision Center at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and an eye surgeon specializing in corneal diseases and transplantation, has just returned from a medical mission in which he worked with Syrian and Iraqi eye surgeons at the Syrian city of Dier Ezzor. During the medical mission, May 18-22, Dr. Song saw 50 patients and performed eight corneal transplants and five cataract surgeries. In addition to holding training sessions with Syrian ophthalmologists, he also lectured to 25 Syrian and Iraqi medical professionals about advanced eye surgery techniques.

New Treatment Option At The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center Provides Hope For Inoperable Tumors

The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center (SCCC) at Centennial Medical Center last week began treating patients with a new non-invasive weapon in the battle against cancer. The Sarah Cannon Cancer Center is the first and only cancer center in Middle Tennessee to offer image-guided robotic stereotactic radiosurgery.

Estrogens Do Not Protect Against Cardiovascular Death For Transsexuals

Long-term estrogen use does not protect male-to-female transsexuals from death due to cardiovascular disease but does not appear to raise their overall death rate, a new study found. The results were presented at The Endocrine Society"s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C.

Demand For Integrated Vascular Residency Training Outweighs Positions

The number of talented and motivated applicants for integrated vascular training programs far outweighs available positions according to a new, four-year study by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

Doctors And Software Engineers Pioneer An Advanced Sepsis Detection And Management System

When Jason Martin gives a talk about his research, he begins with the dramatic story of Mariana Bridi da Costa: The young Brazilian supermodel died from severe sepsis in January after amputation of both her hands and feet failed to stop its spread.

Total Laparoscopic Aortic Surgery Is Feasible, Shows Satisfactory Results

Recently the use of laparoscopy for vascular procedures has been limited by difficulties in aortic exposure and anastomosis techniques, as well as the concurrent competitive progress of endovascular surgery. For aortic repair, best results (in terms of long-term patency) have been obtained by conventional surgery which has been associated short-term morbidity and mortality.

Impact Of Surgeon And Hospital Volume On Outcomes Of Radical Prostatectomy

UroToday.com - In the online edition of Urologic Oncology, Dr. Michael Cookson and his colleagues at Vanderbilt University reviewed the impact of surgeon and hospital volume on outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP). They concluded that better outcomes are associated with higher volume surgeons and centers.

ACOG Endorses Full Equity For CNM(R) And CM(R) Reimbursement Under Medicare

The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), the nation"s oldest women"s health organization, is pleased to announce that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has reaffirmed its support for equitable reimbursement for certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) within the Medicare program, a priority legislative initiative for ACNM members.

The Doctor Will See You At The Next Window; Drive-Through Pandemic Exercise Was First In Nation

A couple of months ago, Stanford Hospital had a preview of what a real pandemic might look like: hundreds of people, fearing they might be sick with the H1N1 virus, showed up at the emergency department looking for help. Hospital officials scrambled fast, converting some space over night into an infection-controlled triage area.

Swine Flu Cases In The USA, Breakdown By State, 17th May, 2009

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and WHO (World Health Organization), the total number of swine flu A(H1N1) cases stood at 4,714, plus four deaths, on 17th May, 2009. Non-essential travel to Mexico has been downgraded from a "Warning" to a "Precaution"; meaning authorities consider travel to Mexico as not being dangerous for people who are not at high risk of normal flu complications.

Medicare Reimbursement Issues Enter Health Reform Debate

New legislation introduced yesterday would attempt to shift Medicare reimbursement policy to reward patient health outcomes, rather than the volume of services provided, MinnPost, a nonprofit online news organization, reports. "We need to be sure to keep score," said Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., who introduced the bill, according to MinnPost. "That means measuring outcomes and rewarding providers that deliver quality results."

Michigan Hospitals Suffer GM\'s Bankruptcy, New Medicaid Cuts

Health care could be the next Michigan industry to take a tumble, as hospitals anticipate caring for more uninsured patients in the wake of General Motor"s bankruptcy and cuts to the state Medicaid program, the Detroit Free Press reports. "Job seekers will notice fewer openings, as health systems, once a reliable of employment and good benefits, cut their workforce. Patients may see longer waits, particularly in areas like imaging or surgery, hit by drops in business as people without insurance or higher co-pays postpone care," the Free Press reports. "Jack Weiner, CEO of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland in Pontiac, said as much as 7%-9% of his hospital"s budget comes from services to autoworkers. Free care at the hospital is up; more people seek costly emergency department care; waits to see an obstetrician at the hospital"s Mercy Place free clinic have stretched to six weeks, up from two, he said."

A Selection Of Recent Opinion Pieces

How Safeway Is Cutting Health Care Costs - Wall Street Journal

Threat Of Beer Bellies And Man Boobs Scaring Men Into Moderation

Concerns about health and looks are driving thousands to cut back on booze

Declaration Of H1N1 Pandemic To Accelerate H1N1 Vaccine Production

The WHO"s decision Thursday to declare H1N1 (swine) flu a pandemic will "speed the production of a vaccine against the new virus," however scientists continue to caution that "it will be fall at the earliest before the first doses are available," the Los Angeles Times reports.

Progress Seen In Some African HIV/AIDS Prevention, Treatment Programs, U.N. Special Envoy Says At World Economic Forum On Africa

Several African countries have successfully scaled up their HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs, U.N. Special Envoy for HIV and AIDS in Africa Elizabeth Mataka said during a media briefing at the World Economic Forum on Africa being held in Cape Town, South Africa, the ZANIS/Lusaka Times reports. Zambia and Botswana were among some of the countries that have made significant progress in southern Africa, according to Mataka.

Studies Examine Morning Sickness Drug, Progesterone Use To Prevent Premature Birth

The following summarizes news coverage on two pregnancy-related studies. ~ Morning sickness: The commonly prescribed heartburn drug metoclopramide -- sold generically and under the brand-names Reglan, Octamide and Maxolon -- can be used to treat morning sickness without harming the health of the fetus, according to a study published on Thursday in the New England Journal of Medicine, Time reports. The drug, which also has anti-nausea properties, is not FDA-approved for use in pregnant women in the U.S., though it is commonly prescribed in European and other countries to treat morning sickness (Park, Time, 6/10). According to the Los Angeles Times, U.S. physicians occasionally prescribe metoclopramide to treat severe morning sickness cases. The new study found that there were no statistically significant differences between infants born to women who took metoclopramide and those who did not. Researchers said that the findings "provide reassurance regarding the safety of metoclopramide for the fetus when the drug is given to women to relieve nausea and vomiting during pregnancy." The study involved 81,703 births among women enrolled in Israel"s largest health HMO, including 33,458 who used the drug (Maugh, Los Angeles Times, 6/11). Jennifer Niebyl, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Iowa, said, "There are very few drugs approved for use in the first trimester of pregnancy. But this study could lead to metoclopramide getting approved to treat morning sickness because this is good data with big numbers" (Time, 6/10).~ Progesterone: The hormone progesterone was not effective at preventing premature births among women pregnant with twins, despite evidence suggesting its effectiveness at preventing premature births in single pregnancies, according to a University of Edinburgh study published in the journal Lancet, Reuters reports. Multiple pregnancies have a larger health risk for women and significantly increase the likelihood of miscarriage, premature birth and long-term health problems. The study involved 500 women who took either progesterone or a placebo daily for 10 weeks. Although previous studies have shown that progesterone might prevent premature birth in certain high-risk pregnancies, the new findings show the treatment did not reduce the likelihood of premature delivery or a fetus dying in utero in twin pregnancies. Twenty-five percent of women delivered or had a fetus die before 34 weeks in the progesterone group, compared with 20% in the placebo group (Kahn, Reuters, 6/10).

Making Waves: LSU\'s WAVCIS Increases Modeling Capabilities

LSU"s WAVCIS, or Wave-Current-Surge Information System for Coastal Louisiana, has a few new tricks up its sleeve in preparation for the 2009 hurricane season.

Breakthrough Swine Flu Test

A leading Melbourne scientist has unveiled a test able to detect Swine Flu, or any other virus, within hours.

Over Half Of People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Have Periodontitis

Over half (56%) of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) also have periodontitis (a chronic inflammatory disease of the gum and surrounding ligaments and bones that hold the teeth in place), displaying fewer teeth than healthy matched controls, high prevalence of oral sites presenting dental plaque and advanced attachment loss (the extent of periodontal support that has been destroyed around a tooth) (chi square p

Theratechnologies Presents Results From A Pharmacokinetic/Phamacodynamic Evaluation Of Tesamorelin At The Endocrine Society\'s Annual Meeting

Theratechnologies (TSX:TH) announced today that results from a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) evaluation of tesamorelin were presented as a poster (Poster number: P3-641) at the Endocrine Society"s 91st Annual Meeting in Washington D.C. Tesamorelin is an analogue of the growth hormone releasing factor evaluated for the treatment of excess abdominal fat in HIV patients with lipodystrophy.

Launch Of Lung Health Check On WebMD Announced By COPD Foundation

The COPD Foundation announces launch of the Lung Health Check, developed in an educational collaboration with WebMD. Development of the Lung Health Check was made possible by funding from the COPD Foundation.

UPCI Joins ExCell Research Study Using Stem Cells For Leukemia And Lymphoma Patients

The University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) and the Gamida Cell - Teva Joint Venture announced today that the Institute has joined an elite group of cancer centers in Europe, the United States and Israel that are now enrolling patients to participate in the ExCell research study.

Study Suggests Vitamin D Screening And Appropriate Supplementation Indicated For All Cancer Patients

Vitamin D deficiency was found to be prevalent in cancer patients regardless of nutritional status, according to the results of a recent study conducted at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). Based on these results, CTCA researchers determined that screening for vitamin D deficiency and aggressive vitamin D repletion should be considered for all people with cancer.

FluoroPharma To Present Phase I Study Results Of Novel Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Myocardial Perfusion Imaging (MPI) Tracer

FluoroPharma Inc., a company developing breakthrough PET molecular imaging agents, announced that it will present Phase I data relating to the safety, dosimetry, and pharmacokinetics in human subjects of BFPET, its novel 18-F labeled PET tracer for myocardial perfusion imaging, at the Society of Nuclear Medicine 2009 Annual Meeting in Toronto.

UK\'s NICE Recommends Use Of Erbitux For Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients

The United Kingdom"s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published a Final Appraisal Determination (FAD) recommending the use of the drug Erbitux® (cetuximab) in combination with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment for patients with metastatic (advanced) colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have met specific additional criteria(1) - presenting the possibility of potentially curative surgery.(2) The treatment is recommended for patients in whom the cancer has spread only to the liver and who have normal or "wild-type" KRAS tumors.(1) In the UK, a recommendation by NICE is a prerequisite for funding of a medical treatment by the National Health Service.

Attitudes Towards Mental Health Heading For Tipping Point

New Government figures out today (1) suggest public attitudes towards mental health are finally taking a turn. After 15 years where we have seen attitudes deteriorate and deep-seated prejudice, ignorance and fear thrive, there are now signs of improvement. Time to Change, England"s biggest anti-discrimination programme led by charities Mind and Rethink, believes that the public are now open to change and this is undoubtedly the time to act to end mental health discrimination.

MPS Clarifies Indemnity Arrangements For GPs During A Pandemic Flu Outbreak

Medical Protection Society (MPS) GP members, who are expected to work outside of their normal duties during a pandemic flu, should feel confident that they can turn to the MPS for assistance, in the event they are subject to a clinical negligence claim or other medicolegal matter such as a complaint.

FDA Warns Web Sites Against Marketing Fraudulent H1N1 Flu Virus Claims

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is enforcing the laws that protect consumers from illegal products marketed through the Internet that claim to diagnose, prevent, mitigate, treat or cure the 2009 H1N1 flu virus.

The Australian Community Continues To Value Nurses: Nurses Voted The Most \'ethical And Honest\' Profession For The 15th Year Running

The Australian Nursing Federation (ANF) says the annual Roy Morgan professions survey, which shows nurses are regarded as the most "ethical and honest" of all professions, confirms the Australian public continues to appreciate the benefits nurses bring to Australia"s health.

National Pharmacy Benefit Manager To Strengthen How It Provides Language Assistance Services

National pharmacy benefit management company Medco will significantly improve access to its services for limited English proficient members in 2009, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced today.

A Selection Of Editorials And Opinions

Wrong Way On Health Reform Washington Post

Boston Globe Examines U.S. Global Health Strategy

The Boston Globe examines the U.S. strategy towards global health aid. "President George W. Bush scored major advances in his administration"s worldwide campaign against AIDS," and "[t]he Obama administration believes it can leverage Bush"s successes into an assault against a much broader array of diseases that afflict poor countries," writes the Globe.

GlaxoSmithKline To Cut Some Drug Costs In Emerging Markets

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plans to decrease the prices of many of its leading medicines in emerging markets following the success of a pilot program in the Philippines, Andrew Witty, GSK"s chief executive, said, Financial Times reports. Witty said the price cuts are part of an effort to diversify and expand globally.

Pregnant Women At High Risk Of Complications From H1N1 Influenza

With the H1N1 flu outbreak now elevated to pandemic level, a new article http://www.cmaj.ca/cgi/rapidpdf/cmaj.090866 in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) reports that oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) and zanamivir (Relenza®) are relatively safe drugs for use in pregnant and breast-feeding women.

Summer Interns Arrive At Herman B Wells Center For Pediatric Research

Twenty-nine students arrived at Indiana University School of Medicine"s Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research to work a 10-week summer internship alongside top pediatric researchers. More than 250 applicants vied for the treasured research spots. Most of the candidates come from Indiana universities.

Brain Energy Use Key To Understanding Consciousness, Yale Researchers Find

High levels of brain energy are required to maintain consciousness, a finding which suggests a new way to understand the properties of this still mysterious state of being, Yale University researchers report.

Two New Reports Highlight Stalled Progress Against Diarrheal Disease: Nearly 1.6m Children Die Each Year From These Preventable And Treatable Diseases

PATH and WaterAid America released two new reports that show that the international aid community and developing-country governments are not responding to clear evidence on child mortality by targeting res where the disease burden is greatest. Diarrheal disease, a leading killer of children under age five worldwide, is responsible for the deaths of nearly 1.6 million children annually, yet it receives very little attention from both policymakers and the public. During the 1980s and 1990s, diarrheal disease mortality rates were cut by nearly 50 percent, made possible by wide availability and implementation of lifesaving prevention and treatment interventions.

Popular Alzheimer\'s Theory May Be False Trail

The idea that anti-inflammatory drugs might protect people struggling with dementia from Alzheimer"s disease has received a blow with the online release of a study of human brain tissue in Acta Neuropathologica.

SANE Launches Website For Teens In Families Affected By Mental Illness, Australia

SANE Australia launches a new website - itsallright.org - to support the half a million Australian teenagers affected by mental illness in their family.

The Sweet Taste Of Uncertainty: Winners Enjoy Waiting To Discover What They\'ve Won

You"ve just won a prize. Would you like to find out what it is right away, or wait until later? A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research says most people are happier waiting.

The European Biotech Industry Applauds UK Efforts To Place Industrial Biotech At The Center Of A Low Carbon Economy

EuropaBio, the European biotech industry association applauds the report "IB 2025: Maximising UK Opportunities from Industrial Biotechnology in a Low Carbon Economy" (1) released today by the UK"s Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR). The biotech industry welcomes the report which is completely in line with the EU"s Lead Market Initiative for Biobased Products (2). EuropaBio is also pleased to note that the report also embraces EuropaBio"s policy recommendations (3) developed to help the EU realise the vision of a Knowledge-Based Bio-Economy (KBBE).

The Complicated Consumer: Positive Ads Aren\'t Always The Most Effective

Ads that feature positive emotions, like happiness, are not always the best way to reach consumers, according to a new study in the Journal of Consumer Research.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Chemists Develop Distributed Drug Discovery: Finding Drugs For Neglected Diseases

Researchers from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) have developed Distributed Drug Discovery (D3), a new low-cost strategy to accelerate the discovery of drugs to treat neglected diseases such as tuberculosis, leprosy, leshmaniasis, dengue fever, and Chagas disease.

HIVMA Supports Public Plan Option To Ensure Patients\' Needs Are Met

As Congress drafts health care reform legislation, HIV clinicians urge lawmakers to include a public plan option to ensure affordable access to comprehensive care for HIV patients - nearly 30 percent of whom have no insurance. The HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA) believes that a public plan option can help offer everyone the chance to benefit from early and reliable access to lifesaving HIV care and treatment.

UPMC Cardiovascular Institute Recruiting For Severe Coronary Heart Disease Study

The UPMC Cardiovascular Institute currently is enrolling participants for a Phase 2 clinical trial to examine whether administering a naturally occurring protein improves blood supply to the cardiac muscle in patients with severe coronary artery disease.

Cheryl Gillan\'s Autism Bill Passes Crucial Milestone

The Government has, for the first time, declared its support for what could be England"s first Autism Bill. The National Autistic Society (NAS) celebrated the move as a vital development for people with autism as Care Services Minister Phil Hope committed to enshrining in law a raft of new measures, via the Autism Bill, which could drive a dramatic improvement in local authority and NHS services for people with the condition.

Hebrew University Research Leads To Advanced Trials Of New Cancer Treatment

Research by a Hebrew University of Jerusalem professor has led to the development of a product that has been shown in clinical trials to be successful in halting the growth of various types of cancer cells.

Researchers Develop Key Brake For Immune Cells In Petri Dish -- Hope For Easier Organ Transplantation?

Scientists from the Helmholtz Center for Infection Research in Braunschweig, Germany and the Medical School Hannover, Germany have succeeded in treating immune cells in a way that enables them to inhibit unwanted immune reactions such as organ rejection. Their results have now been published in the current issue of the scientific journal Journal of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.

Who Director General Calls For Fairness In International Policies

New York: With a growing recognition that "blind faith in economic growth and gain as the be-all, end-all, cure-for-all has been misplaced," World Health Organization Director-General Dr Margaret Chan responded to leaders who have been calling for a redesign of international systems.

The Downside Of Microtubule Stability - Study Shows Stalled Microtubules Might Be Responsible For Some Cases Of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Stalled microtubules might be responsible for some cases of the neurological disorder Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, Tanabe and Takei report in the June 15, 2009 issue of the Journal of Cell Biology. A mutant protein makes the microtubules too stable to perform their jobs, the researchers find.

NASAC Statement On The Occasion Of The G8+5 Summit In L\'Aquila, Italy

A group of scientific academies in Africa encourages the G8+5 countries to help Africa stem the scientific brain drain.

Rush University Medical Center Only Illinois Hospital To Receive Perfect Rating On Healthcare Equality Index

Rush University Medical Center is the only hospital in Illinois and the only hospital in the Midwest to receive the highest possible rating in the Healthcare Equality Index 2009 (HEI), which is an annual survey that evaluates the nation"s hospitals on their treatment of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) patients, their families and hospital employees.

Henry Ford Health System Adopts Healthy Interactions Conversation Map(R) Education Program As Standard Curriculum In Diabetes Education

Henry Ford Health System, one of the nation"s top rated health systems and recognized visionaries in offering quality care, formally announced its adoption of Healthy Interactions U.S. Diabetes Conversation Map® education program in its diabetes education curriculum, proclaiming them to demonstrate increased effectiveness in helping patients with diabetes live with their condition. The five Conversation Map tools, which were developed in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association and sponsored by Merck & Co., are based around large colorful 5 ft by 3 ft discussion displays.

Study Demonstrates Efficacy Of Pitavastatin In Elderly Patients

New data presented showed that pitavastatin is an effective treatment for the management of dyslipidemia in elderly patients, with a similar safety and tolerability profile to low-dose pravastatin. The Phase III data were presented by Kowa, at the XV International Symposium on Atherosclerosis in Boston.

Sparta Systems(TM) Outlines Tips And Tactics To Prepare For EMDR Mandate

Sparta Systems, Inc., the maker of TrackWise(R) software and the market leader in enterprise quality and compliance management solutions, outlined its recommendations to help companies prepare for electronic Medical Device Reporting (eMDR), the expected regulation from FDA Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH). The mandate will require electronic filing of safety reports for medical device organizations.

FDA Clears Hologic R2(TM) DigitalNow(TM) HD Software Application

Hologic, Inc. (Hologic or the Company) (Nasdaq: HOLX), a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of premium diagnostics, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, announced that it has received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for its R2(TM) DigitalNow(TM) HD software application.

Global Med Technologies(R) Licenses Transfusion Software Solution To Nationwide Healthcare System

Global Med Technologies(R), Inc. ("Global Med" or the "Company") (OTC Bulletin Board: GLOB), an international healthcare information technology company, announced that its Wyndgate Technologies(R) division has licensed its SafeTrace Tx(R) transfusion management software to a 40+ hospital healthcare system. The organization will also be contracting validation services, another cost-effective business solution, from Global Med"s PeopleMed subsidiary. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Milestone Robotic Prostatectomy For NJ Surgeon

Marking a unique milestone in prostate cancer surgery, the director of urologic oncology at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ) has completed his 500th robotic prostatectomy at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), the Flagship Hospital of CINJ, which is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Likelihood Of Having Breast And Cervical Screening Associated To Wealth And Ethnicity

A research published today on bmj.com reports that Caucasian British women are more likely to have had a mammogram. And there is more probability that women owning cars or homes have had a mammogram.

All Party Parliamentary Group For Parkinson\'s Disease Announces Report & Parkinson\'s Disease Society Launches Fair Care For Parkinson\'s

When: 8 July 2009 6:00pm - 8:00pm

MountainView Hospital RNs File To Join National Nurses Movement

In a bid to improve RN-to-patient staffing ratios, win an equitable contract, and ensure the highest safety standards for all their patients, the registered nurses of MountainView Hospital in Las Vegas, owned by HCA, have filed a petition to join the California Nurses Association/National Nurses Organizing Committee, the nation"s pre-eminent professional association and union for RNs.

6 \'Major Health Agencies\' Form Alliance To Address Chronic Diseases In Developing Countries

A group of "major health agencies" from Australia, Canada, China, the U.K. and the U.S., which "together control 80 percent of the world"s public health-research funding," have joined together to form the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) to combat chronic diseases in developing countries, Time reports (Walsh, Time, 6/16).

Opinion: U.S. Should Double Global Maternal, Child Health Spending; Ban, Chan Want \'Global Solidarity\'; Res For Diabetes, HIV/AIDS

U.S. Should Double Newborn, Maternal Health Spending, Encourage Other G8 Countries To Do The Same

ASHP, ASHP Foundation Launch Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and the ASHP Foundation today announced the Pharmacy Practice Model Initiative (PPMI), the next major step in the evolution of pharmacy practice in hospitals and health systems.

Society Responds To The Draft Pharmacy Order 2009 Consultation Results

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB) welcomes the signs of good

New Report Outlines Current, Future Impacts Of Climate Change

A new report issued recently by the U.S. Global Change Research Program outlines the extent of climate change around the U.S. and its effects not only at present but for the future as well.

PhytoMedical\'s Anti-Cancer Compound Development Advancing After A Series Of Highly Favorable Test Results

PhytoMedical Technologies, Inc. (OTCBB:PYTO) (FWB:ET6), announced the advancement of their anti-cancer compound research and development. The culmination of a series of favorable test results conducted over several months have allowed the company to justifiably expand their cancer research efforts which includes the designing of an IV formulation of their key compound.

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals Announces Final Lomitapide (AEGR-733) Phase II Data

Aegerion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, announced final data from three separate Phase II trials involving its lead cholesterol management compound, lomitapide (AEGR-733), which is a microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor (MTP-I) small molecule drug. The final data was recently presented at the American Diabetes Association"s "69th Scientific Sessions" in New Orleans, LA on June 7, 2009 and the International Symposium on Atherosclerosis (ISA) in Boston, MA on June 15, 2009.

Clear Innova Launches Innovative Radiology Information System

Clear Innova announced the launch of a next-generation radiology information system (RIS) that will serve as an efficient, cost-effective practice management solution for imaging centers and hospital radiology departments.

ChemGenex To Present Pivotal Data In T315I Positive CML Patients As Oral Presentation At ASCO

ChemGenex Pharmaceuticals Limited (ASX:CXS) (NASDAQ:CXSP) announced that updated clinical data from the registration-directed clinical trial of omacetaxine will be presented as an oral presentation at the forthcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 45th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Cooking Carrots Whole Preserves More Anti-Cancer Properties, Study

A new study by UK scientists showed that cooking carrots whole preserves their anti-cancer properties better than cooking them sliced or

Investigational Drug Shows Promise As Treatment For Overexposure To Common Cancer Chemotherapy

The emergency use of an investigational drug has yielded promising results in reducing the potentially fatal side effects of the widely used cancer chemotherapy 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), according to clinical data that will be reported June 1 at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Orlando.1

17 Of America\'s Most Promising Scientists Selected As 2009 Pew Scholars In The Biomedical Sciences

The Pew Charitable Trusts today named 17 early-career scientists as Pew Scholars in the Biomedical Sciences. Scholars receive a $240,000 award over four years to help support their work, which this year includes research related to cancer, Parkinson"s disease, birth defects and epilepsy. The Scholars also gain inclusion into a select community of scientists that includes Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and recipients of the Albert Lasker Medical Research Award.

New \'H1N1 Flu Re Centre\' Available On TheLancet.com

The Lancet has partnered with over 40 Elsevier-published journals and 11 learned societies to launch a new H1N1 Flu Re Centre for healthcare professionals at TheLancet.com. Developed byThe Lancet editors, this new online information clearinghouse aggregates infectious disease and public health information from across Elsevier"s spectrum of content.

Discovery Of The Cell\'s Water Gate May Lead To New Cancer Drugs

The flow of water into and out from the cell may play a crucial role in several types of cancer. Scientists at the University of Gothenburg have now found the gate that regulates the flow of water into yeast cells. The discovery, which has been published in the journal PLoS Biology, raises hopes of developing a drug that inhibits the spread and growth of tumours.

Pneumococcal Vaccine Reduces Child Deaths In Developing Countries

A new trial has found that pneumococcal vaccine is effective in preventing severe pneumonia, the leading cause of death among children in developing countries. Co-ordinated by the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) between 2000 and 2004, a large scale efficacy trial first of its kind in Asia - was carried out in the Philippines to investigate the effect of an investigational pneumococcal vaccine.

New Legislation Seeks To Boost Participation In Clinical Trials For Rare Diseases

New legislation introduced would allow patients with rare diseases to participate in clinical drug studies without losing their eligibility for government healthcare coverage.

Don\'t Forget Your Condoms At Swansea Pride, Says Terrence Higgins Trust Cymru

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Cymru is reminding visitors to Swansea Pride (Saturday 27th June) not to put their sexual health at risk by getting carried away with the party mood.

Paladin Labs Announces Canadian Launch Of Twinject(R) TwinpackTM For Anaphylaxis

Good news for the 1.3 million Canadian patients at risk for anaphylaxis, as Paladin Labs Inc. (TSX:PLB), a leading Canadian specialty pharmaceutical company, announced the Canadian launch of Twinject® TwinpackTM, making it more convenient for people to manage this potentially life threatening condition.

Loan Repayment Legislation Includes Physical Therapists As Frontline Providers

Legislation to establish a Frontline Providers Loan Repayment Program that includes physical therapists was introduced Tuesday by Representative Bruce Braley (D-IA). The Access to Frontline Health Care Act of 2009 (HR 2891) would encourage physical therapists to practice in underserved areas, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Obama Plan To Cut Hospital Payments Draws Ire

The Obama administration has called for $200 billion in cuts for hospital reimbursements in an effort to overhaul the health care system. Federal funding under the reimbursement system known as "disproportionate share payments" is provided to hospitals in large part to help meet the cost of caring for the uninsured. Administration officials argue that as the number of uninsured decrease, reimbursements should also fall. However, hospital leaders and staff worry about such cuts as well as calls for a government-run insurance plan to compete with private plans.

Insurers Refuse To Stop Canceling Some Sick Patients\' Policies

Members of Congress grilled executives from the insurance industry"s big three - UnitedHealth Group, WellPoint, and Assurant - for canceling coverage of more than 20,000 paying policy holders at a hearing Tuesday, the Los Angeles Times reports. The executives responded that they would continue the practice, known as rescission, which has saved them an estimated $300 million over a five-year period.

Continuing VA Endoscope Contamination Problem Unacceptable, Says The American Legion

The national commander of the nation"s largest veterans service organization is expressing outrage at continuing instances of VA medical personnel exposing their patients to infectious diseases.