Itching

Von Willebrand Disease :: FDA approves new product to treat Von Willebrand Disease

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced the approval of Antihemophilic Factor/von Willebrand Factor Complex (Human), Alphanate. The product is approved for patients undergoing surgery or invasive procedures with von Willebrand disease (vWD) in whom the hormone desmopressin is either ineffective or contraindicated.

HIV :: Common parasitic infection leads to increased risk for HIV infection

A new study shows a significantly increased risk of HIV infection among women with a common sexually transmitted disease, trichomoniasis. Although studies have been undertaken in the past to show the link between sexually transmitted infections and susceptibility to HIV, the study published in the March 1 issue of the Journal of Infectious Diseases, now available online, is one of the first to demonstrate a statistically significant association between trichomoniasis and HIV infection.

Genome :: Genome of parasite responsible for common sexually transmitted infection decoded

Researchers have decoded the genetic makeup of the parasite that causes trichomoniasis, one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), revealing potential clues as to why the parasite has become increasingly drug resistant and suggesting possible pathways for new treatments, diagnostics and a potential vaccine strategy. The genome sequencing project, funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), is detailed in the January 12 issue of Science.

Cancer :: Dua Anti-reflux Valve improves quality of life for bile duct/pancreatic cancer patients

An anti-reflux valve developed to help esophageal cancer patients also has been shown to help those with bile duct obstruction, according to Kulwinder S. Dua, M.D., a research physician at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. The study, using the anti-reflux biliary stent in patients with cancer of the pancreas or bile duct, has been accepted for publication in the journal Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Allergy :: All itches not created equal – Different parts of brain activated depending on cause

Different reactions in the brain to two common allergy triggers — allergens (pollen and dust) and histamine (allergy cells within the body caused by foods, drugs or infection) — may shed some light on the itch-scratch cycle. Allergen-induced itch intensity ratings were higher compared to histamine and perception of itch and changes in blood flow were significantly greater when allergen induced. Itch intensity and changes in blood flow were perceived to exist for significantly longer periods.

Research Findings in Allergy-Immunology Unveiled

Investigators are presenting more than 380 abstracts on preliminary findings in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases at the ACAAI Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Nov. 9-15. Following are highlights of some key investigations on allergic rhinitis and ocular allergies.

Health :: Abbott to Expand Presence in Lipid Management Market with Acquisition of Kos Pharmaceuticals

Abbott and Kos Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced a definitive agreement for Abbott to acquire Kos for $78 per share in cash, for a total transaction value of $3.7 billion, net of cash currently held by Kos. Based in Cranbury, N.J., Kos is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and markets proprietary medications for the treatment of chronic cardiovascular, metabolic and respiratory diseases. The company has a growing presence in the $20 billion lipid management market.