Healthcare :: Civilians in West Darfur Deprived of Assistance as Attacks Intensify
Increasing attacks in the Jebel Moon region have caused several thousand civilians to flee their homes, but no aid can reach them.
Medical
Cholesterol :: Intensive Lipitor Therapy Reduced Heart Attack
Results of a new analysis showed that patients who have heart disease and chronic kidney disease who took Lipitor? (atorvastatin calcium) Tablets (80 mg) reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by 32 percent compared with patients taking the 10 mg dose of Lipitor. This analysis of a subset of patients from the five-year TNT (Treating to New Targets) study was designed and completed after the end of the trial. The data were presented here today at the Annual Scientific Sessions of the American Heart Association.
Asthma :: Majority of asthma patients remain uncontrolled
A survey of more than 1,300 asthma patients found that the majority of respondents (61 percent) had uncontrolled asthma based on their Asthma Control Test (ACT) score, and nearly one-third (29 percent) of those were not aware that their asthma was uncontrolled. Uncontrolled asthma may place patients at risk for increased symptoms, sudden attacks, hospitalization and even death from asthma.
Breast Cancer :: FDA Expands Use of Herceptin for Early Stage Breast Cancer After Primary Therapy
The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today expanded the approved use of Herceptin, a biological cancer drug. The new indication is for Herceptin, in combination with other cancer drugs, for the treatment of HER2 positive breast cancer after surgery (lumpectomy or mastectomy). FDA granted priority review to the supplemental application for Herceptin.
FDA Invites Input on Electronic Submission of Regulatory Information
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today announced plans to hold a public hearing to solicit comments and information on the electronic submission of product information. The Agency is also interested in hearing the public’s perspectives on issues related to creating an electronic information exchange platform. Information provided at the hearing will help FDA shape a modern paperless submission process and help facilitate the effective use of submitted information, including drug safety information.
Breast Implants :: FDA Approves Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants
After rigorous scientific review, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) today approved the marketing of silicone gel-filled breast implants made by two companies for breast reconstruction in women of all ages and breast augmentation in women ages 22 and older. The products are manufactured by Allergan Corp. (formerly Inamed Corp.), Irvine, Calif., and Mentor Corp., Santa Barbara, Calif.
Fosrenol data show evidence of trends towards improved bone formation in CKD stage 5 patients
Treatment with the phosphate binder FOSRENOL(R) (lanthanum carbonate) was associated with slight improvements in bone formation in chronic kidney disease (CKD) Stage 5 patients with hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels in the blood), according to long-term (two-year) data presented at the American Society of Nephrology (ASN) meeting. Additional studies presented at ASN document the efficacy and safety of the reformulated and higher-dose FOSRENOL tablets.
Stent :: Studies led by Rhode Island Hospital confirm safety and efficacy
Following two studies of patients who were treated with cardiac stents, physicians at Rhode Island Hospital continue to recommend drug-eluting stents (DES) as a safe and effective treatment.
Heart Disease :: Tβ4 is essential for coronary vessel development report
REGENERX BIOPHARMACEUTICALS, INC. (AMEX: RGN) reported today that a study published in the advanced online edition of the journal Nature supported and elaborated TB4’s significant effects in the damaged hearts of mice and highlighted its therapeutic potential for the treatment of heart attacks and heart failure in humans.
Study explores cause of exercise intolerance in heart failure patients
A new study shows that blood flow to the legs is relatively normal in people with diastolic heart failure, suggesting other potential causes of their inability to do everyday activities, according to researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.