Indigenous Australians are finding the health care system easier to access, according to a report issued today by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Tony Abbott, and the Minister for Human Services, Joe Hockey.
In two studies presented during the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), held in Philadelphia November 9-15, caregivers considered the ?seal of approval? from the FDA to be the most important factor when looking for an effective asthma treatment for their child. Caregivers and physicians also expressed in the study the need for a standardized assessment tool that could help diagnose and monitor asthma.
Children treated with PULMICORT RESPULES? (budesonide inhalation suspension) either once or twice daily experienced a significantly greater increase in the percentage of asthma-control days compared to those receiving placebo. These results are being presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), held in Philadelphia on November 9-15. Asthma-control days were defined as days when children were free of symptoms and did not use rescue medications during the day and night. Control of asthma symptoms during the day and night and reduction of the need for rescue medication is an important goal of asthma therapy in keeping with current National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) guidelines.
UCLA researchers report that although the majority of medical journals have conflict of interest policies in place for study authors, less than half require such policies for editors or peer-reviewers. In addition, many journals do not inform readers about those potential conflicts that have been disclosed to them.
Results of the two largest studies on hyponatremia, SALT-1 and SALT-2, presented Nov. 14 at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions in Chicago, found that the investigational drug tolvaptan treated hyponatremia ? water intoxication — faster and more effectively than available treatments.
A new combination of a potent anticoagulant and an antidote that stops its action, has proved to be safe in its first clinical trial in humans, according to the team conducting the trial.
Almost everyone suffers from occasional heartburn, even kids. However, if symptoms are persistent and occur two or more days a week, it could signify a condition known as acid reflux disease, commonly known as GERD, which affects roughly two to eight percent of children in the United States. A recent online survey conducted by StrategyOne found that GERD can have a significant impact on kids? lifestyles, and nearly four in ten (38%) parents wished they had more resources about GERD in children.
AstraZeneca announced a new program that provides significant savings to Medicare Part D beneficiaries who may have difficulty affording their medicines. Beginning Nov. 15, people who qualify and enroll will be able to go to their participating local pharmacy and immediately receive savings on AstraZeneca products, including NEXIUM? (esomeprazole), CRESTOR? (rosuvastatin), SEROQUEL? (quetiapine fumarate), TOPROL XL? (metoprolol succinate) and ARIMIDEX? (anastrozole). This is a unique offering in comparison to other patient assistance programs because it gives people convenient savings on their medicines at the pharmacy counter.
Genetic factors are poised to take a leading role in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease.
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.