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Recent FDA action (through September 2012) related to, Lymphoseek, technetium Tc 99m tilmanocept, Tobramycin inhalation powder, Lixivaptan, CRTX 080, ALV003, AB103, Atox Bio

Recent FDA Approvals (through August 2012) related to (Innocutise, Genzyme, Sanofi, Pfizer, Amgen, Astellas Pharma US, Medivation, Gilead Sciences, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Forest, Reckitt Benckiser, Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Sicor Biotech UAB, Teva Corporation, Novartis)

New molecular entity: FDA approved the combination of sodium picosulfate (a stimulant laxative) and magnesium oxide and anhydrous citric acid (which form magnesium citrate, an osmotic laxative) (Prepopik, Ferring Pharmaceuticals) for cleansing of the colon as a preparation for colonoscopy in adults.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system targets synovial joints and causes mild-to-severe joint disease with extra-articular manifestations. This review discusses the current standards of care and details the data being collected on new agents.

Incretin-based therapies are now the most promising therapies for type 2 diabetes.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is making it easier for pharmacists and healthcare professionals to look up drug information by launching an online scientific resource tool.

Surveyed readers indicate that Medicare and Medicaid will be 2013's big winners

Standard identifiers might help plans reduce the number of duplicate claims.

A look at the PPACA Medicaid expansion shows how politics are going to shape it.

A look at the highly controversial individual mandate portion of PPACA indicates that many people won't purchase insurance unless the penalty/tax is more expensive.

Clarity is needed from HHS on exchanges and penalties under reform requirements.

Review the five core antitrust principles of health insurance mergers.

A look at the effect that PPACA will have on part-time employees.

As the 2012 President Election nears, the candidates focus on Medicare and PPACA.

Looking at the next several years, administrative services only agreements appear to be the most profitable line of business.

A look at ACOs indicates that success will depend on managing risks and choosing the best possible partners.

Dual eligibles are a key population in healthcare and can be an area of important growth, but success is not guaranteed.

The decision of whether or not to expand Medicaid might seem like a cut-and-dried issue, but a closer look indicates that the issue isn't s simple.

As the market has reduced its emphasis on employer benefits, insurers need to focus on why consumers choose specific plans.

A balance between security and functionality is needed to drive mHealth.

Medical organizations take DNA patent claims to the Supreme Court to determine eligibility.

Payers see a balance of power when it comes to rate negotiations.

MA plans can use multiple data tools to improve predictive-modeling expertise.

FDA approved regorafenib (Stivarga, Bayer HealthCare) tablets for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with currently available therapies (including fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF therapy, and if KRAS wild type, an anti-EGFR therapy).

FDA has given priority review to an additional indication for lubiprostone (Amitiza, Sucampo Pharmaceuticals and Takeda) for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) in patients with chronic, non-cancer pain.

The National Committee on Quality Assurance has released a new ranking of nearly 500 private health insurance plans.

Watson Laboratories issued a voluntary nationwide recall for 2 lots of hydrocodone bitartrate and APAP Tablets, USP 10 mg/500 mg. Hydrocodone bitartrate and acetaminophen 10 mg/500 mg tablets are indicated for the relief of moderate to moderately severe pain.

FDA has approved aflibercept (Eylea, Regeneron) injection for the treatment of macular edema following central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). The recommended dose for Eylea is 2 mg every 4 weeks (monthly).