News

An investigational all-oral proteasome inhibitor-MLN9708 (Millennium: The Takeda Oncology Company)-plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone generated high response rates and increased depth of response with extended treatment duration in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients, according to data presented at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 2013 annual meeting in New Orleans.

Evolocumab (Amgen) may offer a new treatment option for patients with dyslipidemia, according to new data from a phase 3 study.

From the State Health Care Cost Containment Commission

Those treated with Umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation powder showed improved lung function.

The two companies have signed an agreement that commits them to a “50/50 joint venture” that may dominate the US market.

Manufacturers must prove products are more effective than soap and water.

Baxter International has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States of 2 lots of premixed sterile intravenous (IV) parenteral nutrition products: CLINIMIX (Amino Acid in Dextrose) Injection and CLINIMIX E (Amino Acid with Electrolytes in Dextrose with Calcium) Injections to the user level because of complaints of particulate matter found in the products.

In the last decade, ICU mortality due to severe pneumococcal pneumonia has significantly decreased. Improved survival is associated with earlier antibiotic prescribing and an increased use of combined antibiotic therapy, according to a study reported online in Chest.

Baxter International has initiated a voluntary recall in the United States of 2 lots of premixed sterile intravenous (IV) parenteral nutrition products: CLINIMIX (Amino Acid in Dextrose) Injection and CLINIMIX E (Amino Acid with Electrolytes in Dextrose with Calcium) Injections to the user level because of complaints of particulate matter found in the products.

FDA approved 27 new drugs last year, down from 39 new medications in 2012, which was a 15-year high, the Associated Press reported.

Research reported by National Nurses United

Take five steps to ensure complete information and optimal performance

In just 1 year, with the rollout of the Affordable Care Act, the healthcare landscape has undergone its most far-reaching change in decades.

Chain and independent pharmacies aim to retain customers

The debate over the most effective methods for genetic testing is an important one.

Despite some key pieces of federal legislation passed in recent years, most drugs-about 93%-are still not studied in neonates. Of those drugs that researchers have studied in this vulnerable population and that bear labels reflecting the changes in pediatric prescribing information, only about half (54%) are used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Ongoing studies may lead FDA to stiffen its bioequivalence rules for generic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and others with so-called narrow therapeutic indices, according to research presented at American Epilepsy Society (AES) annual meeting recently in Washington, D.C., according to MedPage Today.

Last week, the New England Compounding Center's owners and insurers agreed to establish a $100 million compensation fund for its creditors, including the victims who were injured after receiving injections of contaminated steroids produced by the now bankrupt NECC. Victims have until Wednesday, January 15 to submit their claims in the case.

Changes will impact Medicare, Medicaid, tax policy and the competitive landscape.

URAC recognizes best practices

Oregon is the first state to transfer Medicaid populations into accountable care.

Social media and personal calls patch rough relations.

Focus on exchanges gives plans an opening to repair their image among consumers.

Fear and dosing schedules are barriers

Tools help patients and physicians

Reinvent your market approach for long-term survival

Differentiate your brand as B2B becomes B2C

Discussion leaves a sense of uncertainty as to how coverage rules will play out

Invest in efficiency and consider big data

There are 20 states choosing not to expand their Medicaid programs under the ACA.