News

Most patients with resistant rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who failed to respond to an initial cycle of rituximab (Rituxan) showed clinical improvement following a second treatment cycle, a British study found, as reported by MedPage.

Researchers will explore whether a new, very low-cost, one-a-day combined ?polypill? could reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular problems across the world, in a major new international trial that has just launched, as reported by ScienceDaily.

In 2009, the drug trend for children, a measure of prescription spending growth, increased 10.8%, driven by a 5% increase in drug utilization and higher medication costs, according to the Medco 2010 Drug Trend Report.

Low-dose hormone therapy significantly reduced ?sleep time? awakenings caused by hot flashes in postmenopausal women, according to the results of a recent multicenter study conducted at 19 US sites.

Results of a new study found that the investigational triple combination therapy of olmesartan medoxomil (OM), amlodipine besylate (AML), and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), demonstrated significantly greater mean reductions at week 12 in blood pressure.

As early as April 2009, FDA and the American Thyroid Association began recommending that propylthiouracil not be prescribed as first-line therapy in most adults or children based on reports of propylthiouracil-related serious liver injury from both the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and liver transplantation monitoring programs.

Improved treatment of severe epilepsy could reduce the overall cost of the condition, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the International Society of Pharmacoeconomic Outcomes Research, in Atlanta.

Many social media sites exist, but healthcare professionals may not know that social media also exists in their realm. It ranges from online medical advice to actual patient-physician appointments.

Overall, 70% of adverse drug events are considered preventable. Since managed care companies are always looking to improve patient care and prevent adverse outcomes, it is no wonder that patient safety is a concern in this healthcare environment.

Novo Nordisk announced details of the company?s cardiovascular outcomes trial for liraglutide (rDNA origin) injection (Victoza), which is set to start this autumn.

Vaccine agents in late-stage development.

Labeling for all prescription and over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors will have to include wording about a possible increased risk of hip, wrist, and/or spine fractures with their use.

FDA notified providers and patients that they are continuing to review available data suggesting an increase in the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and sudden death in men treated with gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists as androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer.

FDA appears to be requesting some kind of Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy on most new drug products.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but progressive condition characterized by abnormal proliferation and remodeling, vasoconstriction, and thrombosis of the pulmonary vasculature, leading to elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, increases in peripheral vascular resistance, and ultimately to right heart failure and death. Recently, the therapeutic armamentarium for PAH has expanded.

Obesity is a prevalent disease that has reached epidemic proportions in both the developed and developing world. In the United States, it is estimated that 66% of the adult population is overweight or obese. There are several available pharmacologic treatments for obesity used as an adjunct to diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. However, weight loss with these agents is modest and usually reversible when the drug is discontinued, and novel, more-effective anti-obesity agents are desperately needed.

Recent FDA Approvals (through May 2010) related to Vimovo, CIP-Tramadol ER, Zymaxid, Lumizyme, Rapamune, Sprix

New Molecular Entity: Estradiol valerate/dienogest (Natazia) was approved in May 2010 for the prevention of pregnancy.

Recent FDA action (through, May 2010) related to BMS-224818, Roflumilast, Prostvac, Naltrexone, IL13-PE38QQR/IL13-PE, Prochymal, AEZS-108, SBC-102, Pralatrexate, RG2833

According to the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) and software partner Dymaxium Healthcare Innovations, the AMCP eDossier System is catching on among decision makers and drug companies alike.

New Formulation: Miconazole buccal tablets (Oravig) was approved in April 2010 for the local treatment of oropharyngeal candidiasis in adults.

Comparative effectiveness research is suddenly flush with fundings. Tucked in last year's American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was $1.1 billion to accelerate CER.

This month keep an eye out for the National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services on how health insurers might calculate their MLRs to satisfy the new regulations.

How can plans know they're getting the most value for their money in disease management and wellness programs?

The Patient Protection and Care Act will allow health insurance coverage through state-based health insurance exchanges, expand Medicaid eligibility, and subsidize insurance premiums, all of which involve state implementation.

It's likely that most major health insurers will participate in the insurance exchanges that must be up and running in each state by 2014, according to experts.

Although the most revolutionary health reform provisions do not go into effect until 2014, insurers and payers are scurrying to implement a number of big changes required this year.

People over the age of 80 is the fastest-growing population sement in the United States, and they are also the most susceptible to falling through the cracks in the healthcare system.