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Impact on diagnostic testing and Appendicitis

January 4, 2010

Diagnostic test could save costs and lives | www.bizjournals.com

A new, rapid test, if validated, could reduce the use of CT scanning for the diagnosis of appendicitis. This could conceivable lead to rapid and definitive diagnosis, possibly at lower cost and lower radiation exposure.

Welcomed by Millions of Children Worldwide

December 14, 2009

GSK, Intercell form strategic pact to develop & commercialise needle-free patch-based vaccines | www.pharmabiz.com

The first manufacturer with an extensive portfolio of non-needle based vaccines will have a huge jump on the vaccine market.

What's in it for ME?

July 30, 2009

OMB Director Questions Insurance Giant's Approach to Reform | www.washingtonpost.com

All parties to reform continue to look out for their own interests, at the expense of the global picture.

A useful advance

July 28, 2009

Rapid DNA Test to Detect Clostridium difficile Infection Approved by FDA Today | www.medscape.com

This test will enable quicker diagnosis of C. difficile colitis in suspicious cases, thus allowing more timely and appropriate therapy

Rush to production

July 28, 2009

Swine-Flu Vaccine Production Hits a Snag | online.wsj.com

The current vaccine-manufacturing process is time consuming and cumbersome, as is the pre-licensing clinical study process.

Shifting the burden of risk

July 28, 2009

Mass. Panel Backs Radical Shift in Health Payment | www.nytimes.com

Once again, capitation rears its head. As seen over the past two decades, this is just another attempt to shift the risk of utilization away from the payors (Medicare and insurance carriers) and onto the providers (physicians, hospitals, etc.)

Spreads like the Flu....

April 30, 2009

As Nations Try to Contain Flu, N.Y. Cases Are Confirmed | www.nytimes.com

Yes, this new strain of influenza will certainly spread, and there is still no data about protection afforded by prior vaccination. The high morbidity and mortality in Mexico vs. that seen so far in the US is puzzling, and will await further clarification.

Promising Idea

April 23, 2009

TB vaccine enters advanced clinical trials at Oxford | timesofindia.indiatimes.com

With the epidemic and endemic nature of TB throughout the entire world, a vaccine with good safety and efficacy would be a tremendous advance. BCG is in wide use, but has limited efficacy.    

Shooting Flleas with Elephant Guns

April 16, 2009

Cephalon to apply for FDA approval for Nuvigil for jet lag | www.reuters.com

Nice idea if it truly is effective, but I do not see much potential for what is a very self-limited "disorder."

Inconclusive Data

April 16, 2009

Probiotics for the treatment or prevention of atopic dermatitis: a review of the evidence from randomized controlled trials. | www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This comprehensive meta-analysis of the existing studies leads to a suggestion, by no means statistically significant, that probiotics might reduce the incidence of atopic disease when administered to infants at high risk.

Approval Likely

December 9, 2008

Wyeth Submits European Marketing Authorization Application for its 13-Valent Vaccine for the Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease in Infants and Young Children | phx.corporate-ir.net

This vaccine marks an improvement on the currently available pneumococcal vaccine for infants and children, which covers seven pneumococcal serotypes. Some of the additional serotypes have been increasing in prevalence since the seven types in the current vaccine have decreased, and it is logical to continue to aim at preventing new threats.

Early Findings Need More Study

December 9, 2008

Epilepsy Drug May Increase Risk of Autism in Children | pharmalive.com

While retrospective studies can provide suggestive links, only prospective, controlled studies can hope to both show causative effects as well as point out other confounding variables. However, this study is troubling, especially in view of valproic acid's use grows beyond epilepsy, as a mood stabilizing medication.

Not in My Practice

December 8, 2008

The doctor will see all of you now | www.boston.com

While it sounds more efficient, group "meetings" and discussions tend to degenerate and veer away from useful interaction Never mind the HIPAA ramifications.

Who Wll Certify the Providers?

November 19, 2008

WellPoint Pilot Program Will Provide Coverage For Members To Travel To India For Certain Non-Emergency Procedures | www.medicalnewstoday.com

So let me get this straight: In the US, doctors and hospitals are vetted endlessly, recertified yearly, and made to meet some stringent standards before Wellcare will admit them to its network. But in the interest of saving a few bucks, they will "allow" members to go elsewhere, where they are unable to control vetting and quality.

Treatin Both Partners for Highest Protection

November 17, 2008

Gardasil, Merck's Cervical Cancer Vaccine, Demonstrated Efficacy in Preventing HPV-Related Disease in Males in Phase III Study | www.fiercebiotech.com

Gardasil has been shown to be effective in preventing the long-term complications of HPV infection, including cervical and vulvar cancer and genital warts, in females. New evidence now is available that it also prevents warts, and presumably the very rare penile carcinoma in males.

It Works, and Illness is Prevented

November 17, 2008

Flu Vaccine for Preschoolers | www.nytimes.com

Sure, it "only" prevents INFLUENZA, not all the things people call "the flu." But influenza is a miserable disease, and potentially life-threatening for those with underlying illnesses.

A Recipe for Overuse of Anti-influenza Drugs

November 17, 2008

U.S. looks at whether home drug stockpiles for flu pandemic makes sense | canadianpress.google.com

There are many illnesses which people call "the flu." Not every illness with fever, aches and congestion is influenza, the only disease which these anti-virals will help.

Not a Vaccine I would Mandate

November 17, 2008

Merck’s Gardasil Should Not Be Mandatory: Report | www.pharmalot.com

Sure, it is a good idea to prevent cervical cancer and genital warts, if possible. But given the relatively low frequency of cervical cancer, and the effectiveness of regular screening, this seems like a situation where the choice should be left to the individual.

Another Alleged Association

November 10, 2008

Autism linked with rainfall in study | www.boston.com

While any association is possible, this looks like so many others--a coexistence, with no demonstrable suggestion of cause-and-effect.

A Tenuous Connection at Best

October 7, 2008

Protecting a Home From Silent Threat | www.nytimes.com

Yes, there are elevated radon levels in some homes, and, yes, there are patients with lung cancer in some homes, as well. But the connection, while it might be intuitive, remains to be solidified.

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