A drug that is being groomed as a possible treatment for cocaine addiction failed in mid-stage trials, sending the stocks of the drugs manufacturer into a tailspin.
Catalyst Pharmaceuticals Partners Inc. began trading publicly in November 2006, reportedly raising $21 million in capital. The companys selling point is the development of a drug with massive potential. The drug, CPP-109, is commonly called vigabatrin. It was developed in the 1970s for the treatment of epilepsy. In the 1980s, it was studied by researchers for the US government for possible application in the treatment of addiction as it causes the suppression of the response of the brain to striking increases in dopamine.
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Senator Kennedy released his vision of health care reform. It shouldn't be a surprise - Massachusetts for all (individual mandate, guaranteed issue, and modified community rating). These reforms will increase rates 95% for most of the nation's self-employed and small business workers who have to buy their own coverage [see CAHI cost study here].
Authorities in a couple of states in Germany Hesse and North-Rhine Westphalia have reportedly prohibited retailers from selling Red Bull Cola. A nationwide ban in Germany may also be in the offing for the product, which is also available in the United Kingdom. At this time, Rewe, a German retail giant, has ordered the removal of Red Bull from its shops.
The discovery was made by a food safety institute in North-Rhine Westphalia after an elaborate chemical test on samples of Red Bull Cola. This was revealed by Bernard Kuehnle, Head of the Food Safety Department at the Federal Ministry for Consumer Protection. What the investigation yielded was the presence of de-cocainized coca leaf extract in the drink.
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The funding for this study comes from a source that is hardly disinterested - America's Health Insurance Plans (AHIP). Even so, the LewinGroup analysis of 24 other studies is interesting:
- Private Medicaid health plans across the studies reduced spending - ranging from ½% to 20%
- In California, inpatient costs were reduced by 38% (TANF) and 25% (SSI)
- Drug costs were 10 - 15% lower
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The U.S. Senate Committee on Finance has proposed new changes to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) that could make them less attractive in the future. These options are only "proposed" so they are open for discussion. Here's what you need to know about what these provisions would do to HSAs.
First, the Committee is proposing to reduce the amount you can contribute to your HSA each year by going back to the old rule which limits your annual contribution to the amount of your deductible for your HSA-qualified insurance plan. Today, you can contribute up to $5,950 to your HSA for your family ($3,000 for singles) regardless of the level of your HSA plan deductible.
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Filed Under (eDrug News) by Admin on 29-05-2009
The always amusing Pharmacy Chick, a retail pharmacist, is not shy about pointing out when customers get on her nerves.
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Based on the 2009 Cancer Statistics Report released by the American Cancer Society, it looks like Americans are doing something right as far as prevention, detection and treatment of the various forms of cancer is concerned. This includes the various agencies and organizations that develop and perform researches that lead towards innovation in cancer treatment, prevention and detection.
Death rates due to cancer between 1990 and 2005, a period of 15 years, were reviewed, and the analysis of the data showed a consistent decline in cancer death rates. Cancer death rates in men dropped 19.2% in the 15-year period, while death rates in women dropped by 11.4%. Both these figures are considered encouraging.
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Most smokers will agree on two things — how easy it is to get hooked on smoking, and how difficult it can be to quit. It is for this reason that various ways to help smokers quit have been developed, and the help that some smokers need may conveniently be found online.
A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine indicates that web- and computer-based smoking-cessation programs are proving to be effective. Some of these programs are even interactive.
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A study by Optum Bank says, "Health savings account (HSA) owners are overwhelmingly satisfied with their accounts, and 91 percent believe such accounts should remain an option for Americans." Account holders believe strongly in personal responsibility - "the survey found that 83 percent of respondents agreed people should research health care options and try to get the best price - just like they do for other major consumer purchases; 72 percent of respondents said that individuals should be responsible for helping to manage their own health care costs."
