Articles
27-Aug-2010
Parkinson's is a progressive neurological condition affecting movements such as walking, talking, and writing. It is named after Dr. James Parkinson (1755-1824), the London doctor who first identified Parkinson's as a specific condition.
Parkinson's occurs as result of a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of dopamine-producing cells, these parts of the brain are unable to function normally. The main symptoms of Parkinson's can also be symptoms of other disorders. Conditions that produce these symptoms are known collectively as parkinsonism. Parkinson's is the most common f…
Parkinson's occurs as result of a loss of nerve cells in the part of the brain known as the substantia nigra. These cells are responsible for producing a chemical known as dopamine, which allows messages to be sent to the parts of the brain that co-ordinate movement. With the depletion of dopamine-producing cells, these parts of the brain are unable to function normally. The main symptoms of Parkinson's can also be symptoms of other disorders. Conditions that produce these symptoms are known collectively as parkinsonism. Parkinson's is the most common f…
Survey finds 38% of GP practices are currently underprepared for a flu pandemic, and one in ten do not have any emergency recovery plans in place.
A survey of UK general practice managers has revealed an uneven level of pandemic flu preparedness, with 38% admitting to having no plans in place for such an eventuality. The government’s recently published National Risk Register stated that a flu pandemic could pose the greatest threat to national security and could claim up to 750,000 lives.* However, in a survey conducted by Management in Practice, the leading print and online information resource for general practice managers, only 62% of GP managers said their surgeries had specific contingency plans in place for such an event (see www.managementinpractice.com/surveys ). While many…
A survey of UK general practice managers has revealed an uneven level of pandemic flu preparedness, with 38% admitting to having no plans in place for such an eventuality. The government’s recently published National Risk Register stated that a flu pandemic could pose the greatest threat to national security and could claim up to 750,000 lives.* However, in a survey conducted by Management in Practice, the leading print and online information resource for general practice managers, only 62% of GP managers said their surgeries had specific contingency plans in place for such an event (see www.managementinpractice.com/surveys ). While many…
All industries today face perpetual change and the need to cope with new challenges; nowhere is this trend more prevalent than in the life sciences industries, ie pharmaceuticals, biotech, diagnostics, medical devices and healthcare services.
In addition to the traditional market forces of competition, globalisation, changing customer requirements and input costs, life science companies must transform structure and working methods continually to meet their own particular business objectives. Life sciences companies ranging from the smallest biotech to the largest multinational pharmaceutical have to balance spending plans with the need to satisfy shareholders/investors. For recruitment companies in this sector the impact of all this change creates its own set of challenges, particularly wh…
In addition to the traditional market forces of competition, globalisation, changing customer requirements and input costs, life science companies must transform structure and working methods continually to meet their own particular business objectives. Life sciences companies ranging from the smallest biotech to the largest multinational pharmaceutical have to balance spending plans with the need to satisfy shareholders/investors. For recruitment companies in this sector the impact of all this change creates its own set of challenges, particularly wh…
27-Aug-2010
Nearly six million people in the UK suffer from migraines with 190,000 attacks occurring every day*. Two out of three sufferers are women** and, in total, migraines cost the UK around £1 billion per annum***.
Since physicians do not fully understand the cause of migraines, sufferers frequently remain abandoned by their healthcare practitioner. As a consequence of this lack of understanding, the condition is not straightforward to treat and where preventative orthodox drug treatments do exist, many are associated with unwanted side effects - not ideal when used on an ongoing basis. Research with national charity Migraine Action, amongst extreme migraine sufferers has found that the Nature’s Best ginger supplement produces excellent results when tackling the debilitating symptoms of nausea…
Since physicians do not fully understand the cause of migraines, sufferers frequently remain abandoned by their healthcare practitioner. As a consequence of this lack of understanding, the condition is not straightforward to treat and where preventative orthodox drug treatments do exist, many are associated with unwanted side effects - not ideal when used on an ongoing basis. Research with national charity Migraine Action, amongst extreme migraine sufferers has found that the Nature’s Best ginger supplement produces excellent results when tackling the debilitating symptoms of nausea…
27-Aug-2010
Scientists have just announced the development of new medical imaging technology that can spot signs of osteoarthritis even before it starts causing joint damage.
Many health problems can be effectively treated and managed if they are caught early enough. But until now, diagnosing the early stage of osteoarthritis – the often cripplingly painful disease that causes damage to the joints and is thought to affect around 8.5m Brits – has been tricky. That's because diagnosis currently relies on x-ray evidence and physical examination, both of which may not spot signs of the disease until it's in its later stages. However scientists have just announced the development of new medical imaging technology that can spot signs of osteoarthritis even before it starts causing joint damage. Dr Alexej…
Many health problems can be effectively treated and managed if they are caught early enough. But until now, diagnosing the early stage of osteoarthritis – the often cripplingly painful disease that causes damage to the joints and is thought to affect around 8.5m Brits – has been tricky. That's because diagnosis currently relies on x-ray evidence and physical examination, both of which may not spot signs of the disease until it's in its later stages. However scientists have just announced the development of new medical imaging technology that can spot signs of osteoarthritis even before it starts causing joint damage. Dr Alexej…
With these increasing pressures upon the pharmaceuticals industry, it has never been more important to formulate an accurately informed pricing strategy
Examining HE strategies and requirements in major markets and producing an effective pricing policy - 30th September/1st October 2008, BSG House, London, UK - Now in its seventh year, The Annual Pricing & Reimbursement conference will provide you with the information and analysis you need to understand the dynamics of the market and create an effective pricing policy for both the forthcoming year and subsequent strategic development. This 2-day event will assist in better planning and marketing strategy and enable you to share your insights on this evolving industry issue. Key Industry Speakers Include - Anne-Toni Rodgers, Dire…
Examining HE strategies and requirements in major markets and producing an effective pricing policy - 30th September/1st October 2008, BSG House, London, UK - Now in its seventh year, The Annual Pricing & Reimbursement conference will provide you with the information and analysis you need to understand the dynamics of the market and create an effective pricing policy for both the forthcoming year and subsequent strategic development. This 2-day event will assist in better planning and marketing strategy and enable you to share your insights on this evolving industry issue. Key Industry Speakers Include - Anne-Toni Rodgers, Dire…
27-Aug-2010
A child born in a Glasgow, Scotland suburb can expect a life 28 years shorter than another living only 13 kilometers away. A girl in Lesotho is likely to live 42 years less than another in Japan. In Sweden, the risk of a woman dying during pregnancy and childbirth is 1 in 17,400; in Afghanistan, the odds are 1 in 8.
Biology does not explain any of this. Instead, the differences between and within countries result from the social environment where people are born, live, grow, work and age. These "social determinants of health" have been the focus of a three-year investigation by an eminent group of policy makers, academics, former heads of state and former ministers of health. Together, they comprise the World Health Organization's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health. Today,…
Biology does not explain any of this. Instead, the differences between and within countries result from the social environment where people are born, live, grow, work and age. These "social determinants of health" have been the focus of a three-year investigation by an eminent group of policy makers, academics, former heads of state and former ministers of health. Together, they comprise the World Health Organization's Commission on the Social Determinants of Health. Today,…
27-Aug-2010
This feature 'What is Psoriasis?' is one of three features that focuses on the topic of skin conditions.
Mild psoriasis (80% of people) is where there are a few patches that may need treatment but are not likely to cause problems and can be easily controlled. Moderate psoriasis (15% of people) is where more skin is involved and the condition is widespread but again can usually be controlled with self management under a GP or nurse supervision. Severe psoriasis (5% of people) is where large areas are covered with psoriasis and the condition becomes difficult to self-manage or no longer responds to treatment. At this stage referral to secondary care at a local hospital out-patient department or in extreme cases an in-patient stay may be felt necessary in order to provide optimum care and mo…
Mild psoriasis (80% of people) is where there are a few patches that may need treatment but are not likely to cause problems and can be easily controlled. Moderate psoriasis (15% of people) is where more skin is involved and the condition is widespread but again can usually be controlled with self management under a GP or nurse supervision. Severe psoriasis (5% of people) is where large areas are covered with psoriasis and the condition becomes difficult to self-manage or no longer responds to treatment. At this stage referral to secondary care at a local hospital out-patient department or in extreme cases an in-patient stay may be felt necessary in order to provide optimum care and mo…
27-Aug-2010
This feature 'What is Eczema?' is one of three features that focuses on the topic of skin conditions.
Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. It usually begins early in life, even before asthma or hay fever. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years. For some, the disease will improve with time. For others, however, eczema is a chronic or recurrent disorder. Although it can occur just once, it usually occurs on and off throughout life, or lasts the entire lifetime. Eczema can be a difficult, frustrating condition. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash just makes the condition worse, and treatments…
Eczema is a very common condition, and it affects all races and ages, including young infants. About 1-2 percent of adults have eczema, and as many as 20 percent of children are affected. It usually begins early in life, even before asthma or hay fever. Most affected individuals have their first episode before age 5 years. For some, the disease will improve with time. For others, however, eczema is a chronic or recurrent disorder. Although it can occur just once, it usually occurs on and off throughout life, or lasts the entire lifetime. Eczema can be a difficult, frustrating condition. The natural human desire to scratch or rub an itchy rash just makes the condition worse, and treatments…
27-Aug-2010
This feature 'What is Acne?' is one of three features that focuses on the topic of skin conditions.
During puberty, the production of male sex hormones (androgens) increases in both girls and boys, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. In some people, the sebaceous glands are extremely sensitive to androgens. These people, mostly men, get acne so severely that they need medical treatment. The increased production of sebum makes the openings of the sebaceous glands narrower, which prevents the sebum from getting out. Meanwhile, the sebum production continues regardless. Pimples are often caused by Propionebacterium acnes, a common bacterium on the skin that feeds on sebum. This bacterium produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glan…
During puberty, the production of male sex hormones (androgens) increases in both girls and boys, which can stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce more sebum. In some people, the sebaceous glands are extremely sensitive to androgens. These people, mostly men, get acne so severely that they need medical treatment. The increased production of sebum makes the openings of the sebaceous glands narrower, which prevents the sebum from getting out. Meanwhile, the sebum production continues regardless. Pimples are often caused by Propionebacterium acnes, a common bacterium on the skin that feeds on sebum. This bacterium produces waste products and fatty acids that irritate the sebaceous glan…
27-Aug-2010
The development of innovative therapeutics and complimentary technologies for the effective management of pain 7th – 8th October 2008, BSG Conference Centre, London, UK.
“The market revenue from drug-delivery technologies in the pain management market is US$1.9billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% to reach US$2.6billion by the end of 2012.” [‘Pain Market Outlook Report’ - Business Insights] - Dr Emanuele Sher, Research Advisor, Pain Migraine Team Leader, Eli Lilly & Co - Dr Mark Field, Global Research & Development, Pfizer - Dr Adnan Al-Kaisy, Senior Physician, Pain Management Clinic London - Professor Peter McNaughton, Professor of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge - Professor Praveen Anand, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Imperial College London - Dr Dic Williams, Research…
“The market revenue from drug-delivery technologies in the pain management market is US$1.9billion, growing at a CAGR of 6.5% to reach US$2.6billion by the end of 2012.” [‘Pain Market Outlook Report’ - Business Insights] - Dr Emanuele Sher, Research Advisor, Pain Migraine Team Leader, Eli Lilly & Co - Dr Mark Field, Global Research & Development, Pfizer - Dr Adnan Al-Kaisy, Senior Physician, Pain Management Clinic London - Professor Peter McNaughton, Professor of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge - Professor Praveen Anand, Professor of Clinical Neurology, Imperial College London - Dr Dic Williams, Research…
27-Aug-2010
Arthritis is not just a disease of older people – it can affect people of all ages, including children. It is not clear what causes arthritis and there is no cure at present. However, there is plenty you can do to manage yourcondition and lead a full and active life.
Arthritis is not just a disease of older people – it can affect people of all ages, including children. It is not clear what causes arthritis and there is no cure at present. However, there is plenty you can do to manage yourcondition and lead a full and active life. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, affecting the joints, often described as "wear and tear" arthritis. This can start from our teens and…
Arthritis is not just a disease of older people – it can affect people of all ages, including children. It is not clear what causes arthritis and there is no cure at present. However, there is plenty you can do to manage yourcondition and lead a full and active life. Two of the most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis(RA). Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis is a very common condition, affecting the joints, often described as "wear and tear" arthritis. This can start from our teens and…
27-Aug-2010
Finally a comprehensive source for the very latest performance metrics and trend analysis on every key aspect of the new drug approval processThe US Drug Approval Trends and Yearbook 2006/2007!
In this first-of-its-kind compendium, we examine hundreds of key trends and metrics to provide industry with all-new benchmarks and metrics on which to assess their own performance, to plan their own R&D projects, and to assess the various drug approval options and strategies available to them. The US Drug Approval Trends and Yearbook 2006/2007 provides an unprecedented number of in-depth analyses and benchmarks, including the following: - NDA and NME first-cycle success rates, review outcomes, and trends - Complete review and approval profiles for each NME and NDA, including cycles to appro…
In this first-of-its-kind compendium, we examine hundreds of key trends and metrics to provide industry with all-new benchmarks and metrics on which to assess their own performance, to plan their own R&D projects, and to assess the various drug approval options and strategies available to them. The US Drug Approval Trends and Yearbook 2006/2007 provides an unprecedented number of in-depth analyses and benchmarks, including the following: - NDA and NME first-cycle success rates, review outcomes, and trends - Complete review and approval profiles for each NME and NDA, including cycles to appro…
27-Aug-2010
In recent years Negative Pressure Wound Therapy has revolutionised the way clinicians manage and treat a wide range of wounds, Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is a mechanical wound care treatment that uses controlled negative pressure to assist and accelerate wound healing (Bryant, R. 2000).
The growth in patients being treated with NPWT products has been dominated historically by KCI and their open cell polyurethane foam technology and V.A.C® product range. However over the last few years a number of new products have been launched into this market using alternative gauze based dressing technique. This gauze based dressing technique used and first described by Chariker–Jeter et al in 1989 involves the application of a moistened anti-microbial dressing (AMD) gauze and a silicone dr…
The growth in patients being treated with NPWT products has been dominated historically by KCI and their open cell polyurethane foam technology and V.A.C® product range. However over the last few years a number of new products have been launched into this market using alternative gauze based dressing technique. This gauze based dressing technique used and first described by Chariker–Jeter et al in 1989 involves the application of a moistened anti-microbial dressing (AMD) gauze and a silicone dr…
Cimzia (certolizumab pegol) is the first and so far, only, PEGylated, Fc-Free, anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) alpha treatment in development for rheumatoid arthritis. Data presented at the Annual European Rheumatology Congress (EULAR) suggest that, in combination with methotrexate, Cimzia acts fast to significantly suppress disease activity, prevent structural damage to joints, preserve physical function and help patients continue working productively.
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is a PEGylated Fc-free anti-TNF alpha agent, administered subcutaneously, and currently licensed in the US and Switzerland for treatment of Crohn’s Disease. By not having the Fc region present in conventional anti-TNFs, Cimzia retains the potency of anti-TNFs without the possible cytotoxicity mediated by Fc. In…
Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia) is a PEGylated Fc-free anti-TNF alpha agent, administered subcutaneously, and currently licensed in the US and Switzerland for treatment of Crohn’s Disease. By not having the Fc region present in conventional anti-TNFs, Cimzia retains the potency of anti-TNFs without the possible cytotoxicity mediated by Fc. In…
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the third leading cause of death in recent times and with an unprecedented patient potential, this disease area attracts awareness from a broad base of stake holders. With the grey population being the single most influencial factor in driving the economic growth within this sector, Visiongain believes the real market of the AD industry still remains untapped.
Over the past decade the AD market has been flagged by a quartet of approved pharmacological agents; acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs), N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and other non-AD specific therapeutics for management of comorbidities. The AchEIs comprise products from some of the leading larger pharmaceutical companies; • Esia/Pfizer’s Aricept (Donepizel) • Novartis Exelon (Riv…
Over the past decade the AD market has been flagged by a quartet of approved pharmacological agents; acetyl cholinesterase inhibitors (AchEIs), N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists and other non-AD specific therapeutics for management of comorbidities. The AchEIs comprise products from some of the leading larger pharmaceutical companies; • Esia/Pfizer’s Aricept (Donepizel) • Novartis Exelon (Riv…
Of patients with lung cancer, 80 per cent have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and of those, 40 per cent are not diagnosed until their disease is advanced and has spread to other organ sites. Current targeted treatment has improved survival but is not suitable for all. Now a new trial, FLEX, shows adding the targeted therapy Erbitux (cetuximab) to chemotherapy increases survival for all types of NSCLC.
Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women – breast cancer being the most common. Almost one million men and 376,00 women die from the disease each year. Overall, five-year survival is about 16 per cent, which compares poorly to five-year survival rates for colon cancer (65 per cent), breast cancer (89 per cent) and…
Worldwide, lung cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in men and the second most common in women – breast cancer being the most common. Almost one million men and 376,00 women die from the disease each year. Overall, five-year survival is about 16 per cent, which compares poorly to five-year survival rates for colon cancer (65 per cent), breast cancer (89 per cent) and…
27-Aug-2010
The 'Scanning New Horizons in Rheumatoid Arthritis' Media Briefing is an innovative global press event featuring presentations by internationally renowned experts: Professor Paul Emery, Professor Robert Moots and Professor Bengt Jansson.
The 'Scanning New Horizons in Rheumatoid Arthritis' Media Briefing is an innovative global press event featuring presentations by internationally renowned experts: Professor Paul Emery, Professor Robert Moots and Professor Bengt Jansson. Key Highlight: • New radiographic remission data from the COMET (COmbination of Methotrexate and ETanercept in early active rheumatoid arthritis) study and what the one year results will mean for patients and for the future management of inflammatory conditions Live Webcast Details Journalists who are unable to attend…
The 'Scanning New Horizons in Rheumatoid Arthritis' Media Briefing is an innovative global press event featuring presentations by internationally renowned experts: Professor Paul Emery, Professor Robert Moots and Professor Bengt Jansson. Key Highlight: • New radiographic remission data from the COMET (COmbination of Methotrexate and ETanercept in early active rheumatoid arthritis) study and what the one year results will mean for patients and for the future management of inflammatory conditions Live Webcast Details Journalists who are unable to attend…
The EU GMPs were updated this year in February. As a result, Risk Management is a regulatory requirement and ICH Q9 is now Annex 20. EU regulators have also indicated that ICH Q10 on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems will become Annex 21 to the GMPs in June 2008 – sometime this month!
The EU GMPs were updated this year in February. As a result, Risk Management is a regulatory requirement and ICH Q9 is now Annex 20. EU regulators have also indicated that ICH Q10 on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems will become Annex 21 to the GMPs in June 2008 – sometime this month! In line with these proposed revisions, Magenta Global is pleased to bring you 2 courses on critical issues in biopharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing. This is your timely chance to review the latest global initiatives…
The EU GMPs were updated this year in February. As a result, Risk Management is a regulatory requirement and ICH Q9 is now Annex 20. EU regulators have also indicated that ICH Q10 on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems will become Annex 21 to the GMPs in June 2008 – sometime this month! In line with these proposed revisions, Magenta Global is pleased to bring you 2 courses on critical issues in biopharmaceutical and medical devices manufacturing. This is your timely chance to review the latest global initiatives…
Kidney cancer patients who receive treatment with the orally-administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor sunitinib (Sutent) are living twice as long as patients who receive only interferon alpha treatment, according to data from a Phase III study presented at the 44th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) in Chicago. Survival now exceeds two years.
Overall survival data from a randomised double blind study comparing first-line sunitinib (Sutent) with the previous standard therapy in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC), interferon (IFN) alpha, show sunitinib extends median survival to almost two and a half years. This finding breaks new ground and more than doubles the survival time typically observed with IFN alpha treatment, say experts. Sunitininb, a multi-targete…
Overall survival data from a randomised double blind study comparing first-line sunitinib (Sutent) with the previous standard therapy in metastatic renal cell cancer (mRCC), interferon (IFN) alpha, show sunitinib extends median survival to almost two and a half years. This finding breaks new ground and more than doubles the survival time typically observed with IFN alpha treatment, say experts. Sunitininb, a multi-targete…
