Categories
Cardiovascular
Diagnostics
Endocrinology
Health Insurance
Medical Devices
Mental Health
Nutrition
Oncology
Public Health
Sexual Health
Popular Articles

Costly Drugs Known As Biologics Prompt Exclusivity Debate
"A bitter Congressional fight over the cost of superexpensive biotechnology drugs has come down to a single, hotly debated number: How many years should makers of those drugs be exempt from generic competition?" The New York Times reports. "At issue are such drugs as Biogen Idec"s Avonex, for multiple sclerosis, which can cost more than $20,000 a year; Genentech"s Avastin for cancer, which can cost more than $50,000; and several Genzyme drugs for rare diseases that can cost $200,000 a year or more. ò€¦ Because they are hard to copy exactly, they have not been subject to the generic competition that eventually knocks down the price of drugs like Lipitor and Prozac."
generic viagra online
Swine Flu Daily Update Issued At: 11am Thursday 2 July 2009, Wales
-- 34 confirmed cases in Wales, with 4 new cases:
News of the day
Sexually Transmitted HPV Linked To Certain Head & Neck Cancers; Roswell Park Cancer Institute Researchers Say Boys Need To Be Vaccinated Too
Researchers at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI) in Buffalo, New York, are strongly advocating a national discussion about the need to vaccinate both young men and women against HPV 16 to prevent head & neck cancers. The call comes amid growing evidence that certain cancers of the head and neck are strongly linked to HPV 16, a specific strain of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases in the United States. It is estimated that approximately 70% of Americans, both men and women, will be infected with HPV at some point in their lives.
Health Insurance

Editorial, Opinion Piece Discuss Issues Related To Routine HIV Testing

A recent directive to streamline the HIV testing consent process in Massachusetts as well as consent forms "no longer hav[ing] to accompany test specimens to the lab," are bringing "the state closer to a CDC recommendation that clinicians provide HIV screening on an opt-out basis," according to a Boston Globe editorial. "The opt-out provision is at the heart" of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Patricia Jehlen (D) that would end the state"s requirement of written consent for HIV testing "and instead have healthcare providers inform patients verbally that the test is planned but that they can decline it," the editorial states, adding, "The Jehlen bill would help destigmatize HIV testing itself" (7/6). Separately, an opinion piece in the Detroit Free Press - by David Share, medical director of the Corner Health Center and senior associate medical director of health care quality at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Sandro Cinti, a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - supports a Michigan bill (HB 4583) that would eliminate the written informed consent requirement in that state and replace it with a pamphlet and an informational opt-out form. Share and Cinti write of the current requirements, "These extraordinary precautions provide no protection, are not needed, and distract patients and health care professionals from other services and treatments that have the potential to improve patients" well-being," adding,"Routine HIV testing should be encouraged for early diagnosis and treatment of HIV infection" (Share/Cinti, 7/2). This information was reprinted from dailyreports.kff.org with kind permission from the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. You can view the entire Kaiser Daily U.S. HIV/AIDS Report, search the archives and sign up for email delivery at dailyreports.kff.org. © Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation. All rights reserved.


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):

© Copyright 2009