Pfizer Announces IBRANCE Clinical Trials Ended Early In Light of Promising News

Medicine & Technology Apr 16, 2015

In light of promising results conducted by an independent data monitoring committee, Pfizer’s newest treatment IBRANCE (Palbociclib) ended clinical trials early this week as phase 3 of the trials ended demonstrating improvement in progression-free survival in women who had undergone treatment for metastatic breast cancer.

Prescription Drug Spending Jumped in 2014

Apr 14, 2015

According to a report from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics , Americans spent more money on drugs than they ever have before with spending jumping by 13% to $374 billion, driven by innovative but expensive new drugs designed to treat Hepatitis C.

Could New HIV Strain Cross the Atlantic? Fears of the Spread of Aggressive HIV from Cuba

Feb 15, 2015

Though advances in HIV research and treatment have come to find ways of mitigating the virus, the disease continues to affects millions worldwide. And when the virus moves quickly, so does fear. In light of the discovery of a new strain of HIV, many are left wondering—could you too be at risk for contracting the disease?

New HIV Strain in Cuba Has Researchers Rushing to Stop Fast Progression of AIDS

Feb 15, 2015

In a new study published in the journal EBioMedicine, researchers with Belgium’s University of Leuvan report the discovery of a new strain of HIV which may prove to be far more lethal to patients in the West. Originally found in patients in Cuba, the new strain poses particular threats to those infected with HIV as it can develop into AIDS within three years of infection. Though efforts have significantly lowered the infection rates of HIV, as well as prolonged lives with the help of antiretroviral drugs, researchers fear that the fast-moving virus may advance too quickly to treat.

Extra Funding Sought to Fight Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Jan 27, 2015

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a growing problem around the country for both doctors and hospitals, causing an estimated 2 million illnesses and 23,000 deaths around the United States each year. And in an effort to combat these resistant forms of bacteria, the Obama administration wants to double the amount of federal funding dedicated to fighting these superbugs.

Over-the-Counter Drugs Linked to Increased Chance of “Dementia”

Jan 27, 2015

A new study has linked the use of common medications, including many over-the-counter treatments for conditions such as insomnia or even hay fever, to dementia.

Breast Cancer Patients Have Limited Knowledge of Their Disease

Jan 26, 2015

A new study published in the journal Cancer reveals that many women with breast cancer in the United States don't actually know much about their condition, with minority women being less likely to report accurate information about their tumors than Caucasian women.

Experimental ZMapp Treatment Off To Liberia to Begin Clinical Trials

Jan 24, 2015

The experimental ZMapp treatment created by Mapp Biopharmaceutical will soon begin human clinical tries in the United States and Liberia, following efforts to boost production capacity.

India's Patent Office Breaths New Life On The Production Of Hepatitis C Medication, Gilead Shot-Down In The Process

Jan 21, 2015

Hepatitis C is a life-or-death disease of the liver that's known to be prevalent in third-world countries. But, with a steep medication price, treatment is often times a luxury. But with new Indian-based pharmaceutical companies joining Gilead, that all may change in the near future.

ADHD Drug May Help You Drop the Fork

Jan 16, 2015

New research has discovered that the drug Vyvanse, meant to treat attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) might also be effective in helping treat various binge eating disorders.

The Universal Flu Vaccine: How Long Until It's Here

Jan 14, 2015

The flu is already upon us this season―and it's a cunning strain. But future outbreaks may be mitigated by a universal vaccine already in the works.

Novartis Seeking Approval for Medication to Treat 'Smoker's Cough'

Jan 09, 2015

Novartis AG, a Swiss drug maker, is seeking U.S. regulatory approval for two new drugs designed to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), otherwise known as "smoker's cough". Approval of the drugs could generate an additional $1.4 billion for the company, while helping chronic smokers breathe a little clearer in the process.

Drug Approvals Reached New High in 2014: What's Next?

Jan 04, 2015

Approvals for medicine in the United States have reached their highest levels in eighteen years, and recommendations for new drugs in Europe also came at a rapid rate, driven by expensive new treatments for cancer and other rare and serious diseases. After enduring wave after wave of patent losses on some of their larger, more popular drugs, pharmaceutical firms are beginning to recover by bringing new medicines to the market, while also improving their productivity.

Most Cancer Can Just Be Chalked Up To 'Bad Luck'

Jan 02, 2015

Researchers have discovered that while some cancers can be attributed to lifestyle, many cancers are simply due to "just bad luck."

2014 Was a Busy Year for Disease Control

Jan 01, 2015

2014 proved to be a busy year for disease control experts around the world, as many viruses began to rear their heads like never before. Ebola, measles, mumps, and whooping cough, among others, have seen record outbreaks as health officials work to stay ahead of the potentially deadly diseases.