FREE Daily Email Newsletter
J&J's DePuy to End Two Hip Replacement Systems
May 17, 2013 12:05 pm | by The Associated Press | CommentsJohnson & Johnson's DePuy orthopedics business plans to stop selling a couple of hip replacement systems not widely used by doctors. DePuy will discontinue both its Ultamet Metal-on-Metal Articulation and Complete Ceramic-on-Metal Acetabular systems worldwide at the end of August. It made the...
Impax Labs launches Generic Version of Zomig
May 17, 2013 10:20 am | by The Associated Press | CommentsImpax Laboratories Inc. said Friday it is now selling a generic version of the migraine drug Zomig. Impax is now selling a low-cost generic version of Zomig tablets and orally disintegrating Zomig tablets in two strengths. Zomig, or zolmitriptan, is available in tablet and nasal spray form and as...
FDA Tobacco Chief Speaks at Industry Meeting
May 17, 2013 8:10 am | by MICHAEL FELBERBAUM,AP Tobacco Writer | CommentsChanges in the marketplace have forced the public health community to wrestle with the idea that some tobacco products may pose less of a health risk than others, the new head of the Food and Drug Administration's tobacco control efforts told an industry group on Thursday.
Halozyme Rises on Pancreatic Cancer Drug Study
May 17, 2013 8:05 am | CommentsHalozyme posted results from an early-stage trial that included its drug PEGPH20 as a treatment for pancreatic cancer. The regimen included PEGPH20 and the cancer drug Gemzar. Halozyme said PEGPH20 may make tumors more vulnerable to treatment by depleting their defenses and changing their metabolism.
AbbVie and Galapagos Extend GLPG0634 Collaboration to Include Crohn's disease
May 17, 2013 8:01 am | CommentsGalapagos NV and AbbVie announced today an extension of their GLPG0634 clinical development collaboration to include Crohn's disease. Galapagos will fund and complete a Phase 2 program in Crohn's disease, which is designed to facilitate rapid progression into Phase 3.
Oramed Receives FDA Clearance to Initiate Oral Insulin Trials in the U.S.
May 17, 2013 7:57 am | CommentsOramed Pharmaceuticals Inc. a developer of oral drug delivery systems, announced today that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared the Company's Investigational New Drug application(IND) for ORMD-0801, its oral insulin capsule.
Stem Cells Recovered from Cloned Human Embryos
May 16, 2013 8:35 am | by MALCOLM RITTER,AP Science Writer | CommentsScientists have finally recovered stem cells from cloned human embryos, a longstanding goal that could lead to new treatments for such illnesses as Parkinson's disease and diabetes. A prominent expert called the work a landmark, but noted that a different, simpler technique now under development may prove more useful.
Prestige Brands Returns to Profit in Fourth Quarter
May 16, 2013 8:32 am | CommentsPrestige Brands Holdings Inc. returned to a profit in its fiscal fourth quarter, benefiting from lower operating expenses and better sales of over-the-counter health care products. The company, which distributes over-the-counter and household cleaning products like Clear Eyes and PediaCare, reported net income of $19.3 million, or 37 cents per share, for the three months ended March 31.
Shrinks, Critics Face Off Over Psychiatric Manual
May 16, 2013 8:24 am | by LINDSEY TANNER,AP Medical Writer | CommentsIn the new psychiatric manual of mental disorders, grief soon after a loved one's death can be considered major depression. Extreme childhood temper tantrums get a fancy name. And certain "senior moments" are called "mild neurocognitive disorder."
Nordion Signs Contract Manufacturing Agreement with Navidea Biopharmaceuticals
May 16, 2013 8:05 am | CommentsNordion Inc., a provider of products and services to the global health science market, today announced it has signed a contract manufacturing agreement with Navidea Biopharmaceuticals, a biopharmaceutical company focused on precision diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals.
Two Companies to Expand Operations in Puerto Rico
May 16, 2013 7:58 am | CommentsGov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla says CooperVision will invest $250 million to build 15 new production lines, a project that will create some 350 new jobs. The company currently employs 1,600 workers at a plant in the southern town of Juana Diaz
Valeant Pharmaceuticals Announces Resignation of Dr. Laurence Paul from Valeant's Board of Directors
May 16, 2013 7:56 am | CommentsValeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc. announced that Dr. Laurence Paul has resigned from Valeant's Board of Directors due to expanded business, philanthropic, and personal commitments. Dr. Paul was originally elected to Biovail Corporation's Board of Directors in June 2002 where he served in several capacities.
Study Estimates Early Retirees Will Need $226,000 More to Cover Health Care Costs
May 15, 2013 8:51 am | CommentsA new study evaluating the impact of aging on health care costs from birth until very old age determines that the average 55-year-old retiree will spend $226,000 more on health care than a person retiring at age 65, assuming they both live to age 85.
Dr. Reddy's Labs Fourth Quarter Net Income Rises 67%
May 15, 2013 8:45 am | CommentsDr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd. said Tuesday its net income climbed 67 percent in the fiscal fourth quarter. The company said it earned 5.7 billion rupees ($104 million), or 60 cents per U.S. share. Its revenue grew 26 percent to 33.4 billion rupees ($611 million)
Study Questions How Sharply US Should Cut the Salt
May 15, 2013 8:19 am | by LAURAN NEERGAARD,AP Medical Writer | CommentsA surprising new report questions public health efforts to get Americans to sharply cut back on salt, saying it's not clear whether eating super-low levels is worth the struggle. Make no mistake: Most Americans eat way too much salt, not just from salt shakers but because of sodium hidden inside processed foods and restaurant meals.


