Current medical news and unique business news for anyone who cares about healthcare.
IOM study doesn’t support vaccine-autism link. A panel of Institute of Medicine experts who investigated negative effects of vaccines concluded that there are a few problems caused by the most common vaccines recommended for children, especially in children with autoimmune disorders. But, there is no evidence supporting an MMR vaccine-autism connection, they say, as many parent groups still believe. The research, however, did come to a number of null conclusions because of insufficient information, leaving the door open for more debate.
Fewer unmet needs during recession. We might hear constant talk about the increasing rise in the price of healthcare, but a new study is showing that access to healthcare (for patients with and without insurance) has actually increased over the recession period.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
Spotlight on generic drugmakers. As numerous drugs set to have their patents expire, the world of generics is bustling, and the trend of larger drug companies purchasing medicine providers to create new markets appears to be going strong.
New use for Botox. On Wednesday, the FDA approved Allergan Inc.’s cosmetic drug Botox for use in treating urinary incontinence. It’s injected into the bladder to relax muscles and increase the bladder’s capacity.
Prognostic tool for cancer patients. In trials, a new tool developed by British researchers predicted the survival rate of cancer patients just as accurately as (and sometimes more accurately than) doctors and nurses. The prognostic system pools medical records, blood sample results and mental health status to determine whether patients have days, weeks or months to live.
