Merck KGaA announced that Erbitux® (cetuximab) combined with vinorelbine plus cisplatin met the primary endpoint of increasing overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone in a Phase III study initiated by Merck Serono in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). [click link for full article]

Technologies for the management of obesity span surgical approaches, medical supervised severely restricted diets, drug therapies, OTC treatments, biopharmaceuticals, non-pharmacologic approaches and weight maintenance approaches. MedMarket Diligence maintains a focus on ongoing developments with it coverage of obesity and has completed a 2007 analysis on the worldwide market for products in the management of obesity. [click link for full article]

As part of an initiative to give back to the cancer communities in the cities visited during its annual scientific meetings, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO) is partnering with The Wellness Community - South Bay Cities to raise awareness of cancer survivorship issues. [click link for full article]

On Tuesday, September 11, 2007, the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) testified before the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) joint meeting of the Cardiovascular and Renal Drugs Advisory Committee and the Drug Safety and Risk Management Advisory Committee. The committees discussed updated information on the risks and benefits of erythropoeisis-stimulating agents (ESAs) when used in the treatment of anemia due to chronic renal failure. [click link for full article]

Efforts to halt underage drinking often focus on peer pressure and the prevention of risky behaviors, but the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is undertaking a new federally funded project to give middle-school children a science-based understanding of what can happen to them if they use alcohol. [click link for full article]

MIT researchers have found that the body’s innate ability to adapt to recurring stimuli could be leveraged to design more effective and less costly artificial respirators. The new approach could minimize the need for the induced sedation or paralysis currently necessary for some patients on mechanical ventilation. [click link for full article]

Takeda Pharmaceuticals Europe Ltd, is aware of the review of ACTOS® (pioglitazone HCl) data conducted by A. Michael Lincoff, M.D., and colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, USA, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association which concluded that ACTOS® is associated with a significantly lower risk of heart attack, stroke, or death among a diverse population of patients with diabetes versus control therapy. [click link for full article]

With another potentially virulent flu season approaching, Seegene introduced a breakthrough multiplex-formatted diagnostic test covering the most common virus and bacteria respiratory infections in a single reaction tube. The Seeplex® 18-plex Respiratory Test is the only diagnostic test capable of simultaneously detecting 18 of the most prevalent respiratory infections - both virus and bacteria born - in a single test. [click link for full article]

A history of maternal epilepsy and its associated treatment may be linked to impaired intelligence later in life, says a new study published in Epilepsia. Dr. Nina Oyen, M.D., of the University of Bergen and Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway, investigated the I.Q. levels of sons born to mothers with and without epilepsy, and found a correlation between intelligence and the illness. [click link for full article]

“The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) is delighted with the Prime Minister’s announcement of the members of the Board of Directors of the Mental Health Commission of Canada” stated Dr. Thomas Hadjistavropoulos, the Association’s President. “This is a great moment for Canadians since mental health issues affect us all.” Canada needs a mental health strategy. Without a plan, it is impossible to effectively develop and co-ordinate services and to evaluate progress. [click link for full article]