Pfizer announced that post-stroke or mini-stroke patients treated with Lipitor(R) (atorvastatin calcium) Tablets 80 mg had stabilization or improvement in kidney function. These results were demonstrated in patients with or without chronic kidney disease, metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. [click link for full article]

A small US study has found a link between consumption of “energy drinks” and high blood pressure or heart disease risk. The researchers found healthy adults who drank two cans of a popular energy drink a day had above normal blood pressure and heart rate. [click link for full article]

Physical dating violence (PDV) affects almost one in every 11 adolescents, according to research presented at the American Public Health Association’s 135th Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C. The study, which looked at data from the 2005 National Youth Risk Behavior Study, also found that contrary to common general perception, males and females equally report being victims of PDV. [click link for full article]

Humacyte announced that data presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions demonstrates the longevity and durability of acellular arterial bypass grafts. Company scientists, working with researchers at Eastern Carolina Heart Institute, showed the potential for the naturally-derived vascular devices to provide a commercially viable solution for patients requiring vascular replacement or vascular access. [click link for full article]

Auriga Laboratories, Inc. (OTCBB: ARGA), a specialty pharmaceutical company building the first nationwide, commission-only pharmaceutical sales force, announced the signing of a manufacturing and supply agreement with Mikart, Inc., pursuant to which Auriga will have the exclusive rights to market and sell a new product indicated for the relief of mild to moderately severe pain in the United States. [click link for full article]

About two million low-income beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare prescription drug plans could be moved to new plans in 2008, and millions of other beneficiaries will have to change plans if they want to avoid double-digit premium increases, the AP/Houston Chronicle reports. [click link for full article]

What To turn back cancer before it has a chance to take root and spread, scientists are increasingly turning their attention to new discoveries in cancer prevention. Leading experts from around the globe are gathering to share the latest research in this expanding and promising new field, with the hope this work will significantly reduce cancer incidence and mortality. [click link for full article]

Obese American seniors seem to be suffering more from physical disabilities, while their cardiovascular health has improved somewhat, according to an article in the The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), November 7th issue. The authors explain that recent studies have indicated that America’s obese population may have gotten healthier since the 1960s. [click link for full article]

AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biotechnology company leveraging breakthrough discoveries in cancer biology to discover, develop and commercialize targeted oncology therapies, announced positive results from an expanded Phase 1 clinical trial of its lead product candidate, the novel triple VEGF receptor inhibitor AV-951. Strong activity was observed in the Phase 1 clinical trial consisting of 40 patients with advanced solid tumors; AV-951 was also found to be well tolerated. [click link for full article]

Patients with Type 2 Diabetes who are treated with fenofibrate do not require laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy (DR) as often as similar patients who do not receive fenofibrate, according to an article in The Lancet.DR is the foremost cause of blindness and vision loss globally for adults of working age, explain the authors. Pathological changes linked to the condition are closely associated with hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. [click link for full article]