In a clinical trial published this week in PLoS Medicine, Charles Sawyers and colleagues looked at the safety of a drug called rapamycin in a selected group of patients who were undergoing surgery after recurrence of glioblastoma (a highly malignant tumor of the brain). In a related research in translation article about the implications of the research, Robert J.

Nycomed announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved ALVESCO(R) (ciclesonide) Inhalation Aerosol in the United States for the maintenance treatment of asthma and as prophylactic therapy in adult and adolescent patients aged 12 years and older. ALVESCO(R) is an inhaled corticosteroid with novel release and distribution properties. Commercialisation and marketing of ALVESCO(R) will be achieved through a U.S. commercial partner.

5% of patients who undergo breast surgery have infections at the incision site and incur costs of over $4,000 in hospital-related expenses, according to an article in Archives of Surgery (JAMA/Archives), January issue. The authors explain that reported infections at surgical sites following breast removals (mastectomies) and other breast procedures range from 1% to 28%. “Given the state of fiscal constraints within the U.S.

If you have a child with a cold you may find that his/her symptoms improve with a nasal wash solution made from processed seawater - it may also help prevent respiratory infection from coming back, according to an article published in Archives of Otolaryngology (JAMA/Archives), January issue. The researchers explain that upper-respiratory tract and sinus infections are common among kids.

The All Wales Medicines Strategy Group (AWMSG) has announced that SPRYCEL(R)(dasatinib) should be recommended for restricted use within NHS Wales for the treatment of adults with chronic or accelerated phase chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML), where there is resistance or intolerance to prior therapy including imatinib mesylate.1 CML, although relatively rare, is a devastating condition which accounts for around 15% of all leukaemias.

There is just over a month to go until the early registration deadline of February 29, 2008. Take advantage of the discounted rate and register early for the 15th International Conference on Cancer Nursing (ICCN) held by the International Society of Nurses in Cancer Care (ISNCC). This year, the conference is taking place from August 17-21, 2008, at the world-class Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center.

Former Sen. Fred Thompson (Tenn.), who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, does not “appreciate or even understand” that fighting HIV/AIDS and other diseases and promoting development in Africa through programs such as the

Some of the world’s “emerging economies” — such as Brazil, China, India, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand — recently have increased their trade with and development assistance to other developing nations, the Inter Press Service reports.

Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY, TSX: SHQ) announces that with the launch in Spain of FOSRENOL (lanthanum carbonate), a non-calcium phosphate binder, Shire is celebrating the completion of the launch roll-out in the major European markets. FOSRENOL is the first of the company’s medicines developed in-house from research molecule to market.

CMS acting Deputy Administrator Herb Kuhn on Wednesday said that the agency received more than 6,300 bids from suppliers of durable medical equipment during the first round of a Medicare competitive bidding program, The Hill reports. The first round includes 10 metropolitan areas.