They called for “the elimination or modification of common practices related to
small gifts, pharmaceutical samples, continuing medical education, funds for
physician travel, speakers bureaus, ghostwriting, and consulting and research
contracts.” …
Month: May 2009
Financial conflicts of interest rules to be amended (BioTechniques Weekly)
Senator Charles E. Grassley (R-IA) has previously criticized the NIH’s
enforcement of financial conflicts of interest. A 2008 report by the HHS Office
of the Inspector General stated that the NIH lacked oversight of conflict of
interests at grant-receiving institutions. …
NJ slams FDA on conflicts of interest (Outsourcing-Pharma.com)
“It is outrageous that doctors who are testing and, in many cases, recommending
the use of certain high-risk medical devices are being compensated with stock in
the very companies that make the devices. …
MINDFREEDOM NEWS UPDATE – please forward: RAY SCHEDULED FOR ANOTHER SURPRISE FORCED ELECTROSHOCK on 5-13-2009
And if we fail tomorrow, let us all witness — and never forget — the
incredible brutality being forced on Ray, over his wishes and the
wishes
of his family, even though he has been living peacefully out in
the
community in his own home.
…
Sexting: New Technology but an Old Problem (Medscape Today)
Cell phones continue to pose dangers to adolescents’ health. First, it was “DWT
— driving while texting,” but now it is “sexting.” Sexting is the sending of
sexually charged messages or images via cell phone, and it has become headline
news …
New paradigm identifies gene responsible for acetaminophen-induced liver injury (FierceBiotech)
In this study, a team of researchers led by Dr. David Threadgill of North
Carolina State University utilized mouse genetics to aid the search for
candidate genes linked to acetaminophen-induced liver injury in humans. “We
approached the study from the perspective that drugs are used in very
heterogeneous patient populations, and that drug-induced toxicities are likely
the result of a person’s genetic makeup,” …
Is genetics research the next big hobby? (FierceBioResearcher)
“Can genetics map onto electronics–is it ready to go into the garage shop in a
hobbyist sense?” said Church. “That’s the question she’s asking, and I think
that’s a very big, profound question… There seems to be a very deep and
growing curiosity about genetics that might dwarf electronics. No matter how
much we love our gadgets, we’re totally fascinated by our ancestry and health.” …
New suite operational at Roche’s Carolina API plant (in-pharmatechnologist.com)
While the Florence expansion project began in 2007 well before cases of H1N1
“swine flu” began emerging, the additional Tamiflu capacity it provides
fits well with Roche’s efforts to ramp-up manufacture. …
Glaxo goes deeper into Africa with $418M deal
Aspen will distribute Glaxo’s meds in South Africa, and the two companies will
work together to sell their products across the remainder of the continent. …
Biotech Riding the Swine Flu Bandwagon (BNET Pharma)
Ironically, bio-opportunism reflects one of the biotech industry’s best
qualities: your competition does not have to fail for you to succeed. In fact,
your competitors’ successes can often validate your approach, in which case a
little coattail riding can be warranted. …