Health Information Center

Roche: novel Herceptin formulation promises greater convenience

Having stepped up lifecycle management for its leading breast cancer monoclonal antibody, Herceptin, Roche hopes to encourage uptake of a more convenient formulation of the drug. This strategy could help to conserve its share of an increasingly competitive market, but may be challenging to implement due to concerns over compliance and financial incentives to prescribe intravenous cancer drugs. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=68637&rt=F-Hoffmann-La-Roche-Ltd-PharmaVitae-Profile.html )

Roche has invested roughly CHF190m ($183m) at two production sites to manufacture devices that will allow patients to self-administer a subcutaneous formulation of Herceptin (trastuzumab; Roche/Genentech/Chugai). Continue reading ‘Roche: novel Herceptin formulation promises greater convenience’ »

The report provides market landscape, competitive landscape and market trends information on four ophthalmic devices market categories – cataract surgery devices, refractive surgery devices, vision care, and ophthalmic diagnostic equipment. The report provides comprehensive information on the key trends affecting these categories, and key analytical content on the market dynamics. The report also reviews the competitive landscape, key pipeline products and technology offerings.( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=133653&rt=The-Future-of-Ophthalmic-Devices-Market-Forecasts-and-Growth-Opportunities-to-2016-The-Vision-Care-Segment-Emerges-as-a-Key-Revenue-Generator.html )

The Global Ophthalmic Devices Market to Reach $28 billion by 2016The global ophthalmic devices market is forecast to reach $28 billion by 2016 with a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 2.5% from 2009-2016. The market is expected to be driven by a huge population suffering from vision problems, the availability of reimbursement for a majority of the devices and surgeries and the direct to consumer approach of the companies. The aging population is also an important growth driver for the market. The availability and accessibility of treatment for a majority of vision problems is also leading to increased patient demand and a subsequent growth in the market. This report provides key data, information and analysis on the global ophthalmic devices market.

The US to Continue to be the Biggest Ophthalmic Devices Market
The US is the biggest market for ophthalmic devices, contributing 26% towards the global market in 2009, and this contribution is expected to increase to 27% in 2016. The US ophthalmic devices market was valued at $6 billion in 2009 and is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.4% to reach $7.6 billion in 2016. The market is expected to be driven by the high prevalence of vision problems, the increasing contribution of employees and employers for vision care coverage and the availability and easy accessibility of the latest medical interventions for affected patients. Continue reading ‘Vision Care Market Remains The Largest Category In The Global Ophthalmic Devices Market’ »

US healthcare reform: a double-edged sword

The US House of Representatives has passed legislation paving the way for major healthcare system reform designed to substantially decrease the number of individuals without health insurance. Despite its potential benefits, it believes that the reform is a mixed blessing for the pharmaceutical industry as cost-containment pressures are set to intensify in the long term. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=134206&rt=Pharmaceutical-Licensing-Overview.html )

The landmark bill will overhaul the US healthcare system, aiming to reduce the number of individuals without healthcare insurance, improve access to healthcare and curb escalating costs. The bill focuses on health insurance system reform, specifically: expanding Medicaid insurance coverage for the poor; implementing stricter rules for private health insurers; outlining the creation of an individual mandate to purchase insurance; and introducing health insurance premium subsidies. Continue reading ‘US healthcare reform: a double-edged sword’ »

Marijuana has long been used by different age groups for its intoxicating effects. They’re used for a wide variety of reasons-recreational, religious, medical and even for self-image purposes. Marijuana is the dried up leaves, stems and seeds of the Cannabis sativa flower. It can be smoked, eaten and used as an ingredient in food.

The dangers of marijuana will always be present, though like many things it depends on quantity and regularity. First of all, if smoked, it has five times the tar content of a cigarette and contains a lot of carcinogens since they don’t pass through a filter the way they do with cigarettes. Regular users often develop chronic bronchitis or severe coughs.

Even though marijuana isn’t physically addictive, it is psychologically addictive. Users start out in small doses, or as casual users, but as they continue their usage, it can get to a point where they find themselves using it alone and eventually it can become a habit. Some examples of reasons that weed addicts use are that they need it to do well in their creative fields of work such as writing, painting or composing music. Others say it helps them to treat their anxiety, insomnia and even improve their self-esteem. Continue reading ‘Dangers of Marijuana – Are the Concerns Exaggerated Or Are They Facts?’ »

The humble little cannabis sativa plant is the center of one of the hottest issues between politics, religion, and medicine in all of history. Amidst all of the controversy and regardless of where they stand on the issue, medical professionals must find themselves curious about it. Is marijuana the miracle drug it is purported to be in some circles, or is this a lot of media hype? And likewise, is marijuana the dangerous, addicting road to drug-addled debauchery that the moral crusaders would have us believe, or is that, too, a lot of hype?

The claims about the medical benefits of marijuana, if all true, would instantly make it one of the most versatile drugs in history. So far, researches have proposed that it could treat Alzheimer’s disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, diabetes mellitus, dystonia, fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal disorders, gliomas, hepatitis C, hypertension, incontinence, osteoporosis, pruritis, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep apnea, and Tourette’s syndrome. The reports of new finding pour in every day. The latest claim is that cannabis extracts may shrink brain tumors and other cranial cancers by blocking the growth of the blood vessels which feed them.

Continue reading ‘Medical Marijuana – Is It For Real?’ »

Pfizer’s novel NGF pain drug is potential game changer

Phase II clinical trials of tanezumab in osteoarthritis, chronic low back pain and interstitial cystitis have demonstrated the drug’s analgesic efficacy across these three chronic pain settings. Despite safety concerns and a high price point, it expects tanezumab to enjoy a significant first-in-class advantage in a potentially lucrative novel area of pain therapy. ( http://www.bharatbook.com/detail.asp?id=130154&rt=Stakeholder-Insight-Osteoarthritis-Drug-development-lags-behind-rising-osteoarthritis-population.html )

Pfizer has announced positive results from three Phase II trials in pain at the American Academy of Pain Medicine’s 26th Annual Meeting. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled six-week trials in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and interstitial cystitis receiving a single intravenous infusion of tanezumab (200mcg/kg) met their primary endpoints of significantly superior pain relief over placebo. Continue reading ‘Pfizer's novel NGF pain drug is potential game changer’ »

You may have had a conversation amongst friends, or watched a television comedy show and heard a joke or two about hemorrhoids. You may have asked yourself what are these things that people are making a mockery of and may have decided to seek more information about piles also known in the UK as “a case of the farmer giles”.

Firstly it is safe to say that piles are a medical condition and one that can need treating just like any other illness. The taboo aspect of this illness however comes from the fact that it occurs in your nether regions, or anus to be more precise.

Piles also known as hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that form around the inner lining of your rectum to give a vague definition. Caused by excess pressure or force by either internal organs or dry and hard stools, this illness can be a cover up for something much worse if not diagnosed properly. Continue reading ‘Learn the Signs of Piles – Cure Hemorrhoids Now’ »

Alcohol is capable of causing birth defects. Causing a child to suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome is really nothing short of child abuse and it lasts for life.
Fetal Alcohol syndrom is an invisible avalanche crashing down and overwhelming public resources. Patients with fetal alcohol syndrome typically have multiple handicaps and require special medical, educational, familial and community assistance. A baby born with FAS may be seriously handicapped and require a lifetime of special care. In the United States, about 1,200 children are born each year with fetal alcohol syndrome. It is the leading cause of mental retardation in this country. When a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy, she risks giving birth to a child who will pay the price- in mental and physical deficiencies- for his or her entire life. It is a pattern of mental and physical defects which develops in some unborn babies when the mother drinks too much alcohol during pregnancy. People with FAS might have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, hearing, or a combination of these. These problems often lead to difficulties in school and problems getting along with others.
Continue reading ‘Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods’ »

Its a common issue people have, they need medical work done but the cost is far beyond what they can afford, options seem very limited for most people don’t they? Well, many people seem to be looking at Thailand to resolve these issues.

Some quick facts, Thailand’s medical treatment match’s America’s, Australia and British but it cost’s less then 1/3 the price. Dental work in Thailand is also the same, with the quality been equal to our western counterparts but the bill been far below.

There are many medical centers in Thailand who are happy to work on forign patients, this work can include but is not limited to Doctors, Dentists, Plastic Surgeons. I recently was reading a article about a woman who was loosing all her teeth due to a genetic disorder, in her home city of Sydney she was told it would cost in excess of $15, 000 to have fake teeth put in for her. Continue reading ‘Facts To Consider – Medical Work In Thailand’ »

Many people today take health insurance coverage for granted; there are many people who do not even have coverage. The issue is over 46 million people who do not have any health insurance or dental insurance. When you look at these numbers it breaks down that one out of every six people have no medical or dental coverage. As you view this problem it’s happening to people all across the country.

The major issue facing medical insurance and dental insurance is the pros and cons of enforcing a universal coverage law that has been based on the research that many people across the states are uninsured young individuals, such as teenagers who are healthier individuals who don’t believe they need any coverage. Continue reading ‘Many Americans Cannot Afford Health Benefits’ »