According to the latest physician study and advisory service released by Manhattan Research, approximately one-third of physicians are currently communicating with their patients online - a number which has grown over the past few years, but still lags behind consumer interest in communicating with physicians through the Internet.
Read more ...
Internal body signals important for diabetes research
A joint research project between Sweden and the USA has uncovered a so far unknown signal network involving the cells in the pancreas. This discovery has the potential to significantly revolutionise the treatment of diabetes. Diabetes has an enormous impact on the lives of families worldwide. Its impact can be measured both in economic terms and in terms of human lives. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diabetes is expected to have caused 3.8 million deaths worldwide in 2007.
Read more ...
Summary of responses on a legislative proposal to combat counterfeit medicines for human use
In response to the public consultation on "Key ideas for better protection of patients against the risk of counterfeit medicines", the Commission received 123 contributions from stakeholders. Of these, 100 were from industry (pharmaceutical industry, distributors, suppliers of active ingredients, consultants), 15 from citizens, patient (groups), and academics, and 8 from health professionals, pharmacists and health insurers.
Read more ...
Information Technology Award Announced for Pharmacy in 2009
First DataBank Europe (FDBE) in association with The Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists (GHP) and the UK Clinical Pharmacy Association (UKCPA) announced the 2009 FDBE/GHP/UKCPA Information Technology Award. The aim of the annual award, which is in its seventh year, is to encourage, support and promote information technology initiatives and best practice in the use of IT in hospital pharmacy.
Read more ...
European Medicines Agency recommends measures to manage contamination of heparin-containing medicine
The European Medicines Agency has reviewed the risks associated with the use of heparin medicinal products contaminated with oversulphated chondroitin sulphate (OSCS). Heparins are used to prevent and treat blood clots. They are used widely in patients who could have, or have had a heart attack, in patients who have undergone major surgery, or patients on dialysis.
Read more ...
New Efforts to Help Improve Medical Products for Patient Safety and Quality of Medical Care
HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt announced efforts underway at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will complement each other to improve patient safety and the quality of medical care. "This initiative will tremendously increase the FDA's capacity to monitor the use of medical products on the market," Secretary Leavitt said.
Read more ...
Carbon nanotubes may cause cancer, study reveals
A new study conducted by a team of UK and US scientists has revealed the carcinogenic potential of certain carbon nanotubes. In a paper published in Nature Nanotechnology on 20 May, the researchers describe asbestos-like features in long, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), when they are inhaled in sufficient quantities.
Read more ...