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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The UK Parliament has voted to allow the creation of embryos containing both human and animal genetic material for research purposes. As apart of a two-date debate on amendments to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, members of parliament voted 342 to 163 against an amendment to outlaw so-called hybrid or admixed embryos.