MedWorm provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest medical blog items that have been tagged with 'aids'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 01:48:43 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5174216&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FrmUugv8zTgM%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, and Abbie Smith Vincent, Rich, and Abbie review a broad spectrum antiviral protein, and selective pressure applied by a failed HIV-1 vaccine. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV 146 (78 MB .mp3, 107 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Broad spectrum antiviral (PLoS One) Selection by failed HIV-1 vaccine (Nature Medicine) HIV vaccine impacts virus (EurekAlert!) TWiV on Facebook Letters read on TWiV 146 Weekly Science Picks Vincent - Hypothetical Risk: Cambridge City Council’s Hearings on Recombinant DNA Research Rich – Z Corporation 3-D printer (YouTube) Listener ... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5174216 Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:46:30 +0100 5174216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5169574&cid=t_97837_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2011%2F08%2F26%2Fpresidents-as-patients-an-interview-with-dr-connie-mariano%2F Eleanor Concepcion “Connie” Mariano has quite an impressive resume — even for a doctor. Not only was Dr. Mariano — or, Dr. Connie, as she’s more intimately known by a few — the first Filipino-American to become a Rear Admiral in the United States Navy, but she was also the first American woman to be appointed the Director of the White House Medical Unit. In June 2010, Dr. Mariano released The White House Doctor: My Patients Were Presidents: A Memoir (Thomas Dune Books, 2010). I was able to speak with her recently about the psychology behind spending nine years caring for three Presidents of the United States through everything from surprisingly panic-inducing blisters to that sex scandal heard ’round the world. Alicia Sparks: Whether you were headed to a lo... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5169574 Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:31:24 +0100 5169574 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5159631&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F08%2F25%2Fthere-are-some-blog-posts-id-like-to-forget-on-returning-to-the-ndp%2F I’ve always tried to make this blog somewhat of a record of my life, however fragmented, warts and all.  Here in the archives is my defiant abandonment of the New Democratic Party for, let’s say, greener pastures.  However right it felt at the time, and for a couple of by-elections and a general election after, [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5159631 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:54:54 +0100 5159631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5161731&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F25%2Fhivaids-patients-in-care%2F http://www.incarecampaign.org Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program grantees and their subproviders across the country are invited to join this national retention Campaign sponsored by the Health Resources and Services Administration HIV/AIDS Bureau in coordination with the National Quality Center. The goal of the in+care Campaign is to bring patients back to care and keep others from falling out of care. This national initiative is a no-cost, voluntary quality improvement effort focused on retention. (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5161731 Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:32:54 +0100 5161731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5143756&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F18%2Fnew-data-syphilis%2F CDC researchers published the first national-level analysis that compares trends in primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) by age group and race/ethnicity; the analysis found that recent increases in P&S syphilis in this population are occurring mostly among young MSM, aged 15-29 years. Black and Hispanic men who have sex with men bear the greatest syphilis burden: http://1.usa.gov/ndwtoY [CDC NCHHSTP Newsroom] (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5143756 Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:13:06 +0100 5143756 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5139683&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FIyG05aaQWBI%2F Viagra Protection: A federal judge ruled yesterday that a Pfizer patent on the erectile-dysfunction treatment Viagra is valid and enforceable, protecting the blockbuster drug against generic competition until 2019, the WSJ reports. Teva Pharmaceutical had proposed a generic version of the drug, arguing that certain claims of that 2019 Pfizer patent were invalid, the paper says. Cheap Screening: Hospitals are advertising inexpensive low-dose CT scans for current and former smokers on the heels of a government study that found such lung-cancer screening can save lives in a certain group of people, Kaiser Health News reports. But the study didn’t fully answer questions about who might benefit from the screening and how they should be screened, and the tests produce a lot of false positi... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5139683 Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:43:51 +0100 5139683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5125708&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=35747&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthaffairs.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2F12%2Fthe-coming-transformation-of-public-addiction-treatment%2F Provisions of the Affordable Care Act and other recent legislative changes will transform public substance abuse treatment in the United States, substantially increasing the funding, expanding access to care, and better integrating it with other health services. That’s the conclusion of an article by Jeffrey Buck, senior advisor for behavioral health in the Center for [...] (Source: Health Affairs Blog) Health Affairs Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5125708 Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:10:57 +0100 5125708 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119908&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F11%2Fhealth-center-week%2F August 7-13 is National Health Center Week. To find a health center near you, go to: http://bit.ly/WoDWU, Find a Health Center from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119908 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 17:42:05 +0100 5119908 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118597&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2F-v7ZpnrS1Qc%2F Serial Killers: Genetically engineering certain immune-system cells to identify and then destroy a certain protein found on leukemia cells can put patients into sustained remission from their cancer, the WSJ reports. Research on three people published in the New England Journal of Medicine and Science Translational Medicine shows that the treatment has harsh side effects, however, and much larger studies are needed to prove that it works. The genetic immunotherapy will also be studied in other cancers. Identifying Variations: Scientists have published in the journal Nature an analysis of the genetics behind multiple sclerosis, finding 29 genetic variations associated with the disease and shoring up the notion that it is an autoimmune disorder, the Los Angeles Times’ Booster Shots blo... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118597 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:49:11 +0100 5118597 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5118994&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FX-4k_OX50Ks%2F Top of the morning to you. And what a morning it is. A lovely sun is shining overhead and a cool breeze is wafting through the Pharmalot corporate campus. This calls for a celebratory cup of stimulation. Nonetheless, meetings and deadlines loom. So let us all get started. A few interesting items can be found below. Meanwhile, if you hear of anything interesting, drop us a line. Have a great day, everyone… FDA OKs Gilead And J&J Once-Daily HIV Pill (Reuters) Pfizer Pays First Compensation To Nigerian Trovan Victims (BBC) Vioxx Lawyers Get More Fees After Filing Objections (Bloomberg News) Pfizer To Shed 130 Jobs And Close Former King Plant (TriCities) FDA Sets Review Deadline For Amylin Diabetes Drug (Reuters) FDA Questions Adventrx Trial Run By CRO In Argentina (Outsourcing Phar... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5118994 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 11:53:50 +0100 5118994 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5119913&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F10%2Fprimer-on-googleplus%2F http://bit.ly/puuDZj Google+: A primer for the HIV/AIDS Community August 9, 2011 By Michelle Samplin-Salgado, New Media Strategist, AIDS.gov Co-authored by Jodi Sperber, Consultant,  John Snow Inc. Google+ was released to a limited audience (in beta) on June 28, 2011 and has received a lot of attention since then. Within the first month, over 10 million people signed up to try it out. You may have seen the which is similar to the “like” on Facebook, but what’s it really about? This entry on blog.AIDs.gov provides a basic overview. (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5119913 Thu, 11 Aug 2011 01:00:14 +0100 5119913 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5103338&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fresearch-finds-success-in-small-cheap-and-strong-test-for-hiv-and-syphilis%2F2011.08.06 Researchers from Columbia University have developed a “lab on a chip” HIV and syphilis test, and are now reporting the first results from tests in the field conducted in Rwanda. The mChip, as it is called, is the size of a credit card and replicates all steps of an ELISA test, at a lower total material cost and within 20 minutes. After application of a blood sample, the chip is inserted into a $100 battery-powered handheld analyzer. It needs only 1 μl of unprocessed whole blood and does not require any user interpretation of the signal, providing a clear-cut yes or no result. Right now, HIV testing in developing countries either relies on expensive laboratory testing taking a long time, or uses cheaper methods based on lateral flow, which, although very rapid, do not provide very reli... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5103338 Sat, 06 Aug 2011 18:00:08 +0100 5103338 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5097850&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F04%2Fnew-aids-data%2F From the NCHHSTP Newsroom:  The CDC’s first multi-year estimates from its national HIV incidence surveillance find that overall, the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States was relatively stable. However, HIV infections increased among young men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2006 and 2009, driven by alarming increases among young, black MSM – the only subpopulation to experience a sustained increase during the time period. http://1.usa.gov/osnWKF (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5097850 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 14:11:41 +0100 5097850 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096153&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FNS7lvS4dblo%2F Reviewing Infuse Data: Medtronic will give Yale University $2.5 million to supervise two independent reviews of clinical trial and other data on the company’s controversial spinal-fusion product Infuse Bone Graft, the WSJ reports. In June, a paper published in the Spine Journal raised questions about clinical trials of Infuse, including a failure to report some complications. Infection Rates: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that some 50,000 Americans become infected each year with HIV, a number that has changed little in a decade and that is prompting discussion about whether government prevention programs are working, the New York Times reports. More infections are being seen in young gay black men, while the number of infections of children by their HI... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096153 Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:39:54 +0100 5096153 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5096157&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FBHxwkhyvIwY%2F Medicare a Likely Target: The deal reached to increase the debt ceiling will mean a bipartisan group of legislators will be seeking an additional $1.5 trillion in cuts later this fall, and health-care spending, including on Medicare, is likely to be in the crosshairs, the WSJ reports. Some form of means-testing and raising the age of Medicare eligibility will probably be on the table, the paper says. If Congress fails to approve sufficient cuts, automatic spending cuts, namely lower payments to providers, will go into effect automatically. Not Effective: Research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that Risperdal — and, possibly, similar antipsychotic drugs — doesn’t ease post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans, the New York T... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5096157 Wed, 03 Aug 2011 10:20:30 +0100 5096157 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5088431&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F08%2F02%2Fbehavioral-health-hivaids%2F http://www.samhsa.gov/hiv/ SAMHSA is working to ensure that individuals who are at high risk for or have a mental and/or substance use disorder and who are most at risk for or are living with HIV/AIDS have access to and receive appropriate behavioral health services (including prevention and treatment), HIV/AIDS care and medical treatment through its many grant programs and technical assistance opportunities. [blog.AIDS.gov post: http://go.usa.gov/K2M] (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5088431 Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:34:25 +0100 5088431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086133&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F08%2Fyes-hhs-approves-iom-recommendations-for-preventive-care-for-women Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is adopting the Institute of Medicine’s recommendations for preventive care services for women. This will ensure that women have access to the following services under health insurance plans without having to pay a co-payment, co-insurance or deductible: well-woman visits screening for gestational diabetes HPV testing STI counseling HIV screening and counseling contraception methods and counseling breastfeeding support, supplies, and counseling screening and counseling for domestic and interpersonal violence Coverage for these services is expected to begin Aug. 1, 2012. There is one caveat for some women regarding access to contraception without a co-pay — a provision that “Group health plans spon... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086133 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 19:30:20 +0100 5086133 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5086137&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FY2g0k-H0Yys%2F Paying Up: Getting a drug approved is only the first step for pharma companies as insurance companies and governments crack down on spending by focusing on the value that a new medication will bring, the WSJ reports. AstraZeneca, for example, will be negotiating with U.S. insurers over the next year, hoping to convince them that the new anti-clotting drug Brilinta is worth the $7.24 per day it plans to charge. That’s a 20% premium over the current gold-standard treatment, Plavix, which will lose patent protection next year, the paper says. “Lab On a Chip”: A report published online by Nature Medicine shows that a small device that can be used in the field accurately detected both HIV and syphilis in a group of Rwandan people, the Washington Post reports. The so-called lab... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5086137 Mon, 01 Aug 2011 12:46:43 +0100 5086137 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5085585&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FR1JYWJnAwmE%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, and Alan Dove Vincent, Rich, and Alan discuss live blogging of scientific meetings, the current outbreak of Hendra virus is Australia, and using zinc finger nucleases to make HIV-resistant CD4 cells. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV 144 (75 MB .mp3, 104 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Live blogging scientific meetings (virology blog) Cross reactive Hendra antibodies in dog (article one and two and three) Dog owner replies Map of Hendra virus outbreak 2011 Summaries of current Hendra virus outbreak (one and two) Recombinant Hendra glycoprotein vaccine protects ferrets (Va... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5085585 Sun, 31 Jul 2011 15:12:49 +0100 5085585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077688&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fcan-pharmacogenomic-tests-help-to-improve-public-health%2F2011.07.29 Adverse drug events are a serious public health problem. Consider the following facts: an estimated 82% of American adults take at least one medication and 29% take five or more; 700,000 emergency department visits and 120,000 hospitalizations are due to adverse drug events annually; $3.5 billion is spent on extra medical costs of adverse drug events annually; at least 40% of costs associated with adverse drug events occurring outside hospitals can be prevented. How can genomics help? Pharmacogenomics is the study of genetic variation as a factor in drug response, affecting both safety and effectiveness. The intended applications of pharmacogenomics research include identifying responders and non-responders to medications, avoiding adverse events, optimizing drug dose and avoiding unnece... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077688 Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:00:10 +0100 5077688 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5069735&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F27%2Fthere-is-no-hierarchy-in-grief-of-norway-and-amy-winehouse%2F Please read this from Scott Dagostino, whose writing makes me admire the way his mind works. Being someone who might preemptively describe myself as naive (which endears me to world-wise friends and the ne’er do-well-alike), I must say the title of Scott’s post took me in with more than its most obvious sarcasm and led [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5069735 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 19:14:52 +0100 5069735 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5061744&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FUvxf1VTOQmI%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, Julie Overbaugh, and Stacey Schultz-Cherry Vincent, Rich, Julie and Stacey recorded TWiV at the 30th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Virology in Minneapolis, where they discussed the role of neutralizing antibodies in protection against HIV-1 infection, and astroviruses, agents of gastroenteritis. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV 143 (48 MB .mp3, 66 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: HIV-1 neutralizing antibodies and risk of infant infection (J Virol) Astrovirus increases epithelial barrier (J Virol) Virology special reviews issue (open access) Don Ganem interrup... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5061744 Sun, 24 Jul 2011 15:47:58 +0100 5061744 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050510&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FXBJnKrBGmtg%2F In Short Supply: Johnson & Johnson is experiencing a shortage of its cancer drug Doxil due to production delays at a contract manufacturer, the WSJ reports. The company is advising doctors not to start new patients on the drug and to consult national treatment guidelines for alternatives. A recent survey found 99.5% of hospitals have experienced a shortage of at least one drug in the past six months. Uh Oh: Researchers at Boston University retracted a study published online last year in Science that claimed to pinpoint a set of genetic markers linked to living past 100, the Boston Globe reports. Science said technical errors and inadequate quality-control procedures, not misconduct, sparked the retraction, and that once re-crunched, the data didn’t meet “the journal’s... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050510 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 12:38:25 +0100 5050510 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051238&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FbCFE16uqAmc%2F And so, another working week will soon draw to a close. As you know, this is our welcome signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda is modest - a dip in the pool, an evening of soccer with one of the short people and catching up on some reading. What about you? Given the heat, a few indoor activities may be in order. How about an air-conditioned drive in the country or a movie marathon (if you avoid paying for more than one flick, you have a bargain). You could take a trip to the mall and spur the economy. Or you could stay home and turn on the telly for updates on the debt talks. Whatever you do, have a good time and stay cool. See you soon… Bristol-Myers Buys Amira Pharmaceuticals For Up To $475M (Xconomy) Merck And Simcere Pharmaceutical Form Joint Venture (China Daily) Ex... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051238 Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:44:20 +0100 5051238 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050452&cid=t_97837_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F21%2Finstitute-of-medicine-recommendations-released-birth-control-could-become-a-copay-free-preventive-service%2F The Institute of Medicine released its recommendations of which women’s health services should join the list of copay-free preventive services under the Affordable Care Act health care reform legislation. Birth control was included, along with services related to STIs, breastfeeding, and domestic violence. Over at OBOS, I have more information and links to some good commentaries and coverage of the news. Filed under: Abuse, Rape, & Safety, Access, Rights, & Choice, Breastfeeding, Contraception, Government, HIV/AIDS, HPV (Source: Women's Health News) Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050452 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 12:39:41 +0100 5050452 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5051085&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F07%2F20%2Fover-400-friends-for-life-to-thank-as-they-cycle-along-the-shores-of-my-gene-pond-river-and-canals%2F There is some hope that this near-historic hot weather will return to “normal hot” by Sunday.  I have no doubt that this will be a great relief to all involved in the annual Friends for Life Bike Rally which leaves Toronto that morning on a six-day, six hundred kilometre ride to Montréal. It was ten [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5051085 Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:46:01 +0100 5051085 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5050508&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Finstitute-of-medicine-recommends-birth-control-as-a-covered-preventive-service Good news! You may remember that the health care reform legislation enacted last year included provisions for preventive health care services to be fully covered without requiring patients to have copayments. It was not clear, however, whether birth control would be included as a preventive service. It seems obvious to us, but the Institute of Medicine was asked to make some recommendations about which preventive services for women should be included, and included birth control in those recommendations, released yesterday. If they are adopted, preventive services including birth control could become much more affordable and accessible to women in the United States. The Institute, after reviewing the rate and consequences of unintended pregnancy, effectiveness of birth control, and cost and... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5050508 Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:44:01 +0100 5050508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5030455&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F07%2F14%2Fprep-reduces-risk-of-hiv%2F CDC Trial and Another Major Study Find PrEP Can Reduce Risk of HIV Infection among Heterosexuals http://www.cdc.gov/nchhstp/newsroom/PrEPHeterosexuals.html A new CDC study called the TDF2 study, along with a separate trial released today, provide the first evidence that a daily oral dose of antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection can reduce HIV acquisition among uninfected individuals exposed to the virus through heterosexual sex. (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5030455 Thu, 14 Jul 2011 23:59:21 +0100 5030455 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5028134&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fk5W9J0x-YwM%2F Curbing HIV: Two new studies show the same drugs used to treat HIV infection can also be used to lower the risk of heterosexual transmission of the virus, the WSJ reports. The studies, conducted in Africa, showed antiretroviral drugs marketed by Gilead Sciences could help cut the risk of infection by at least 62%. Research has previously shown that one of the drugs can help reduce transmission of the virus in gay and bisexual men by 44% — 73% when taken every day, as directed. Happier Meals?: Nineteen restaurant chains say they will take steps to up the nutritional quality of their menu offerings for children as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Kids Live Well campaign, the Los Angeles Times reports. Burger King will give parents the option of swapping out fries and... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5028134 Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:54:44 +0100 5028134 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008660&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FoGHMXqJ1AYw%2F India has promised not to link a proposed trade deal with the European Union to any limits on making generic AIDS drugs, according to a joint statement from India’s Commerce Minister Anand Sharma and the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS. The declaration came in response to growing criticism that pharma was pushing provisions in trade talks that would limit the availability of AIDS meds. The EU and India began talks in 2007 on a free-trade agreement that would be worth an estimated $134 billion in commerce. But a report last year in the Journal of the International AIDS Society suggested provisions could raise prices delay access to improved meds, and recommended that “inappropriate” trade deals should not be pursued unless new policies are created (see here). A key poin... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008660 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 13:20:18 +0100 5008660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008661&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYKkX3nU_2rg%2F Hired someone new and exciting? Promoted a rising star? Finally solved that hard-to-fill spot? Share the news with us and we’ll share with it others. That’s right. Send us your announcements and we’ll find a home for them. Don’t be shy. Everyone wants to know who is coming and going, especially with all the layoffs. Despite the downsizing, there is movement. Here are some of the latest changes. Recognize anyone? And here is our regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that MTI, which provides marketing systems to drugmakers and biotechs, hired Michael Kelly as senior vp of business development. Previously, he was vp for solutions business development and marketing at Cadient Group, where he was responsible for sa... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008661 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 12:26:18 +0100 5008661 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008508&cid=t_97837_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2FkdB_uXaZ2bI%2F It’s no secret that Americans have an obesity problem, but since we’re awfully skilled at looking away from the scale and towards our next drive thru, it can’t hurt to take a moment to check in with the numbers: According to an annual report from the Trust for America’s Health, adult obesity rates have gone up in 16 states between 2008 and 2010 (and gone down in none). Which puts over two-thirds of U.S. states at obesity rates of over 25 percent, while only one state — Colorado — has a rate lower than 20 percent. You could roll your eyes and tell me you’ve heard it before; you could question all these studies’ definitions of “obese.” But if I told you that 25% of the population had AIDS, you’d be frantic. Everyone would freak out. T... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008508 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 22:29:07 +0100 5008508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5008117&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F07%2Fquick-hits-un-report-on-justice-for-women-a-new-maternity-blog-and-more From dorms at USF to justice for women around the world, here are a few items of interest: The United Nations’s UN Women group released a report, “Progress of the World’s Women: In Pursuit of Justice,” which looks at the legal rights of women around the world, barriers to accessing and navigating the justice system, and the impact of war/conflict on women, among other issues. It also includes ten recommendations for making justice systems work for women. The University of South Florida has begun offering students gender-neutral housing options in response to a transgender student who reported hostility and harassment in campus housing. The school is going to offer several housing options and allow students to indicate male, female, or transitioning on their campus housing appli... Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5008117 Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:49:01 +0100 5008117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4997307&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2F1hx-iPK-V2M%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Judy Lieberman Vincent, Alan, Rich, and Judy Lieberman review the use of CD4 aptamer-siRNA chimeras to inhibit HIV transmission. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV #140 (110 MB .mp3, 92 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Inhibition of HIV transmission using CD4 aptamer-siRNA chimeras (J Clin Inves) Stopping HIV transmission with a molecular barrier? (ScienceDaily) An apt approach (Nat Med) Smallpox immunization photos (Virus talk) TWiV on Facebook Letters read on TWiV 139 Weekly Science Picks Alan – Inside insides Rich – Rock stars of science Vince... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4997307 Sun, 03 Jul 2011 16:43:00 +0100 4997307 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4977674&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F06%2F28%2Freports-on-hivaids%2F This report by the Black AIDS Institute http://www.blackaids.org/ marks the 30th anniversary of the first official report on the emergence of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Over three  decades, AIDS has radically altered our world, reshaping entire regions of the world, changing people’s relationship with their own sexuality, dramatically accelerating social and cultural change, and producing some of the most important scientific advances of the last century. UNMC’s Midlands LGBT Needs Assessment Community Report http://bit.ly/l0as3x [PDF] The purpose of the Midlands LGBT Community Needs Assessment was to gather descriptive data of the health and wellbeing of LGBT people who live, work, and ‘play’ in Nebraska. Specifically, data on the physical, mental, social, and sexual health o... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4977674 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:31:13 +0100 4977674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975867&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-should-you-get-an-hiv-test-national-hiv-testing-day%2F2011.06.28 jQ(document).ready(function(){jQ('.bannerad').hide();jQ('#healthy_vision').parent().parent().parent().hide();});Note: Yesterday President Obama issued a statement on National HIV Testing Day Thirty years ago, at the beginning of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, there was no test for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. For many, there was only the long and worrisome wait for the signs of infection. Once those signs appeared, no treatment for the virus was available. I personally cared for many, many patients in this era, and I am thankful that those days are over. Today, HIV testing is accurate, widely available, and often free—and treatment can help people living with HIV enjoy long, healthy lives, especially when they get diagnosed early. The good news is that more people are being tested fo... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975867 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:40 +0100 4975867 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4976206&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FvinqO6QozGE%2F Hello, again. And how are you this morning? A beautiful day is unfolding here on the Pharmalot corporate campus - the birds are chirping, the official mascots are lounging about and the cup of stimulation is brewing. Meanwhile, we are looking forward to another day of R&D. We know you can relate. To help you along, here are some tidbits. Hope your day goes well and stay in touch… Vertex Tops Merck In Hep C Drug Launch (The Street) Glaxo R&D Chief Says Advair Is Safe From Generics (Reuters) J&J Plans To Market More Products Under The Janssen Name (Financial Times) New Prostate Cancer Drugs Are Expensive (New York Times) Amgen Sells $3 Billion In Bonds To Pay For Dividends (Bloomberg News) Diabetes Cases In Adults Worldwide Has Doubled In 30 Years (Reuters) India Suspend... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4976206 Tue, 28 Jun 2011 11:45:08 +0100 4976206 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4975859&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=38368&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FDisruptiveWomenInHealthCare%2F%7E3%2F-NditOzSIT8%2F Every year on June 27th the National Association of People With AIDS (NAPWA) organizes National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), in partnership with other national and local groups. They do this to send the message to both those at risk and those already living with HIV that it is critical to know your HIV status. This year marks the 17th NHTD. The CDC estimates approximately 21 percent of the 1.3 million Americans living with HIV are unaware that they have it. Voluntary HIV counseling and testing is the important first step in taking control and responsibility over one’s health, their message for NHTD “Take the Test, Take Control” reflects this. As the HIV epidemic turns thirty it is more important than ever to to heed their message. For More Information: CMS National Coverage Dete... Disruptive Women in Health Care blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4975859 Mon, 27 Jun 2011 13:29:26 +0100 4975859 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4952847&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Ftension-between-physician-autonomy-and-adherence-to-protocols%2F2011.06.20 Doctors are professionals.  But are doctors cowboys or pit crews?  Recently, physician writer, Dr. Atul Gawande, spoke about the challenges for the next generation of doctors in his commencement speech titled, Cowboys and Pit Crews, at Harvard Medical School.  Gawande notes that advancement of knowledge in American medicine has resulted in an amazing ability to provide care that was impossible a century ago.  Yet, something else also occurred in the process. “[Medicine’s complexity] has exceeded our individual capabilities as doctors… The core structure of medicine—how health care is organized and practiced—emerged in an era when doctors could hold all the key information patients needed in their heads and manage everything required themselves. One needed only an ethic of har... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4952847 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:00:00 +0100 4952847 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4946562&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F06%2F20%2Fnational-hiv-testing-day-6%2F http://www.aids.gov/awareness-days/national-hiv-testing-day/ National HIV Testing Day (NHTD), June 27, is an annual observance to promote HIV testing. The National Association of People with AIDS Exit Disclaimer (NAPWA) founded the day in 1995 and continues to be the lead for this observance. Resources listed on this page include: Locate HIV Testing Near You Webinar/Conference Call Archive Learn about HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns in the U.S. National HIV Testing Day TwitterViews http://bit.ly/kpgU32 On June 27, 2011, the CDC will host a series of TwitterViews, which are online interviews conducted between two Twitter accounts. The TwitterViews will be held daily June 20-24 and will feature subject matter experts on new media, HIV testing, primary care, National HIV Testing Day and mental... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4946562 Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:48:28 +0100 4946562 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4953268&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F19%2Fnot-pictured%2F View Full Album I am mindful, on this Father’s Day, that I do not have many photographs of Thomas Arnold (“Arnie”) Chaplin.  (The additional ones I do have are wedding party shots with people who might not wish to be published.)  However my memory informs me of many more, in safe-keeping with Mom, from the [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4953268 Sun, 19 Jun 2011 20:51:16 +0100 4953268 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934086&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fof5_LMc8knk%2F This month marks 30 years since the first case reports were published about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. A new report analyzes the factors that helped patient advocates drive research into and drug development for that disease, and tries to figure out whether there are lessons to be learned for other disease advocates. The paper, called “Back to Basics: HIV/AIDS Advocacy as a Model for Catalyzing Change” and co-authored by consulting-firm HCM Strategists and the nonprofit group FasterCures, is based on in-person and telephone interviews with activists, scientists, government officials and policy makers involved with the HIV/AIDS advocacy movement. It credits patient advocates with helping to implement regulatory changes that sped up access to investigational drugs and with ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934086 Thu, 16 Jun 2011 14:50:41 +0100 4934086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4934458&cid=t_97837_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Ftransforming-healthcare-one-phone-time For those paying close attention to the world of mobile health last week, you may have noticed a number of tweets coming out of Cape Town, South Africa, and the Mobile Health Summit put on there by the GSMA, an organization that represents mobile operators worldwide, and the mHealth Alliance (@mHealthAlliance). read more (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4934458 Mon, 13 Jun 2011 12:30:28 +0100 4934458 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4921748&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fs193dE4Ztzo%2F The leading maker of drugs for AIDS and HIV has received a subpoena for documents related to its manufacture, quality and distribution practices from the US Attorney for the Northern District of California, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. The request applies to Atripla, Emtriva, Truvada and Viread - all of which are AIDS drugs - as well as the Hepsera hepatitis treatment; the Leitairis pulmonary hypertension med and an experimental fixed-dose combination of Truvada and Edurant. The drugmaker says it is cooperating in the civil and criminal investigation (see the SEC filing). In a note to investors, ISI Group biotech analyst Mark Schoenebaum noted that Gilead has received similar subpoenas in the past - in December 2006, concerning marketing and medical... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4921748 Fri, 10 Jun 2011 21:42:31 +0100 4921748 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4913680&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F06%2F09%2Fcaribbean-american-hivaids%2F http://bit.ly/mJd8vd 08 Jun 2011 By Deb LeBel, Partnerships Specialist, AIDS.gov Co-authored by Jane Carper, Intern, AIDS.gov Today is Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NCAHAAD) http://aids.gov/awareness-days/caribbean-american/—an annual observance dedicated to increasing awareness of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean American community. Raising HIV/AIDS Awareness in the Caribbean Community http://bit.ly/jrS2ZR (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4913680 Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:06:32 +0100 4913680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4909135&cid=t_97837_46_f&fid=38787&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmsf.ca%2Fblogs%2Fphotos%2F2011%2F06%2F08%2Fmy-life-with-hiv%2F Nairobi, Kenya – May 23, 2011 Catherine lives with her family in Kibera, a deprived area of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Catherine is HIV positive and is being treated at an MSF clinic in Kibera where she also works as a cleaner and a cook. Seven years ago, after she had started antiretroviral treatment, Catherine documented her life in pictures in a project called ‘My Life with HIV’. Now, in 2011, Catherine’s life is very full and she is a healthy and active individual, who in addition to her normal job, has started up a small sugar plantation up country to generate more money to educate her children. Watch a photo film with Catherine here (Source: MSF Blogs) MSF Blogs blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4909135 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 14:17:46 +0100 4909135 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4911820&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWRej8NgksWI%2F Good morning, everyone, and how are you today? A scorcher is predicted to envelope the Pharmalot corporate campus. We plan to keep cool by perusing interesting documents and chatting up interesting people. We will also break later to appear on a PhRMA panel on social media. To prepare, we are downing a few cups of stimulation - our flavor today is Southern Pecan. Meanwhile, here are some nifty tidbits from around your world. Watch out for the heat and see you soon… Pfizer Teams With Harvard In $100M Drug Discovery Deal (Bloomberg News) Merck Ends Trial Of Intercell Vaccine For MRSA (Reuters) Covidien Seeks A Buyer For Its Pharma Unit (Bloomberg News) Orphan Drug Development Success Remains Elusive (Gen New) US Seeks Prison Sentences For Device Execs (Associated Press) Glaxo Faces Adv... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4911820 Wed, 08 Jun 2011 12:00:08 +0100 4911820 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4902384&cid=t_97837_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F06%2F05%2Fsunday-news-round-up-if-this-is-may-edition%2F The local newspaper is covering genetic tests for breast cancer, privacy, gene tests patents, cost, and the fears some people have about getting tested. Iris Carmen at Jezebel has a piece, “The Fight For Abortion Access For Military Women,” that is really about barriers in the military that prevent women from reporting sexual assault, the institutional difficulties faced by women servicemembers who become pregnant, and their lack of access to abortion coverage and providers. Via the CDC’s National Prevention Intervention Network (@cdcnpin) Follow @CDCNPIN@CDCNPINCDC NPIN #30years ago today, @CDCMMWR reported on 1st cases of what became known as #AIDS. http://ow.ly/59vq3 about 23 hours ago via webReplyRetweetFavorite The link in the tweet goes to the actual June 5, 1... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4902384 Sun, 05 Jun 2011 16:49:56 +0100 4902384 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4895304&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F06%2F03%2F30th-anniversary-of-aids%2F Statement from the National Minority Aids Council http://bit.ly/kYPkLf Sunday, June 5, is the 30th anniversary of AIDS. On that day in 1981 the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) first reported on symptoms of the virus in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR). While much progress has been made in combatting the epidemic over the last three decades, must work remains. It continues to infect 56,000 and kill 18,000 people in the U.S. every year. NMAC continues its dedication to the struggle and its constituents and appreciates all of your support in that fight. [NMAC on the Hill -] A Timeline of AIDS http://1.usa.gov/lyZsUI (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4895304 Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:39:57 +0100 4895304 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4895306&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F06%2F02%2Faidsvu-map-of-hiv-in-the-us%2F http://aidsvu.org/ AIDSVu provides a high-resolution view of the geography of HIV in the United States, 30 years into the epidemic. It is an online tool that allows users to visually explore the HIV epidemic alongside critical resources such as HIV testing center locations and NIH-Funded HIV Prevention & Vaccine Trials Sites. (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4895306 Thu, 02 Jun 2011 19:19:53 +0100 4895306 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4872053&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2Fo0F-VmVKWyc%2F Study’s Reverberations?: Abbott’s Niaspan setback has implications for Merck and Roche, which are also trying to develop drugs that raise good cholesterol and can be added to statins, which lower the bad kind, the WSJ reports. Merck, for example, is conducting a 25,000-person trial to test its own niacin-based drug tredaptive. A Merck exec tells the WSJ it’s way too early to judge niacin’s potential by these latest results alone. Unifying Records: The Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs plan to jointly develop a computerized system to keep military members’ health records in one place throughout their career and retirement, the New York Times reports. Officials say an interoperable system will reduce lost paperwork, speed the delivery of care... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4872053 Fri, 27 May 2011 12:44:45 +0100 4872053 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4864123&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F25%2Fwhite-house-hivaids%2F THURSDAY!! May 26 5pm – 6pm (I’m assuming ET since its at the White House) An estimated 1.1 million people are living with HIV, but 1 in 5 does not know they are infected and more than half of American adults, ages 18-64 have never been tested. Faith and community–based organizations play a significant role in reducing health disparities and help work to solve some of our most complex health challenges, including HIV/AIDS. Through the first ever National HIV/AIDS Strategy, President Obama has charged the federal Centers for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships to actively engage faith communities to end the stigma that surrounds HIV/AIDS and promote prevention and testing. To address these issues, the HHS Partnership Center and White House Office for Faith-Based and Neig... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4864123 Thu, 26 May 2011 00:27:30 +0100 4864123 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4852837&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FNDlWsDrkqts%2F New HIV Drug Option: The FDA approved Johnson & Johnson’s HIV drug rilpivirine, which will be marketed as Edurant and used in combination with other drugs in previously untreated patients infected by the virus, Dow Jones Newswires reports. The drug blocks replication of HIV. Waiting Lists: Meantime, tight-budgeted states are trimming programs that assist low-income HIV patients to purchase antiretroviral and other drugs, Kaiser Health News and the Washington Post report. At least 8,300 people are now on state waiting lists for assistance, KHN says. Google Warned?: Regulators and others warned Google that many of its online drugstore advertisers were breaking laws against prescribing without a doctor’s prescription, selling fake drugs and improperly selling controlled substa... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4852837 Mon, 23 May 2011 12:52:23 +0100 4852837 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848547&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F20%2Fend-of-the-week-variety%2F A Timeline of AIDS http://ow.ly/4Zsft On June 5, 1981, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) publish a Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), describing cases of a rare lung infection, Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP), in five young, previously healthy, gay men in Los Angeles. All the men have other unusual infections as well, indicating that their immune systems are not working; two have already died by the time the report is published. This edition of the MMWR marks the first official reporting of what will become known as the AIDS epidemic. Check out this timeline to review what has happened inthe last 30 years. Food Desert Locator http://www.ers.usda.gov/data/fooddesert/ A new online mapping tool from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is helping identif... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848547 Fri, 20 May 2011 21:15:55 +0100 4848547 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4841986&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQdEauZbTgWI%2F There is nothing new or surprising that fewer government funds are available for state AIDS Drug Assistance Programs, or ADAPs. But the crisis is growing. As of May 12, there were 8,100 people on AIDS Drug Assistance Program, or ADAP, waiting lists in 13 states, which is a whopping 706 percent increase from 1,004 individuals in 10 states who were on ADAP waiting lists exactly a year ago. Meanwhile, 16 more state ADAPs have undertaken various cost containment strategies, such as reducing formularies and capping enrollment, over the past two years. This is up from 10 states at this time last year, according to the latest report from the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors. And five other states are considering the same measures (see here and here). For those who may ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4841986 Thu, 19 May 2011 11:48:35 +0100 4841986 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4831451&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F18%2Fhivaids-updates-4%2F HIV Vaccine Awareness Day – May 18 http://bit.ly/ksMh5i This annual observance is a day to recognize and thank the thousands of volunteers, community members, health professionals, and scientists who are working together to find a safe and effective HIV vaccine. It is also a day to educate our communities about the importance of preventive HIV vaccine research. An online tutorial called “Introduction to AIDS Vaccines” is a great place to start learning about it. So please take a few minutes to view the tutorial here: http://www.nmac.org/vt/en [National Minority AIDS Council [communications@nmac.org]] National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day – May 19 http://aids.gov/awareness-days/national-asian-pacific-islander/ May 19 is National Asian and Pacific Islan... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4831451 Wed, 18 May 2011 16:02:05 +0100 4831451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4840508&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FdSQp61hbfzc%2F For extra credit in my recently concluded virology course, I asked students to summarize a virology finding in the style of this blog. I received many excellent submissions which I plan to post here in the coming months. by Amanda Carpenter In 1983, identical twin boys simultaneously received a contaminated blood transfusion immediately after birth, and were subsequently diagnosed with HIV-1. Years later, one of the twins is faring very well and has a near normal immune system, while the other is in poor health and has experienced many complications. How could the same virus, infecting two individuals at the same time, with the same genetic background, yield such different clinical courses? This unfortunate natural experiment has allowed researchers to study viral evolution while holding h... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4840508 Tue, 17 May 2011 14:12:31 +0100 4840508 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4829301&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FlA5ZtOLK-m0%2F Good morning, everyone. A spot of rain is falling on the Pharmalot corporate campus this morning, but our spirits remain sunny. After all, as the Morning Mayor used to say: Every brand new day should be unwrapped like a precious gift. So while you tug on the ribbon, please join us for a cup of stimulation and take a moment to scan the news of the world. Hope your day goes well and you remain dry… Merck To Close Inspire HQ And Lay Off Workers (Raleigh News-Observer) Gingrich Says Alzheimer’s Research Will Save US Money (Associated Press) Pfizer Lung Cancer Drug To Get FDA Priority Review (Reuters) Mylan Must Pay $24M To Ipsen Over Pill Marketing (Bloomberg News) Actos Diabetes Drug Linked To Bladder Cancer (Reuters) Alexion To Expand Plant And Add Jobs In Rhode Island (WPRI) Gla... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4829301 Tue, 17 May 2011 11:52:04 +0100 4829301 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4828467&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FVirologyBlog%2F%7E3%2FJRdMmzJKnng%2F Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Rich Condit, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, and Kathleen Collins Vincent, Rich, Alan, and Dickson discuss the cellular reservoir of HIV-1 with Kathleen Collins, MD, PhD. Click the arrow above to play, or right-click to download TWiV #133 (42 MB .mp3, 87 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: HIV-1 infects multipotent progenitor cells (Nature Medicine) CXCR4 is HIV-1 co-receptor in multipotent hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (Cell Host Microbe) TWiV and TWiM live at ASM General Meeting, New Orleans TWiV on Facebook Letters read on TWiV 133 Weekly Science Picks Kathleen – TRIM5 is an innate immune sen... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4828467 Sun, 15 May 2011 21:00:14 +0100 4828467 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4820802&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FKMhuxajpNik%2F As we noted a few years ago, the same antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV infection and AIDS are also being eyed as a way to prevent the spread of the disease. That notion is shored up by new research showing that treating HIV-infected people with the drugs dramatically reduces the odds they’ll transmit the virus to a sexual partner, at least if that partner is of the opposite gender. (Couples participating in the study were almost all heterosexual, so researchers warn the same results may not hold for homosexual couples.) As the WSJ reports, researchers randomly divided 1,763 couples — one person was infected with HIV; the other wasn’t — into two groups. Infected partners in one group immediately started an antiretroviral drug regimen. Those in the other started... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4820802 Fri, 13 May 2011 14:22:30 +0100 4820802 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821150&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FYw_11Z337sQ%2F And so another working week will soon draw to a close. Already, we are daydreaming about weekend plans. Our modest agenda includes mowing the lawn (again), catching up on some reading and taking one of the short people to watch a soccer match. And you? Anything special in the works? Maybe a drive in the country? A mysterious rendezvous? Or perhaps some spring cleaning is in order? Whatever you fancy, have a great time. But, of course, go safely. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you… Shire Is A Takeover Target (Bloomberg News) Iperian Fires Top Execs (Xconomy) UK’s NICE Backs Merck And J&J’s Simponi For Rheumatoid Arthritis (InPharm) Prescription Drug Price Increases Cannot Go On Forever (Reuters) Ranbaxy Hopes To Supply Nexium To US By Year’s End (Economic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821150 Fri, 13 May 2011 12:01:46 +0100 4821150 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4821151&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FhvNfgdpH4DY%2F This study confirms that getting people on treatment sooner rather than later, could break the back of the epidemic. Here in Khayelitsha, South Africa, we are seeing early signs that HIV infections have been on the decline since the introduction of large-scale HIV/AIDS programs that have put many people on treatment. This means that treatment is a form of prevention,” says Gilles van Cutsem, DWB’s medical coordinator in South Africa. “The bottom line is that this new research shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” These 11 HIV drugs were used in various combinations: •atazanavir (300 mg once daily) •didanosine (400 mg once daily) •efavirenz (600 mg once daily) •emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (200 mg emtricitabine/300 mg tenofovir... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4821151 Thu, 12 May 2011 16:28:39 +0100 4821151 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4814185&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F12%2Fhivaids-resources-2%2F Positive Voices: Living With HIV http://hab.hrsa.gov/livinghistory/voices/index.htm The “positive voices” featured on this Web site represent just a fraction of the vast chorus of Ryan White consumers—who come from every culture, every region of the country, every walk of life. These stories deepen our understanding of important refrains in the history of the epidemic. More often than not, they also point the way to the future. And the more we listen, the more we learn about how that future needs to look. [U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Daily Digest Bulletin] May 19 is National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS  Awareness Day http://www.aids.gov/awareness-days/national-asian-pacific-islander/ This year’s theme is “Saving face can’t make you safe.  T... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4814185 Thu, 12 May 2011 13:37:53 +0100 4814185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813667&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FU-E_cUnzOJg%2F Good morning, everyone, and nice to see you again. A busy day is planned here on the Pharmalot corporate campus as we hustle to meet some deadlines and undertake our own version of R&D. No doubt, you relate. So please join us for that mandatory cup of stimulation. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits we found floating about. Hope you conquer the world and see you later… Takeda In Talks To Buy Nycomed For $12 Billion (Bloomberg News) Carl Icahn And His Big Bet On Biotech (The Boston Globe) Glaxo & Astra Hook Up With Academia For Inflammation Research (Pharma Times) Experimental AIDS Vaccine Shows Promise In Monkeys (Reuters) Shire Eyes Big Sales For New Vyvanse Uses (Reuters) Procrit And Epogen May Worsen Heart Attacks (Health Day) Docs Busted For Supplying Oxycodone Network (Th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813667 Thu, 12 May 2011 12:15:38 +0100 4813667 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4813668&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FHnEthXoRVjU%2F Nearly a month has passed without a recall from Johnson & Johnson. This may cause recall withdrawal - pun intended - among those closely tracking the plethora of goods the health care giant has yanked over the past year; over-the-counter meds, hip replacement devices, contact lenses, prescription drugs and surgical sutures. But never fear. Bill Weldon may still be ceo, but the problems continue. Today, the Johnson & Johnson is recalling lots comprising an estimated 2,000 or so bottles of its Prezista HIV 400mg med after consumers noticed a musty odor emanating from the packaging. The recalls are taking place in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria and Canada. Why? Johnson & Johnson points to trace amounts of TBA found in bottles sourced from a common supplier (see the stateme... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4813668 Wed, 11 May 2011 14:09:09 +0100 4813668 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805957&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2Fhiv-aids-resources%2F Two new tools available to educate Native Americans on HIV/AIDS prevention. http://nnaapc.org/resources/campaigns.htm Strength in Knowing The “Strength in Knowing” PSA is developed as part of a campaign to encourage Native women to get tested for HIV. Research has shown that Native women are experiencing growing rates of HIV infection. The PSA features interviews of Native women urging other women to get tested for HIV, and conveys a message of community and strength. For hard copies, please e-mail tfuller@nnaapc.org. Together We Are Stronger The “Together We Are Stronger” poster series was developed as part of a national campaign to combat the stigma attached to being lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or two-spirit (LGBTTS) in Native communities. Research has shown that stigm... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805957 Tue, 10 May 2011 22:32:30 +0100 4805957 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4805959&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F10%2Fnational-observances%2F HIV Vaccine Awareness Day is on May 18th. National HIV Testing Day is on June 27th. Did you know there are 3 more related National Observances in-between? For help with planning, collaborating and evaluating all National Observances relating to HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STDs, and Tuberculosis, become a member of the National Observances Web Community:   http://nationalawareness.ning.com/ (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4805959 Tue, 10 May 2011 20:32:35 +0100 4805959 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4803005&cid=t_97837_86_f&fid=34445&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwomenshealthnews.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F05%2F08%2Fsunday-news-round-up-car-freecarless-edition%2F This post is late because I was busy taking the bus to get here.* I wrote several times in 2008 about the case of Juana Villegas, an immigrant in Nashville who was arrested as the result of a traffic stop and ultimately ended up shackled to a hospital bed during labor, separated from her newborn for two days without seeing him, and denied a breast pump or cream for lactating women. This past week, a federal judge ruled in her favor that the shackling during labor and after delivery violated her civil rights. I have a full post up at Our Bodies Our Blog on this topic. I also have a full post up at the OBOS blog on the Skin Deep database, which provides info on the safety and ingredients of skin care and cosmetic products. I spent the last few days at the IHA Health Literacy conference. I... Women's Health News blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4803005 Sun, 08 May 2011 17:00:17 +0100 4803005 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4795058&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F7SCLQKXldE8%2F Good morning, everyone. Another working week is about to draw to a close, which is our signal to daydream about weekend plans. Our agenda includes watching one of the short people play lacrosse, taking a long walk or two with Mrs. Pharmalot and catching up on some reading. And you? Will you ever clean out the garage? Maybe this is a chance to enjoy the great outdoors? Or simply count your blessings? Whatever you do, have a swell time. And, of course, say hi to mom… CVS Discloses SEC Inquiry Into Caremark (Associated Press) Former Bristol-Myers Chemist Indicted For Killing Her Husband (Daily Record) CVS Will Keep Caremark (The Street) Pfizer Returns Ashtma Med To Rigel (Xconomy) Most New Drugs Marketed Without Comparative Data (Reuters) Novartis Wins Expanded Indication For Pancreatic... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4795058 Fri, 06 May 2011 12:10:08 +0100 4795058 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4782561&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F04%2Fhvac-day%2F May 18, 2011 is HIV Vaccine Awareness Day An online tutorial called “Introduction to AIDS Vaccines” is a great place to start learning about it. So please take a few minutes to view the tutorial here: http://www.nmac.org/vt/en Get educated about AIDS vaccines and pass the knowledge you gain along to others. Thank you for helping to stop AIDS. [National Minority AIDS Council ] (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4782561 Thu, 05 May 2011 00:32:22 +0100 4782561 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4776387&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fpublic-health-updates-3%2F FDA Revamps Recall Resource, Promotes Food-Safety Awareness http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm2005683.htm The United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world. Nevertheless, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne disease causes approximately 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths in the U.S. each year — and that’s just an estimate… The updated FDA web page Recalls, Market Withdrawals & Safety Alerts makes it easier for consumers to use with search results providing data from news releases and other recall announcements in a tabular format. Covering recalls of food, drugs, products affecting animal health, biologics and medical devices, the table organizes information from news releases on recalls ... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4776387 Mon, 02 May 2011 15:53:42 +0100 4776387 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775399&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39261&url=http%3A%2F%2Fvactruth.com%2F2011%2F05%2F02%2Fhivaids-in-africa-caused-through-doctors-vaccinating-with-contaminated-needles%2F In 1998 the San Francisco Chronicle published an article by Reynolds Holding and William Carlsen entitled ‘DEADLY NEEDLES Fast Track to Global Disaster’. The article describes how children in Nairobi were combing through piles of rubbish in search of used hypodermic syringes to sell to private clinics in Kenya and India. A photo of a small child surrounded by filth and squalor holding a used syringe, complete with needle, to sell to private clinics is the powerful image used for the piece. The caption reads: “Nairobi child scavenges for used syringes. Private clinics sometimes buy them. “It’s a big secret,” said trash worker Jeremiah Musyimi.“ The authors reported news of an internal World Health Organization study which had revealed that every year as... vactruth.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775399 Mon, 02 May 2011 14:32:26 +0100 4775399 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4775604&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FqGxzJ5UIotM%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope your weekend was refreshing. Now, of course, the routine of meetings and deadlines has returned. This calls for the mandatory cup of stimulation, an invigorating way to discuss the news about bin Laden, as well. Meanwhile, here are some other tidbits from around the world. Have a good one and stay in touch… Teva To Buy Cephalon For $6.8M, Outbidding Valeant (Associated Press) Drug Shortages Endangering Patients (The Washington Post) India’s Generic Drugmakers May Test Compulsory Licensing In June (Business Standard) Strides CEO Discusses Oncology Plant & Pfizer Deal (MoneyControl) Abbott Cuts Prices Of AIDS Drugs For Government Programs (Chicago Tribune) Pfizer And Its Radical Surgery (Forbes) Actelion Loses Licensing Dis... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4775604 Mon, 02 May 2011 11:53:40 +0100 4775604 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4753972&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fb_qg-ukLNv0%2F The ongoing refusal by Johnson & Johnson to partipicate in the Medicines Patent Pool, which is an initiative designed to streamline patent licensing for producing generics of patented HIV meds and offering lower prices in poor countries, has now generated a scolding from Doctors Without Borders, the international humanitarian organization. In a statement, the group accuses the health care giant of turning its corporate back on HIV patients by undermining access to key AIDS drugs. J&J holds patents on rilpivirine, which is being developed as a first-line HIV treatment, as well as darunavir and etravirine, two meds that treat HIV patients who have become resistent to other drugs. The missive appears carefully timed. Later this week, J&J will hold it annual shareholder meeting,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4753972 Tue, 26 Apr 2011 12:28:30 +0100 4753972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734042&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FvIGpHjyB02c%2F HIV Pill Disappointment: A study looking at whether high-risk women in Africa could take oral antiretroviral drugs prophylactically, to prevent rather than treat HIV infection, was stopped early because researchers can’t determine if there is any benefit, the WSJ reports. Last year that strategy showed success in preventing infection in gay and bisexual men; researchers speculate that a lack of adherence or physiological differences between males and females might explain these latest findings. Donor Dilemma: Living organ donors are sometimes considered by insurers to have a pre-existing condition, making it difficult or impossible to find affordable health coverage, Kaiser Health News reports. This, despite research showing that people who donate kidneys or other organs don’t ... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734042 Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:35:01 +0100 4734042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4734484&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35277&url=http%3A%2F%2Fblog.aac.org%2Findex.php%2F2011%2F04%2F18%2Fdisappointing-results-prompt-early-end-to-fem-prep-study-of-pill-based-prep-in-african-women%2F The recent success of the iPrEx study has raised hopes that pill-based pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) will become an important new tool for preventing HIV transmission.  However, because the iPrEx study included only men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women, many HIV researchers and advocates have been awaiting the results of other studies to see whether pill-based PrEP can also reduce the risk of HIV infection in other groups, including mixed-HIV-status couples, heterosexual women, and injection drug users. The hopes that pill-based PrEP might be a widely applicable prevention tool suffered a major setback on April 18, when Family Health International (FHI) announced its decision to end the FEM-PrEP study due to disappointing early results.  After reviewing the study’s i... AIDS Action Committee's Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4734484 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:25:37 +0100 4734484 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4724262&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FeHY6DN5Y0og%2F Hard to believe, yes? But even we take a break now and then. While we have our laptop and Blackberry with us and will, periodically, check on interesting developments, regular posting will not occur this week. We apologize for any inconvenience, but we promised Mrs. Pharmalot and The Short People (that famous, non-existent ’60’s group) that we would focus on their desires. Meanwhile, we hope you enjoy any holidays that you may celebrate. Have a great time, everyone, and see you in a few days… Synthes Confirms Aquisition Talks With Johnson & Johnson (Bloomberg News) Will Amgen Declare A Dividend On Thursday? (Reuters) EU Proceeds With Plan To Cut Patent Costs By 80 Percent (Pharma Times) Merck Scientist Sees Potential HIV Vaccine As Distant Goal (Dow Jones) FDA Warns Patients Ove... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4724262 Mon, 18 Apr 2011 13:00:40 +0100 4724262 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4709422&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F2O5tLCPGn9c%2F Major philanthropic foundations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foudation, regularly make the news with their donations and initiatives aimed at improving global health. But there is an aspect to their efforts that may be overlooked - such organizations can have links with drugmakers that could constitute a conflict of interest, according to an analysis published in PLoS Medicine. The researchers examined the five largest US private and/or family foundations that focus considerably on global health - besides the Gates Foundation, the list included the Ford Foundation; W K Kellogg Foundation; the Rockefeller Foundation and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, which is a philanthropic outgrowth of a Johnson & Johnson founder. They analyzed publicly available endowment disclosures... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4709422 Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:06:18 +0100 4709422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4704616&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FneXEkQgP7ns%2F Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and invasive cervical cancer are considered “AIDS-defining cancers,” striking those infected with HIV at much higher rates than the general population and, except in the case of cervical cancer, associated with an impaired immune system. (Kaposi’s sarcoma was — inaccurately — known as the “gay cancer” back in the early 1980s.) But therapies used against HIV have gotten much more effective in the last 15 years or so. And those infected with the virus are living longer, which means more of them are developing the age-related cancers that afflict the general population, according to a new study by government researchers and published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Between the period... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4704616 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 20:17:51 +0100 4704616 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696657&cid=t_97837_99_f&fid=34589&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2Fscienceblogs%2Faetiology%2F%7E3%2F5kxJsutsgug%2Fmargulis_does_it_again.php We all know of once-respected scientists who ended up going off the deep end, adhering to an unproven idea despite massive evidence to the contrary. Linus Pauling and his advocacy of megadoses of Vitamin C, or Peter Duesberg's descent into HIV denial. It's all the more disappointing when the one taking a dive is a woman, since there are, compared to men, relatively fewer female "big names" in the sciences. So when one goes from views that were, perhaps, outside of the mainstream (but later proven largely correct) to complete science denialism, it makes it all the more depressing. Even worse, mainstream popular science magazines like Scientific American (with this article by Peter Duesberg) and Discover (Duesberg again) give these ideas reputable press. And now Discover has done it again by... Aetiology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696657 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0100 4696657 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4696606&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FzhNMAxStySE%2F Endo Buys: Endo Pharmaceutical Holdings will pay about $2.6 billion in cash for American Medical Systems, which makes minimally invasive products to treat men’s and women’s pelvic health conditions, the WSJ reports. The purchase price includes the assumption of $312 million in debt. Time Out on Vaccine: Merck and Intercell AG said the independent data monitoring committee for a trial studying the companies’ experimental vaccine against the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria recommended study enrollment be halted, Bloomberg News reports. The committee needs to crunch the numbers to analyze the vaccine’s risk-benefit ratio, BN says; Intercell’s CEO says the development doesn’t mean the vaccine has failed. Calling for Change: The CDC is preparing to recommend t... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4696606 Mon, 11 Apr 2011 12:34:32 +0100 4696606 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4693511&cid=t_97837_151_f&fid=35818&url=http%3A%2F%2Frecoveryissexy.com%2F6-most-common-stds-in-men%2F Image via WikipediaThe 6 Most Common STDs in MenMany recovering alcoholic or addicted men can remember the alcohol and drug induced sexual activities that may have exposed them to STDs. Recovery, for me, means healthy living in all aspects of my life. Prevention of gaining or giving STDs is one of these practices.You can prevent STDs. Here’s how.Italians called it “the Spanish disease.” The French dubbed it “the English disease.” Among Russians, it was known as “the Polish disease.” Among Arabs? “The disease of Christians.”No one wanted to claim it, and with good reason. The disease, syphilis, begins by causing crusty sores in private places. After hiding out in the body for years, it can emerge to drive people insane and then kill them.Syphilis is just one of more than a... Recovery Is Sexy.com blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4693511 Fri, 08 Apr 2011 19:23:32 +0100 4693511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4677109&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fr0Fv99YQmK0%2F Rise and shine, everyone. Another day is on the way. And it is a sunny one here on the Pharmalot corporate campus, where the short people have left for the local school house and the official Pharmalot mascots are barking at squirrels. You know what this means - it is time for a cup of stimulation. Our flavor today is Southern Pecan. Please join us as we scour the news of the world. Have a great day and do send us those interesting tidbits…. Gilead Raises Prices Of Top-Selling Meds (Dow Jones) J&J Hepatitis C Drug Price Sparks Concern In France (Bloomberg News) Bayer To Consolidate And Add Jobs In New Jersey (The Daily Record) Brand And Generic Makers Clash Over Canada/EU Trade Deal (Pharma Times) Cubist Shares Jump On Teva Patent Deal (Associated Press) Link Sought Between Lab ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4677109 Tue, 05 Apr 2011 12:09:01 +0100 4677109 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664971&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F03%2F31%2Fnlm_hivaids%2F http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/outreach/equalaccess.html The Equal Access Initiative (EAI) Computer Grants Program is sponsored by the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of AIDS Research (OAR), to help organizations build technological capacity with the goal of enhancing their ability to improve prevention and treatment information for their clients. Each year, qualified community-based organizations (CBOs) in the United States, its territories and possessions are invited to submit an application to receive one of 100 state-of-the-art desktop computers. On this website, you can find more information about the program, as well as links to workbooks and presentation slides about the program. Be sure to apply for the HIV/AIDS Community Informatio... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664971 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:14:56 +0100 4664971 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4664477&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0PSQdhxfE7c%2F Several dozen people protested around London earlier today over the ongoing refusal by Johnson & Johnson to partipicate in the Medicines Patent Pool, which is an initiative designed to streamline patent licensing for producing generics of patented HIV meds and offering lower prices in poor countries. Unlike several other drugmakers that have agreed to hold talks, Johnson & Johnson’s Tibotec unit has not agreed to negotiate and recently struck a separate licensing deal with several generic drugmakers to make, market and distribute an investigational an HIV med in India, sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries. The move has been interpreted by some as a way to undermine the MPP initiative (see this). The talks with the other drugmakers, meanwhile, got under way recently... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4664477 Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:11:15 +0100 4664477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4658618&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FZAJe68L6mfg%2F A federal jury rejected charges by GlaxoSmithKline that Abbott Laboratories with stifling competition and creating an illegal monopoly after more than quadrupling the price of its Norvir med, which is used in AIDS cocktails. However, Abbott was ordered to pay $3.4 million for breaching licensing contracts. This is a far cry from the $571 million that Glaxo sought in damages, though. Here’s the background: Abbott sells a combo pill called Kaletra that includes Norvir and its own protease inhibitor. Glaxo claims Abbott raised Norvir’s price - but not the Kaletra price - in 2003 in order to boost Kaletra sales at the expense of other protease inhibitors that require Norvir as a booster. In other words, Abbott allegedly tried to use Norvir to create an illegal monopoly (back story). Gl... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4658618 Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:27:47 +0100 4658618 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4653607&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FVId4_w7jKkA%2F Yesterday, we wrote that California State Controller John Chiang sent a letter to Gilead Sciences to ask the drugmaker for a reduction in the price of Atripla, a key AIDS med. As it turns out, Chiang actually sent letters to a total of nine drugmakers, asking each of them to lower the prices on their AIDS meds and also extend supplemental agreements that were reached last year to relieve financial pressure on the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs around the country. The other drugmakers he wrote were Abbott Laboratories, Merck, Boehringer Ingelheim, Genentech, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck, Johnson & Johnson’s Tibotec unit and ViiV Healthcare, a joint venture between Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline. In each case, Chiang wrote that California’s ADAP program has experienced a 257 percent ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4653607 Tue, 29 Mar 2011 11:51:03 +0100 4653607 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4642996&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FWCD_uX1CWRo%2F For the second time in recent months, California State Controller John Chiang has written a drugmaker asking for a reduction in the price of a key AIDS med. This time, Chiang wrote Gilead Sciences to lower the price of its Atripla drug, which costs about $21,900 a year per patient and accounts for about 20 percent of all expenditures made by the AIDS Drug Assistance Programs (ADAP) nationally. The move comes amid shrinking budgets for state ADAP programs (back story) and nearly a dozen states maintain growing waiting lists that, cumulatively, number more than 7,200 people, according to the National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors (see this). And Chiang maintains California can no longer keep up with rising demand and rising prices, according to his letter. Specifically... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4642996 Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:03:59 +0100 4642996 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4636660&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F_LncIHegHag%2F Normally, a high price for a medication prompts outrage and accusations from consumers, politicians, doctors and insurers. Now, though, there is the courtroom spectacle of an attorney for GlaxoSmithKline charging Abbott Labs with being greedy, stifling competition and creating an illegal monopoly after more than quadrupling the price of its Norvir med. The pill is used in AIDS cocktails. The background: Abbott sells a combo pill called Kaletra that includes Norvir and its own protease inhibitor. Glaxo claims Abbott raised Norvir’s price - but not the Kaletra price - in 2003 in order to boost Kaletra sales at the expense of other protease inhibitors that require Norvir as a booster. In other words, Abbott allegedly tried to use Norvir to create an illegal monopoly. A Glaxo lawyer told a ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4636660 Fri, 25 Mar 2011 13:27:32 +0100 4636660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615102&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fmolecular-condoms-and-controlling-the-spread-of-hivaids-in-women%2F2011.03.19 National Women and Girls AIDS Awareness Day, a nationwide observance that raises awareness and promotes action in the fight against HIV/AIDS, took place on March 10. As the nation turns its attention to this important cause, women and girls around the world continue to be affected by HIV/AIDS in high numbers. According to reports from the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, HIV is the leading cause of death and disease among women of reproductive age across the globe. HIV is a virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, a disease that diminishes the body’s ability to fight off infection. Unprotected intercourse is the primary way HIV is spread, but it can also be shared through IV drug use, blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615102 Sat, 19 Mar 2011 20:00:00 +0100 4615102 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4600511&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FyHcUPetOUQw%2F The New York State Department of Health alerted hospitals and transplant centers Tuesday that an organ recipient recently contracted the virus that causes AIDS  from a live kidney donor in an unnamed city hospital. It’s the nation’s first documented case of HIV transmission via a transplant from a living donor since a sensitive test for the virus was approved and implemented for donor screening in 1985, according to the health department. A department spokeswoman tells the Health Blog that the hospital followed acceptable protocols in an initial screening of the donor, but that he apparently had “unsafe sex” after the test and prior to donating the organ. “Of course this is a rare case, but we felt like we needed to alert centers to this possibility so the... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4600511 Wed, 16 Mar 2011 21:38:47 +0100 4600511 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4571637&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F03%2F10%2Fnlm-hivaids-funding%2F http://bit.ly/ii00ps HIV/AIDS Community Information Outreach Projects 2011 (RFQ No. NLM-0011-049-SES) The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is pleased to announce the solicitation of quotations from organizations and libraries to design and conduct projects that will improve access to HIV/AIDS related health information for patients, the affected community, and their caregivers. Projects must involve one or more of the following information access categories: Information retrieval; Skills development; State-of-the-art resources; Resource development; and/or Document Access. Emphasis is placed upon the following types of organizations or arrangements for developing these programs: Community-based organizations (CBOs) or patient advocacy groups currently providing HIV/AIDS related serve... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4571637 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 21:02:05 +0100 4571637 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4570761&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzGaMvXkB8L0%2F After weeks of anticipation and furious lobbying, Canada’s House of Commons passed a bill called C-393, which was designed to allow generic versions of patented AIDS meds to be sent to developing countries. The bill was conceived to amend a 2004 law called Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime, which proved ineffective. Since its passage six years ago, only one license was ever issued and this involved exporting just one order of an AIDS med to Rwanda. However, the legislation, which the pharmaceutical industry has fought over concerns that intellectual property rights would be undermined, still has another hurdle to clear, because it must still be approved by the Senate before becoming law. And the Senate is controlled by the Conservative Party, and supporters are now ramping up th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4570761 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:01:41 +0100 4570761 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4567025&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F03%2F09%2Fminority-health-events%2F National Minority Health Month – April 2011 http://bit.ly/iiJ3Ao Bring It or Buy It – Make Lunch Healthy, Green and Good! In Schools, even Food Can Teach Us a Lesson Minority Health and School Food: What’s the Link? The “adult conditions” that we now see in children such as diabetes, extreme weight gain, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are traced back to food consumption and lack of physical activity. Download a poster at http://bit.ly/gCqfEo [large pdf file] National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 10 Women and Girls are Taking Action in the Fight against HIV/AIDS. Now it’s time for you to decide: What can you do? http://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/ Send a FREE e-card! http://1.usa.gov/fJ3Opa Webinar: Nutrition and HIV http... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4567025 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 01:29:26 +0100 4567025 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4561674&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F03%2F08%2Fweek-of-prayer-aids%2F March 6-12, 2011 http://www.nwpha.org “The National Week of Prayer for the Healing of AIDS is the coming together of all people of faith to unite with purpose, compassion and hope. Through the power of God’s love we will educate every American about HIV prevention facts; encourage and support HIV testing; advocate for the availability of compassionate care and treatment for all those living with the disease in every community in America; and love unconditionally all persons living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.” (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4561674 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:54:47 +0100 4561674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532183&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FdWLDVC4ZfyU%2F Deals, Deals, Deals: The tide of health-care real estate deals continues, with Ventas saying it will buy Nationwide Health for $5.8 billion, plus debt, the WSJ reports. Last year deals involving medical-office properties and senior-living facilities reached $11.7 billion and that trend is expected to continue as health care shifts towards outpatient services — especially for the growing number of older Americans, the paper says. Seems Safe: Sangamo Biosciences says a very early, very small study of gene therapy against HIV in patients already infected with the virus suggests the treatment is safe, Bloomberg News reports. The treatment blocks HIV’s entrance into T cells, key components of the body’s defense against the virus. Efficacy data should be out later this year, BN... WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532183 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 14:15:12 +0100 4532183 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4532568&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F0FTiBAYhJQY%2F In December 2003, Abbott Labs raised the price of its Norvir AIDS drug, which is commonly used in HIV drug cocktails, by 400 percent, infuriating the AIDS community. But patients were not the only ones who were angered - GlaxoSmithKline, the Rite-Aid pharmacy chain and several wholesalers claim Abbott wanted to crowd them out of the market and a trial has just begun over $1.5 billion in damages. Abbott sells a combo pill called Kaletra that includes Norvir and its own protease inhibitor. The lawsuit claims Abbott raised Norvir’s price - but not the Kaletra price - in order to boost Kaletra sales at the expense of other protease inhibitors that require Norvir as a booster. In other words, Abbott allegedly tried to use Norvir to create an illegal monopoly over the market for protease inhib... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4532568 Tue, 01 Mar 2011 13:39:15 +0100 4532568 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4531629&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV122.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello, Dickson Despommier, Alan Dove, Rich Condit, and Welkin Johnson On episode #122 of the podcast This Week in Virology, the complete TWiV crew teams up with Welkin Johnson to explore the other AIDS epidemic, infection of monkeys with simian immunodeficiency virus, and its restriction by the cellular protein TRIM5. Right click to download TWiV #122 (77 MB .mp3, 147 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: Edwin Kilbourne, MD, 1920-2011 Evolution of TRIM5-CypA in Old World monkeys (PLoS Pathogens) Balancing selection and evolution of Old World TRIM5 (PNAS) TRIM5 and cross-species transmission of a primate retrovirus (PLoS... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4531629 Sun, 27 Feb 2011 15:35:09 +0100 4531629 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4513401&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fhivaids-march%2F National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.womenshealth.gov/nwghaad/ March 10, 2011 HIV/AIDS is a serious public health issue affecting nearly 280,000 women in the United States. Research shows that, when compared with men, women face gaps in access and care. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health (OWH) encourages you to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS and raise awareness of its impact on women and girls. On March 10, OWH will help organizations come together to offer support, encourage discussion, and teach women and girls about prevention of HIV, the importance of getting tested for HIV, and how to live with and manage HIV/AIDS. National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.nnaapc.org/news/awareness-day.htm Mar... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4513401 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 22:02:21 +0100 4513401 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512575&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F23%2Fback-to-paying-greater-attention%2F When this link Mindfulness and Psychotherapy nudged itself toward my consciousness today on my Facebook page I thought it worth exploring if only because I have too often come down hard on myself for having let slide my mindfulness mediation practice. (Such self-flagellation is, need I say, not part of this discipline – nor, come [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512575 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 20:59:04 +0100 4512575 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4490663&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F02%2F18%2Fpodcast-aidsinfo%2F Podcast: M for mHealth, G for Glossary http://bit.ly/fmuzFR The National Library of Medicine talks about their new AIDSinfo mobile website and glossary iPhone app. You can access the mobile resources at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/mobile/ AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Glossary The AIDSinfo HIV/AIDS Glossary is a powerful tool that provides mobile access to over 850 pertinent HIV/AIDS glossary terms in both English and divish. AIDSinfo Mobile The latest federally approved HIV/AIDS medical practice guidelines, HIV treatment and prevention clinical trials, and other research information. There is also a version of AIDSinfo for PDA users. (Source: BHIC) BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4490663 Fri, 18 Feb 2011 14:20:56 +0100 4490663 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4470514&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F12%2Fhope-as-verb-noun-andor-feeling%2F Everything I am feeling in this moment is in the context of having watched, via television and Twitter, the roller-coaster of events in Egypt these past 18 days, of having just listened to the Feb. 6 (2011) edition of Tapestry from CBC Radio with Mary Hines, and of having made the seemingly Herculean effort to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4470514 Sat, 12 Feb 2011 21:03:43 +0100 4470514 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4464703&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FXls5p_i7mWo%2F After publicly chastisting the pharmaceutical industry for failing to partipicate in the Medicines Patent Pool, which is an initiative designed to streamline patent licensing for producing generics of patented HIV neds and lower prices in poor countries, several drugmakers are now holding talks about licensing arrangements. Among those in negotiations are Gilead Sciences, Sequoia Pharmaceuticals and ViiV Healthcare, a joint venture between Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, according to a statement from MPP, which adds that Roche is about to do the same. Non-committal replies, however, were received from Bristol-Myers Squibb, Abbott Laboratories and Boehringer-Ingelheim, while Merck rejected any arrangement. The responses come after MPP, which received a boost when the National Institutes for Hea... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4464703 Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:13:16 +0100 4464703 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455433&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F09%2Ftxt-telephone-or-blog-lets-talk-about-mental-illness%2F This is Bell Let’s Talk Day. Multiple Olympic medallist Clara Hughes, lead spokesperson for the campaign, was on CTV News in Toronto today. From among the calls she fielded came this articulate gem, “To kill the pain too often means to kill oneself.” However, and this was Clara’s message, help and hope are available to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455433 Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:48:33 +0100 4455433 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445769&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36088&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ourbodiesourblog.org%2Fblog%2F2011%2F02%2Ftoday-is-national-black-hivaids-awareness-day-find-free-testing Today is the 11th annual National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, intended to promote testing, treatment and action in Black communities. As part of the day, many places throughout the United States offer free HIV testing, education and other community events; a state-by-state directory at http://www.blackaidsday.org/ for finding events and test sites near you. Related resources: 2011 State of AIDS in Black America report, Deciding Moment – released today by the Black AIDS Institute Increasing HIV/AIDS Awareness among Blacks/African Americans – from the CDC; there are links to statistics at the bottom of the page HIV/AIDS Basics – from AIDS.gov (Source: Our Bodies Our Blog) Our Bodies Our Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445769 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:52:12 +0100 4445769 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4446036&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FjcEW-wZX9A8%2F Hello, everyone, and nice to see you again. We hope the weekend was refreshing and interesting. Now, of course, the routine returns as those meetings and deadlines beckon. To cope, we are brewing our usual cup to stimulation - our flavor today is Gingerbread - and invite you to join us. Or grab a bottle of water, if you prefer. Meanwhile, here are a few tidbits to help you get started. Hope your day goes well and do stay in touch… AstraZeneca And Wellpoint To Conduct CE Studies (Dow Jones) Glaxo To Pay $250M To Resolve Avandia Lawsuits (Bloomberg News) Canada Debates HPV Vaccines For Boys (CTV) Pfizer Will Buy Danish Consumer Health Business (Associated Press) Roche Says Turkish Price Cuts Hurt Investment (Bloomberg News) Glaxo Updates Avandia Labeling (Associated Press) AstraZeneca ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4446036 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:54:46 +0100 4446036 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4445972&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F07%2Funpacking-more-personal-baggage%2F Pardon me for the humourless dissecting of my neuroses Have I mentioned before having used, for many years, the esteem-busting mantra “If anyone deserves AIDS, I do!”  (Looking at it now I feel like each word should be italicized for emphasis, rather than just one or two.) What a message: If anyone deserves AIDS, I [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4445972 Mon, 07 Feb 2011 05:21:00 +0100 4445972 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4455015&cid=t_97837_139_f&fid=38879&url=http%3A%2F%2Ftraffic.libsyn.com%2Ftwiv%2FTWiV119.mp3 Hosts: Vincent Racaniello and David Tuller On episode #119 of the podcast This Week in Virology, Vincent and journalist David Tuller converse about the state of science reporting by the press. Right click to download TWiV #119 (43 MB .mp3, 60 minutes). Subscribe to TWiV (free) in iTunes , at the Zune Marketplace, by the RSS feed, or by email, or listen on your mobile device with the Microbeworld app. Links for this episode: The four XMRV papers in Retrovirology (one, two, three, four) and a commentary David’s recent coverage of ME/CFS in the NY Times (July 2010, August 2010, January 2011) MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus): The press’ mea culpa TWiV on Facebook Send your virology questions and comments (email or mp3 file) to twiv@twiv.tv. You can also p... virology blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4455015 Sun, 06 Feb 2011 18:38:05 +0100 4455015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4442091&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F05%2F30-years-out%2F If ever I’ve had a “But for the grace of God, there go I” occasion (even though I have problems with that expression) it would have to have been February 5, 1981 – thirty years ago today. At 11 p.m. that night, more than 150 police carried out simultaneous raids on four of Toronto’s most [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4442091 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:39:02 +0100 4442091 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4438991&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F02%2F05%2F30-years-out%2F If ever I’ve had a “But for the grace of God, there go I” occasion (even though I have problems with that expression) it would have to have been February 5, 1981 – thirty years ago today. At 11 p.m. that night, more than 150 police carried out simultaneous raids on four of Toronto’s most [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4438991 Sat, 05 Feb 2011 08:39:02 +0100 4438991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4433576&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F02%2F03%2Ffunding-opportunities-6%2F US funding for Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program http://bit.ly/gPOVNa The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced funding for the Healthy Homes and Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.  The purpose of the program is to reduce or eliminate housing-related health hazards and to promote housing that is healthy, safe, affordable, and accessible. This program will address multiple hazards in homes and prevent diseases and/or injuries that result from housing-related hazards. Priority hazards, diseases and conditions, and high-risk populations should be determined based on programmatic data and other data sources (i.e. census, hospital admissions, or building/sanitary code violations by address). Special emphasis should be placed on populations who suffer d... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4433576 Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:53:11 +0100 4433576 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4425217&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F02%2F01%2Fupcoming-activities%2F National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day http://www.blackaidsday.org/ February 7, 2011 “It takes a Village to Fight HIV/AIDS” National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, February 7th of every year, is a national HIV testing and treatment community mobilization initiative targeted at Blacks in the United States and the Diaspora. There are four specific focal points: education, testing, involvement, and treatment. Feb. 4th is National Wear Red Day. Show support for women’s heart disease awareness http://ow.ly/3Nxmp National Public Health Week April 4-10, 2011 http://www.nphw.org/ Safety is No Accident: Live Injury-Free During National Public Health Week 2011, the American Public Health Association (APHA) needs your help to educate Americans that “Safety is No Accident”... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4425217 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 19:47:27 +0100 4425217 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419372&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F31%2Fwhat-to-call-this-p-c-fs-denial%2F This story from Xtra! Vancouver infuriates me: AIDS groups remove ‘AIDS’ from their names. If “AIDS” still carries too much stigma, which it does, that is what to work on, not re-branding! I do not consider my HIV/AIDS diagnosis to be retractable.  When I had an AIDS-defining infection, cryptosporidiosis, that was very close to killing [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419372 Tue, 01 Feb 2011 03:37:46 +0100 4419372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4419451&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FvXrdzviin2U%2F A closely watched debate will get under way in Canada today over a bill, called C-393, which was designed to allow generic versions of patented AIDS meds to be sent to developing countries. The bill was conceived to amend a 2004 law called Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime, which proved ineffective. Since its passage six years ago, only one license was ever issued and this involved exporting just one order of an AIDS med to Rwanda. Two months ago, however, a Canadian House of Commons committee eliminated a key reform, notably the one-license solution. This would provide a generic drugmaker with a single compulsory license to export lower-cost meds to developing countries covered by the law, rather than requiring a separate negotiation and licensing process for every single order f... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4419451 Mon, 31 Jan 2011 14:30:55 +0100 4419451 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411722&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FNXZC9JGOTcQ%2F In a bid to make HIV meds more accessible to poor countries, the Tibotec unit of Johnson & Johnson yesterday announced a licensing deal with several generic drugmakers to manufacture, market and distribute an investigational an HIV med in India, sub-Saharan Africa and Least Developed Countries (which ones are these, you ask? Here is the list). The drug in question is a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor. The generic drugmakers, including Hetero Drugs, Matrix Laboratories and Aspen Pharmacare, will be entitled to manufacture a once-daily 25 mg version of Tibotec’s TMC278 as a single agent med and a fixed-dose combo product. In exchange, the companies will pay royalties of two percent to five percent, limit their gross profit margins and will be responsible for regulat... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411722 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:23:59 +0100 4411722 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4411725&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fm_6xhh7VWFQ%2F And so another week will soon draw to a close, which means the time has come to daydream, just a little, about the weekend. Anything special planned? We hope to catch up on our reading and spend time with Mrs. Pharmalot. And we also want to kvell since one of our short people is celebrating another milestone. How about you? Will you take in a movie? Find a good restaurant? Buy a new shovel, perhaps? Whatever your fancy, have a great time, and be safe. Meanwhile, here are some tidbits. See you soon… New Cypress Bioscience Owners Oust CEO (San Diego Union Tribune) Glaxo And Actelion End Development Of Insomnia Pill (Bloomberg News) Bayer And Zydus Cadila Form JV To Sell Drugs In India (Business Standard) Sanofi-Aventis Cancer Drug Has Little Effect In Study (Associated Press) Are Cipla... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4411725 Fri, 28 Jan 2011 13:14:21 +0100 4411725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4405750&cid=t_97837_87_f&fid=36224&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.wsjonline.com%2F%7Er%2Fwsj%2Fhealth%2Ffeed%2F%7E3%2FdPn9TqLQ0nY%2F The FDA hasn't approved Truvada to prevent HIV infection, but because it's on the market it's expected people will use it as such. (Source: WSJ.com: Health Blog) WSJ.com: Health Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4405750 Thu, 27 Jan 2011 21:50:38 +0100 4405750 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4400879&cid=t_97837_10_f&fid=34467&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnnlm.gov%2Fmcr%2Fbhic%2F2011%2F01%2F26%2Fonferences-2%2F 4th Biennial Wisconsin Health Literacy Summit http://www.healthliteracywisconsin.org/ Registration is now open for the 4th Biennial Wisconsin Health Literacy Summit on April 12-13, 2011 in Madison, WI.  This event will feature Keynote Speaker Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, a number of distinguished plenary presenters and 36 breakout session options within five conference tracks: Health Care Providers, Adult Literacy Providers, Patient Education, Vulnerable Populations and Organizational Change. [HealthLiteracy listserv] Connecting HIV Prevention Professionals through Social Media Conference and Call for Papers http://bit.ly/gPq6ef The 2011 National HIV Prevention Conference (NHPC) will be held in Atlanta, August 14-17. The conference will contribute to achieving the three major g... BHIC blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4400879 Wed, 26 Jan 2011 21:46:03 +0100 4400879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4389315&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F22%2Fwe-talk-about-hivaids-ht-amanda%2F h/t Amanda (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4389315 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:42:52 +0100 4389315 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4386422&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F22%2Fwe-talk-about-hivaids-ht-amanda%2F (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4386422 Sat, 22 Jan 2011 12:42:52 +0100 4386422 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4377788&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FLVa0QUUikmo%2F A year after UNITAID approved an international patent pool to bolster access to needed HIV and AIDS meds in developing countries (read here), the US government has gotten behind the initiative and is now urging the World Health Organization to embrace the concept. The move, which comes three months after the National Institutes of Health signed on by licensing a drug (back story), was disclosed in this statement delivered earlier this week by Nils Daulaire, director of the Office of Global Health Affairs at the US Department of Health and Human Services, who was speaking to the WHO’s executive board. In his remarks, Daulaire noted that differential pricing “does not always have the impact on the pricing of medicines that robust generic competition does, but the patent pool &#82... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4377788 Thu, 20 Jan 2011 16:03:10 +0100 4377788 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4372245&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FzyuRjTzSabs%2F Late last month, the World Health Organization proposed members for what it calls a consultative expert working group for R&D financing, which would evaluate and recommend funding for partnership projects for such problems as neglected diseases. The protocol involves nominating individuals from different countries and regions in order to create a balance reflecting varying needs and views. But one suggested member is reportedly generating some controversy - Paul Herrling, who heads the Institutes for Developing World Medical Research at Novartis. Among the 21 people suggested for the working group, he is the only one listed as currently working as an executive for a drugmaker (see the list here). And for that reason, his nomination stirred some opposition over concerns of any potentia... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4372245 Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:15:44 +0100 4372245 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4361249&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F17%2Fthank-you-candy-crowley-and-state-of-the-union%2F “I think you might have bipolar disorder,” he (psychiatrist) said. “Oh, thank God,” I answered. Surprise registered on his face. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that reaction before.” “No, I am so relieved,” I said. “Now that we know what it is, we can fix it.” Andrea Ball (Statesman.com) – Jared Loughner and the [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4361249 Mon, 17 Jan 2011 21:22:55 +0100 4361249 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4314219&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FE3M3japSzKk%2F A generic drugmaker in India is seeking a voluntary license to make a version of Pfizer’s maraviroc HIV pill and if the move is denied, as expected, Natco Pharma will then pursue a compulsory license. This step taken by Natco is significant, however, because a successful outcome could open the door for other Indian generic drugmakers to override patents for all sorts of medicines. That’s because Natco is the first generic drugmaker to initiate the compulsory licensing process in India and its application is being seen as a test case. “This will be the acid test and set a precedent for the use for compulsory licensing to make medicines affordable for masses in India,” The Economic Times quotes a source familiar with Natco’s plans. Compulsory licensing, you may ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4314219 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 13:49:25 +0100 4314219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4309852&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F6G2WLJ5CltI%2F In a move hailed by consumer advocates, India has rejected a patent for an HIV med sold by Abbott Laboratories, because it was not deemed to be a novel invention (the Indian Patent Act does not permit patenting of incremental innovations). The decision is expected to give a significant boost to domestic generic drugmakers that are willing to make and sell lower-cost versions of the Kaletra protease inhibitor, which combines lopinavir and ritonavir, in India and developing countries. “The impact of the case is tremendous,” writes Tahir Amin, co-founder and director of the Intellectual Property Initiative for Medicines, Access & Knowledge in a note to us. His group fought to reject the Indian patent and he complained that Abbott has been “gaming the patent system&#8221... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4309852 Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:04:39 +0100 4309852 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4305059&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2011%2F01%2F02%2Fpm-harpers-new-years-toast-to-canadians%2F Stephen Harper has shaken a bottle of champagne sparkling cider, held it against the collective ass of Canadians, and let the cork fly into our nether regions with a monotone “Bonne année Canada, happy new year Canada.” At this time last year Canadians by the thousands held cold weather protests against dictator Harper’s proroguing of [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4305059 Sun, 02 Jan 2011 18:00:59 +0100 4305059 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4281551&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fae0TArwPNjs%2F For the second time this month, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which runs free AIDS clinics in the US and other countries, has filed a lawsuit against a drugmaker for overcharging the organization for drugs purchased under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The 340B program provides access to discounted prescription drugs to various healthcare entities certified by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The latest complaint is being filed against Johnson & Johnson; the first lawsuit was filed against Bristol-Myers Squibb. The dispute centers on rebates that AHF contends the drugmaker should have offered after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increased the minimum discount. In its lawsuit, AHF maintains rebates should have been offered on a retroactive basis dati... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4281551 Wed, 22 Dec 2010 13:18:16 +0100 4281551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4266136&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F17%2Fa-simple-gesture-over-the-holidays-that-could-make-a-world-of-difference%2F   I know that I was not the only Canadian very proud a few years back when Parliament passed legislation designed to make it easier for generic pharmaceutical companies to ship life-saving AIDS medications, and others, to developing nations of the south. So it was rather shameful to learn that, so far, only one shipment [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4266136 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:49:11 +0100 4266136 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4259129&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F14%2Factivists-warmly-received-okay-met-with-mild-bemusement-during-very-cold-die-in-for-bill-c-393%2F It was such a cold walk down to Yonge-Dundas Square this morning I was glad to be able to walk the full block south from Gerrard to Gould Streets through the corridors of Jorgenson Hall at Ryerson University. I was dressed for the outdoors reminiscent of my childhood in Quebec.  Fluorescent red earmuffs, attached to [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4259129 Tue, 14 Dec 2010 06:20:09 +0100 4259129 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4253397&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F12%2Fthe-re-activation-of-an-aids-activist%2F While no one could say that I had ever completely stopped my AIDS activism I have, I would suggest, limited myself in recent years to writing or speaking about it on a smaller scale. It was consistent, determined protests – some of which I was a part of – that led to government speeding up [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4253397 Sun, 12 Dec 2010 19:45:55 +0100 4253397 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4245490&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F09%2Fdie-for-access-to-generic-aids-meds-in-the-poorest-of-countries-it-wont-kill-you%2F Over the lunch hour this coming Monday the Bill C-393 Student Coalition, along with members of AIDS ACTION NOW and other allies, will join in creative protest in support of vital legislation before Canada’s Parliament. Bill C-393 is designed to reform CAMR (Canada’s Access to Medicines Regime), the legislation passed back in the dying days [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4245490 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:37:35 +0100 4245490 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241888&cid=t_97837_131_f&fid=34989&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.b5media.com%2F%7Er%2Fb5media%2FGeneticsHealth%2F%7E3%2F4pZ_ib0tcPE%2F For anyone who’s celebrating the holidays in a different time zone this year, now is when you’re stocking up on sleep drugs and steeling yourself for a real hit to your beauty rest. We’d say you deserve whatever you need to get through a night in your mother-in-law’s guest room, and sleep expert Lisa Shives, M.D., says using sleep drugs to reset your inner clock isn’t really that bad. But getting enough sleep doesn’t have to involve a prescription, even if you are crossing time zones. Shives offers the following suggestions for curing your jet lag, naturally: If You’re Traveling Eastward, Avoid Morning Sun — Light stimulates chemicals in our brains that keep us awake, so if you find yourself east of home, avoid sun in the mornings and get as much... Genetics and Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241888 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 19:10:01 +0100 4241888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4241910&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F08%2Fmusic-therapy-after-which-you-may-need-some-without-the-music%2F I cannot remember a time when music was not a vital part of my life.  Music is in my genes, especially from my mother’s side of the family, with my grandparents having been matched up in the early 1920s as a violinist/fiddler being accompanied by his pianist.  What I wouldn’t give for a cell-phone video [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4241910 Wed, 08 Dec 2010 15:12:55 +0100 4241910 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4238094&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F07%2Fobservations-from-buckstars-coffee-shop%2F I’m home from picking up prescription refills to paint a story-picture.  Note to self (the umpteenth): always, always carry a pen and paper! Having dropped off written prescriptions for repeats of my head meds, I walk briskly in the fresh cold wind over to the Cabbagetown location of Buckstars to wait.  A grande Americano should [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4238094 Tue, 07 Dec 2010 22:20:20 +0100 4238094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4229246&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fthank-you-lpn-to-rn-bridge%2F I know I’ve been on worse lists! Top 50 Blogs About HIV and AIDS (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4229246 Sat, 04 Dec 2010 03:40:39 +0100 4229246 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225565&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F03%2Fthe-fear-factor%2F During a lunch meeting with friends today someone spoke of past states of generalized anxiety which professionals often tried, unsuccessfully, to pin down – fear of flying, fear of social situations, “What are you afraid of?” That didn’t work. Then, my friend recounted, while sitting with people she didn’t know she blurted out her frustrations [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225565 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 19:39:30 +0100 4225565 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4225659&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaUJt6QgUc6g%2F Once again, another work week is about to draw to a close. Although meetings and deadlines loom today, already we are looking ahead to spending time with the short people, a night at the movies, catching up on some reading and promenading with the official Pharmalot mascots. What about you? Anything special planned? Maybe an afternoon nap or a fancy dinner? Well, you could always pay some bills. In any event, here are a few tidbits to peruse while you consider the possibilities. Whatever you do, have a great time and stay safe. See you soon… Pharma Mergers Scrutinized In Insider Trading Probe (Reuters) Merck Pays $500 For SmartCell Diabetes Drugmaker (Bloomberg News) FDA Panel Backs AstraZeneca Thyroid Drug (MedPage Today) Licensing Deal Threatends Cheap AIDS Meds For Poor (The Indep... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4225659 Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:36:07 +0100 4225659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220414&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fambulance-chasers-aside-world-aids-day-provides-an-important-focus%2F By “ambulance chasers” I mean media who wish they could report on the illness, the meds, a cure and some drama all in about 52 seconds.  And they try. This year, rather than run to the annual UNAIDS report on HIV prevalence (good news and bad news as usual), I invested some emotional energy in [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220414 Thu, 02 Dec 2010 02:32:00 +0100 4220414 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220457&cid=t_97837_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FkzYJfcRyBTw%2F The AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which runs free AIDS clinics in the US and other countries, has filed a lawsuit against Bristol-Myers Squibb for overcharging the organization for drugs purchased under the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program. The 340B program provides access to discounted prescription drugs to various healthcare entities certified by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The dispute centers on rebates that AHF contends the drugmaker should have offered after the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act increased the minimum discount. In its lawsuit, AHF maintains rebates should have been offered on a retroactive basis dating back to Jan. 1, but that Bristol-Myers did not adjust its rebates until July and, as a result, the organization overpaid about $124,000. &#82... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220457 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:03:59 +0100 4220457 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220415&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fcelebs-with-900-sunglasses-and-coke-in-their-pants-can-be-silent-today-if-they-want-not-me%2F I’m all for vaccuous celebrities shutting their yaps today, especially as a fundraiser, but if I don’t tweet or “poke” or “like” it won’t be because I’ve gone silent for World AIDS Day. How many years passed before those in power, like Reagan for example, even mentioned AIDS? And Canada continues to sell out on [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220415 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:04:37 +0100 4220415 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220416&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fworld-aids-day-2010-by-aless-piper%2F Each writer in this series has generously given me permission to post their work. The views and experiences shared are their own. Where applicable, links will also be provided at the end of the piece. Tony Kushner wrote in the Playwright’s Notes for Act 2 of Angels in America – Perestroika that Harold Bloom translated [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220416 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 10:00:10 +0100 4220416 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220417&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fworld-aids-day-2010-collected-stories-4-the-prequel-to-my-journey-with-aids-and-more-by-kenn-chaplin%2F These days I still only started to think about trying to get a meal in my stomach once an almost painful hunger came upon me, seemingly out of nowhere, on this occasion at about three in the afternoon. I had just been to Sunnybrook Hospital where I was part of a clinical trial combining AZT [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220417 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:16:44 +0100 4220417 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4220418&cid=t_97837_135_f&fid=35247&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyjourneywithaids.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F12%2F01%2Fworld-aids-day-2010-stories-3-kim-and-alex-by-jpk%2F Each writer in this series has generously given me permission to post their work. The views and experiences shared are their own. Where applicable, links will also be provided at the end of the piece. The best thing that I can say about Kim at this point is that she blessed the world with her [...] (Source: My journey with AIDS) My journey with AIDS blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4220418 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 08:13:47 +0100 4220418