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 'fred'. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 02:01:37 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=5077816&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emrandhipaa.com%2Femr-and-hipaa%2F2011%2F07%2F27%2Femr-and-meaningful-use-books%2F I must admit that I’m not much of a book guy. Especially since there’s so much free information available on the internet about just about any subject you could want. However, I’ve been quite intrigued by the number of healthcare IT related books that I’ve seen coming out of late. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the ones I’ve seen. Getting to Meaningful Use and Beyond: A Guide for IT Staff in Health Care by Fred Trotter and David Uhlman – I’ve been a big fan of Fred Trotter for a while. So, I’m glad he’s working on this book. Turns out the book isn’t even published, but in Fred Trotter open source style fashion, the book is available for free online right now. Of course, they’re hoping you’ll provide feedback. ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=5077816 Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:46:01 +0100 5077816 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4848146&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2011%2F05%2Fwhat-banker-superinjunction-shocker.html (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4848146 Fri, 20 May 2011 08:30:00 +0100 4848146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4747885&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F-f7KG02PNKo%2F Battles between animal-rights groups and drugmakers is nothing new, but the latest spat between the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and Merck has a couple of interesting twists. To be specific, PETA late last week filed a lawsuit against Merck for refusing to include a shareholder proposal that would require the drugmaker to disclose its use of animal testing in all research. Merck, however, refused to include the proposal in its proxy, prompting PETA to sue. This marks the first time that the animal-rights group has actually gone to court because a company denied a request to include a shareholder resolution in a proxy. But why exactly did Merck deny the proposal? The drugmaker contends PETA failed to prove shareholder status, even though PETA has owned Merck stock ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4747885 Mon, 25 Apr 2011 12:09:46 +0100 4747885 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4684757&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F4DW4f4lkHe8%2F Whenever shareholders bemoan the fate of their investment in this or that drugmaker, invariably someone mentions that Fred Hassan should become ceo. Why? Fred has a brief, but if controversial track record of running companies and then selling to others. This happened when he ran Pharmacia, which was sold to Pfizer, and more recently with Schering-Plough, which is now part of Merck. But Fred is not the only one who knows how to flip a drugmaker. Let us introduce you to - or remind you of the existence of - Adrian Adams. Earlier this week, he notched a deal to sell Inspire Pharmaceuticals, where he is ceo, to Merck for $430 million, or $5 a share, a 26 percent premium at the time of the announcement. However, the stock was about $6 when he was hired in February 2010. For months after his a... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4684757 Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:46:48 +0100 4684757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4615428&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FaXhygiyVd34%2F The scandal over a consulting arrangement between Medco Health Solutions, the big pharmacy benefits manager, and a former board member at CaLPERS, the nation’s largest pension fund, is widening now that the US Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a subpoena to Medco seeking more information about consulting fees and other aspects of the relationship. The subpoena was disclosed late last week in an SEC filing by Medco (see this) and several days after CaLPERS released the results of a specially commissioned investigation indicating that Medco ceo David Snow was implicated in the consulting arrangement, according to the 75-page report (look here). At issue was the interplay between Medco and former CaLPERS board member Al Villalobos, who was paid more than $4 million as a Med... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4615428 Mon, 21 Mar 2011 12:40:52 +0100 4615428 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4592695&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FQzD6otG0mCU%2F One of the big gripes among biotech investors is that Amgen has refused to pay a dividend. No matter how many times the issue has been raised, execs have refused to consider the prospect. Never mind that the stock has been battered amid a raft of struggles, notably FDA warnings over health risks associated with the Aranesp and Epogen anemia meds, concerns about reduced Medicare reimbursement and uncertainty about its pipeline and acquisition strategy (see this). At one point, the combination of setbacks and miscues resulted in Kevin Sharer being named one of the worst chief executives a few years ago (see this). Now, though, attention is focused on the possibility of a dividend since Wall Street anticipates the issue will be addressed at the upcoming annual shareholder meeting. Investors, ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4592695 Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:59:30 +0100 4592695 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4512610&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F01Pd_tGjLqE%2F Three years after the FDA linked the Heparin scandal to contaminated supplies from China, a Congressional committee has lashed out at the agency for failing to find the culprits behind the episode and has now written FDA commish Margaret Hamburg to release all documents related to the agency investigation. You may recall that contaminated heparin made in China was linked to 81 deaths in 2007 and 2008 (back story), and the episode sparked a firestorm of criticism at the FDA for its failure to monitor medicines made there (background). “There is reason to believe all or some of the individuals responsible for the adulteration are still actively engaged in the Chinese pharmaceutical supply chain and pose a continuing threat to pharmaceutical products imported to the (United States),&#8... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4512610 Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:14:19 +0100 4512610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4482846&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2Fn_8NskSrwx4%2F There’s a pretty fierce battle going on right now between all the various stakeholders interested in exchanging patient data. The stakeholders range from very large companies to government initiatives to startup companies. One of the major problems that I see is that it’s not completely clear which model of patient data exchange will win out. In fact, let’s not be surprised if a number of different options take hold. With this said, I found it interesting that my favorite open source healthcare IT advocate, Fred Trotter, has chosen to get behind the Direct Project. In Fred’s post describing the challenges with the IHE-protocol HIE model approach is flawed and that the direct exchange of healthcare information is the way to go. In fact, he provides the following two ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4482846 Tue, 15 Feb 2011 20:09:45 +0100 4482846 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4197069&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhy-the-french-dont-go-to-the-gym%2F2010.11.23 Like their counterparts in other first-world countries, French people know about the health benefits of exercise. And French culture has emphasized, even worshipped, good looks (which these days translates to “fit and trim.”) So it’s surprising that the French avoid fitness centers as vigorously as factory-produced croissants. But they do. According to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, just 5.4 percent of French people were members of a fitness club in 2008. That’s substantially less than their counterparts in Italy (9.5 percent), the UK (11.9 percent), and Spain (16.6 percent). “It appears that more people are sitting in cafes smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee than working out … the French don’t see fitness as a lifestyle,” American-born f... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4197069 Tue, 23 Nov 2010 17:00:10 +0100 4197069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4098459&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2Fav8j7ew4lEA%2F Whoever thought the pharmaceutical industry was drifting toward the political center by striking a deal with the White House over healthcare reform must not have been aware of Fred Eshelman. Over the past few weeks, the ceo executive chairman at Pharmaceutical Product Development, a contract research organization, has donated more than $3.3 million to RightChange.com, a 527 conservative group that has funded negative ads in various US Senate races, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Apparently, his donations constitute most of what the group has raised this year, according to third-quarter data analyzed by CPR, which reported the contributions on its Open Secrets blog. His largesse follows more than $5.4 million he donated to the group during the final months of the 2008 elec... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4098459 Fri, 22 Oct 2010 15:22:16 +0100 4098459 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4074448&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FxMwnerinQLA%2F The closely watched dispute between Merck and Johnson & Johnson over a pair of register-ringing rheumatoid arthritis drugs has been delayed. A widely anticipated decision was expected later this month, but in a filing this morning with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, Merck disclosed that a decision about Remicade and Simponi will not be sometime next year. Here’s the background: Schering-Plough had distribution rights to both drugs outside the US and some Asian markets, but those now belong to Merck through its acquisition of the drugmaker last year. J&J has argued the deal triggered a change of control clause allowing it to terminate the arrangement. But Merck insists Schering-Plough was the surviving entity because a reverse merger took place. [The company is s... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4074448 Thu, 14 Oct 2010 15:05:44 +0100 4074448 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=4040566&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fhealthcare-and-fred-flintstone%2F2010.10.06 Like most kids who grew up in the 1960s, I spent many a night watching the adventures of Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty, the coolest cavemen ever (sorry, GEICO). It is hard to explain the appeal of the Flintstones, which [recently] celebrated the 50th anniversary of its first broadcast. Its animation was primitive, the stories campy and cliché, and it was horribly sexist — but the characters were lovable, the dialogue funny, and who couldn’t love the way it depicted “modern conveniences” (like washing machines) using only stone-age technologies (bones, stones and dino-power?) What does Fred Flintstone have to do with healthcare? Not much, really, although Fred was the victim of a medical error. According to Answers.com: “A 1966 episode had Fred can’t st... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=4040566 Thu, 07 Oct 2010 01:00:00 +0100 4040566 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3924815&cid=t_111290_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F09%2Fsurgeon-dr-fred-dweck-guilty-huge-medicare-fraud-case%2F Hollywood, Florida surgeon Dr. Fred Dweck and five nurses have been found guilty in a $37 million Medicare fraud scheme. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3924815 Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:51:21 +0100 3924815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3925089&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FIJjaeSI4FKc%2F Eliminating jobs is never easy, but some CEOs suffer less than others when it comes time to living with the consequences. For instance, did you know that the CEOs of the 50 companies that trimmed the most jobs since the latest recession began took home 42 percent more pay than their peers at S&P 500 firms? Who were the layoff leaders? Topping the list was Fred Hassan, the former Schering-Plough ceo, according to a report by the Institute for Policy Studies. Hassan received a $33 million golden parachute when the drugmaker was bought by Merck last year. Meanwhile, 16,000 jobs are being eliminated (background). Hassan’s total 2009 pay of nearly $50 million could cover the average cost of these workers’ jobless benefits for more than 10 weeks. Next up is the king of recalls, ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3925089 Wed, 01 Sep 2010 13:01:48 +0100 3925089 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3795022&cid=t_111290_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2010%2F07%2F28%2Fsmile-open-your-eyes-love-and-go-on%2F Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Libby’s death from ovarian cancer at the age of 26. Although the family healing process continues, we celebrate Libby’s life formally on this day to honor her memory, and remind ourselves that life is precious and should not be taken for granted. Today marks the 2nd anniversary of Libby’s [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3795022 Wed, 28 Jul 2010 08:00:47 +0100 3795022 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3710791&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FK2wtFNQoH2Q%2F Rick Lane and Frederick Schiff struck a deal in which they will avoid criminal prosecution for an alleged scheme to artificially inflate financial results reported by Bristol-Myers Squibb The former execs will pay a combined $400,000 to a shareholder settlement fund and, in return, criminal charges will be dropped under a deferred prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in New Jersey. The charges actually get tossed in 12 months if they stick to the deal, which was approved today by US District Court Judge Faith Hochburg, and stay out of trouble. Under the agreements, the men are barred from serving as a ceo or cfo of a public company for two years (read theSchiff deal and the Lane deal). The government alleged the execs failed to tell investors that Bristol in 2000 and 2001 gave wh... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3710791 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:37:41 +0100 3710791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3706674&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=39187&url=http%3A%2F%2Fgetbetterhealth.com%2Fwhoop-de-do-to-the-medicare-physician-pay-cut-problem%2F2010.06.28 After months of dithering, delaying, denying, and defaulting on a decision, Congress ended up…doing as little as possible to address the Medicare physician pay cut problem. Thursday night the House of Representatives acceded to the Senate’s bill to provide physicians with a 2.2 percent update retroactive to June 1. This respite, though, lasts only through the end of November, when physicians and patients will again face another double-digit cut. And if the past is prologue, a lame-duck Congress then will wait until the very last minute to enact another short-term patch, or worse yet, allow the cut to go into effect on December 1 and then pass some kind of retroactive adjustment. You know that the situation has gotten ridiculously bad when the President says this about the bill he ... Better Health blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3706674 Mon, 28 Jun 2010 18:00:00 +0100 3706674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3691112&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FJ-hNnZeY0T4%2F Former Schering-Plough ceo Fred Hassan and several former colleagues and board members are a step closer to providing sworn testimony about the notorious Enhance clinical trial for Vytorin, which raised questions about the effectiveness of the widely advertised cholesterol pill (back story). A federal judge this week denied yet another a bid to dismiss a shareholder lawsuit, which accused the group of playing shenanigans with the results. At issue, is whether Schering-Plough and Merck (which were partners) handled the release of the trial data properly, given a two-year delay, a brief change in the primary endpoint without consulting the lead investigator and huge stock sales by some Schering-Plough execs. The trial, by the way, found Vytorin wasn’t any better at reducing arterial plaqu... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3691112 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:58:10 +0100 3691112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3658903&cid=t_111290_83_f&fid=34856&url=http%3A%2F%2Finsidesurgery.com%2F2010%2F06%2Fscientist-reports-suspended-animation-saves-worms-death%2F Biologist Mark Roth and colleagues has published a paper in the journal Molecular Biology of Cell that shows that placing worms and yeast cells in suspended animation by using nitric oxide to drain oxygen from their cells improves survival of the organism to 99% after severe cooling. Roth is affiliated with the Fred Hutchinson Research Center in Seattle, Washington. (Source: Inside Surgery) Inside Surgery blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3658903 Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:36:02 +0100 3658903 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3641323&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FyNOi-wgttY0%2F What makes Fred run? How did the former Schering-Plough ceo find success? Manage people? Overcome a stutter? In this interview, which you can watch by clicking here and registering, Hassan discusses the top line, passive resistance, managing bigness and overcoming toxicity in the system. In the end, Fred believes he’s “a good person to work for. If you go back, there were a lot who followed me from Pharmacia to Schering-Plough…But I can be very, very tough.” (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3641323 Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:56:50 +0100 3641323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3621653&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FLeksbY8J1i4%2F By Justin LoganApologies in advance for the epic-length post. There’s been a fair bit of wailing and garment-rending about war on the op-ed pages.  In addition to the cloying and tiresome Mark Helprin piece to which David links below, E.J. Dionne, Glenn Greenwald, and Fred Hiatt have all touched on the subject in recent days.  One common theme is the idea that Americans are insulated from the costs and benefits of war, and that this is a problem. To their credit, some of the writers offer proposals for redressing matters: Helprin suggests American citizens should force congressional declarations of war characterized by “extraordinary, penetrating debate” in order to ensure that decisions to go to war have been “ratified unambiguously by the American people through... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3621653 Wed, 02 Jun 2010 12:33:03 +0100 3621653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3588914&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2010%2F05%2F21%2Fthe-power-of-forgiveness%2F In the 1980s psychologist Everett L. Worthington, Jr. Ph.D., began studying forgiveness while working with troubled couples. On New Year’s Eve, 1995, his mother was murdered. Dr. Worthington then dedicated his life to encouraging and educating people about forgiveness. He turned grief into mission by writing books, speaking, and founding A Campaign for Forgiveness, which has raised millions of dollars to support the search of forgiveness. In her book, “The Law of Forgiveness,” author Connie Domino devotes a chapter to the scientific evidence for the power of forgiveness. Some of the studies she includes are fascinating, and will have you dump your righteousness and mend the strained relationships in your life before you’re ready. For example, Dr. Fred Luskin, direc... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3588914 Fri, 21 May 2010 18:00:33 +0100 3588914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3374372&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2010%2F03%2Fpharma-giles-writes_16.html If you can't see what's coming next, you need glasses...Story (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3374372 Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:04:00 +0100 3374372 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3178758&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2F8LYVBtU_EXc%2F By Justin LoganBack when Russia was turning off the spigots to pipelines running through Ukraine, Official Washington was in a panic.  Just a few years after the Orange Revolution was supposed to have heralded a new era of freedom and democracy in Ukraine, Russia was using its economic muscle to stifle the growth of that freedom because of the threat it felt a democratic Ukraine posed to the Putin regime’s grip on power.  It was a lot like the “democratic dominoes” argument the neoconservatives deployed in promoting the Iraq war. As Washington Post editorialist Jackson Diehl stated the case in 2007, Putin sees the fragile new democracy in Ukraine, and an allied government in the tiny Black Sea nation of Georgia, as dire threats. If Western-style freedom consolidates and... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3178758 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 20:20:40 +0100 3178758 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3149146&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FgrGW3UfM3NY%2F In the comments of one of my open source (free) EMR posts, we started an interesting discussion about the way that you evaluate a proprietary vendor and how the same methods of evaluation aren’t always possible once you start talking about an open source EMR. To keep things simple, I’ll just focus on one part of the evaluation of an EMR vendor: Stability. I’m not talking about whether the EMR vendor’s software product is stable. I’m talking about the stability of the company behind the EMR vendor. There are a lot of aspects to consider, but probably the most important is how successful the company is doing financially. Are they making new sells? Is the EMR vendor expanding the business or is their business contracting? Are their current customers renewing or f... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3149146 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 16:11:08 +0100 3149146 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3004086&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2FpcL5dPPQIAQ%2F Now that Fred Hassan is no longer the chief executive of Schering-Plough - or any other drugmaker - since Merck finally scooped up its rival, Fred has been busy accepting invitations to join the boards of various other corporations. Apparently, his experience selling drugmakers - don’t forget his time running Pharmacia - is seen as invaluable to others who want to increase their stock prices. Last week, for instance, Fred joined the Warbug Pincus private equity firm as a senior advisor (please look here) and joined the board of Bausch & Lomb, which makes eye products (see here). And late last month, he became a Time Warner board member (statement). And for those who weren’t aware, Fred is already an Avon Products board member. But where will Fred turn up next? Suggestions?... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3004086 Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:34:02 +0100 3004086 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2992659&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FCo0EmhS-QJo%2F Well, here’s an interesting pair. Today’s Washington Post contains an op-ed on climate change and trade, written jointly by Fred Bergsten, director of the Peterson Institute of International Economics, and Lori Wallach, director of Global Trade Watch at Public Citizen.  The authors readily admit, quite early in the piece, that they are usually on opposing sides of the trade debate.  The Peterson Institute scholars are well-known and well-respected advocates of freer international trade. Global Trade Watch, and Wallach in particular? Not so much. She has called NAFTA a “disastrous experiment” and has a special section on her website calling on people to Take Action! on trade (example: by hosting a house party to celebrate the tenth anniversary of ” the hist... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2992659 Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:04:33 +0100 2992659 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2981184&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=38236&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.healthcareitnews.com%2Fblog%2Fharvard-health-forum-tackle-consumer-hit Next Monday I’ll be participating in the Public Health & Technology (PHAT) Forum at the Harvard School of Public Health, an event by and large organized by Harvard’s Public Health grad students.  I feel honored to be moderating the afternoon panel that will address “Patient Empowerment Through HIT.”  Last I heard, there were still a few openings left so if you are in the area, I encourage you to attend this event. Organizers have put together a top notch panel that includes: (Source: Healthcare IT News Blog) Healthcare IT News Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2981184 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 15:35:51 +0100 2981184 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2944096&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F71wbHZG0du0%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 something we hope to make a regular feature. Send us a photo and we will spotlight a different person each week. This time around, we note that Qforma, which traffics in analytics and predictive modeling, hired Erin McLaughlin as director of field operations. She last worked as an account manager at Surveillance Data Inc (SDI) and before that was with NDCHealth ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2944096 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 11:07:44 +0100 2944096 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2934767&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F10%2F28%2Ftop-ten-bipolar-blogs-2009%2F Every year the entrants for the Best of the Web awards multiply. In 2009, veterans stood tough as new kids dazzled. It was difficult to narrow the list to just ten (and some more faves we want to mention), but here are our picks for the top blogs written by people who have been diagnosed with a bipolar disorder. 1. The Secret Life of a Manic Depressive Do’s and Don’ts for the Mentally Interesting was a BBC Radio play based on Seaneen’s blog produced last May and just nominated for a Mind Mental Health Media Award. Always a compelling and honest read, it was no fluke or sympathy vote that caused us to place this blog near the top of our list last year - it deserves many accolades. Well done. 2. The Trouble With Spikol Another great year for Liz Spikol, a stellar writer an... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2934767 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:58:05 +0100 2934767 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2762094&cid=t_111290_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Fhide-and-seek.html I enjoy another pointless conversation with my children now that we have conversations, pointless and otherwise. “Come on you two, let’s play hide and seek with Fred.” My older son looks pleased at the prospect, his younger brother thinks I am a fool, “why we play hide and go seek wiv a tortoise? Are you nuts mom?”“Not at all. Come on it’ll be fun.”“Not fun.”“Yes it is. Anyway it’s not fair as Fred’s already hidden himself and unless you go and find him he’ll be hiding for ever.”“Dat’s not good…..if no-one comes lookin for ya.”“Right! So come into the garden and see if you can find him.”“He is losted?”“No he’s hiding.”“Oh…dats o.k. I already seened him when I came home from school.”“Yes but now he’s in the pen outside but you wo... Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2762094 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 06:10:00 +0100 2762094 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2614013&cid=t_111290_133_f&fid=35129&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwhitterer-autism.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F07%2Ffriends-for-next-century.html Get the code:-Cut and pastefrom this littleboxy thing below On another tack, there's this little woman whom I have never met, called Vicki. She lives just a hop skip and a jump up the road from me and blogs at "Speak Softly." She's a busy little bug what with her "Literary Mama" column. I expect you know her too. What you may have missed, what with it being summer and all, is that her book "This Lovely Life" which is featured over here on this "Web page," although my copy is winging it way from "Amazon," probably via some unfortunate carrier pigeon knowing my luck. I'm pretty confident that it'll prove a great read as she's one of those eternal optimists but I'll keep you posted.If you like what you read, send it to someone in 'need.' (Source: Whitterer on Autism) Whitterer on Autism blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2614013 Sat, 18 Jul 2009 06:59:00 +0100 2614013 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2511166&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2009%2F06%2F15%2Fonline-mental-health-journalism-awards-2009%2F As we noted here, Mental Health America recently announced the winners of the “2009 Media Awards” that recognize excellence in mental health journalism. Sadly, despite the Internet’s popularity for the past 15 years, the Internet as a category is still missing from the awards. Apparently you can do good journalism online, you just won’t be acknowledged for it. (In Mental Health America’s defense, Pulitzer only began recognizing online journalism this year, too, so go figure.) We thought we’d acknowledge some examples of outstanding online mental health and psychiatry journalism in 2008. You might argue with our broad interpretation of “journalism,” but we believe that writers or producers who can bring new insight, analysis or understanding a... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2511166 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:29:36 +0100 2511166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2447477&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2FllVkJMiIB-I%2Fexcellencve-in-inter-american-health.html The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) (www.pahef.org/awards/)is pleased to announce the extension of the deadline for the 2009 Call for Nominations of the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program to Monday, June 1, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Washington DC time.The foundation is proud to administer this joint program with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This program started in 1975 with the creation of the Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health. Recipients of each award are recognized with a certificate of honor, a monetary award, and a paid trip to Washington DC.Again, the deadline for submission of nominations for the five awards is now Monday, June, 1, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Washington DC time.Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2447477 Mon, 01 Jun 2009 12:47:14 +0100 2447477 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2441219&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=35052&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FWomensBioethicsBlog%2F%7E3%2FllVkJMiIB-I%2Fexcellencve-in-inter-american-health.html The Pan American Health and Education Foundation (PAHEF) (www.pahef.org/awards/)is pleased to announce the extension of the deadline for the 2009 Call for Nominations of the Awards for Excellence in Inter-American Public Health Program to Monday, June 1, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Washington DC time.The foundation is proud to administer this joint program with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This program started in 1975 with the creation of the Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership in Inter-American Health. Recipients of each award are recognized with a certificate of honor, a monetary award, and a paid trip to Washington DC.Again, the deadline for submission of nominations for the five awards is now Monday, June, 1, 2009, 5:00 p.m. Washington DC time.Abraham Horwitz Award for Leadership ... Women's Bioethics Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2441219 Fri, 22 May 2009 17:12:45 +0100 2441219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2415712&cid=t_111290_136_f&fid=37846&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhealthinfoispower.wordpress.com%2F2009%2F05%2F17%2Fsymptoms-of-ovarian-cancer-remain-relatively-stabile-over-time-as-reported-by-high-risk-women%2F Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported recently that symptoms of ovarian cancer tend to be relatively stable over time for women who are at increased risk of ovarian cancer based upon family history of cancer or BRCA 1/2 gene mutation. Researchers from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, located in Seattle, Washington, recently [...] (Source: Libby's H*O*P*E*) Libby's H*O*P*E* blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2415712 Mon, 18 May 2009 02:08:18 +0100 2415712 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2405042&cid=t_111290_87_f&fid=36438&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FCato-at-liberty%2F%7E3%2FeOWIO4B9lUg%2F Fred Kaplan and the New York Times say that the decision to replace General David McKiernan with Lt. General Stan McChrystal as the principle US commander in Afghanistan is another step in the COINification of the Pentagon under Robert Gates. They say we’ve replaced a conventional warfare guy with an unconventional warfare guy. That’s too simple. McChrystal is known for his mastery of the sharp or kinetic end of the counterinsurgency mission. The command he headed from 2003 to 2008 – Joint Special Operations Command — is essentially the operational component of Special Operations Command, which has really become a fifth service. JSOC organizes special operations missions in war zones.  According to many officers, JSOC has also become enraptured with direct a... Cato-at-liberty blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2405042 Wed, 13 May 2009 12:40:20 +0100 2405042 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2390015&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FlTTJzcTDQuQ%2F We’re all still sitting here waiting for the government to finally decide two key terms in regards to gaining access to the $18 billion in stimulus money in the HITECH act (ARRA). I’ve been interested in the subject myself since before it was even settled that we’d call it meaningful use as opposed to meaningful EMR user. From the looks of that post back in February, there was still a lot of confusion about “meaningful use” and “certified EHR.” Turns out that a few months later, we still have very little clarification about what these two terms mean. Certified EHR discussion has really revolved around CCHIT certification or some other alternative. We’ll try to leave that discussion for other posts. What has been interesting is in just the pas... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2390015 Tue, 05 May 2009 13:19:39 +0100 2390015 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2147494&cid=t_111290_113_f&fid=34634&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeedproxy.google.com%2F%7Er%2FEmrAndHipaa%2F%7E3%2FxJ9ViSb3KL8%2F I was reading the Healthcare IT guy’s blog and saw a post about a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) Healthcare IT conference going on in Houston July 31, 2009 - August 2, 2009. According to Shahid, one of the most outspoken proponents of FOSS in Healthcare, Fred Trotter, is one of the people behind the unconference. I’m not sure why they chose Houston for this conference. I think Las Vegas would have been a much better choice, but yes I am completely biased because I live in Las Vegas. All of that said, I love what Fred Trotter is trying to do and so I’m excited to promote those who are pushing for free emr and open source emr (see also our Open Source and Free EMR list on our wiki). You can go and register for the event at the incredibly reasonable rate of $60 if you ... EMR and HIPAA blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2147494 Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:24:43 +0100 2147494 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2011078&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F12%2F04%2Fdr-fred-goodwin-update%2F I have little to add, but wanted to provide a roundup of updates about Dr. Fred Goodwin, the one-time director of the National Institute for Mental Health, a well-respected bipolar researcher, and host of a public radio program called The Infinite Mind. The Infinite Mind was called on the carpet earlier this year for what was largely a biased program emphasizing that there was little evidence linking suicidality to antidepressants (contrary to what the actual research shows). Undisclosed to listeners of the March 2008 broadcast (Prozac Nation: Revisited) was that all four of the commentators — including Dr. Goodwin himself — received funding from the very same pharmaceutical companies whose products they were defending. You can read a very interesting point-by-point analysis of... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2011078 Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:43:28 +0100 2011078 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2006392&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F471708797%2F Former National Public Radio host Fred Goodwin is the subject of a great deal of talk these days. Earlier this year, an episode of his program, “The Infinite Mind,” which was heard on 300 NPR stations, featured three experts who discussed the controversial link between antidepressants and suicide. All of them, plus Goodwin, declared that worries about the drugs have been overblown. Yet the trio’s ties to pharma were never disclosed. Then, 10 days ago, Chuck Grassley, the ranking Republican on the US Senate Finance Committee, revealed that Goodwin, a former director of the National Institute of Mental Health, also has substantial ties to several drugmakers. Since 2000, Glaxo, for instance, paid him more than $1.2 million in speaking fees and over $100,000 in expenses. The story, w... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2006392 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:39:30 +0100 2006392 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1985170&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F463830310%2F The drugmaker is hosting an R&D update today for securities analysts, fund managers and the media, starting at 8:30 am EST, at its Kenilworth, New Jersey, facilities. Much of the discussion, as you can imagine, will be devoted to pipeline issues, and as Deutsche Bank analyst Barbara Ryan observed in an investor note about the gathering, “expectations…appear to be fairly low.” Schering-Plough “will probably also use the opportunity to highlight the positive aspects of its current business model, including its diversified revenue composition, its more limited generic vulnerability versus its peers, and its extensive restructuring initiatives.” “Nonetheless, five years into (the drugmaker’s) Action Agenda program, the company is still not in a p... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1985170 Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:34:38 +0100 1985170 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1981284&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F461204934%2F Two days after lashing into Fred Goodwin, who hosts “The Infinite Mind” on National Public Radio, US Senator Chuck Grassley is now investigating Best Practice, a pharmaceutical consulting firm that Goodwin helped establish in the late ’90’s. Among the many services that have been offered by the firm - marketing consultations to drugmakers and the “dissemination of new off-label information.” Doctors can prescribe a drug to treat an illness even if the FDA has not approved that use, but promotion of off-label activity is a big no-no. So in a letter sent today to Roger Meyer, who heads the firm (pictured right), Grassley wants to know more about Best Practice’s questionable practices. The Senator notes that the claims can be found on older versions o... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1981284 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:38:48 +0100 1981284 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1980626&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F11%2F21%2Fdr-fred-goodwin-and-the-infinite-mind-ties-to-undisclosed-drug-payments%2F On May 9, Slate published a rebuke of the independence of an episode of the Infinite Mind, a public radio program on mental health, brain and behavior topics. The show is hosted by Dr. Fred Goodwin, a former director of the National Institute of Mental Health. In question was a program devoted to discussing the link between antidepressants and suicide — a link that has been all but accepted now by mainstream researchers and clinicians. But in a bias not disclosed during the program, all four of the experts on the program, including Goodwin himself, have financial ties to the makers of antidepressants. That information was never told to listeners during the program and only finally disclosed because of Slate’s reporting. Naturally, such a report caught the eye of Sen. Grassley... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1980626 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:03:06 +0100 1980626 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975631&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F460224952%2F Last May, National Public Radio talk-show host Fred Goodwin was, himself, the subject of a great deal of chatter. An episode of his program, “The Infinite Mind,” which is heard on 300 NPR stations, featured three experts who discussed the controversial link between antidepressants and suicide. And all four, including Goodwin, declared that worries about the drugs have been overblown (back story). But there was a catch: Goodwin never pointed out that all three guests had ties to pharma, or that the show received “unrestricted” from drugmakers, including Lilly, which sells Prozac and Cymbalta. The segment, by the way, aired just two months after UK regulators concluded a four-year investigation of Glaxo’s Paxil and found the drugmaker had been aware since 1998 t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975631 Fri, 21 Nov 2008 03:25:45 +0100 1975631 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1975636&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F459570317%2F Major drug makers want their voices heard as Democrats, traditionally critics of the industry, start crafting plans to expand health insurance coverage and cut the escalating costs of care. And so pharma is actively promoting the success of Medicare’s prescription drug coverage and meds to save money in the long run, Reuters writes. “We need first a seat at the table,” Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough’s ceo, tells the news service. And so pharma execs are meeting in Washington this week at a gathering of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations. Hassan, the group’s current president, says the location was chosen in recognition of the coming political changes. The backdrop: President-elect Barack Obama and other Democrats, who ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1975636 Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:37:42 +0100 1975636 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1924901&cid=t_111290_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyelomablog.com%2F2008%2F11%2F01%2Ffred-baron-dies-soon-after-receiving-approval-to-use-tysabri%2F Dallas attorney, Fred Baron, lost his battle with multiple myeloma on Thursday. He was 61 years old. Mr. Baron made the news when he tried to get the Biogen drug Tsyabri to treat the myeloma that was taking his life. There aren’t any reports about whether or not Mr. Baron actually was treated with the drug. I had never heard of Mr. Baron before a few weeks ago even though he was a supporter of and fundraiser for John Edwards. Edwards was a democratic candidate for president this year and vice president in 2004. He was a North Carolina senator whose affair with a woman who produced videos for his campaign probably ruined his future in politics. According to the Dallas News, Mr. Baron was the friend who got Mr. Edwards’s mistress out of Dodge when it was feared knowledge of the a... beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1924901 Sat, 01 Nov 2008 04:55:31 +0100 1924901 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1926681&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F438072630%2F Fred Baron, the wealthy Texas trial lawyer and prominent Democratic fundraiser linked to the John Edwards mistress scandal, died yesterday at 61, the Associated Press reports. Baron had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, or bone marrow cancer. His death comes just two weeks after he obtained Biogen’s Tysabri following a public plea by his son, Andrew, who had called the drug “last chance effort for life.” Tysabri is approved for people with multiple sclerosis or Crohn’s disease, but is only in the early clinical trial stage for multiple myeloma. And the decision to provide the drug came only after several prominent people, including Hillary Clinton and Lance Armstrong, intervened on his behalf. (Read the back story and the ethics questions). That’s because... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1926681 Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:58:00 +0100 1926681 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1921193&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F436233429%2F Eager to appease anxious shareholders, the drugmaker quietly disclosed plans to mail a ’say on pay’ questionnaire to shareholders with its 2009 proxy. And the results will be available in the compensation, discussion and analysis section of the 2010 proxy statement. “This survey is evidence of our commitment to seek and consider shareholder input, as we did in 2006 with the shareholder survey on majority voting for directors,” Pat Russo, who chairs the board’s nominating and corporate governance committee, says in a statement, which is tucked away on the Corporate Governance page of the Schering-Plough web site. The survey stops short of the advisory vote on compensation offered by some US companies, but may benefit investor relations, IR magazine notes. Altho... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1921193 Wed, 29 Oct 2008 20:50:43 +0100 1921193 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1888456&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F423826948%2F Nearly a year after Raul Kohan, the former head of the drugmaker’s animal health business, was shifted to the No. 2 slot in the wake of the acquistion of Organon’s animal-health unit, he is being placed in charge once again. At the time, Organon’s Ruurd Stolp was tapped to the combined animal health business, which generated $1.45 billion during the first six months of this year. Now, though, Stolp (see photo) is leaving the drugmaker, although there is no word on his destination. The move comes amid ongoing turmoil at Schering-Plough, which is still reeling from a dramatic decline in sales of its Vytorin and Zetia cholesterol drugs and a subsequent reorganization designed that involves closing plants and cutting 10 percent of its workforce of 55,000 in order to save up ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1888456 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 15:57:27 +0100 1888456 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1886680&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F423167373%2F After several days of drama and debate over death, privilege and compassionate use, Fred Baron will receive the biologic medication to treat his multiple myeolma, according to a brief statement posted by on a blog written by his son, Andrew. The turnabout came after direct pleas by several high-profile personalities - including Hillary Clinton and Lance Armstrong - to Biogen, which sells Tysabri. “Thanks to the persistence and hard work of so many friends, Frederick has received Tysabri,” the statement reads. “The Mayo Clinic working with the FDA found a legal basis for this use. We have every expectation of a positive result. We cannot thank you enough for all of your thoughts and support!” Fred Baron, you may recall, is a prominent Dallas trial lawyer who helped b... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1886680 Fri, 17 Oct 2008 03:24:42 +0100 1886680 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1880342&cid=t_111290_136_f&fid=36162&url=http%3A%2F%2Fmyelomablog.com%2F2008%2F10%2F15%2Ffred-baron-mm-and-tysabri%2F Have you read about the furor over Fred Baron’s quest to get Tysabri to attempt to treat his myeloma? According to his son’s blog, they believe it could help prolong his life. Andrew Baron says that Biogen, the maker of Tysabri (a drug used to treat MS), will not allow him to have the drug.  It is, however, being tested on MM patients in a phase I trial. I still have to do some reading on this drug. The side effects are potentially serious, but, when you have only weeks left to live, I don’t suppose that matters. Andrew’s blog:  http://dembot.com/post/54498664/open-letter-to-james-c-mullen-ceo-of-biogen http://www.pharmalot.com/2008/10/biogen-tysabri-a-dying-democratic-fundraiser/ (Source: beth's myeloma blog) beth's myeloma blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1880342 Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:28:54 +0100 1880342 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1883564&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F421862289%2F Fred Baron, a prominent Dallas trial lawyer who helped bankroll John Edwards’ presidential run and also paid for the former senator’s mistress to leave Chapel Hill, North Carolina, after the affair made national headlines, is dying of multiple myeloma. But money won’t buy the wealthy, 61-year-old Democratic Party fundraiser a medication that may improve his odds of living beyond the next few days - Tysabri, which is sold by Biogen. Despite a furious publicity campaign drummed up by his son, Andrew, Biogen refuses to make the medication available. Never mind that calls to Biogen ceo Jim Mullen were placed by various politicians - Bill and Hillary Clinton, Henry Waxman, Ted Kennedy, Tom Harkin, John Kerry - or their staffs. Oh yes, Lance Armstrong also rang. Mullen is resol... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1883564 Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:59:35 +0100 1883564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1806483&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F395578767%2F Is Fred Hassan’s bark worse than his bite? Perhaps only the Intervet animal health division knows for sure. And the sales reps, in particular, will know tomorrow. That’s when about 60 positions from the 400-strong sales force, or 15 percent, will be told goodbye, according to sources. A spokeswoman confirms the cuts. Cutbacks at Schering-Plough are not surprising, of course. In response to the collapse in Vytorin and Zetia scrips, Hassan trumpeted plans to cut 10 percent of the drugmaker’s workforce of 55,000 in order to save up to $1.5 billion by 2012, although most of the cuts are expected to occur by 2010. In making his April announcement, Fred vowed to consolidate management; use more shared staff support and services; reduce travel; cut sales and marketing; slash R&... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1806483 Wed, 17 Sep 2008 21:38:41 +0100 1806483 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1723653&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F371073340%2F The circumstances surrounding the recently released SEAS study, which unexpectedly revealed a few dozen cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths among patients given the controversial Vytorin cholesterol pill, is apparently angering the House Energy & Commerce Committee. As part of its ongoing investigation into how Merck and Schering-Plough handled clinical trial data surrounding the Enhance trial, the committee is now questioning conflicting data from the SEAS trial. For instance, the SEAS press release from Monday, July 21, 2008, indicated that there were 93 cancer cases among those taking Vytorin and 65 among those taking placebo. But a press release issued by Oxford University’s Clinical Trials Service Unit indicated there were 102 cancer cases among Vytorin users and 67 in t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1723653 Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:40:00 +0100 1723653 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1720551&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F370269113%2F Despite Pfizer’s best efforts, the lawyers for the family of a woman who died four years ago after taking the Celebrex painkiller have succeeded in convincing a New Jersey state court judge that Fred should be deposed and his videotaped testimony shown in court this fall. Why does this matter? Well, Fred was ceo at Pharmacia, which Pfizer scooped up in order to gain the profits from the Celebrex painkiller. And Celebrex was a key pill for Pharmacia which, you may recall, furiously battled Merck for dominance of the nascent Cox-2 inhibitor market when both drugmakers nearly simultaneously launched their meds nearly a decade ago. Back in the day, Fred (who’s now the Schering-Plough ceo) was out there stumping for Celebrex, so his testimony can shed light on steps taken to ensure... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1720551 Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:14:03 +0100 1720551 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1709856&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=36089&url=http%3A%2F%2Fthesituationist.wordpress.com%2F2008%2F08%2F15%2Fcan-sports-save-the-world-what-must-be-done-beforehand-part-ii%2F In Part I of this multi-part Situationist series, I assessed the oft-repeated assertion that sport can help reconcile groups after a period of intra-state or inter-state conflict. In this section, I will discuss the scholarly literature in favor of this assertion. * * * Current Theoretical Background on Sport Participation as Reconciliation The idea of employing sport as a means of addressing group conflict has been gaining traction in academia. U.K. education scholar Richard Bailey of Roehampton University, for instance, points to the fact that student participation in sports may mitigate the risk of student social alienation and enhance a sense of social inclusion (Bailey, 2002). Sociologist Fred Coalter of the University of Stirling similarly observes that participation in sport has i... The Situationist blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1709856 Fri, 15 Aug 2008 04:01:22 +0100 1709856 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1668705&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F350445339%2F Last May, a couple of journalists wrote a piece for Slate about a few prominent people who discussed antidepressants on a public radio show without disclosing they received funds from pharma. One was the talk-show host, Fred Goodwin, who is a former director of the National Institute of Mental Health. Another was Peter Pitts, a former FDA official, who now heads the Center for Medicine for the Public Interest, a pro-industry organization, and an exec at Manning, Selvage & Lee, a pr firm popular with pharma. (back story). And in response to the ensuing stink, they promised to create a list of pharma-free experts for journalists. Now, most of the list is available for viewing (you need to register before gaining access to the complete set of names. Take a look). Meanwhile, the Drug &#03... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1668705 Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:31:45 +0100 1668705 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1642830&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F341979073%2F What cancer scare? That was the deft touch the Schering-Plough ceo had when asked on a teleconference call today with Wall Street analysts about the news that the so-called SEAS trial found an unexpectedly higher rate of cancer in Vytorin patients than those given a placebo. Instead of mentioning the ‘C’ word, Fred focused on a secondary endpoint - a statistically significant 22 percent reduction in non-fatal heart attacks and coronary artery bypass surgery. Never mind that SEAS failed to meet the main goal of improving cardiovascular outcomes for patients with aortic stenosis, which is an irregular thickening of the main valve to the aorta. “What I took away is that this study confirmed the results from other cholesterol lowering agents that reducing LDL does not reduce... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1642830 Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:03:42 +0100 1642830 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1635181&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F338373514%2F Just when the bottom might have seemed near…. The fallout over the controversial handling of the Enhance trial continues to hurt Vytorin prescriptions, which fell 5 percent last month, according to the latest filing by Schering-Plough with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The decline outpaced the falloff in the entire cholesterol market, which dipped 2 percent, which means Vytorin’s share of the overall cholesterol market is shrinking - 6.8 percent in June compared with 9 percent in January, when preliminary Enhance results were released. As you can see, Zetia scrips and market share are also declining. Perhaps it’s time for Schering ceo Fred Hassan to revive merger talks. (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1635181 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:40:40 +0100 1635181 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1635182&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F338250932%2F The Vytorin controversy must be taking its toll on the Schering-Plough ceo. Next week, a former journalist from The Financial Times will join the drugmaker as a communications consultant to help manage Fred’s response to the flap over the cholesterol pill and assorted crises that cause bad press, among other things. Christopher Bowe, who for many years followed pharma for the FT from the newspaper’s Manhattan offices, arrives in Kenilworth, New Jersey, to work closely with Ken Banta, a full-time consultant and strategic communications specialist, our sources tell us. For many years, Banta has functioned as Fred’s media masseuse and unofficial right hand at both Schering-Plough and Pharmacia. Fred could certainly use some image building. The ‘Whytorin’ controve... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1635182 Thu, 17 Jul 2008 17:54:41 +0100 1635182 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1560815&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F07%2Fschering-plough-enhance-busted.html Story (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1560815 Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:49:00 +0100 1560815 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1509069&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F309831601%2F The first round in the big job cuts announced in early April are getting under way, according to a couple of sources. You may recall that ceo Fred Hassan, in response to the collapse in Vytorin and Zetia scrips, trumpeted plans to cut 10 percent of the drugmaker’s workforce of 55,000 in order to save up to $1.5 billion by 2012, although most would occur by 2010. We do not have precise numbers yet, but we are told they will be sizeable and far-reaching, given that the ultimate goal is to eliminate about 5,500 positions. In making his April announcement, Fred vowed to consolidate management; use more shared staff support and services; reduce travel; cut sales and marketing; slash R&D; consolidate product lines, particularly in the animal health unit; and close some of the 60 manuf... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1509069 Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:07:13 +0100 1509069 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1463698&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D7033 Vice President contenders? Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, Florida Governor Charlie Crist and Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal The “purely social”get together of Senator and presumptive GOP Presidential nominee John McCain at his Sedona, Arizona ranch Saturday with GOP leaders has “nothing whatsoever to do with the vice presidential selection process” according to Charlie Black, a key McCain campaign strategist. Right. But, what is interesting is the emphasis (leak) now on Fox News that “other” perspective Vice President candidates have either ALREADY visited with McCain at the Hidden Valley Ranch, like Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty OR were invited this weekend and had other committments, like Mike Huckabee. Looks like the campaign was caught... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1463698 Fri, 23 May 2008 00:56:02 +0100 1463698 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1461242&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F295820027%2F Depends who you ask, of course. But everyone seems to love a list and so the latest ranking from a trade magazine offers an interesting - some may say curious - mix of ceo’s, politicians, regulators, scientists, academics and trade group types. There was no special ranking for controverisal, but Glaxo’s newly retired ceo JP Garnier got as high as No. 22 and Fred Hassan, who runs Schering-Plough, was named No. 32. The FDA’s Janet Woodcock garnered the 18th position, although her boss, the beleaguered FDA commish Andy von Eschenbach, didn’t rank at all. So much for making an impact, Andy. But NICE chair Michael Rawlins ranked No. 5. Who else scored? Carl Icahn shows up as 26th. Cass Wheeler of the American Heart Association finished at No. 36. Merck’s Dick Clar... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1461242 Thu, 22 May 2008 13:23:25 +0100 1461242 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1458525&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fwondering-what-to-buy-fred-hassan-and.html How about a cartoon? Hat tip: PM (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1458525 Wed, 21 May 2008 15:40:00 +0100 1458525 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1454777&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F294222746%2F The latest installment of the ongoing hoopla over Fred Hassan’s compensation began yesterday when Schering-Plough exec Sue Wolf fired off comments in response to a Forbes magazine piece that stated his $19 million cash and stock bonus in 2006 was based largely on the drugmaker’s market cap. “Market capitalization,” wrote Wolf, Schering-Plough’s corporate secretary, vp for governance and associate general counsel, “was not a performance metric for any incentive plan since Fred joined Schering-Plough.” However, the drugmaker did use market cap as a metric in 2006, according to the 2007 proxy (please see page 25). Interestingly, market cap was never listed in the 2006 proxy as a part of the plan to be adopted by shareholders for measuring compensation... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1454777 Tue, 20 May 2008 11:43:06 +0100 1454777 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451975&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F293494275%2F Should Fred return the cash? That’s the question raised by Forbes, which notes that the bonus would have been “endangered” had the Enhance study of the Vytorin and Zetia cholesterol pills been released in November 2006 or March 2007 as had been expected. The final release earlier this year has caused a sharp drop in the use of the two drugs and in Schering-Plough’s stock price. “It would certainly make me want to investigate the situation further, particularly if I was shareholder,” Paul Hodgson of The Corporate Library, a corporate governance research firm, tells the mag. “It would seem to me that given Hassan’s reputation for open-mindedness in terms of compensation, that if there were some doubts about whether he should receive a bonus, he... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451975 Mon, 19 May 2008 13:38:53 +0100 1451975 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1451791&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fpharmagossip-readers-have-your-say.html Read this first. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1451791 Mon, 19 May 2008 11:13:00 +0100 1451791 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1443172&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F290263079%2F Last week, we wrote about a controversy over a National Public Radio show called ‘The Infinite Mind,’ because a recent episode exploring links between antidepressants and suicide failed to mention that the host and three invited experts - who claimed the links were overblown - have financial ties to drugmakers that sell antidepressants. The show also received unspecified funding from Lilly. This was reported in Slate and quickly developed into a mud-slinging ruckus - and put NPR on the defensive. We twice rang NPR ombudswoman Alicia Shepard, but she never replied. She has, however, posted an essay on the NPR site and points out that the program should have disclosed some connections. Beyond chastising NPR for failing to list ‘The Infinite Mind’ as an independently p... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1443172 Wed, 14 May 2008 16:10:44 +0100 1443172 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1429317&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F286045829%2F When Schering-Plough shareholders show up in the oh-so convenient location of The University of Memphis next Friday for the annual meeting, their proxy statements won’t include one detail about Fred Hassan’s compensation. Although page 34 notes that the ceo received about $30 million in compensation last year, a more recent award of 836,000 options isn’t listed. Now, the drugmaker may argue that an annual grant was also awarded last year after the proxy was filed and, unlike last year, there were no scandals causing shareholder and government scrutiny. So what’s the big deal? But consider that the latest options award, which we estimate are currently worth about $6.7 million based on the value assigned last year’s options award (see page 37), have an exercise ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1429317 Thu, 08 May 2008 12:25:48 +0100 1429317 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426329&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F05%2Fvytorin-saga-contd-over-to-you-melissa.html ProbeDissection (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426329 Wed, 07 May 2008 08:04:00 +0100 1426329 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1426775&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F284988276%2F How many and from which offices? The filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission doesn’t specify. We asked a Schering-Plough spokeswoman for clarity, but until we receive a reply, we are left to wonder whether this involves a securities matter, healthcare reimbursement or, perhaps, both. To an extent, this is not surprising. As Schering-Plough notes in the filing, “Schering-Plough, the joint venture and/or its joint venture partner, Merck, have received a number of governmental inquiries and have been the subject of a number of investigations” concerning Vytorin. And most, but not, all of this has already been widely reported. “These include several letters from Congress, including the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, the House Subcommittee on Oversig... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1426775 Wed, 07 May 2008 00:04:43 +0100 1426775 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1423660&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F284856980%2F The latest saga of an undisclosed connection between experts and pharma comes to us courtesy of Slate. This is how a new piece begins: A few weeks ago, devoted listeners of National Public Radio were treated to an episode of the award-winning radio series The Infinite Mind called “Prozac Nation: Revisited.” The segment featured four experts discussing the controversial link between antidepressants and suicide. In their considered opinions, all four said that worries about the drugs have been overblown, Slate writes. The radio show, which was broadcast nationwide and paid for in part by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, was hosted by Fred Goodwin, a former director of the National Institute of Mental Health. But Slate writes that he never revealed to listeners t... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1423660 Tue, 06 May 2008 19:42:14 +0100 1423660 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396215&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fschering-plough-fred-buys.html Drug maker Schering-Plough Corp. said Thursday that Chairman and Chief Executive Fred Hassan has bought 110,000 shares of common stock for $2 million, or an average price of $18.26 per share. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396215 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:55:00 +0100 1396215 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396424&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F277079701%2F The Schering-Plough ceo is making good on his promise to buy $2 million worth of the drugmaker’s common stock, a vow he made on January 18 after the preliminary Vytorin data caused a huge controversy. He couldn’t do so immediately, though, until he received legal clearance. Now that first-quarter earnings have been reported, he snapped up about 110,000 shares at an average purchase price of $18.26 each. “As I said when I announced my intention to purchase these shares in January, this investment in Schering-Plough reflects my long-term confidence in the company, its products - including Zetia and Vytorin - and our late-stage pipeline,” Fred says in a statement. However, Fred first intended to purchase the stock at $21.62 a share, which would have amounted to rough... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396424 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 18:17:39 +0100 1396424 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396431&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F276843265%2F One day, Fred Hassan may look back and pine for 2007. Why? Schering-Plough stock rose nearly 14 percent during the year. And his board of directors awarded him with $24.7 million in compensation, a 2.2 percent increase. Never mind the $1.59 billion loss - there was a 20 percent gain in revenue. Overall, Schering-Plough’s performance has been “excellent” since Hassan took over in April 2003 when compared to its prior results and against seven other large drugmakers, according to the proxy statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. His compensation was exceeded by execs at two drugmakers in what Schering-Plough considers its “peer group,” Abbott Labs and Johnson and Johnson, the Associated Press notes. Last year’s salary totaled $1.67 mil... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396431 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 11:10:33 +0100 1396431 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1396219&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fwatch-freds-latest-performance.html as he talks to Mike Huckman. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1396219 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:20:00 +0100 1396219 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1395112&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Ffred-buckets-hassan.html Total compensation for Schering-Plough's CEO Fred Hassan rose 2.7 percent to $24.7 million in 2007, a year in which the company recorded a loss of $1.59 billion despite a 20 percent rise in revenues.The bulk of his compensation, $18.4 million, came from stock and stock options awarded in 2007, more than double the amount from such awards in 2006.Hassan received over $608,000 in perks - nearly the same as in 2006 - which included $292,250 in company contributions to savings plans. The perks also included $146,680 for personal security, nearly $81,000 for life insurance, $75,544 for use of company aircraft, $7,000 for financial planning, $2,500 for tax preparation, $3,127 for home security, and $1,101 for a company car and driver. Source (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1395112 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:57:00 +0100 1395112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1395115&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fvytorin-sales-just-for-jami-rubin.html Fred's body language can sometimes help decipher what he means! (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1395115 Thu, 24 Apr 2008 08:01:00 +0100 1395115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1393899&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F276280429%2F At the very end of this morning’s hour-long teleconference with Wall Street analysts, Fred Hassan was asked a question by Jami Rubin of Morgan Stanley about Vytorin net income this year. She noted that even her 11-year-old is aware Vytorin sales will drop this year, but she asked Fred if he and his team could be more specific about the amount of income to be received from its joint venture with Merck. You may recall that, earlier this week, Merck week disclosed it expects equity income from the venture to fall by $700 million this year due to the hoopla over Vytorin. Unlike Merck, Schering-Plough has been unwilling to provide any numbers, probably because Schering-Plough is more vulnerable than Merck to a big drop. So Fred blew her off by insisting there is no way to estimate such a ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1393899 Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:49:22 +0100 1393899 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1370742&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fschering-plough-listen-with-fred.html Schering-Plough is scheduled to announce its sales and earnings results for the 2008 first quarter on Wednesday, April 23, 2008. At 8 a.m. (EDT) on that day, Schering-Plough will conduct a conferencecall to review results for the 2008 first quarter and provide an update onthe company's business and major initiatives now under way. Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough's chairman and CEO, and other members of management will host the conference call. To listen live to the call, dial 1-877-565-9664 or 1-706-634-5003 and enter conference ID #40651446.A replay of the call will be available starting at approximately 11 a.m. on April 23 through 5 p.m. on May 22. Tolisten to the replay, dial 1-800-642-1687 or 1-706-645-9291 and enter the conference ID #40651446. A live audio Webcast of the conference ca... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1370742 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 19:43:00 +0100 1370742 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1370734&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34750&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpsychcentral.com%2Fblog%2Farchives%2F2008%2F04%2F14%2Fthe-infitinite-minds-update-on-prozac-and-violence%2F The Infinite Mind is a long-running weekly public radio show about health issues, psychology and the mind in society, produced by Lichtenstein Creative Media and hosted by Dr. Fred Goodwin. Dr. Fred Goodwin is a Professor of Psychiatry and Director of The Center on Neuroscience, Medical Progress, and Society at The George Washington University Medical Center. He is a physician-scientist specializing in psychiatry and psychopharmacology, and is the former Director of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (Full disclosure: I produced LCM’s first website back in the late 1990s, but quit doing so in 2000.) The Infinite Mind is an established, well-respected program, with a mix of news updates and interviews with leading experts. Furious Seasons has an angry response to a recen... World of Psychology blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1370734 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 17:29:25 +0100 1370734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1367914&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Finterested-in-vytorin-then-this-is-must.html http://shearlingsplowed.blogspot.com/ (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1367914 Sat, 12 Apr 2008 05:47:00 +0100 1367914 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1353984&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fschering-plough-enhance-rhetorical.html Maybe Carrie can help you Fred - or this.Ed at Pharmalot has the latest twist in the sorry tale. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1353984 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 16:31:00 +0100 1353984 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1354207&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F265663271%2F A loaded question, no doubt. And the answer depends on who you ask. Late Friday, the National Lipid Association reacted to the ruckus over the Vytorin study by issuing a statement saying that “nothing in this study has changed our position about the necessity for lipid lowering or the need to treat patients to established National Cholesterol Education Program goals.” We were implored by some to mention this statement over anger at the ACC presentation last week of the Enhance trial, which found Vytorin failed to show any benefit over the much cheaper Zocor in reducing plaque in the carotid artery, and even showed a statistically insignificant buildup, although it did a better job of lowering LDL in a small group of patients with inherited high cholesterol. We were also asked w... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1354207 Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:39:21 +0100 1354207 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347351&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fand-heres-another-hard-reality-fred.html This study was developed by experts.Whether the incremental lowering of LDL by this drug had an effect on the progression of atherosclerosis was an open question – worthy of study. As is the question of what effect the drug has on our patients – it is an open question – worthy of study. We do not know.Remember that this is a new drug – with a novel mechanism – first in class – we do not have outcomes studies.But you might say, but the drug lowers LDL, isn’t that a good thing? Shouldn’t that be associated with benefit? Wasn’t that enough for the FDA?Well, although LDL is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, we have already refuted the assumption that just because a drug reduces LDL it must improve patient outcomes. Hormone replacement therapy reduces LDL an... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347351 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:50:00 +0100 1347351 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1347619&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F263262512%2F Harlan Krumholz made quite an impression at the American College of Cardiology meeting on Sunday. As the head of a four-doctor panel assembled to review the controversial Enhance trial, the Yale University professor recommended Vytorin should not be used as a first or second-line therapy, spooking investors. Schering-Plough ceo Fred Hassan is lashing out. Last night, he told analysts “we were very disappointed with the way ACC unfolded. We hoped to see an open and balanced scientific discussion, and this did not happen.” Hassan hoped for debate and questions. In response to criticism that he unfairly dominated the proceedings, Krumholz wrote us last night to say: “It is so interesting that they call the recommendations biased - they are simply that we should stick with dr... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1347619 Thu, 03 Apr 2008 11:09:09 +0100 1347619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1346244&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F262918058%2F The drugmaker, which is reeling from the controversy over Vytorin and the ensuing drop in prescriptions, is closing plants and cutting 10 percent of its workforce of 55,000 in order to save up to $1.5 billion. The move also comes a few months after Schering-Plough bought Organon Biosciences and had already begun slashing jobs to reduce expenses by $500 million which, of course, means the latest problems contributed to the extra $1 billion in savings targeted. “The whole company is built around cholesterol,” Hassan says in a teleconference. At least $1.25 billion is slated to be wrung out of operations by 2010, and the rest by 2012. To achieve these goals, ceo Fred Hassan wants to consolidate management; use more shared staff support and services; reduce travel; cut sales and ma... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1346244 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 22:51:01 +0100 1346244 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1344610&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F262602842%2F Over the past several years, a big stink has been raised about conflicts of interest, such as when doctors write papers about a particular drug and also serve as a consultant in some fashion to the company who makes the medicine. Right or wrong, pharma regularly defends such situations by explaining that the best specialists are in demand. Generally, drugmakers shrug off the criticism. Now, though, Fred Hassan is trying to use such a situation to his advantage to deflect the controversy over the Vytorin cholesterol pill. A panel at the American College of Cardiology conference on Sunday was largely dominated by Yale University’s Harlan Krumholz, who skewered the results of the controversial Enhance trial by saying the drug shouldn’t be used as a first or second-line therapy. Th... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1344610 Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:36:06 +0100 1344610 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340921&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F261914185%2F Nothing is beyond consideration, it seems. In a series of hastily arranged interviews to do as much damage control as possible, Schering-Plough execs are scrambling. And so Fred Hassan, Schering-Plough’s ceo, tells The Wall Street Journal that he doesn’t have immediate plans for big changes, but “we will take tough actions if tough actions are needed…If revenues are going to be permanently impaired, then we would need to size the company to line up with that size.” In other words, more layoffs. And Deepak Khanna, general manager of the Merck/Schering-Plough joint venture that markets Vytorin and Zetia, told CNBC that a letter is going out to docs to explain their view of the Enhance study, which was skewered by Yale University’s Harlan Krumholz in a pane... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340921 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:59:05 +0100 1340921 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340564&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fguess-how-big-hassans-bucket-of-money.html This big! (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340564 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:29:00 +0100 1340564 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1340567&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F04%2Fschering-plough-hassan-speaks.html To Jim Cramer. Write your own caption to the picture! (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1340567 Tue, 01 Apr 2008 09:00:00 +0100 1340567 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1312485&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F253892123%2F Another busy day draws to a close. And so the time has come for us to check on how the short people are faring with their after-school sports and curl up in front of the telly with the shortest one of all. Of course, first we must feed the dog. Meanwhile, we hope your day was productive and you do something fun this evening… The FDA is warning that Spiriva, a drug for COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which is marketed jointly Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim, may increase the risk of a stroke. In a statement on its web site, the FDA says a preliminary analysis by Boehringer of about 13,500 patients from 29 clinical studies found that the risk of a stroke was 8 in 1,000 patients taking the inhaled drug, compared with 6 in 1,000 who took a placebo. This means that the est... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1312485 Wed, 19 Mar 2008 03:17:01 +0100 1312485 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1250166&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34800&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FClinicalPsychologyAndPsychiatryACloserLook%2F%7E3%2F239412129%2Fwelfare-queens-on-fiapta-demand.html I've been very neglectful in linking to a number of very interesting stories by my compadres in the blogging world. So here is a limited attempt to catch up:Pfizer wants to pry confidential peer reviews away from the New England Journal of Medicine. This is utterly ridiculous. Pfizer is facing a pile of lawsuits and is hoping that a peer reviewer might have said something nice about their products Bextra or Celebrex in a peer review, which they could then try to use as a legal defense. This reeks of desperation.PharmaGossip notes that AstraZeneca is out a cool $215 million for Medicaid drug price fraud in Alabama. Sheesh, and to hear certain politicians and talk show hosts decry the so-called "welfare queens" -- it would appear that AstraZeneca is the real welfare queen!Aubrey Blumsohn has... Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry: A Closer Look blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1250166 Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:34:00 +0100 1250166 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1237092&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F236093912%2F A few day ago, Schering-Plough ceo Fred Hassan appeared on CNBC’s Mad Money, where he spoke with Jim Cramer, the hyperactive host, about the controversy surrounding Vytorin. In particular, Cramer asked questions about the famous Enhance trial, which found the cholesterol pill wasn’t any better at reducing arterial plague in the carotid artery compared with Zocor, and even found a statistically insignificant buildup. Congress is investigating, you may recall, whether Schering-Plough and Merck, its marketing partner, handled the release of the clinical-trial data properly, given a two-year delay; a brief change in the primary endpoint without consulting the lead investigator, and huge stock sales by some Schering-Plough execs. In its defense, Schering-Plough issued an unusual tim... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1237092 Sat, 16 Feb 2008 14:21:51 +0100 1237092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1236201&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fschering-plough-vytorin-tick-tick-tick.html Tick tick tick! (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1236201 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:12:00 +0100 1236201 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1234619&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fschering-plough-vytorin-dont-let-it-get.html Got them Vytorin Blues.Peter Rost's take on Fred's interview with Jim Cramer. (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1234619 Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:03:00 +0100 1234619 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1226723&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fschering-plough-vytorin-at-last.html A congressional committee has broadened its probe of the delay by drug makers Schering-Plough in releasing study data about their cholesterol drug Vytorin, saying Internet postings indicate they knew the results long before releasing them. The controversial study found Vytorin wasn't as effective as advertised. The fallout has hammered the stocks of both companies,cut sales of Vytorin, triggered numerous potential class-action lawsuits, and raised questions about the drug makers' honesty. In the latest development,the House Committee on Energy and Commerce has demanded documents from the chief executives of both drug makers, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, and the webmaster for a site called Cafepharma Inc. On the site, anonymous postings by pharmaceutical sales representative... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1226723 Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:35:00 +0100 1226723 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1225628&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F233914720%2F In his carefully rehearsed remarks this morning, the Schering-Plough ceo tried to strike an aggressive tone with the plethora of analysts, fund managers and media listening to the teleconference call. All ears were attuned, of course, to any nuances or shadings that Fred and his lieutenants might provide on the controversial Enhance trial, which found that Vytorin failed to yield any statistical advantage over the cheaper Zocor in reducing arterial plaque. The issue, as you may recall, is whether the drugmaker and its joint venture partner, Merck, handled the release of clinical trial data properly, given that the lead investigator wasn’t consulted when the endpoint was briefly changed; the results were delayed nearly two years and several Schering-Plough execs sold huge chunks of st... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1225628 Tue, 12 Feb 2008 19:23:14 +0100 1225628 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1219878&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6419 Fred Thompson yesterday afternoon endorsed John McCain for President. A little late since Rudy Giuliani endorsed McCain immediately after he withdrew but slow and safe Fred has never been that quick on the draw. Fred will have to be on the short list for the Vice Presidency. Thompson would be a safe mainstream choice which would appease the conservative and southern base of the GOP. Flap bets Thompson may very well be the next Vice President. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1219878 Sat, 09 Feb 2008 20:38:22 +0100 1219878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1194757&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F02%2Fguess-which-presidential-candidate-is.html Fancy handling that question Dick and Fred? On the campaign trail, Hillary Clinton recently told a crowd recently at the California State University Northridge campus that she wants to “give Medicare the opportunity to bargain to get cheaper drug prices.” The New York Democrat added, “We pay for clinical trials ... and then we end up paying the highest cost in the world because other countries drive a better bargain.” Her rhetoric echoed similar attacks by her Democratic rival Barak Obama. Republican John McCain, in a debate on Jan. 5, asked, “Why shouldn't we be able to reimport drugs from Canada?” answering himself, “It's because of the power of the pharmaceutical companies.” When former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney urged him not to cast the drug makers as the “big ba... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1194757 Fri, 01 Feb 2008 11:13:00 +0100 1194757 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1190092&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F226143293%2F As early as last spring, there was scuttlebutt about the controversial Vytorin data - the bet-the-franchise study that failed to find any statistical advantage over the much cheaper Zocor in reducing arterial plaque. The results were delayed for nearly two years while the primary endpoint was changed. Meanwhile, Vytorin and Zetia (which, along with Zocor comprise the Vytorin combo therapy) were heavily promoted. And concerns that Schering-Plough execs sold lots of stock last year have sparked investigations by Congress and two state attorneys general. This has all led to the ‘Who knew what and when?’ line of skepticism toward Schering-Plough and Merck, its Vytorin joint venture partner. Schering-Plough has repeatedly argued its execs knew nothing of the results until early this... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1190092 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 22:32:07 +0100 1190092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188586&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fvytorin-who-knew.html Peter Rost is causing more tremors! (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188586 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:33:00 +0100 1188586 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1188868&cid=t_111290_137_f&fid=36083&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FIAmAnAlzheimersCaregiver%2F%7E3%2F226000288%2Falzheimers-and-brain-fitness.html I mentioned before that daily exercise has a dramatic effect on the quality of my mother's daily life. I first started taking her to Gold's Gym about three years ago. I did this after reading about the potential benefits of exercise for Alzheimer's patients. I feel confident in saying that exercise has had a dramatic positive effect on her daily... [[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other content, and more! ]] (Source: I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver) I am an Alzheimer's Caregiver blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1188868 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 16:52:21 +0100 1188868 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185751&cid=t_111290_109_f&fid=34800&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FClinicalPsychologyAndPsychiatryACloserLook%2F%7E3%2F225338935%2Ffred-hassans-hindquarters-meet-peter.html Schering-Plough CEO Fred Hassan gets served (link contains adult language) by Peter Rost. Badly. While Hassan has been hailed as some sort of genius by some in past years, Rost offers a take on his record that is much less flattering. Here's Rost's lead-in to the story:In this article BrandweekNRX will take you behind the glossy numbers and show you what really happened during Hassan’s tenure as CEO of two major drug companies and how he managed to fool almost everyone into thinking he had created successful turn-arounds. Gee, Peter, that's not very nice. Then again, neither is this:And that’s not all--there is also evidence that a significant part of Pharmacia sales were based upon selling drugs to its wholesalers ahead of demand, “stuffing the channels,” resulting in revenue of $... Clinical Psychology and Psychiatry: A Closer Look blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185751 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:25:00 +0100 1185751 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1185749&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fschering-plough-peter-rost-is-smokin.html This is a "must read"! Schering-Plough’s CEO Fred Hassan has two years left to retirement as he faces the most serious challenge to his personal legacy: One failed trial, two Congressional investigations, subpoenas from the New York State Attorney General, an SEC investigation, and a brutal 40% drop in Schering-Plough stock price from its peak. Until a few weeks ago Hassan was God's gift to the pharmaceutical industry (according to Forbes). But was it all just a mirage--a skillfully played con-game?More (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1185749 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:37:00 +0100 1185749 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1182991&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F224548942%2F In their ongoing effort to defend themselves from accusations of insider trading and improper marketing, the drugmaker has filed a document with the Securities and Exchange Commission offering more precise info about when they were informed of the Vytorin study results. Tom Koestler, chief scientist: Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. Fred Hassan, ceo: Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. Tom Sabatino, general counsel: Jan. 10 at 8 a.m. Carrie Smith Cox, exec vp and president: Jan. 10 at 8:30 a.m. Bob Bertolini, exec vp: Jan. 10 at 9 a.m. The study results were issued in a press release on Jan. 14, although that came after a delay of nearly two years with scant info from either Schering-Plough or Merck, its joint-venture partner. By then, however, the drugmakers endured two months of withering criticism for briefly changing ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1182991 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 12:54:59 +0100 1182991 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1181641&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fwhytorin-saga-forbes-matt-herper-gets.html Here is a letter Schering Plough's Ken Banta sent on Friday to Matt Herper, Associate Editor at Forbes demanding corrections and apologies for this story that ran in the magazine about the ENHANCE study, Schering-Plough, and CEO Fred Hassan.Matt, Thanks for discussing the articles on Schering-Plough and our CEO that ran today in Forbes.From our call this morning, you know how disturbed we are about some inaccuracies and unfair portrayals in the piece -- and I appreciate after talking with you that many of these were the result of editing decisions that you did not control.These wrongly damage our company reputation and the reputation of our CEO.They also misinform your readers on medical matters, many of whom are surely taking cholesterol medications and could be frightened into bad decisi... PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1181641 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 05:25:00 +0100 1181641 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179734&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F223501737%2F Dealing with a crisis is always challenging for a company. And the Vytorin controversy - some call it a scandal - is engulfing Fred Hassan, the Schering-Plough ceo, who was motoring along quite nicely, having convinced Wall Street that the drugmaker was turning itself around. Now, though, the stock has given up an entire year’s worth of gains as investors, doctors, legislators and regulators try to understand exactly what happened with the Vytorin trial, which measured the cholesterol med against Zocor but found no statistical difference in reducing plaque in the carotid arteries. The results were delayed nearly two years with scant info about the progress of this bet-the-franchise study. The primary endpoint was briefly changed without the consent of the lead investigator. A so-call... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179734 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:30:31 +0100 1179734 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179068&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6360 Cartoon Courtesy of Michael Ramirez No fire in his belly was an UNDERSTATEMENT for Fred Thompson. Flap has enjoyed Fred on his radio show and on Law and Order. Flap wishes him well. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179068 Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:41:53 +0100 1179068 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1179092&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=34768&url=http%3A%2F%2Fpharmagossip.blogspot.com%2F2008%2F01%2Fwhytorin-spotlight-on-schering-ploughs.html Forbes' Matt Herper looks closely at Fred "Mr Fix It" Hassan, Schering Plough's mercurial CEO - and why the ENHANCE data took two years to surface.Hassan's defense?Schering didn't mean to do anything wrong, and he doesn't know exactly what went wrong. "I'm quite sure nobody had bad intentions," says Hassan, 62. "Why didn't it happen on time as it should have? I don't have the answers."The excuses are thin.Either Schering deliberately delayed a result it suspected would be bad or Hassan's team incompetently failed to realize that they were sitting on a time bomb. Since FORBES' first report on Nov. 19, Schering shares have given up 12 months of gains.Forbes pic - apologies to Chris Mueller/Redux for Forbes (Source: PharmaGossip) PharmaGossip blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1179092 Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:58:00 +0100 1179092 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1169585&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6339 Republican presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, puts his hands to his ear to hear a question as he talks to the press on his charter plane while flying from Orlando to Atlanta, Monday, Jan. 21, 2008. The Huckaboom is over and Fred Thompson has gone home to Tennessee to tend to his ailing mother. Will they withdraw before the Florida primary in a week? Flap bets Thompson may but Huckabee won’t (as a slight to Romney). Also, Flap doubts Thompson will endorse until February 1, if then. Huck will stay in through Super Tuesday with a suspended campaign - hoping for deliverance. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1169585 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:10:07 +0100 1169585 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1169583&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6341 Fox News is reporting that Fred Thompson will withdraw from the Presidential race sometime today. Fox News also is reporting that Thompson who is on an airplane returning home to Virginia told Nashville, Tennessee campaign headquarter’s workers that it was time to close up shop. After barely four months of what could be called lackluster campaigning, Fred Thompson departs. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1169583 Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:10:07 +0100 1169583 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1161236&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F218945175%2F Fred knows a good deal when he sees one. The reaction to the controversy over the Vytorin trial has gotten so bad that Schering-Plough stock is down roughly 20 percent this week. What better time to buy? And so Fred is wading in to snap up $2 million in stock with his own money. “As was the case in November 2003, when I purchased $4.68 million in Schering-Plough common shares at an average price of $15.42, this investment in Schering-Plough reflects my long-term confidence in the company, its products (including Zetia and Vytorin), and our late-stage pipeline,” he says in a statement, in which he blames the media portrayal of the trial results, but ignores the lack of transparency surrounding the release and handling of the data - a nearly two-year delay in disclosing results,... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1161236 Fri, 18 Jan 2008 15:46:15 +0100 1161236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1158443&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F218366134%2F The Enhance trial continues to reverberate. Investors are again pummeling Schering-Plough stock. Docs are scurrying to calm patients worried about whether they should continue taking Vytorin (or Zetia, which is part of the combo therapy), and Congress is pressing ahead with an investigation into how Merck and Schering-Plough execs ran the clinical trial, advertised the drug and sold their own shares. The controversy is undermining what, until now, has been Hassan’s successful turnaround of Schering-Plough, which hoped the trial would show Vytorin to be a more effective cholesterol treatment than Merck’s Zocor, the other half of the Vytorin combination. The trial, of course, failed its primary endpoint, but Fred is trying to take it all in stride. “Things happen with the ... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1158443 Thu, 17 Jan 2008 17:49:32 +0100 1158443 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1132677&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6217 Republican presidential candidate U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) (L) greets fellow candidate former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani before the Fox News Presidential Forum at Saint Anselm College in Manchester, New Hampshire January 6, 2008. The GOP debate at St Anselm College tonight was the most intimate and the best GOP debate so far. No audience and no spinning the voter was able to hear the candidates answer questions about issues. There was little positioning and sparring was on a civil tone. So, who won? Nobody. Not one candidate made a difference in this debate in this continuing story of a race for President in 2008. However, there were some notable exchanges, contrasts and some observations to make. John McCain: McCain will NOT win the nomination. He is OLD and tired. He lied ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1132677 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:52:53 +0100 1132677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1132125&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6212 Day By Day by Chris Muir Fred Thompson’s wife, Jeri, has been a liability to Fred’s campaign. The early staffing FLAPS with campaign staff quitting was a bad start to his campaign. The age differential between them also does NOT endear Fred to women voters. Men ask why Fred would run when he has very young children at home at his age and with his previous health problems. Thompson’s main liability, however, has been his lack of energy in the campaign. One of the biggest ODDITIES in race for 2008 has been Fred Thompson’s unenthusiastic non-candidacy for the Presidency. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1132125 Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:21:06 +0100 1132125 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1128622&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6172 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeAoJuwSsuE No, says Fred in the video above. Since the Politico - a known Romney shill - broke the story and the MSM has perpetuated it (McCain’s a fav) dropped this story on the eve of the Iowa Caucus it is assumed that they both wanted to depress Fred’s turnout and capture his vote. Shameful but it works. Flap bets that Fred just to spite Romney will stay in through South Carolina. Rudy wants him in the race mucking up the works and McCain wants his donors. (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1128622 Fri, 04 Jan 2008 01:34:58 +0100 1128622 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1128858&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F210596659%2F Speaking at a Morgan Stanley investor conference today, Fred tries to downplay the controversy over the cholesterol pill that Schering-Plough sells in conjunction with Merck as part of a joint venture, Reuters reports. The two drugmakers made themselves look very questionable two months ago when they announced a progress report on their Enhance study, which was completed in April 2006 but never released, prompting speculation about the findings. To top it off, an expert panel, which was entirely anonymous, recommended changing the study endpoint to speed things along. Last month, they backpedaled and agreed to leave the endpoint alone. But by then, the damage was done - a Congressional committee is investigating a “manipulation of trial data” and the drugmakers were skewered fo... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1128858 Thu, 03 Jan 2008 16:34:40 +0100 1128858 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1104300&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6059 Republican Presidential hopeful, former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson, gestures while speaking in Manchester, Iowa, Tuesday, Dec. 18,2007. Fred makes the call over at the Brody file. At least Fred did not use the L word like Mitt. Such name calling……. Previous: The Fire in Fred Thompson’s Belly? Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Mike Huckabee Your comments are welcome below and at My Dental Forum Follow Flap at Twitter (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1104300 Wed, 19 Dec 2007 14:03:40 +0100 1104300 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1100055&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D6050 No, not Scalia. United States Congressman Steve King, R-Iowa might just be the FIRE Fred Thompson needs. And, did Flap say what bad news this is for Mitt Romney who has been looking for some good news coming out of Iowa. Fred Thompson may well finish third in Iowa and then onto South Carolina while McCain attempts to steal New Hampshire from Mitt. A rare good day for Thompson. Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Steve King (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1100055 Tue, 18 Dec 2007 01:59:34 +0100 1100055 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1076185&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5998 Fred Thompson’s latest Iowa campaign mail attacks Mike Huckabee as a tax raiser ala another former Arkansas Governor, Bill Clinton. Will this contrast piece derail the Huckaboom? But, is anyone still listening to Fred? Stay tuned…… Previous: Fred Thompson Slaps Mitt Romney in Latest Campaign Ad?; Update: Fred Slaps Mike Huckabee Too Fred Thompson Watch: National Right To Life Committee to Endorse Thompson Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson Your comments are welcome below and at My Dental Forum Follow Flap at Twitter (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1076185 Fri, 07 Dec 2007 14:18:30 +0100 1076185 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1054770&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5943 Presidential hopeful, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, right, talks with Elizabeth Saunders as he prepares to shoot skeet during a campaign stop at the Spartanburg Gun Club in Pacolet, S.C., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. First read is reporting the latest Iowa Poll: Mike Huckabee - 24% (19%, 11/9-11/12) Mitt Romney - 26% (30%) Rudy Giuliani - 14% (12%) Fred Thompson - 10% (11%) John McCain - 7% (7%) The poll was conducted from Nov. 23 to 25 with a sample size of 600 likely caucus goers from each party and has a margin of error of +/- 4.5%. Stay tuned….. Previous: Mike Huckabee Targets Iowa Christians - Plays Mormon Card? Mitt Romney Slip Sliding Away to Mike Huckabee in Iowa Mike Huckabee a Threat to Mitt Romney in Iowa? Technorati Tags: Micke Huckabee, Mitt Romney (Source: Ful... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054770 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:41:03 +0100 1054770 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1054768&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5945 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-mkJzKf5S0 Is Fred Thompson stoking the controversy of Mitt Romney’s appointment of Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Kathe Tuttman? With Romney collapsing in Iowa, the GOP campaigns smell blood in the water. Look for other such ads regarding Judge Tuttman. Update: And, Fred Thompson is taking a swipe at Mike Huckabee for the recommending the parole of rapist Wayne DuMond. There you have it - a TWOFER. Stay tuned…… Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: National Right To Life Committee to Endorse Thompson Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1054768 Wed, 28 Nov 2007 01:41:03 +0100 1054768 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1025487&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F184640687%2F As we gaze out the window, the large number of falling leaves is matched only by the volume of events to track. We hope to make it easy for you by sifting through the piles. Here are a few that we found…. Roche And Ventana Finally Start Talking (Bloomberg News) Schering-Plough’s Hassan Is Cautious About HDL Drugs (Yahoo/Reuters) Sanofi Says EU Backs Diabetes Testing On Acomplia Label (Forbes/AFX/Thomson) Share / E-mail (Source: Pharmalot) Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1025487 Wed, 14 Nov 2007 11:56:31 +0100 1025487 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021225&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5879 Republican presidential hopeful, former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney, tries to get the attention of 3-month old Evelyn Riley, and her mother Mary Riley during a campaign stop in Manchester, N.H., Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007 In a demonstration of Mitt-Mentum, the conservative California Republican Assembly has endorsed Mitt Romney for President. This is a definite BLOW to Fred Thompson and WILL split the conservative vote in California’s February 5th Super Tuesday primary election. California’s GOP Presidential allocation of delegates is based on winning each congressional district February 5. Will this endorsement be an opening for Romney who has been polling in third place? Or will this SPLIT VOTE factor, in fact, “seal the deal” on Rudy winning the majority of C... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021225 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:49:36 +0100 1021225 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1021224&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5880 Republican presidential hopeful, former Tenn. Sen. Fred Thompson, talks to reporters after speaking to local residents during a stop at the Uncommon Grounds coffee house Monday, Nov. 12, 2007, in Indianola, Iowa Just when Mitt Romney gains momentum, Fred Thompson will announce soon that the National Right to Life Committee endorses his candidacy for President. For a candidate who came up empty-handed last week when three prominent Christian conservatives endorsed GOP hopefuls and is falling in both national and early state polls, the move comes at a critical time. NRLC is the most prominent anti-abortion group in the country, with affiliates in all 50 states and over 3,000 local chapters. Soren Dayton describes the “JUICE” this brings the Thompson campaign and what a BLOW this ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1021224 Tue, 13 Nov 2007 01:49:36 +0100 1021224 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1015909&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F182166702%2F Remember how more and more execs are carping about the agency? They blame the FDA for becoming too conservative in the wake of the Vioxx controversy and, as a result, fewer drugs are gaining approval. For instance, this is from Fred Hassan, the Schering-Plough ceo: “It just indicates to you that when bureaucrats come under pressure, they tend to choose the path of asking for more data, as opposed to approving the drug.” Wyeth’s Bob Essner recently fumed: “If you’re the first company to get approved in a certain area and competitors can’t get on the market, the FDA is now establishing monopolies. And that’s certainly not their mandate.” And this is what Dan Vasella at Novartis had to say: “The discussion on what this drug brings over and above what’s on the mark... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1015909 Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:48:30 +0100 1015909 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=1009368&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5843 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gt5YIJVwouE Fred’s not serious, is he? Trying to encourage his studio to hurry up so an interview could start, Carl Cameron of Fox News said into his microphone: “The next president of the United States has a schedule to keep.” Standing beside him, a deadpan Mr Thompson interjected: “And so do I.” As some Thompson aides looked bemused and others cringed, a taken-aback Mr Cameron, Fox’s chief political correspondent, exclaimed: “You can’t do that kind of stuff!” The self-deprecating quip said much about the former Tennessee senator’s candidacy. NO FIRE IN THE BELLY to become President and he is plummeting in the polls. Will McCain outlast Fred? Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: The Great Communicator? F... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=1009368 Wed, 07 Nov 2007 01:43:15 +0100 1009368 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=947267&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5720 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0EsY-aS7ws This is an exaggeration but a Ronald Reagan type orator Fred Thompson is NOT. Marc Ambinder asks if the voters will pick up on this? The answer is YES. Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: SNL Skit Highlights Thompson Foibles Fred Thompson Watch: Not Going to Dance With James Dobson George Will Asks Why the Thompson Candidacy is Necessary Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson Subscribe to FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog by Email Facebook Flap! (Source: FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog) FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=947267 Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:37:22 +0100 947267 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=935216&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5703 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YebkIsNBkRs Tomorrow night’s GOP debate in Dearborn, Michigan will be Fred Thompson’s first chance to mix it up with the GOP Presidential field. Will he be ready for prime time? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n70nDi4XRC8 Not if Thompson MUST ASK for applause. Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: Not Going to Dance With James Dobson George Will Asks Why the Thompson Candidacy is Necessary Fred Thompson Watch: NO to Ice Cream And NO to Huckabee Debate Mitt Romney Watch: The Phoneyfred.org Flap Fred Thompson Wants “Due Process” for Osama Bin Laden Fred Thompson Watch: NO to Ice Cream But YES to Huckabee Debate? Fred Thompson’s Past Support for Campaign Finance Reform Scrutinized Fred Thompson Watch: Jim Mills Quote of the Day Fred Thompson Watc... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=935216 Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:36:39 +0100 935216 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=927818&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5683 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwVb6cydEbg Fred Thompson Has No Desire to Talk With James Dobson So, now Fred is fighting with the Evangelical Right as has John McCain and Rudy previously. Is James Dobson being cast out from GOP Presidential politics? Is Dobson IRRELEVANT? Possible Flap KNOWS all Evangelical Christian voters will NOT abandon the GOP to either vote for Hillary, vote for a third party candidate or stay home. But, on the other hand, enough of these voters may very well abandon the GOP for a third pary.  And, then what? THIS dust-up certainly does not help Fred Thompson. Who is left? Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson concludes a short news conference in a hanger at Love Field in Dallas, Texas, Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007. Thompson says he doesn’t need the suppor... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=927818 Fri, 05 Oct 2007 00:30:11 +0100 927818 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=915308&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5658 Republican presidential hopeful Rudy Giuliani visits with Katherine Miller of Edmonds, Wash., at a cafe in Kirkland, Wash., during a campaign stop Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007. Giuliani made stops earlier in the day in Palm Springs, Calif., and Portland, Ore. The INEVITABILITY of a Rudy Giuliani GOP nomination is causing some ANGST in the Christian RIGHT. In fact, this may be the ONLY WAY Rudy beats Hillary Clinton by capturing the social middle ground with fiscal conservative policy. Painting Hillary as a corrupt left-wing pandering socialist who will raise taxes and who is weak on terror and defense works. Being against abortion doesn’t. If the Christian RIGHT leaves the GOP and forms a third party, it will further marginalize their influence in national politics. And Dr. James Dobson ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=915308 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:49:14 +0100 915308 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=869453&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5581 Republican Presidential hopeful and former Sen. Fred Thompson,R-Tenn., makes his remarks during a campaign stop Monday Sept. 10, 2007, in Columbia, S.C Ouch! George Will pans Fred Thompson and his “Rocky Rollout” Presidential campaign: Fred Thompson’s plunge into the presidential pool — more belly-flop than swan dive — was the strangest product launch since that of New Coke in 1985. Then, the question was: Is this product necessary? A similar question stumped Thompson the day he plunged. Sean Hannity, who is no Torquemada conducting inquisitions of conservatives, asked Thompson: “When you look at the other current crop of candidates — Republicans — where is the distinction between your positions and what you view as theirs?” Thompson re... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=869453 Fri, 14 Sep 2007 01:47:16 +0100 869453 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=865683&cid=t_111290_150_f&fid=35777&url=http%3A%2F%2Ffeeds.feedburner.com%2F%7Er%2FPharmalot%2F%7E3%2F155334039%2F The position by the trade group is revealed in a letter written by Billy Tauzin, PhRMA’s ceo, to Essential Action, one of several advocacy groups that are pushing drugmakers to disclose their global contributions. The reason? Concern that charitable and educational donations result in off-label marketing by groups receiving funds; mask the agendas of public policy groups that debate policy issues, and allow researchers to circumvent normal disclosure requirements. Two months ago, the groups wrote the ceo of each drugmaker and large trade group asking them to commit to full disclosure on a worldwide basis. Since then, Lilly agreed, expanding an earlier promise to reveal all US donations. But the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations declined, saying dis... Pharmalot blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=865683 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 11:38:34 +0100 865683 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863678&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5565 Republican Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) speaks with patrons at Bob’s Drive Inn in Le Mars, Iowa, September 7 2007. Fred Thompson campaigning in Iowa September 7th refused ice cream and a Bob Dog but will he refuse Mike Huckabee’s challenge to debate? Who can refuse ice cream in the “ice cream capital of the world?” And, who can DUCK another GOP debate? Apparently Fred Thompson WILL DUCK another debate. Hotline has the story: Fred Thompson responded 9/10 p.m. to Mike Huckabee’s offer to hold a Lincoln-Douglas debate with him. Thompson: “I think in the general election, when you’ve got two candidates that [I might be interested in] something like that, [or] something Newt Gingrich has proposed. I think [Newt’s] idea is ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863678 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863678 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863677&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5566 Remember The Anti-Fred Thompson web site www.phoneyfred.org that Flap wrote about late last night? And, Flap suggested that Mitt Romney and his campaign should condemn this activity and apologize for this activity, presumably by an over enthusiastic campaign supporter. Well, Mitt won’t apologize. Kavon has the story via The Brody File: Below is what the Romney campaign tells The Brody File: “The site was not affiliated with our campaign, but we did make it clear that we did not approve of the site, strongly disavowed it and made sure that it had absolutely no connection to our campaign whatsoever. We took immediate action once we were alerted to it.” This means what? The site was the work of the political consulting firm of Warren Tompkins, Romney’s lead consultant in South... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863677 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863677 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863676&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5567 Remember The Anti-Fred Thompson web site www.phoneyfred.org that Flap wrote about late last night? And, Flap suggested that Mitt Romney and his campaign should condemn this activity and apologize for this blatant “dirty trick”, presumably by an over enthusiastic campaign supporter. Well, Mitt won’t apologize. The site was the work of the political consulting firm of Warren Tompkins. Now, the Thompson campaign is calling for the firing of Warren Thompkins one of the partners in the consulting firm that oversees Romney’s Palmetto State effort and the former governor’s top SC strategist. Will Romney sensing a GAFFE through Thompkins throw his firm “UNDER THE BUS” like he did with feaux-trooper Jay Garrity? Stay tuned…….. Previous: Mitt Romney ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863676 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863676 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863675&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5568 Flap receives an e-mail from the Romney campaign: Flap, As reported in the Boston Globe, the site has no direct affiliation to our campaign, and we had no knowledge of its development. Once we received inquiries about the site, we discovered it was created by an individual who parked the site temporarily on the company server space of a firm whose financial partner is a consultant to the campaign- Mr. Tompkins. Mr. Tompkins also had absolutely no knowledge about the development of the site or that it was temporarily parked on the firm’s server. We informed this party that as a result of that server use, we were receiving inquires about the site. We made it clear that we did not approve of the site and asked for immediate action to make sure it was again in no way affiliated with the c... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863675 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863675 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863674&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5569 Remember that Flap asked the following: Remember The Anti-Fred Thompson web site www.phoneyfred.org that Flap wrote about late last night? And, Flap suggested that Mitt Romney and his campaign should condemn this activity and apologize for this blatant “dirty trick”, presumably by an over enthusiastic campaign supporter. Well, Mitt won’t apologize. The site was the work of the political consulting firm of Warren Tompkins. Now, the Thompson campaign is calling for the firing of Warren Thompkins one of the partners in the consulting firm that oversees Romney’s Palmetto State effort and the former governor’s top SC strategist. Will Romney sensing a GAFFE through Thompkins throw his firm “UNDER THE BUS” like he did with feaux-trooper Jay Garrity? And remember the correspondence ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863674 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863674 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=863673&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5570 Republican presidential candidate Fred Thompson makes a campaign stop in Greenville, S.C., Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Flap said the Thompson campaign would NOT be letting the www.phoneyfred.org flap go. Thompson aide: Romney will ‘do anything, say anything, flip-flop on any position’ to win An e-mail headlined “Statement on Romney’s South Carolina Cover-Up” seems to have rocketed the Republican nomination race into a new, nuclear phase. The statement from Todd Harris, communications director for Fred Thompson, accuses Mitt Romney’s campaign of a “half-baked cover-up” of what he alleges is the association between a Romney consultant and a hastily pulled website that said nasty things about Thompson. Harris concluded with the kind of rhetoric tha... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=863673 Wed, 12 Sep 2007 01:04:32 +0100 863673 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=861692&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5561 The Anti-Fred Thompson web site www.phoneyfred.org is now down but will continue to give grief not to Thompson but Mitt Romney who has been implicated in its creation. Check out the front page of the web site: And if this is not enough to convince ANY voter that Romney is NOT right for the Presidency, then check out his other inconsistencies and oddities: Flip on Abortion Campaign finance reform Flip on Gay Marriage Lied about hunting Scientology book one of his favorites Poor Mitt’s Dog Jay Garrity Trooper Flap The Robert Lichfield FLAP None of Mitt’s five adult sons had served in the military Health Care 2.0 Flip Flop Come on Mitt campaign on the issues and leave the “DIRTY TRICKS” alone. Will you be MAN enough to disavow these tactics and APOLOGIZE to Fred Thompson? F... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=861692 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 15:38:42 +0100 861692 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=858228&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5558 Republican presidential hopeful Fred Thompson poses for a photo during a campaign stop in Greenville, S.C., Monday, Sept. 10, 2007. Are Champagne corks popping in Rudy Giuliani’s campaign office? You betcha……… Flap cannot believe such a GAFFE……. Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: NO to Ice Cream But YES to Huckabee Debate? Fred Thompson’s Past Support for Campaign Finance Reform Scrutinized Fred Thompson Watch: Jim Mills Quote of the Day Fred Thompson Watch: ANOTHER Campaign Aide OUT Fred Thompson Scores “Direct Hit on Romney” Fred Thompson Watch: Thompson to Announce September 6 - Ducks GOP Debate Fred Thompson to Announce for the Presidency Today Fred Thompson to Announce an Announcement Date Today? Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson ... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=858228 Tue, 11 Sep 2007 01:10:18 +0100 858228 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=849924&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5542 Republican Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) looks at his daughter Hayden, 4, as his wife Jeri looks on during a campaign stop at Bayliss Park in Council Bluffs, Iowa, September 6, 2007. Now that Fred Thompson is a formal candidate for the Presidency among other issues being scrutinized is his position on campaign finance reform, most notably the John McCain-Russ Feingold initiated legislation that resulted in the passage of the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. His position is a problem for conservatives. “It all gets back to pretty basic stuff for me,” Thompson said in 1997. “I think the American people look at a system where we spend so much time with our hand out for so much money from so many people who do so much business with the federal go... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=849924 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:39:24 +0100 849924 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=849922&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5544 Republican Presidential candidate and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson (R-TN) speaks with patrons at Bob’s Drive Inn in Le Mars, Iowa, September 7 2007. Fred Thompson campaigning in Iowa today refused ice cream and a Bob Dog but will he refuse Mike Huckabee’s challenge to debate? Who can refuse ice cream in the “ice cream capital of the world?” And, who can DUCK another GOP debate? Previous: Fred Thompson’s Past Support for Campaign Finance Reform Scrutinized Fred Thompson Watch: Jim Mills Quote of the Day Fred Thompson Watch: ANOTHER Campaign Aide OUT Fred Thompson Scores “Direct Hit on Romney” Fred Thompson Watch: Thompson to Announce September 6 - Ducks GOP Debate Fred Thompson to Announce for the Presidency Today Fred Thompson to Announce an Announceme... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=849922 Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:39:24 +0100 849922 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=847234&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5538 Fred Thompson campaigning in Iowa Today Quote of the Day from Jim Mills, former Thompson campaign spokesman: “About the only people who haven’t worked in the Thompson press shop this summer are Larry Craig and that woman astronaut who wore those diapers cross country.” OUCH! Thompson communications adviser Mark Corallo has also left the campaign. Previous: Fred Thompson Watch: ANOTHER Campaign Aide OUT Fred Thompson Scores “Direct Hit on Romney” Fred Thompson Watch: Thompson to Announce September 6 - Ducks GOP Debate Fred Thompson to Announce for the Presidency Today Fred Thompson to Announce an Announcement Date Today? Technorati Tags: Fred Thompson, Jim Mills Subscribe to FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog by Email Facebook Flap! (Source: Fullosseous... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=847234 Fri, 07 Sep 2007 00:54:58 +0100 847234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=845671&cid=t_111290_125_f&fid=34819&url=http%3A%2F%2Fflapsblog.com%2F%3Fp%3D5530 Republican presidential candidates former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) pose for photographers before their debate at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire September 5, 2007. Winners: John McCain reasserted himself in tonight’s debate as an experienced politician. Remember McCain beat George W Bush in New Hampshire in 2000. Rudy held his own (despite Fox’s Frank Lunz’s New Hampshire focus groups) made NO errors and looked Presidential. He remains the national frontrunner. There is NO DOUBT that Rudy has the executive leadership that will keep America SAFE. Mike Huckabee schooled Ron Paul on the Iraq War and American resolve. Losers: Mitt Romney looked befuddled and indecisiv... FullosseousFlap's Dental Blog blogs http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=845671 Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:49:51 +0100 845671