Medical News, Articles, and Blogs

Watson Pharmaceuticals receives FDA Approval For Generic Levonorgetrel

June 25, 2009 by srrpenna

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NYSE:WPI) , today announced that its subsidiary, Watson Laboratories, Inc., has received approval today from the United States Food and Drug Administration on its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for levonorgestrel tablets, 0.75 mg, for women seventeen years and younger. Levonorgestrel is the generic equivalent to Duramed Pharmaceuticals' PLAN B(R), which is indicated for the prevention of pregnancy following unprotected intercourse or contraceptive failure. This product is approved for prescription use only.

Swine flu update: Government changes strategy from containment to outbreak management

June 25, 2009 by srrpenna

Speaking this morning, Andy Burnham, the Health Secretary, and Sir Liam Donaldson, the Chief Medical Officer, said that there were hotspots where swabbing and lab confirmations of the virus now put an unjustifiable strain on time and resources. These areas, including the West Midlands and London, are now shifting from the containment phase, which is led by the Health Protection Agency, to outbreak management, led by the strategic health authorities and local health trusts.

Oncothyreon announces initiation of Phase 3 trial of Stimuvax in breast cancer

June 24, 2009 by srrpenna

Oncothyreon Inc. announced that Merck KGaA has initiated a global Phase 3 trial of Stimuvax(R) (BLP25 liposome vaccine, L-BLP25) in patients with hormone receptor-positive, locally advanced, recurrent or metastatic breast cancer. The Phase 3 trial, named STRIDE (STimulating immune Response In aDvanced brEast cancer), is anticipated to enroll more than 900 patients at approximately 180 sites in over 30 countries - including North America, Europe, Asia and Australia.

Around 3000 Swine flu cases in United Kingdom

June 24, 2009 by srrpenna

The number of confirmed cases in the UK is 2,944, including 686 in Scotland.

About 30,000 cases of swine flu have so far been detected in 74 countries, and more than 140 people have died worldwide since March.