TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA MEDICATIONS FALL SHORT OF EASING CHRONIC PAIN
GlobalData issued a report indicating that the approval of safe and efficacious drugs that can be used to treat Trigeminal Neuralgia long-term may not take place until at least the next decade. Despite a growing patient pool due to the aging global population, currently available drug options offer low efficacy and substantial side effects. GlobalData estimates a compound annual growth rate of 3.2% over the next eight years to reach $72.9M by 2019, primarily driven by the increasing patient pool due to growing elderly populations.
RESEARCH INTO SPINAL CORD INJURIES STRETCHES INTO NEXT DECADE
Drugs under development to treat those affected by acute spinal cord injuries are not expected to emerge within the current decade according to a new report issued by GlobalData. The market is expected to register slow growth due to the lack of approved therapies, the early stages of all molecules in clinical development, and the indication by Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) that the trend is likely to continue into the near future.
PUBLIC CITIZEN FINDS STATES ARE NOT PROTECTING PATIENTS
Most states are not living up to their obligations to protect patients from doctors who are practicing substandard medicine, in part because of budget cuts, according to Public Citizen’s annual ranking of state medical boards. They found that the rate at which doctors are disciplined by state medical boards has declined. Nationally, in 2011, state medical boards took 3.06 serious actions per 1,000 physicians. The worst states, in order from the worst, are South Carolina; Washington, D.C.; Minnesota; Massachusetts; Connecticut; Wisconsin; Rhode Island; Nevada; New Jersey; and Florida.
NURSING DRUG HANDBOOK APP ARRIVES
Wolters Kluwer Health introduced the first mobile application for the Nursing Drug Handbook. Available for Apple iPhone, iPad and iTouch, and all Android devices, the new application is the first drug reference for nurses to offer weekly updates. The new app provides the industry’s fastest access to nursing-specific drug information allowing nurses to find drug facts in less than 10 seconds but usually in less than five. While most drug reference apps provide at best monthly updates, Nursing Drug Handbook is the first to offer them weekly.
NACDS LAUDS RECOMMENDATIONS SHOWING IMPROVED HEALTH OUTCOMES
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores lauded recommendations released by the Community Preventive Services Task Force illustrating that team-based care can improve blood pressure control for patients. The studies emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals in ensuring improved patient care. Helping patients adhere to their medication regimen can help them improve their health, as well as reduce healthcare costs.
SYMPHONY BUYS HEALTHCARE ANALYTICS FROM WOLTERS KLUWER
Symphony Technology Group (STG), a strategic private equity firm announced that it has acquired Source Healthcare Analytics, LLC from Wolters Kluwer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. STG will combine Source Healthcare Analytics with existing portfolio company ImpactRx, which acquired AlphaDetail and TargetRx during the last year, to form Symphony Health Solutions. The businesses will be integrated over time, beginning with offering strong joint value propositions for clients. The current leaders of the businesses will continue in their respective roles.
FDA ADVISORY COMMITTEE BACKS CONTROVERSIAL HIV PROPHYLACTIC
In a controversial decision on May 10, the FDA antiviral drugs advisory committee backed Gilead Sciences’ drug Truvada to prevent the transmission of HIV. As Truvada’s efficacy depends on consistent daily administration, there is concern that non-adherence will fail to prevent HIV transmission in people who would otherwise use a condom during sex. An orally administered, once daily pill like Truvada can seem like an appealing addition to the anti-HIV arsenal.
HOSPIRA ANNOUNCES A NATIONWIDE VOLUNTARY RECALL
Hospira, Inc., announced it is initiating a voluntary user level recall of one lot of Hydromorphone Injection, USP, 1 mg/mL (C-II), 1 mL fill in 2.5 mL Carpuject, NDC 0409-1283-31, due to two reported complaints of a single Carpuject containing more than the 1 mL labeled fill volume. Opioid pain medications such as Hydromorphone have life-threatening consequences if overdosed.
PIE MEDICAL IMAGING PRESENTS ITS SUITE OF STRUCTURAL HEART SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
Pie Medical Imaging presented a complete suite of structural heart solutions at the mid-May EuroPCR in Paris. They developed the complete software suite for planning and guidance during valve replacement procedures. The software suite facilitates planning and guidance of aortic and mitral valve treatments. —Johnathan Lugo
