Drug Store Directory Blog

Friday, March 31, 2006

Malignant Mesothelioma ONCONASE (ranpirnase) Trial Goal Reached

Alfacell Achieves Full Patient Enrollment Milestone for the ONCONASE Phase IIIb Registration Study in Unresectable Malignant Mesothelioma

BLOOMFIELD, N.J., Feb. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alfacell Corporation (Nasdaq: ACEL - News) today announced that the full enrollment target of 316 patients has been reached for the international, confirmatory Phase IIIb registration trial evaluating ONCONASE® (ranpirnase), the Company's lead investigational drug candidate, as a treatment for unresectable malignant mesothelioma (UMM).

The Company has developed and managed one of the largest UMM clinical programs ever undertaken. Over 600 UMM patients have been enrolled in the ONCONASE UMM study, including newly-diagnosed and refractory patients treated with ONCONASE as a single agent and in combination with doxorubicin.

"We are pleased to have achieved this important milestone ahead of schedule, and look forward to completion of all other regulatory requirements for the marketing approval of ONCONASE in the U.S., E.U. and other markets," stated Kuslima Shogen, Chief Executive Officer of Alfacell.

About the ONCONASE Phase IIIb Registration Study

ONCONASE is being evaluated at over 40 investigator sites across 10 countries in a centrally-randomized, open-label Phase IIIb trial as a treatment for UMM, an asbestos-related cancer that afflicts approximately 10,000 people worldwide -- including 4,000 in the U.S. -- each year. The study is being conducted to determine whether survival is prolonged in UMM patients treated with ONCONASE in combination with doxorubicin compared to doxorubicin alone. The estimated global UMM market is $300 million.

About ONCONASE

ONCONASE is a first-in-class therapeutic from Alfacell's proprietary ribonuclease (RNase) technology platform. ONCONASE has been shown to target tumor cells while sparing normal cells. ONCONASE is internalized by endocytosis and released into the cytosol of the cancerous cell, where it selectively degrades tRNA beyond repair. In doing so, ONCONASE inhibits protein synthesis, stops cell cycle proliferation, and induces apoptosis (programmed cell death).

ONCONASE has previously been granted Orphan Drug designation from EMEA and TGA (Australia), as well as Fast Track status by the FDA. The latter has enabled the Company to complete and submit sections of the New Drug Application (NDA) on an accelerated, rolling basis.

In addition to the Phase IIIb UMM registration trial, the Company is conducting an ONCONASE Phase I / II trial in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). The NSCLC market is expected to exceed $4 billion by 2012.

Also, pre-clinical studies examining ONCONASE conjugates as potential treatments for gliomas and Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma (NHL) are being conducted at Johns Hopkins University and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), respectively.

¶ 11:20 PM 0 comments

Thursday, March 30, 2006

Alzheimer's Disease Drug Trials To Start

Humanetics Corporation and Mount Sinai School of Medicine to Begin Clinical Trials of New Alzheimer's Compound; FDA Clears the Way with Approval of Investigational New Drug (IND) Application

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 30, 2006--In an announcement today, Humanetics Corporation said that the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the start of human trials for Humanetics' promising new oral compound, NIC5-15, aimed at combating Alzheimer's disease.

Based on the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) submitted to FDA for NIC5-15, Mount Sinai School of Medicine (MSSM) will proceed immediately with Phase I and Phase II studies in a population of early stage Alzheimer's disease patients. The studies will be conducted at Mount Sinai in New York and at the Bronx VA Medical Center. According to Giulio Maria Pasinetti, M.D., Ph.D. of Mount Sinai's Department of Psychiatry and the clinical trials' principal investigator, "the studies will measure safety, dosing, efficacy and biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease."

"We are pleased that FDA has approved the start of clinical trials for NIC5-15," stated Ronald Zenk, President and CEO of Humanetics. "NIC5-15 represents the potential for a new class of compounds focused on modifying the disease itself by slowing or preventing its progression," he said.

Humanetics and Mount Sinai School of Medicine Working Collaboratively

In December 2005, Humanetics entered into two agreements with Mount Sinai School of Medicine connected to the development of NIC5-15. The first is a clinical research agreement related to this announcement, which allows investigators at Mount Sinai to study Alzheimer's patients to assess if NIC5-15 is well tolerated and to compare doses with respect to tolerability and clinical efficacy. The second--an exclusive licensing agreement--provides Humanetics with exclusive rights under pending patents to commercialize products containing NIC5-15.

In the earlier pre-clinical studies and animal models, NIC5-15 was found to be effective in preventing the formation or slowing the progression of beta amyloid plaques, which are believed to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease. In animal models specifically, moderate doses of the compound improved cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer's type neuropathology and memory impairment.

Discovery and development of NIC5-15 for Alzheimer's disease has been under the direction of Dr. Pasinetti who added that "NIC5-15 was chosen to move into human trials because of its selectivity, safety and potency--making it an ideal agent for long-term prophylactic administration in this population."

About Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Located in Manhattan, Mount Sinai School of Medicine is internationally recognized for ground-breaking clinical and basic-science research, and innovative approaches to medical education. Through the Mount Sinai Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Mount Sinai trains biomedical researchers with an emphasis on the rapid translation of discoveries of basic research into new techniques for fighting disease. One indication of Mount Sinai's leadership in scientific investigation is its receipt during fiscal year 2004 of $153.2 million. Mount Sinai now ranks 25th among the nation's medical schools in receipt of research support from NIH. Mount Sinai School of Medicine also is known for unique educational programs such as the Humanities in Medicine program, which creates opportunities for liberal arts students to pursue medical school, and instructional innovations like The Morchand Center, the nation's largest program teaching students and physicians with "standardized patients" to become not only highly skilled, but compassionate caregivers. Long dedicated to improving its community, the School extends its boundaries to work with East Harlem and surrounding communities to provide access to health care and educational programs to at risk populations.

About Humanetics Corporation
Humanetics is a privately-held specialty pharmaceutical company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Company is focused on the rapid discovery, development and commercialization of orally-administered bioactive compounds for prevention and treatment of diseases in categories with urgent and unmet needs. The Company has several proprietary compounds in preclinical and/or clinical stages of development in the areas of Alzheimer's disease, bioterrorism and obesity. For further information, visit: http://www.humaneticscorp.com.

This Press Release contains discussion of certain expectations regarding Humanetics' future performance. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current views and assumptions. Actual results could differ materially from these current expectations and projections, and from historical performance.

Contacts
Latitude
Pam Pettinella, 952-404-1853
pam@latitude-c.com

¶ 1:37 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Who's Stealing Your Health Records?

Get the Scoop on the 7 Hottest Topics in Healthcare

Augusta, MI - 49012 - March 29 2006

Get The Scoop On The 7 Hottest Topics In Healthcare!

1. Who's Stealing Your Health Records?
Healthcare Privacy/HIPAA - Hundreds of medical records are lost everyday due to neglect and theft. Are your healthcare records safe? What will happen to you if they fall into the hands of a rogue medical worker or identity thief? How can healthcare organizations and patients protect themselves?

2. Bracing for Disaster
The State of Emergency Care Systems in the US - How well can the current healthcare system deal with another hurricane or terrorist attack? How would the displacement of millions of Americans affect your ability to get the health services you need? How can hospitals, medical offi ces, and patients prevent the loss of medical records?

3. Risky Records
The Truth About EHRs - Following Hurricane Katrina, many healthcare providers have made the switch to Electronic Health Records. What they don't know is that many Electronic Health Record systems may be producing incomplete records that won't stand up to scrutiny in a legal or administrative proceeding. How can you tell if your records are complete and accurate? How can you fix the problem without buying a new system?

4. Price Gouging Patients
Healthcare Insurance - 60 Minutes broke the story first: Uninsured patients are being charged up to 4 times that of insured patients due to a misunderstanding in the regulations. Why? And what can we do about it?

5. Dirty Doctors
Sexual Harassment in the Medical Environment - Hospitals and doctor's offices have some of the highest incidents of harassment among any work environment. Why is this and what can we do as patients and workers to protect ourselves?

6. Is Your Doctor Following the Rules?
Healthcare Compliance - Doctors and hospitals must follow strict government regulations. Find out what they are and what to do if your healthcare provider is not following the rules.

7. Medicare/Medicaid
What Do The Changes Mean for You? - How do changes in Medicare/Medicaid laws affect patients and healthcare providers? Are the changes good or bad? What changes still need to be made?

Nation's #1 healthcare compliance expert comments on breaking health news.

Patricia Trites, CHCC, CPC, CHP is one of the nation's leading experts on Medicare, Medicaid, disaster recovery, and the healthcare compliance laws protecting your health, your privacy, and your money. She is CEO of Healthcare Compliance Resources, LLC (www.ComplianceResources.com), a company that provides compliance certification, training, and resources for healthcare organizations and professionals. She sits on the editorial advisory boards of the industry's top publications, and is the author of the Healthcare Organization and Medical Office Compliance Program Guide, Compliance Guide for the Medical Practice, and Due Diligence evaluating EHR Systems: A Hands on Manual for the Compliant EMR Before and After Purchase.

Patricia Trites (pati@complianceresources.com)
CEO
Healthcare Compliance Resources
507 W. Jefferson
Augusta, MI 49012
Phone : 269-731-2561
Fax : 269-731-4346

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or defend
your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 6:59 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Safety Expert Warns About Chocolate Bunnies

Can Easter Holiday Traditions Harm or Kill Children and Pets???

Hollywood, FL 33021 - March 28 2006

Debra Holtzman, J.D., M.A.

Easter Celebrations are supposed to be enjoyable. We prepare delicious food, arrange fun activities and gather together with our family and friends.

"But with all the joys of the Easter Holiday comes potential safety hazards which can result in injury and even death," warns Debra Holtzman, J.D, M.A, an internationally recognized safety and health expert and author of the new book, The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005.)
Debra Holtzman suggests following these simple tips to keep your family and pets safe this Easter.

1. Easter Lily: All parts of the lily plant are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. Cat owners should be aware of the dangers of lily ingestion and remove them from their cat's access.

2. Chocolate Bunnies: Pet owners beware! Chocolate is toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals! Watch out for Eggs hidden around the house, or chocolate kept in a child's room

3. Hard candy: A child under age six should never be served hard, round candy. Popcorn and nuts are also a choking hazard.
Holtzman also recommends that you ask guests beforehand if they or their children are allergic to any food.

4. Baby Chicks: If you are thinking of adding an adorable Easter chick or duckling to go along with your child's Easter basket, think again! Federal health officials warn that baby chicks sold to children during the Easter season may harbor Salmonella bacteria. In fact, the CDC has reported that the risk posed by chicks and ducklings may be the highest for children, since Salmonella infections in children may be more severe.

5. EGGS. Hard-cooked eggs should be cooked thoroughly. Make sure to refrigerate eggs within 2 hours of cooking and use them within a week. To dye hard-cooked eggs, use a food-safe coloring and place them in the refrigerator within 2 hours. Hard-cooked eggs for an egg hunt must be prepared with care to prevent cracking the shells. If the shells crack, bacteria could contaminate the inside. Eggs should be hidden in places that are protected from dirt, pets, and other sources of bacteria. The total time for hiding and hunting eggs should not be longer than 2 hours. The "found" eggs must be re-refrigerated until eaten. If the Easter egg hunt will take longer than 2 hours, hide plastic eggs.

6. Cookie dough: If you have raw eggs in the cookie dough batter, eat your homemade cookies cooked! Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, a food-borne illness that can prove fatal if untreated.

7. Pies: all custard-type pies need to be refrigerated. Pies at room temperature can grow dangerous bacteria.

8. Perishable foods: Never leave perishable food at room temperature over two hours. Perishable foods include raw and cooked meat, poultry and seafood products. Once fruits and vegetables are cut, it is safest to also limit their time at room temperature. If perishable food is left at room temperature for over two hours, bacteria can grow to harmful levels.

9. Alcohol: Alcohol affects children more drastically than adults, so even small amounts of alcohol can be dangerous to children. It causes a quick drop in blood sugar, drowsiness, seizures and even death. Spiked punch should be kept out of the reach of children. Remove all empty and partially empty cups as soon as possible. Store alcohol in a locked cabinet out of reach and sight of children. Don't store it in your refrigerator where a child could have easy access. Remember that children imitate adults, and may drink the beverages they see adults drinking.

10. Cribs: Children might be using an outdated or recalled crib, particularly when visiting someone who must borrow one or has picked up a crib at a yard sale. Call the CPSC at (800) 638-2772 or visit their website www.cpsc.gov to check if products have been recalled.
A quick note on crib slats: the slat space should be no more than 2 and three-eighths inches apart. A good rule of thumb: if you can pass a soda can between the slats, they're too far apart.

Debra Holtzman is an internationally recognized safety and health expert and award winning author. She has nearly two decades of experience in the safety and health fields. Debra is the safety expert on the Discovery Health Channel. The Safe Baby: A Do-it-yourself Guide to Home Safety (Sentient Publications, 2005) is in bookstores everywhere.

Interviews may be arranged via: E-mail: safebook@aol.com
Telephone: 954-963-7702
http://thesafetyexpert.com

______________________________________________
FREE 1 Year Tech and Business Magazine Subscriptions!
http://consultant-directory.tradepub.com/
______________________________________________
Free lists of over 9 million expired domain names
http://www.bizprolink-internet.com
____________________________________________
Promote your consulting business with a free listing
in our http://www.Consultant-Directory.com
______________________________________________
Professional SEO firm submits to over 180 systems
by hand and shares the list so you can do it yourself!
http://www.Best-Free-Search-Engine-List.com
____________________________________________
Search Engine Industry Professional Organization
http://www.seoby.org
____________________________________________

¶ 5:14 PM 0 comments

Anti-Counterfeiting Label Catches Eye, Counterfeit Products

3M Introduces New Confirm Security Label with Floating Image Technology at Authentication Connections Forum in Tampa, Fla.; Strong Overt and Covert Technologies Combine to Help Fight Counterfeit Products

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2006--3M today announced its newest, high-security anti-counterfeiting label will be introduced on March 30 at the Authentication Connections Forum in Tampa, Fla. This new security solution, the 3M Confirm authentication label with floating image technology, incorporates a unique eye-visible security feature that provides powerful product authentication and can be verified easily with or without the use of a tool.

The label's floating image has an optically variable device (OVD) - a unique, overt security feature. The OVD image appears to "float" above or "sink" below the surface of the label and then disappear as the viewing angle changes. Dramatic movement of the image is easy to detect and recognize using only the human eye, enabling quick and easy authentication that proves the label and product are genuine. The label also incorporates a very secure and time-tested covert security feature inherent to Confirm security material.

"Electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, apparel, and cosmetics - the list of items that are counterfeited is endless," said Bill Markovitz, marketing development manager, 3M Security Systems. "The new Confirm security label will allow manufacturers and distributors to certify their products as authentic and then let wholesalers, retailers and end-consumers rapidly identify fakes. 3M currently sells a similar security product to governments for passports and driver's license programs. That same high level of security now will be available for commercial applications."

These labels build on 3M's proven retroreflective security technology - 3M Confirm security labels - which have been very well-accepted in the security marketplace for more than 25 years. The new floating image security feature enhances the inherent security of Confirm authentication labels and is based on proprietary technology. Verification is easier than ever and can be accomplished by a diverse population.

For more than 30 years, 3M has provided premier security solutions and services that identify, authenticate, secure and track materials and information by combining security and productivity. Drawing on its broad technology base and expertise, 3M creates solutions for a wide array of security needs. Examples include issuance and authentication of travel documents and personal identification cards, brand and asset protection solutions to fight counterfeiting and tampering, file tracking solutions, and library security and workflow management solutions.

About 3M -- A Global, Diversified Technology Company
Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 69,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. For more information, including the latest product and technology news, visit www.3M.com.

3M, Confirm, Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.

Contacts
3M Security Systems, St. Paul
Joan M. Olseen, 651-736-1163
or
3M Public Relations
Connie S. Thompson, 651-733-8914
http://www.3m.com/PressContact

______________________________________________
FREE 1 Year Tech and Business Magazine Subscriptions!
http://consultant-directory.tradepub.com/
______________________________________________
Promote your consulting business with a free listing
in our http://www.Consultant-Directory.com
____________________________________________
Post your resume for free and search for jobs at
http://www.TheJobSpider.com
____________________________________________
Locate Construction and Heavy Equipment at
http://www.Heavy-Equipment-Classifieds.com
____________________________________________
Free Classifieds for restuarant equipment and supplies at
http://www.Restaurant-equipment-classifieds.com
____________________________________________

¶ 12:51 PM 0 comments

Irish Stents Starts Suit, Injunction

Medtronic Sues Guidant in Ireland; Alleges Patent Infringement by Vision(R) and Xience(TM) Stents; Seeks Damages and Injunction

MINNEAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2006--Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT) today announced that it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Guidant Corporation in the High Court in Dublin, Ireland. The lawsuit alleges that the Guidant MULTI-LINK Vision(R) and Xience(TM) V coronary stents infringe patents under exclusive worldwide license to Medtronic Vascular from evYsio Medical Devices, a private Canadian company. Guidant manufactures the affected stent products in Ireland and the United States. Medtronic is seeking monetary damages and an injunction against the Vision and Xience stents.

The action in Ireland is one of four patent infringement actions against Guidant products involving the evYsio patents. On February 15, 2006, Medtronic filed a patent infringement case against Guidant in United States District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging that Guidant's Vision stent and certain Guidant catheter systems infringe the evYsio stent design patents and Medtronic's Fitzmaurice patents. The Fitzmaurice patents relate to a unique, tapered design feature of Medtronic coronary and peripheral catheters.

evYsio also filed patent infringement cases against Guidant in France in 2001 and 2003, resulting in a ruling on December 17, 2004 against the Guidant Vision stent. Finding that the Vision stent likely infringed the evYsio patent and that the evYsio patent was likely valid, the French court ordered Guidant to post a warranty of EUR 800,000 to avoid an injunction against the sales of Vision in France. On March 3, 2006, the validity of evYsio's European patent was affirmed by the European Patent Office during an opposition hearing initiated by Guidant, and evYsio continues to independently pursue its two suits against Guidant in the French courts. In addition to Ireland, France and the United States, the evYsio patents are registered in several other countries.

Medtronic's lawsuits against Guidant in the United States and Ireland follow other significant legal developments involving Medtronic's vascular business. On March 23, Medtronic announced a positive arbitration panel ruling obtained against Johnson and Johnson/Cordis. On March 1, Medtronic filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas against Boston Scientific, alleging that the TAXUS(R) Paclitaxel-eluting coronary stent system infringes Medtronic's Fitzmaurice and Anderson patents. The Anderson patents cover a method of manufacturing balloon catheters used in stent delivery. In addition, on February 14 the United States Patent and Trademark Office granted Medtronic's Request for Reexamination for each of the four Guidant Lau patents on which Guidant has sued Medtronic for infringement in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware. Finding that "substantial questions exist" regarding the validity of the Lau patent claims in view of prior art submitted by Medtronic with the Request for Reexamination, the USPTO will now reconsider whether the Lau patents should have been granted in the first instance, though the timing of such reexamination is not known.

"We value the strength of our intellectual property portfolio and we will continue to pursue legal actions against products that we believe infringe our patents, such as the Guidant Vision and Xience stents and the Boston Scientific Taxus stent," said Scott Ward, Medtronic senior vice president and president of Medtronic Vascular, Santa Rosa, Calif. "Because of the industry's intensely competitive environment, we will be tenacious in protecting and enforcing our patent rights. Our strong preference is to resolve these matters without litigation. However, if that is not possible, then we are prepared to assert our rights in court."

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

This press release contains forward-looking statements described in Medtronic's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended January 27, 2006. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results. Medtronic does not undertake to update its forward-looking statement.

Contacts
Medtronic, Inc., Minneapolis
Public Relations:
Scott Papillon, 707-591-7367
or
Investor Relations:
Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696At A Glance

Medtronic, Inc.
Source: via Business Wire
Updated 09/16/2005 by company
Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Website: http://www.medtronic.com
CEO: Art Collins
Employees: 33,000
Ticker: MDT (NYSE)

¶ 12:36 PM 0 comments

Waiting Room Patients Targeted In Sick Scheme

VISI Networks Teams with LabCorp(R) to Launch LabCorp Health Network; A Direct-to-Patient Digital Signage Network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers Nationwide

LabCorp Health Network (LHN) - a direct-to-patient digital signage network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers - is a customized channel of healthcare information specifically designed to provide patients using LabCorp's patient service centers a comfortable waiting environment through the delivery of quality commercial, educational, informational and entertainment segments via an internet driven, nationally networked narrowcast system. (Photo: Business Wire)

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 28, 2006--VISI Networks and Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings (LabCorp(R)) (NYSE:LH), a leading, national provider of diagnostic services and a pioneer in new diagnostic technologies, have teamed to create the LabCorp Health Network - a direct-to-patient digital signage network for LabCorp's Patient Service Centers.

The LabCorp Health Network (LHN) is a customized channel of healthcare information specifically designed to provide patients using LabCorp's patient service centers a comfortable waiting environment through the delivery of quality commercial, educational, informational and entertainment segments via an internet driven, nationally networked narrowcast system. Presented on large, flat-panel screens installed in LabCorp's Patient Service Centers, LHN provides an opportunity for advertisers and content partners to reach a health conscious audience with known demographic and statistical data.

"Through the LabCorp Health Network, we are providing a dynamic channel to educate patients and visitors as to the latest testing procedures and preventive measures they can take to lead happier and healthier lives," said Joseph Erhart, CEO of VISI Networks.

"We are extremely excited about this network. This private channel represents an opportunity for LabCorp and their content partners to reach a sizeable health conscious audience with relevant messaging that connects directly with their customer base in a way that was previously impossible," said Michael Erhart, VP of Business Development for VISI Networks. "By being able to deliver messages directly to real patients - ensuring they receive the most up-to-date information in a timely manner - this narrowcast network establishes itself as a superior alternative to traditional media."

Currently, the LabCorp Health Network can be found in over 300 of LabCorp's more than 1,300 Patient Service Centers in the U.S.

About VISI Networks

Founded by nationally recognized wayfinding and signage information display system expert Joseph Erhart, VISI Networks develops proprietary network information display systems capable of delivering high-impact digital multimedia messages to targeted consumers. VISI Networks has tested their infrastructure with networks in Florida Hospital Critical Care Centers, SunTrust Bank and Orlando-Sanford International Airport. To learn more about VISI Networks, visit www.VISInetworks.com.

About LabCorp(R)

Laboratory Corporation of America(R) Holdings, a S&P 500 company with an investment-grade credit rating, is a pioneer in commercializing new diagnostic technologies and the first in its industry to embrace genomic testing. With annual revenues of $3.3 billion in 2005, approximately 24,000 employees nationwide, and more than 220,000 clients, LabCorp offers clinical assays ranging from routine blood analyses to HIV and genomic testing. LabCorp combines its expertise in innovative clinical testing technology with its Centers of Excellence: The Center for Molecular Biology and Pathology, in Research Triangle Park, NC; National Genetics Institute, Inc. in Los Angeles, CA; ViroMed Laboratories, Inc. based in Minneapolis, MN; The Center for Esoteric Testing in Burlington, NC; DIANON Systems, Inc. based in Stratford, CT, US LABS based in Irvine, CA, and Esoterix and its Colorado Coagulation, Endocrine Sciences, and Cytometry Associates laboratories. LabCorp clients include physicians, government agencies, managed care organizations, hospitals, clinical labs, and pharmaceutical companies. To learn more about LabCorp, visit www.LabCorp.com.

Contacts
Media Contacts
Tier 1 Public Relations
Dan Dyer, 513-478-7818
ddyer@tier1pr.com
or
LabCorp
Pam Sherry, 336-436-4855
sherryp@labcorp.com
OR
Advertising Contact
VISI Networks Inc.
Jenny Sue Rhoades, 407-566-1437
jennysue@visinetworks.comAt A Glance
VISI Networks
Source: via Business Wire
Updated 03/24/2006 by company

[Editor's comments: Great. Now when I have to see a doctor I can look forward to having my desperate-for-a-distraction mind feed commercial messages not unlike waiting for a plane at the airport. I predict the day is near when you use a public restroom and close the door you will sit (or stand) to have a yammering screen that wants to take your moment of privacy and join you for a little marketing one-on-one.

It's information. It's advertising. It's intrusive. And It's obnoxious.

(hris ]

¶ 10:35 AM 0 comments

Sunday, March 26, 2006

Early Detection Tests For Conditions Leading to Mesothelioma Sought

New Tests in Development For Early Detection of Conditions Leading to Mesothelioma

High blood levels of a protein called osteopontin are linked to the development of pleural mesothelioma

The key to curing any disease is early detection and progress has been made for an early-detection test that could improve survival for people with a deadly cancer linked to asbestos exposure.

High blood levels of a protein called osteopontin are linked to the development of pleural mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer that invades the chest cavity and the lining of the lungs.

In a recent article in the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Harvey Pass, professor of surgery at New York University School of Medicine said, "The earlier you detect it, the better the chance that you can do therapy that impacts survival,"

Mesothelioma Screening Still Eludes
There is currently no way to screen for mesothelioma, a potential hazard for the 7.5 million American workers with a history of workplace exposure to asbestos. Those people include foundry workers, miners, shipbuilders and an estimated 1.5 million maintenance and construction workers. The challenge is to single out those who will develop the cancer from those with other asbestos-related lung conditions.
Although the work is preliminary, osteopontin levels may point to heightened mesothelioma risk, Pass said. The findings are based on a study of 190 people -- 69 with noncancerous asbestos-related disease, 76 with mesothelioma and 45 smokers with no exposure to asbestos.

Blood tests showed that the levels of osteopontin rose along with years of asbestos exposure -- the lowest levels were in people exposed to asbestos for less than 10 years, while levels doubled for people with more than 10 years of exposure and increased steadily with asbestos-caused damage to the lungs.

Blood concentrations of osteopontin were six times normal levels in people with mesothelioma, even during the early stages of the disease, the researchers found.

A blood marker that helped doctors catch the disease early could offer patients real hope, Pass said. "If you find that this marker of risk is high, you can take action, starting with CT scanning to detect the disease early," he noted.

Osteopontin Test May be Flawed
But that optimism was not echoed by Dr. Mark R. Cullen, a professor of medicine and public health at Yale University, who wrote an accompanying editorial. Longer survival through early detection has been shown in breast cancer, colon cancer and some other malignancies, Cullen said, but the evidence for it in mesothelioma is weak. It is possible that detecting an inevitably fatal cancer early gives the illusion of longer survival, since the time after diagnosis is longer than if the tumor is detected closer to death, he noted.

And the osteopontin test has a major weakness, Cullen said. It lacks specificity, which means it also detects other, less fatal conditions, putting those patients through testing that might be unnecessary.

Nevertheless, he said, "I strongly encourage this kind of research in the hope that many good things might come of it -- an early blood test, a very good diagnostic test, and hopefully over the next few years a breakthrough in treatment."

Pass is continuing his work, which is funded by a grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI). In fact, his NYU facility has been designated a "biomarker laboratory" by the NCI, he said.

Pass and his colleagues will soon start screening banked blood samples from mesothelioma patients. That and future studies will aim at determining the exact levels of osteopontin that could be used in a screening test.

"If we find the same relationship with banked serum [blood] -- something that should take two years -- and if the marker holds up, then we can proceed to a prospective trial to see if it finds mesothelioma early," he said.

About 2,500 cases of mesothelioma are reported in the United States each year, Pass said, although he believes the cancer might be underdiagnosed because there is no official registry for it. Only 5 percent of cases are detected early, Pass said. The life expectancy for those diagnosed late is just nine to 12 months.

However, detected early, mesothelioma "does respond to therapy," he said. Treatments include radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

source: Ed Edelson, HealthDay

¶ 12:25 AM 0 comments

Thursday, March 23, 2006

Smiths Medical Launches GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Needles with Enhanced Needlestick Safety

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2006--Smiths Medical MD, Inc. has added a new version of their popular GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles to the existing product line. The new GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles with a luer-activated needleless access connector will allow direct connection of a syringe or tubing with standard luer accommodating additional patient therapies. With this addition to the GRIPPER PLUS(R) needle product line, Smiths Medical now offers three configurations of the extension set that connect to the needle, including a non-auxiliary site, a split septum needleless access auxiliary site, and the new luer-activated needleless access auxiliary site.

GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles are used to deliver medications intravenously through a patient's implanted port. Their unique feature is a safety arm that is lifted to lock the needle into a protected position when de-accessing it from an implanted port. An audible click provides clinicians with confirmation that the de-accessed needle is in its locked safety position. With the addition of a needleless access site, GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles continue to be an important part of an organization's needlestick safety program.

Smiths Medical has sold millions of GRIPPER PLUS(R) Safety Huber Needles since their launch in 2002.

Smiths Medical is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of medical devices used in infusion therapy, including CADD(R) ambulatory infusion pumps, PORT-A-CATH(R) implantable access systems, GRIPPER PLUS(R) safety huber needles, CliniCath(R) PICC infusion catheters, and the CozMore(R) insulin technology system. Headquartered in St. Paul, MN, Smiths Medical MD (Medication Delivery) is part of Smiths Group, London, and is committed to developing the highest quality, most reliable products to provide innovative, convenient and cost-effective drug delivery worldwide. For more information, visit www.smiths-medical.com or call 1-800-426-2448.

Contacts

Smiths Medical MD, Inc., St. Paul
Marketing Communications:
Terri Servais, 651-628-7248
E-mail: terri.servais@smiths-medical.com

¶ 8:22 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Caring Today Magazine: Worthwhile, But Somewhat Superficial

Caring Today

by Phyllis Fine, Wednesday, March 22, 2006
WHEN DANA REEVE, ARGUABLY America's most famous caregiver, died recently, the obits mentioned she'd given up an acting and singing career to devote herself to her husband, paralyzed movie star Christopher Reeve (now deceased too, of course).

Dana, described as a model of graceful serenity in her caregiving role, often noted that she had no bitterness about her sacrifice.

As profiled in the magazine Caring Today, then-19-year-old Bridget Bennett also gave up her acting dreams to become a caregiver for her mother, Helene, a breast cancer victim. And as far as I'm concerned, Bridget made an even bigger sacrifice. Helene told Bridget it was time for her to quit college, where she was a theater and journalism major, and go into the family business--home and car insurance. "It's not something I had dreamed of doing," Bridget is quoted as saying, "but I enjoy working with the people." As with all accounts of Dana Reeve, Bridget's story focuses on the positive: "My mother's illness has made me more spiritual" and inspired her to lose 80 pounds, Bridget says.

I'm sure if I were a caregiver, I'd be heartened by this story, but also a little pissed off at getting only the superficial side. Where is the anger and ambivalence that Bridget must have felt, having to stop the fun of acting classes to attend "the Professional Insurance Agent school"?

While Caring Today does a competent job of fulfilling the mission in its tagline--providing "practical advice for the family caregiver"--digging a little deeper would serve its readers well and spice up a sometimes-bland mix of articles, like a boring food column and the front-of-the-book medical items, which are way too long and read like press releases.

The longer medical features are better. A three-part diabetes section targets readers smartly, focusing on the subtle surface symptoms of the disease in teeth, skin and feet that caregivers need to watch for. "Understanding Arthritis" puts the condition in context as the nation's leading cause of disability, discussing its various permutations and treatments simply enough so that even a medical idiot (me, for instance) could understand.

"Gentle Travel Adventures" helpfully discusses the accessibility of three U.S. cities, but is marred by its generic travel brochure style, complete with the worst fault of the genre, the baffling mention of a supposedly world-famous sight: Chattanooga's Ross's Landing, "where the infamous Trail of Tears began"--what trail? What tears? The blurb with the story asks a good question that never gets answered: "If your traveling companion has a physical disability, you face a unique challenge. So, how do you get the real break you need?" A first-person approach here, maybe describing how a caregiver went on a trip and balanced her needs with those of her charge, would have livened things up considerably.

A story about a New Hampshire-based breast cancer support group--"Oh, Those Breast Friends!"--thankfully livens its inspirational tone with humor, like the mention of The Young and The Breastless, a rock band one of the support group's members wanted to form.

Though I'm not usually big on reader-written stories, the best piece in this issue is one penned by a reader, Ami S., about the dog that takes care of Ami's Alzheimer's-stricken mother. Any tendency toward the maudlin is counterbalanced by Ami's clear-eyed voice and detailed focus on a dog who does everything short of putting on a nurse's uniform and asking, "How are we feeling today?" Madison, the dog, "wears a backpack containing a change of clothes, medicine, money, ID and other things my mother needs but no longer can keep track of, recognize or carry." Ami even claims that Madison "can hand a clerk a credit card (but won't sign for the purchase)."

Since it's the real-life stories that shine, it's particularly disturbing that Caring Today's cover photos are actually posed model shots. In place of the March/April phony cover, I wish the mag's editors had chosen a great inside photo of Bridget, the young caregiver, with her mother, Helene: Helen is wearing that chemo-bald look, which makes the photo more genuine still.

If Caring Today's editors want to be heartwarming, they should focus more on the real heart of the mag's topic, and forget the generic photos and text.

Phyllis Fine is columns editor for MediaPost.

Magazine Rack for Wednesday, March 22, 2006:
http://publications.mediapost.com/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If this issue was forwarded to you and you would like to begin receiving a copy of your own, please visit our site - www.mediapost.com - and become a complimentary member.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
We welcome and appreciate forwarding of our newsletters in their entirety or in part with proper attribution.
(c) 2006 MediaPost Communications, 1140 Broadway, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10001

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 4:29 PM 0 comments

Monday, March 20, 2006

Quest for Cure of Asbestos Joinded By Asbestos Workers Union

Asbestos Workers Union Joins New Medical Foundation's Quest for Cure of Asbestos and Benzene-Related Cancers

LOS ANGELES, March 20 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ("PACHLAB") is pleased to announce the addition of Terry Lynch as a member of its Board of Directors. PACHLAB is a 501(c)(3) non-profit medical research foundation devoted to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of occupational diseases through independent research, collaboration, and education.

Terry Lynch is Vice President at Large of the International Association Heat & Frost Insulators & Asbestos Workers and also serves as the Health and Safety Director for the Union. He comes from a proud family of asbestos insulators, which include his grandfather, father, uncle, brother, and many cousins. Mr. Lynch's son, Jason, now completes the family's fourth generation of insulators. Over the years, Mr. Lynch has witnessed first hand the ravages of asbestos on the lives of countless Union brothers.

"The suffering must stop," Mr. Lynch said. "Too many insulators and other working people have died. We have known about asbestos cancer for decades, yet not enough has been done to lift the curse of mesothelioma. We must work with industry, government, doctors, and drug companies to establish research programs that will end the apathy and build hope."

"I am proud to join PACHLAB," Mr. Lynch continued. "We will be conducting research in the Punch Worthington lab at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. We have high expectations that our research will lead to novel treatments." Mr. Lynch will act as a liaison between PACHLAB and construction and shipyard labor unions whose members are at risk for asbestos and benzene-related cancers.

Dr. Cameron, one of PACHLAB's scientific advisors, stated, "I have agreed to work closely with PACHLAB because it offers a unique approach to collaborative research. Not only will we work with patients, doctors and donors to raise funds for promising new research, we will actually do the bench work studies in-house, either alone or in conjunction with other investigators."

"'Punch' Worthington is a patient of mine who suffers from an asbestos-related cancer," Dr. Cameron explained. "As a painter-taper, Punch is also at risk for another occupational cancer, acute myelogenous leukemia. We came up with the idea for a research environment that fosters basic research that is often pegged as too preliminary to receive funding from standard sources. This type of research, although highly speculative, also holds the most promise for true innovation."

PACHLAB's first project will study immunologic and anti-angiogenic (anti-blood vessel) therapies, both of which have been praised as potential "cures" for mesothelioma. PACHLAB aims to conduct research in its own laboratory and in coordination with other institutions, such as the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

"This is a true 21st Century approach to medical research," Cameron continued, "And is the brainchild of Punch Worthington who is a true scientist and scholar. Punch believes, for instance, that bringing all the parties involved in asbestos litigation together to support and fund this type of research by donating a portion of legal settlements, will accelerate the long overdue discovery of truly effective therapies for this awful disease. With heroes like Punch, scientists like myself cannot help but take up the challenge."

Also joining PACHLAB's Board of Directors is Terry McCann of Dana Point, California. Mr. McCann, who was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma in 2005, has led an exemplary life. He won the Olympic Gold Medal in wrestling in 1960. He helped manage the Surfriders Foundation, served on several Olympic Games committees, and was the CEO of Toastmasters International for 25 years.

Contact: Robert Cameron, MD
Pacific Heart, Lung & Blood Institute
11818 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 200
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Tel: (310) 622-4960
Fax: (310) 231-2131
E-Mail: info@phlbi.org
http://www.phlbi.org

SOURCE Pacific Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Web Site: http://www.phlbi.org

¶ 11:13 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Mesothelioma Associated With Exposure to Volcanic Mineral

Exposure to volcanic mineral associated with increased mesothelioma incidence in Turkey

High exposure to a fibrous volcanic mineral called erionite was associated with a high incidence of a type of cancer called mesothelioma, according to a study in the March 15 issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Public release date: 14-Mar-2006 - Many cases of environment-related mesothelioma have been reported in the Cappadocia region or Anatolian plateau of Turkey. Blocks of erionite from volcanic tuff have been used in construction, and storage rooms for produce have been cut in the tuff. Past reports have suggested that erionite exposure may increase the risk of mesothelioma, and studies have shown that erionite is associated with a higher risk of cancer development in animals than any other fiber previously tested.

Y. Izzettin Baris, M.D., of Hacettepe University in Ankara, Turkey, and colleagues followed 891 men and women age 20 years and older in three villages in Turkey two exposed to erionite, one control for 23 years. During this period, 372 deaths occurred, and 119 of these deaths occurred from mesothelioma. This form of cancer mainly affects the lining of the lung and was the cause of 44.5% of all deaths in the two villages with erionite exposure. Only two cases of mesothelioma occurred in the control village, both in people born outside of the control village.

The mortality data were analyzed jointly with Philippe Grandjean, M.D., Ph.D., of the Harvard School of Public Health. When standardized to the world population, the annual incidence of pleural mesothelioma in the two exposed villages was 200 and 700 cases per 100,000 people annually, compared to a rate of 10 cases per 100,000 people each year in the control village. The authors conclude that the long-term exposure to erionite is the cause of the exceedingly high risk of developing mesothelioma.

"Our results emphasize the severity of the mesothelioma endemic in erionite-exposed areas of Turkey," the authors write. They add, "In the rural part of central Anatolia, Turkey, millions of inhibitants are likely exposed to hazardous amounts of mineral fibers from the environment. Resources should therefore be directed to preventing these environmental exposures and additional study of the association between environmental exposure to nonasbestos fibers and the risk of cancer."

###

Contact: Christina Roache, Office of Communications, Harvard School of Public Health, 617-432-6052, croache@hsph.harvard.edu

Citation: Baris YI and Grandjean P. Prospective Study of Mesothelioma Mortality in Turkish Villages With Exposure to Fibrous Zeolite. J Natl Cancer Inst 2006; 98: 414-417.

Note: The Journal of the National Cancer Institute is published by Oxford University Press and is not affiliated with the National Cancer Institute. Attribution to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute is requested in all news coverage. Visit the Journal online at http://jncicancerspectrum.oxfordjournals.org/.

Contact: Ariel Whitworth
jncimedia@oxfordjournals.org
301-841-1287
Journal of the National Cancer Institute

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or
defend your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 3:01 PM 0 comments

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Digital kanban Aligns Inventory Levels With Actual Consumption

Curator Companion Supplier Interface Tool for Signum Digital Kanban

Supplier Interface Tool for Curator Companion by Signum Digital Kanban

[ClickPress, Wed Mar 15 2006] Signum is Datacraft Solutions, Inc. (www.datacraftsolutions.com) flagship digital kanban automation solution, which streamlines replenishment and enables collaborative communication throughout the supply chain. Curator is Signum's companion supplier interface tool, provided free of charge to client's suppliers. It enables them to view and confirm orders as well as anticipate and prepare for upcoming demand spikes.

Curator completes the path to a more truly integrated, streamlined, responsive supply chain by providing increased visibility of process information. Whenever a supplier confirms, denies or ships an order, Signum automatically updates inventory and order status. The needs of a manufacturing operation are always visible, and always up-to-date.

Signum integrates inventory barcode scanners with an easy-to-use desktop interface. Manufacturers can automatically issue replenishment signals to suppliers at the point of use. Built-in monitoring, customizable alerts and control features ensure that inventory levels are properly maintained. According to Matthew Marotta, founder of Datacraft Solutions, The result is a dramatic increase in visibility and control, adding up to a significant reduction in the number of required replenishment transactions.

According to Marotta, As digital kanban solutions continue to spread throughout the manufacturing industry we are able to draw on the insights and experiences of our clients to enhance the functionality of offerings. We are, in effect, applying the lessons of continuous improvement to our own platform, optimizing Signum and Curator to make Digital Kanban implementation more efficient and effective.

Digital kanban aligns inventory levels with actual consumption; a signal is sent to produce and deliver a new shipment when material is consumed. These signals are tracked through the replenishment cycle and bring extraordinary visibility to suppliers and buyers. Working seamlessly with existing visual board systems, Datacraft Solutions Digital Kanban solution allows individual cells or entire supply chains to realize an immediate and dramatic return from an extremely small process automation investment, by vastly reducing the management time and information gathering required to monitor, update and transmit card-based replenishment needs.

Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Kelly Pryor
800-819-5326

Company: Datacraft Solutions
Contact Name: Kelly Pryor
Contact Email: media@datacraftsolutions.net
Contact Phone: 800-819-5326

_________________________________________________
Promote your consulting business with a free listing
in our http://www.Consultant-Directory.com
_________________________________________________
FREE 1 Year Tech and Business Magazine Subscriptions!

Bank Investment Consultant Magazine - Examines new developments in mutual funds, wealth management, brokerage, annuities, technology, sales and marketing...

Banking Strategies Magazine - Is the preeminent publication for senior bank and financial services executives...

Business Finance Magazine - Informs finance executives about the growing role of finance within organizations from changes in technology....

Financial Planning Magazine - Delivers in-depth features and articles that help advisers build their practices and enhance planning and investment strategies for their clients...

Investment Advisor Magazine - Offers indispensable information for Financial Planners, Investment Advisors, and Wealth Managers...

On Wall Street Magazine - Is dedicated to helping brokers, advisors, consultants and other financial professionals attract and retain clients...

Traders Magazine - Provides unparalleled editorial coverage of the institutional equities trading community on the Nasdaq and listed markets...

The Deal Magazine - Is the indispensable magazine for all dealmakers covering M&A, bankruptcy, private equity, venture capital, law & tax, corporate restructuring, and much more...

http://consultant-directory.tradepub.com/
_________________________________________________

¶ 11:56 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 15, 2006

FW: Food Allergy Expert Reacts to McDonald's News of Allergens in Cooking Oil

Food Allergy Expert Reacts to McDonald's News of Allergens in Cooking Oil

Dr. Ellen Cutler is concerned about the hidden allergins in fast food and feels that parents need to know what their kids are eating.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) March 15, 2006 -- After years of misinformation to the public about their fries being free of allergens, McDonalds has recently disclosed that the very oil they cook the fries in has allergens in the form of derivatives of dairy, wheat and gluten in it. Allergy specialist, Dr. Ellen Cutler announced today that she has some deep concerns about the publics health and their absolute need to know about the ingredients in their food.

Dr. Cutler is the author of the Food Allergy Cure and says that the ingredients in McDonalds frying oil can cause severe allergic reaction to many and children are the most vulnerable. Even the slightest hint of wheat, for example, can cause highly allergic symptoms such as fatigue, asthma, rashes, ADD symptoms, as well as all the myriad of digestive distress such as heartburn, bloating and irritable bowel, she said.

Dairy can also cause a severe allergic reaction for some people and is very common in autistic children and children with ADHD, Just a little bit of dairy can create severe setbacks, she added. Sometimes even a little bit of dairy can cause asthma, severe digestive symptoms, and anaphylactic reaction in individuals and this is especially true for children.

Ellen Cutler, DC, MD has written three books on the prevention and treatment of allergies, obesity and chronic health problems, including Winning the War Against Asthma and Allergies, Winning the War Against Immune Disorders and Allergies and The Food Allergy Cure. Her latest work is reflected in her latest book MicroMiracles, Discover the Healing Power of Enzymes (Rodale Press, September 2005). She is available for interviews on this topic. For media interviews call Connie St John, The St John Group, 415-454-2243.

# # #

Press Contact: Constance St. John
Company Name: THE ST. JOHN GROUP
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 415-454--2243
Website: www.bioset.net

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or defend
your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/expert.html
_______________________________________________________

¶ 9:58 AM 0 comments

Vioxx Rushed, Execs Knew

Merck executive acknowledges pressure to bring Vioxx to market
Winston-Salem Journal - Winston-Salem,NC,USA
calculated in the 1990s that it would lose $611 million in sales if it failed to develop its Vioxx painkiller before a rival introduced a similar product, the ...

Merck accused of rushing Vioxx
New Zealand Herald - New Zealand
Drug company Merck & Co accelerated development of its Vioxx pain reliever because it calculated it could lose more than US$600 million ($925.49 million) a ...
Vioxx plaintiff admits files don't reflect his claim
OregonLive.com - Portland,OR,USA
SAN FRANCISCO -- The city of Santa Clara, Calif., agreed to pay Enron Corp. creditors $36.5 million to settle a lawsuit over terminated ...

Merck Defends Vioxx as 'One of Most-Studied' Drugs as Latest Trial ...
Insurance Journal - USA
insisted at the start of another Vioxx trial that the company adequately investigated the drug's safety and asserted it was heart disease and other ailments ...

Merck rushed Vioxx development, court told
Reuters - USA
By Jon Hurdle. ATLANTIC CITY, NJ, March 7 (Reuters) - Merck & Co. Inc. (MRK.N: Quote, Profile, Research) accelerated development of its Vioxx pain drug because ...

Merck accused of withholding Vioxx facts
NewKerala.com - Ernakulam,Kerala,India
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: A trial is under way in Atlantic City, NJ, in which pharmaceutical maker Merck & Co. is accused of withholding Vioxx safety information. ...

Plaintiff takes stand, describes heart attack he blames on Vioxx
East Valley Tribune - Mesa,AZ,USA
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ -A man who blames Vioxx for his heart attack took the stand in his lawsuit against Merck & Co. on Friday, acknowledging ...
Merck rushed Vioxx development, court told
Reuters - USA
... accelerated development of its Vioxx pain drug because it calculated it could lose more than $600 million a year if it did not beat competitors to market, a ...

Jury Sees Merck Documents in Vioxx Case
CBS News - USA
(AP) A jury hearing a Vioxx product liability case got its first look Tuesday at e-mail messages, internal documents and other materials showing manufacturer ...

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or defend
your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 9:40 AM 0 comments

Tuesday, March 14, 2006

Ovarian Cancer Drug Closer to Marketplace

United Therapeutics Ovarian Cancer Drug Closer to Commercialization

Leading Canadian scientist gets behind new ovarian cancer drug as United Therapeutics conducts Phase III trials in more than 60 research centers across the U.S. New biotech drug, with a reported benign safety profile, may extend ovarian cancer patients life by 22 months.

SARASOTA, FL (PRWEB) March 14, 2006 -- Dr. Lorne Tyrrell, Chief Executive of ViRexx Medical (AMEX: REX; Toronto: VIR), told StockInterview, This is a study where the drug has been given fast track approval and orphan drug status. Dr. Tyrrell referred to the Phase III clinical trials now being conducted for his companys monoclonal antibody OvaRex MAb. A subsidiary of United Therapeutics (NASDAQ: UTHR), which has licensed OvaRex from ViRexx Medical is testing the ovarian cancer drug on more than 300 late-stage ovarian cancer patients in more than 60 research centers across the U.S.

According to Dr. Tyrrell, OvaRex had been tested in Canada prior to the current testing, There have been a number of patients that have received OvaRex. Weve had no adverse effects from these patients. Dr. Tyrrell is on sabbatical from the University of Alberta, as professor or medical microbiology and immunology, to ensure OvaRex MAb continues advancing through the current clinical studies and into the marketplace.

Will OvaRex MAb cure ovarian cancer? Dr. Tyrrell told StockInterview, In most cases, it will be a delay (of death). We hope that one day we will be able to cure this disease. This has the potential to be an important step at helping to stimulate immune response to achieve a better outcome. Hopefully, one day we can improve that to where it is a cure. Said Chief Executive of United Therapeutics Martine Rothblatt, It is our hope that OvaRex will help women and their physicians combat this disease.

Market Outlook Journal

Dr. Tyrrell is featured in StockInterviews Market Outlook Journal, which can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.stockinterview.com/journal.html

About ViRexx Medical

ViRexx Medical Corp. (AMEX: REX; Toronto: VIR) is a biotechnology company, which develops therapeutic products for the treatment of chronic Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, other infectious diseases, and selected solid tumors. The companys lead product OvaRex MAb is currently undergoing Phase III clinical trials through a subsidiary of United Therapeutics.

CONTACT:

Julie Ickes,
Editor, StockInterview.com
Tel: 1-941-929-1640
Email: email protected from spam bots
WWW: http://www.stockinterview.com

(SOURCE: StockInterview.com)

###

Press Contact: Julie Ickes
Company Name: STOCKINTERVIEW.COM
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 941-929-1640
Website: www.stockinterview.com

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or defend
your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/expert.html
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 12:25 PM 0 comments

Software Enables Healthcare Organization To Stay Competitive

Maxwell Releases MedConferencelive 2.0

Software upgrade delivers increased functionality, flexibility and interactivity of online medical, pharma and biotech events.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) March 14, 2006 The Maxwell Group, provider of the only web conferencing platform developed specifically for delivery of live, online brand product promotion and medical education programs, will release the Medconferencelive 2.0 software upgrade today.

Maxwells proprietary Medconferencelive platform set the standard for live, online web conferencing events in 2003 and 2004. Delivering more than 6000 events in 2005, feature-rich Medconferencelive offers a full range of interactivity including: private and public chat, whiteboards, interactive surveys, audience polling and exit surveys. The 2.0 Release enhances the tools functionality with streaming audio, streaming video, indexing of slides, customizable links, and attendance tracking. It also boosts event flexibility with the ability to upload presenter slides, speaker photos and other images on the fly.

Medconferencelive 2.0 enables todays healthcare organization to stay competitive in the current marketplace, say James Miller, Maxwells Director of Sales. As product managers seek out efficient and cost-effective ways to deliver strategic communications to the medical industry, Medconferencelive 2.0 simplifies the realities of presenting, participating in and viewing live, OnDemand and podcasted events.

Differentiating Live 2.0 from off-the-shelf competitors is the platforms extensive branding capabilities, which incorporate client logos and colors; speaker photos, talk titles and biographies; links to product web sites; custom client links; and custom forms and surveys to deliver fully-branded pharmaceutical, biotechnology and other healthcare communication programs to groups of 250 or more.
Also unique to Maxwells platform, Live and Live 2.0 are built in the Macromedia Flash environment allowing for seamless, autonomous operation within the Flash Player readily available from more than 98% of personal computers in use today.

Events delivered by Medconferencelive 2.0 are seamlessly integrated with Maxwells Medconference Manager servicea hosted, fully-secure, web-enabled event management solution that administers all phases of event production, from scheduling to event marketing, to registration and confirmation services, to technical event support and facilitation to data collection and reportingand is available on a pay-per-event model requiring no up-front capital investment.

For more information about Medconferencelive 2.0 or The Maxwell Group, visit www.themaxwellgroupinc.com.

About The Maxwell Group
The Maxwell Group is the leading provider of live web conferencing solutions to Fortune 1,000 companies. Founded in 1989, The Maxwell Group is a pioneer in the field of online events, eLearning webcasts, web conferencing and Podcasting, offering a comprehensive menu of pre-event, live-event and post-event services.

The Maxwell Group manages more live, direct-to-physician, web conferencing events than any other company in the world. This year, the company will conduct more than 6,000 events, reaching some 300,000 physicians around the world. Through MedConferenceLive, the companys proprietary web conferencing platform, The Maxwell Group offers the only fully-integrated web conferencing technology and support service package specifically designed to assist pharmaceutical companies in brand promotion, speaker training, advisory board meetings, clinical investigator training and more.

MedConferenceLive improves physician access and time to market in a convenient and flexible format providing pharmaceutical companies a distinct competitive edge.

###

Press Contact: Amy Alderfer
Company Name: THE MAXWELL GROUP INC.
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 610-292-0450
Website: www.themaxwellgroupinc.com

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit http://www.Mesothelioma-Search-Engine.com
_______________________________________________________
JR Roberts, a Security Expert Witness can help you prosecute or defend
your criminal or negligent liability case in court.
http://www.jrrobertssecurity.com/
__________________________________________________
http://www.legal-search-engine.com
http://www.vioxx-search-engine.com
http://www.drug-store-directory.com
__________________________________________________

¶ 11:38 AM 0 comments

Healthcare Statistics, Facts, And Figures From 2005 Research Studies Offered

Healthcare Research Tool Consolidates 12 Months of Industry Data on Searchable CD-ROM

A new searchable electronic resource compiled by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN) places the latest healthcare statistics, facts and figures from 2005 research studies at the fingertips of industry professionals. The Healthcare Daily Data Bytes 2006, a keyword-searchable database on CD-ROM, is aimed at healthcare professionals researching new projects, writing reports and compiling presentations. This resource allows users to get the healthcare statistics and figures they need from the leading healthcare consulting firms, think tanks and research and government institutionswithout having to wade through periodicals, journals and other documents or conduct Internet searches for that one piece of necessary data.

Manasquan, NJ (PRWEB) March 14, 2006 -- A new searchable electronic resource compiled by the Healthcare Intelligence Network (HIN) places the latest healthcare statistics, facts and figures from 2005 research studies at the fingertips of industry professionals. The Healthcare Daily Data Bytes 2006, a keyword-searchable database on CD-ROM, is aimed at healthcare professionals researching new projects, writing reports and compiling presentations.

This resource allows users to get the healthcare statistics and figures they need from the leading healthcare consulting firms, think tanks and research and government institutionswithout having to wade through periodicals, journals and other documents or conduct Internet searches for that one piece of necessary data. For more information, please visit http://www.hin.com/cgi-local/link/news/pl.cgi?databytepr.

Compiled each business day in 2005 from the most current research available, each of the more than 250 Data Bytes on the CD-ROM contains an abstract of a newly announced healthcare research study, a link to the original study source and a related resource. Users can conduct instant keyword searches on the latest findings in consumer-driven healthcare, disease management, e-health, wellness, Medicare, Medicaid, pay-for-performance, and many other areas. Search results are returned by relevancy and can be printed for easy reference.

According to Melanie Matthews, HIN executive vice president and chief operating officer, the Healthcare Daily Data Bytes 2006, Keyword Searchable CD-ROM is drawn from the Data Bytes that HIN publishes each business day for its clients in the healthcare industry. So often industry professionals are seeking that one statistic to back up a proposal or budget request or complete a research effort, Matthews states. The Healthcare Daily Data Bytes 2006 facilitates these tasks by putting a years worth of current studies in one electronic tool. In the time that it takes to hit the Enter" key, the information appears on the users computer screen. With one more keystroke, it can be saved to a file or sent to a computer printer.

The 2006 edition of Healthcare Daily Data Bytes contains statistics on hundreds of topics, including the following:
* Cost of Chronic Health Conditions;
* Employers Adopting Health Management, Consumer-Directed Programs to Control Costs;
* Growth of Consumer-Driven Healthcare Plans;
* Impact of Medicare Payment Cuts;
* Most Popular Form of Health Insurance;
* Pay-for-Performance Results Show Improvements in Healthcare;
* Performance Gap Narrows Between Successful Medical Groups and Others;
* Quality Report Cards: Improves Ability to Identify Best Providers by Racial Minorities;
* Survey Sheds Light on Key Regional Health Information Organizations Benefits and Issues; and
* Women's Health in the United States Shows Patterns by State for Key Indicators.
In addition to these studies, the CD-ROM contains more than 200 other relevant findings. For more information, please visit http://www.hin.com/cgi-local/link/news/pl.cgi?databytepr.

About the Healthcare Intelligence NetworkHIN is the premier advisory service for executives seeking high-quality strategic information on the business of healthcare. For more information, contact the Healthcare Intelligence Network, PO Box 1442, Wall Township, NJ 07719-1442, (888) 446-3530, fax (732) 292-3073 or visit http://www.hin.com.

Contact:
Patricia Donovan
Phone: (732) 528-4468
Fax: (732) 292-3073

# # #

Press Contact: Patricia Donovan
Company Name: HIN
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 732-528-4468
Website: http://www.hin.com/cgi-local/link/news/pl.cgi?databytepr.

_______________________________________________________
Free trade and professional industry magazines are available at
http://www.consultant-directory.tradepub.com
_______________________________________________________
Lung Cancer caused by asbestos exposure is known as
Mesothelioma. Learn more about this killer cancer.
Visit