'Polypill' cuts cardiac attacks by 80%
A newly invented 'Polypill', composed of currently available drugs, may act as a 'vaccine' against heart disease, according to new research published in the British Medical Journal (28 June. BMJ 2003;326:1419).
Medication
Britain earmarks £50 million for NHS genetics
'Genetics offers prediction of risk, more precise diagnosis, more targeted and effective use of existing drugs, new gene-based drugs and therapies, and prevention and treatment regimes tailored to an individual's genetic profile.'
Taxus
France - Four studies of three TAXUS paclitaxel-eluting stents have demonstrated their safety and efficacy, according to the maker, Boston Scientific Corporation of Natick, Maryland, USA.
US skin refrigerants for EU
Ethyl Chloride skin refrigerants made by the Gebauer Company, of Cleveland, Ohio (established over 100 years ago) have received the CE Mark of approval.
$430.3 billion global spend on drugs
Global sales of prescription and over-the-counter drugs grew 8% to $430.3 billion last year, according to the annual IMS World Review report, which tracks about 90% of all prescription drugs and certain over-the-counter products in over 80 countries.
Advances in blood group serology
Todays test formats (gel technology, micro test plates), plus laboratory electronic data processing and automation, have changed the classic format of blood group serological examinations significantly - and reduced the danger of life-threatening errors.
