Category: Pharmaceuticals
FDA approves first of new migraine drugs
The FDA endorsed a new drug called Aimovig for prevention of migraines in adults. Migraine sufferers got some relief with the approval of the first of a new class of drugs for migraine prevention, through monthly self-injections. Aimovig is the first in a new class of drugs that work by blocking the activity of calcitonin [...]
Hepatitis on the rise in Vietnam
More than three million Vietnamese are infected with Hepatitis C virus (HCV), according to the recent findings from the survery conducted by the Ministry of Health . Meanwhile, 40% of the HCV patients may die due to HCV-related complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer , the survey cited. Dangerous and in some cases, fatal, Hepatitis [...]
Scientists look into multiple clues for improved influenza vaccine design
Scientists are looking into multiple clues for improved influenza vaccine design that can ward various illnesses. They found that influenza vaccines that better target the influenza surface protein called neuraminidase (NA) could offer just this: It acts against various influenza virus strains and lessen the severity of illness, according to new research published in Cell. [...]
Vaccines prevent the world’s poorest from dying and falling into further poverty
For the world’s poorest, getting vaccinated is critical: it not only keeps them healthy, but also keeps them from falling further into poverty, according to a new study led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. They estimated that increased investments in 10 vaccines administered in low- and middle-income countries over a [...]
Thailand hands out vitamin pills, folic acid tablets amidst concerns over declining birth rates
Whether by handing cash bonuses or tax incentives, Thailand has almost tried it all to encourage its citizens to have more children. This Valentine’s Day, the country is trying out a new approach: handing out vitamin pills. Like several other Asian countries, Thailand is ageing rapidly. Birth rates have dropped sharply from more than 6 [...]
Many people take too much ibuprofen, succumbing them to internal bleeding and heart attacks
Many adults who use ibuprofen and other so-called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs take too much, increasing their risk of serious side effects like internal bleeding and heart attacks, a U.S. study suggests. Ibuprofen is a medication in the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug class that is used for treating pain, fever, and inflammation. This includes painful menstrual [...]
Sanofi sued in Philippines over dengue vaccine
A Philippine government agency has recently filed a lawsuit against French drugmaker Sanofi demanding compensation for the parents of a 10-year-old girl the agency said had died as a result of receiving its controversial anti-dengue vaccine. The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) said Sanofi, several former and current health ministry officials and domestic distributor Zuellig Pharma [...]
Drug companies urged to do more to tackle “superbug” crisis
The efforts by drug companies to tackle superbugs over the years have been patchy at best, prompting demands for better action. The rise of drug-resistant bacteria is a growing threat to modern medicine with the emergence of infections resistant to even last-resort antibiotics – a situation made worse in recent years by overuse of antibiotics [...]
Malaysia nabs award for access to affordable hepatitis C medicine
Malaysia has received the Leadership Award in Intellectual Property and Access to Medicines. The victory came after the country successfully invoked the Sofosbuvir compulsory licence to gain access to hepatitis C medicine at an affordable price. The Malaysian Government received the award at the Global Summit of Intellectual Property and Access to Medicines in Morocco, [...]
Pharmaceuticals company Pfizer ends search for Alzheimer cure
Pharmaceutical company Pfizer has ended its hunt for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease. The news come after the company lost millions on failed drug trials. The multi-billion dollar company will reportedly lay off about 300 staff globally and turn its efforts to other research areas after failing to successfully combat the disease over the years. [...]
