GLG News by Neurologists who Treat Epilepsy (US)

-If this trial shows significant clinical benefit, it will bring this drug one step forward towards approval in the US.  This drug has already shown benefit for pancreatic and colorectal tumors, with minimal side effects.  There is strong scientific and preclinical testing testifying...

Will the recent purchase of Kyphon by Medtronic signals the end of kyphoplasty? No because arcuoplasty does not restore vertebral height. Vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty and arcuoplasty essentially achieve the same goals, which brings up the question, do we need all three techniques? Arcuoplasty is the...

The articel discusses Oncoscience AG, the european partner of YM BioSciences experimenal treatment for gliomas.  It is based on a monoclonal antibody to EGFR and is being tested in combination with other treatments including radiation.

The article reports on an open label study recently published in Neurology.  Apparently a new treatment (oral EN101 antisense) appears to be effective at improving muscle strength and reducing fatigue in people with MG. 

Two genes have been linked to an increased risk for the development of MS.  Several researchers speculate on the ipact this may have on future treatments.

-State, or federally-funded universal insurance willl continue to exist in a vacuum until it is coupled with fixes for other illls of the health care system.  These fixes might include tort reform, or subsidized malpractice coverage for physician practices. -Universal health...

Low back pain is a major public health problem.  While there is no single therapy that can be prescribed to every patient with this problem, the ubiquitous prescribing of physical therapy is frequently misguided.  The causes of low back pain are myriad, and the treatment algorithm needs to...

Multidetector CT technology will likely replace conventional angiography and Digital Subtraction Angiography in the diagnosis and treatment of aneurysms. MDCT technology is safer and nearly as sensitive as DSA, and can be used reliably in making treatment decisions for intracranial aneurysms.

Medtronic will see increased sales of their navigation platform, and probably a secondary increase in thier spinal implants as a result of the acquisition of Breakway Imaging. Sales of the O-Arm have been increasing rapidly, adding to Medtronic's sucess in the field of spinal surgery

As insurers continue to cover the Charite and other disc replacement products, the hope for coverage for other disc replacement technology will encourage further refinement and investment in motion preservation technology