Study Group: Nursing Home & Skilled Nursing Facility Experts

GLG News^SM Analyses by this Study Group's Leading Experts(?)

Particle Beam Technology - Costly and a limited utility

October 26, 2009

Analysis by:Jon Strasser, Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology,

Analysis of:Particle Beam Radiation Therapy published by AHRQ | effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov

Over the last several years, there has been an increased interest in the US in particle beam therapy as the costs have come down and large manufacturers have become more efficient in installing these centers. In addition, private companies have made a business model of building proton centers - mostly by treating prostate cancer.Protons are incredibly useful in specific diseases - ie ocular melanoma, pediatric cancers, but are too costly without proven benefit for our health care system.

Starpharma gets US patent for use of VivaGel for protection against STIs

September 29, 2009

Analysis by:Jeffrey Weinberg, Director of Clinical Research - Dermatology,

Analysis of:Starpharma gets US patent for use of VivaGel for protection against STIs | www.pharmabiz.com

Starpharma's lead product, is a vaginal microbicide gel under development for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including genital herpes and HIV infection. The VivaGel® product concept is designed to offer a safe, convenient and affordable means for women to protect themselves from infection with genital herpes and HIV during sex. Surveys show that there is substantial demand in North America and Europe for such a product with an estimated billion dollar market for STI prevention products in the developed world.

Stelara new Option for Psoriasis

September 26, 2009

Analysis by:Jeffrey Weinberg, Director of Clinical Research - Dermatology,

Analysis of:Stelara Approved to Treat Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis in Adults | www.webmd.com

The FDA approved Stelara based on three studies of 2,266 patients who either got shots of Stelara or a placebo. Patients who got Stelara were more likely to achieve the studies' benchmark for reduction in psoriasis.In a news release, the FDA notes that because Stelara reduces the immune system's ability to fight infections, the product poses a risk of infection. "Serious infections have been reported in patients receiving the product and some of them have led to hospitalization. These infections were caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria that have spread throughout the body. There may also be an increased risk of developing cancer," the FDA states.

Roche adds to anti-MRSA arsenal in Europe

April 8, 2009

Analysis by:Glen McDaniel, President and Chief Executive Officer,

Analysis of:Roche introduces new LightCycler MRSA advanced test in EU | www.roche.com

European healthcare organizations have always been more aggressive in identifying MRSA infections. Europe popularized the "search and destroy" protocol of MRSA containment. This new method by Roche is a valuable addition in this arsenal. I expect the LightCycler MRSA Test by Roche to be popular and very lucrative for Roche.

Tamper Proof Narcotic Pain pill? YES

November 13, 2008

Analysis by:David Zimmerman, President/Owner,

Analysis of:FDA Asks if Pain Pill Is Tamper-Proof | online.wsj.com

This drug will allow patients in severe pain to get the necessary pain relief and not have to worry about the other patients that abuse the drug.

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