Categories
Cardiovascular
Diagnostics
Endocrinology
Health Insurance
Medical Devices
Mental Health
Nutrition
Oncology
Public Health
Sexual Health
Popular Articles

Versartis Publishes Preclinical Abstracts For Two Product Candidates At 2009 American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions
Versartis, Inc., a new company developing novel biologics with enhanced properties for patients with metabolic diseases, published abstracts for preclinical data on its two product candidates, VRS-859 (exenatide-rPEG) and VRS-808 (glucagon-rPEG), at the American Diabetes Association Scientific Sessions annual meeting beginning today in New Orleans.

Poverty And Cultural Loss Are Some Of The Essential Causes Of The Health Gap Between Indigenous And Non-Indigenous People
The second of two reviews in this week´s The Lancet discusses the primary origins of the health gap. In an effort to understand these inequalities, the authors attempt to give an Indigenous perspective. It is the work of Professor Malcolm King, of the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, and Scientific Director, Institute of Aboriginal Peoples" Health (Canadian Institutes of Health Research); Dr Alexandra Smith, of the University of Toronto, Canada; and Professor Michael Gracey, Unity of First People of Australia, Perth, Australia. In this review, the authors focus on North American Indigenous groups, although others are discussed.
News of the day
The New York Stem Cell Foundation Awards Fellowships To Four Innovative Stem Cell Scientists
The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) announced the award of four new NSYCF-Stanley and Fiona Druckenmiller Fellows. These New York-based post-doctoral scientists join 13 extraordinarily accomplished stem cell researchers from leading research institutions who have been supported by the fellowships program since 2006.
Diagnostics

CareFirst BCBS Covers ENO Measurement For Diagnosis, Asthma Treatment

Apieron, Inc. said that CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield has adopted a positive coverage policy for the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO). The Medical Directors of CareFirst determined that the published, peer-reviewed evidence is sufficient to support benefit coverage for the treatment of asthma. The policy, effective July 20, 2009, states the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide is considered medically necessary in the management of asthma patients. CareFirst is the largest health care insurer in the Mid-Atlantic region, serving nearly 3.4 million members in Maryland, District of Columbia and portions of Virginia. "In clinical practice, adopters of eNO monitoring have reported that eNO is predictive of asthma in patients with normal lung function, predictive of lack of compliance with medication regimens, and predictive of response to inhaled corticoid steroids," said Ms. Holly McGarraugh, Apieron CEO & President. "We are delighted that CareFirst has recognized the valuable impact that eNO measurement can have on asthma treatment. We are working to encourage similar coverage policies among private payers and managed care organizations across the country." In a separate development, an official joint statement from the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society on June 25, 2009 included the recommendation that eNO be used as a biomarker for heightened concentrations of cells associated with asthma and allergy, and in evaluations of response to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) treatments. The authors stated that eNO is a valuable tool to manage ICS and monitor its effects. The American Thoracic Society is presently developing guidelines for eNO monitoring. About the Insight eNO System The Insight eNO System has been available for use in the physician"s office since March 2008. The system uses a proprietary biosensor technology to measure exhaled nitric oxide, a well established indicator of asthma severity and steroid responsive airway inflammation. Measuring eNO and determining the level of airway inflammation can help clinicians more closely manage their patients" inflammatory condition and therefore more precisely titrate medications, which can lead to fewer exacerbations. About Apieron, Inc. Apieron, Inc. is a private, venture-backed medical device company based in Menlo Park, CA that was formed in early 2001 to develop a simple-to-use, non-invasive monitor for the measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) for the management of asthma. The Apieron biosensor technology platform utilizes a patented technology that allows for the highly sensitive detection of selected analytes like eNO. Apieron is committed to collaborating with physicians and patients to develop innovative medical solutions to improve quality of life and standards of care. Apieron, Inc


Add your comment:
Name:
Site address: http://
Your message:
Enter today\\\\'s date, 2 digits
(spam protection):

© Copyright 2009