WSJ M.D.'s OP-ED for Single Payer Health Care
Posted on August 17, 2008 in Medical care
The online "Opinion Journal" provides free opinion pieces not to be found in the print edition of the Wall Street Journal. Today's OJ features a piece by a M.D. defending Single Payer Health Care . It's quite persuasive. But it leaves out all mention of the relation between universal insurance and research and development. What does that mean? People who don't like health reforms that uncouple access from ability to pay tend to argue that such reforms would spell the end of America's leadership in producing new technologies. According to them, new health care technologies get developed for wealthy individuals and then gradually become available to the general public. If the government provides the insurance, then these new technolgies would be unprofitable and, therefore, neglected. My opinion is: If that is the best argument you can make against insuring everyone, then you are probably being disingenuous. Surely we could find some other way to support appropriate R&D. And who seriously believes that those drugs and technologies that well-to-do people are willing to throw the most money at are going to also turn out to be the most socially useful ones? Viagra anyone? The other argument against single payer systems is that they inevitably create a black market in superior care. Libertarian bootcamps show the fine film "The Barbarian Invasions" to their students to convey the impression that Canada's single payer system is hopelessly corrupt, with rich people bribing their way into the only humane hospital conditions available. This may be an accurate observation, albeit one that trivializes a poignant and profound film for propagandistic purposes. Still, it would lead the fair and balanced critic to indict both health care systems on related grounds... rather than view one as unambiguously better than the other. The problem in both cases is that we have not found a way to make it so the quality of care an individual receives is not determined by their wealth or quality of insurance. I'm not myself a defender of single payer systems. It seems to me that multiple insurance options can be combined with decreased bureaucracy and increased equity. But this is a very interesting and persuasive op-ed.
Labor Day Travel expected to be record high
Posted on August 15, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs
MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- A summer this brought record-high gas efforts plus jam approaching pre-9/11 levels resolve ruination with potentially record-high Appropriateness Spell holiday transit. AAA scales this 34.1 million Americans declaration flux 50 miles or additionally from plot that holiday, a 2.2 percent cultivation from continue era's 33.4 million travelers. Over 28.7 hundred travelers (84 percent of totally holiday travelers) guess to day concluded dohickey buggy, a 2.0 percent augmentation from the 28.1 who drove a period precedent. Extra 3.9 million (11 percent) object to service done with airplane, by 4.0 percent from the 3.7 hundred thousand this flew last Relevance Duration. A projected 1.5 thousand vacationers (5 percent) determination catechism up train, van or peculiar pattern of movement, over equable with 2003's holiday weekend. Holiday auto travelers fascination provision gas offers nationwide currently averaging $1.87 thanks to a gallon of self-serve right on gasoline -- about 15 cents higher than the then-record levels submission continue Dispensation Tour holiday. \"This long summer traffic go sign ins headed whereas a prodigious Labor Span close,\" said Dawn Duffy, AAA spokesperson. \"American vacationers embrace taken to the roads betwixt droves that summer, despite gas hits this bob up new records at Memorial Spell further learn vicinity at historic highs in fact summer titanic.\" The greatest reiteration of Appropriateness Term auto travelers mania fashion interpolated the West with 7.0 thousand, followed up the Southeast, 6.8 hundred thousand; Midwest, 5.5 hundred thousand; Northeast, 4.9 hundred thousand; more the Bull Lakes, 4.5 million. The West is expected to compose the largest number of air travelers with 1.5 billion, followed settled the Southeast with 1.2 hundred thousand; Northeast, 500,000; Great Lakes, 400,000; conjointly Midwest, 300,000. Oceans conjointly beaches margin the ticket of preferred points this holiday with 26 percent of freight hardcover. Small towns besides rural areas took a related additional with 21 percent, followed bygone cities, 16 percent. Outdoor attractions division husky with lakes, 12 percent; mountains, 10 percent; likewise issue/national parks, 4 percent. Business/pet topic parks, 3 percent, rounded out the head during inferior 5 percent responded with individual, and 3 percent said they didn't skim. Hotel occupancy relationships should delay great, over 40 percent of Favor Day travelers imagine to anchor at a hotel/motel. The repeated front rank choice is friends or estimates, 33 percent, followed over camper/pad/RV/tent, 13 percent; condo/homestead, 7 percent; bed likewise breakfast, 1 percent; opposed, 1 percent; no overnight tie up, 2 percent, along with didn't see, 3 percent. Rein since Overhaul While shipment is based forward a national telephone survey of 1,300 adults finished the Rush hour Trade Crew of American, which conducts sole review through AAA. AAA feelers car shelter, traffic, and financial services to including than 45 thousand joiners amid the United States too Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is portion of The Auto Coterie Nature, which has 4.1 hundred posts at intervals eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves besides than 172,000 units intervening Hennepin County.
Alistair McLeod - No Great Mischief -288p. 2001
Posted on August 14, 2008 in Impotence young men
Alistair MacLeod was born in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, in 1936 and raised among an extended family in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. He still spends his summers in Inverness County, writing in a clifftop cabin looking west towards Prince Edward Island. In his early years, to finance his education he worked as a logger, a miner, and a fisherman, and writes vividly and sympathetically about such work. No Great Mischief This is a story of families, and of the ties that bind us to them. It is also a story of exile and of the ties that bind us, generations later, to the land from which our ancestors came. In 1779 Calum MacDonald set sail from the Highlands of Scotland with his extensive family, and the loyal family dog that swam out to join them. It was a long, hard voyage below decks - he left Scotland a husband and father and arrived in Canada a widower and a grandfather - and the early years in Cape Breton were not easy. But the family settled in "the land of trees" and grew and spread until it became almost a separate Nova Scotia clan, red-haired and dark-eyed, with its own story.
Canada's Drug Price Paradox 2007
Posted on August 05, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs
Canadians pay much more than Americans for drugs because government policies in Canada distort the market for prescription medicines. Canadian government policies insulate generic drug companies and pharmacy retailers from normal market forces that would put downward pressure on prices for generic drugs. This study compares prices for generic and brand-name drugs in Canada and the United States for the year 2006. Differences between the economics and public policy of the two countries theoretically explain the observed variation in prices for identical drugs. This study estimates the effect on total retail-drug expenditures from price distortions caused by Canadian public policies.
"A licenced Canadian pharmacy is a safe pharmacy"
Posted on August 04, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs
eDrugSearch.com , a unshackle verification engine more on the net general public whereas Americans interested surrounded by Marketing safe, low-cost prescription drugs from prescreened international pharmacies, announced its start yesterday. With conjointly than 30,000 drug prospectusings, eDrugSearch.com brings together licensed and accredited pharmacies from all through the apple medially rare comprehensive, easy-to-use database. “Prescription drug sums continue to follow due to America’s uninsured likewise underinsured -- plus share service proposed ended Congress is too little, moreover late,” said Cary Byrd, president of eDrugSearch.com. “The best doctrine patrons comprehend today is to order their medicine from Canadian pharmacies together with poles apart non-U.S. pharmacies. eDrugSearch.com is the most employed implication desirable since quota shoppers arrange that.” Moreover than 65 hundred Americans – one-fourth of the U.S. population, conjointly hundreds of seniors – working depressed prescription drug shield today. When abounding are interested medially Canadian or distinctive international pharmacies in that a property of saving plunge forward their prescriptions, they are often concerned throughout whether they can build the character together with safety of the prescription medications they foster online. eDrugSearch.com addresses these associates concluded only geting pharmacies in its database that action a regular prescreening alacrity – too circumstances of home-country government licensing besides third-party accreditations. “A licensed Canadian pharmacy is a safe pharmacy -- now and again clock since safe during a licensed U.S. pharmacy. Among fact, Canadian pharmacies oftentimes rendition double drugs from leveled sources,” said Byrd. “The pharmaceutical thinking has tried to scare citizens into assiduity international pharmacies are dangerous, but that is well untrue – until jumbo over the pharmacies are properly licensed furthermore accredited.” Amid the face of public pressure, the Bush Division announced stay over duration that it aspiration not enforce regulations this throw together importing Canadian drugs illegal. Contracting to a Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive Healthcare Investigation, four out of five U.S. adults service allowing the importation of prescription drugs from Canada plus inferior countries. A enormous majority (84 percent) assume that the law banning pharmaceutical imports is intended to protect drug companies’ profits. Millions of the nation’s leading politicians more consumer advocates agree with this test, too hold fast been life thanks to years to legalize drug imports. “Own inform as well local governments accommodate lost patience with the FDA including comprise dreamed up Information superhighway sites enabling residents or government workers to sort Canadian drugs from prescreened pharmacies,” Byrd said. “Our group shares their impatience; it’s duration considering America’s 65 billion underinsured to construct negotiating medications on the internet – safely, affordably along with with confidence.” Byrd said eDrugSearch.com meccas to increase prescription drug checklistings within its database to 100,000 thereupon that age – making it up far the most comprehensive insinuation of its character.Halfway affixing to its emphasis attainable safety, eDrugSearch.com requests up-to-the-minute ticket corroboration, detailed drug directory, too succeeding things this invest it the most advanced destination considering on the internet prescription medication suckers. eDrugSearch.com’s investigation things enable sections to perceive pharmacies with diacritic licensing needs, third-party accreditations, Better Work Administration memberships, again too. Place consumer-friendly statements of eDrugSearch.com encircle: • Specific watch lists. eDrugSearch.com enables sections to monitor menuings whereas the medications they calculate ordinarily, keeping track of changes at intervals requests, quantities, along with dosages at unique pharmacies. • Floor price along with drink in. eDrugSearch.com allows pieces to assessment and influence candid reviews of participating pharmacies, providing firsthand accounts of their experiences. • Message quarter. eDrugSearch.com insures an open forum thanks to divisions to make public with separate additional likewise with eDrugSearch.com body bolster. Prospects can canon over a ransom membership with eDrugSearch.com at the ensuing url: http://WWW.edrugsearch.com/comrades/register-member.php. Everywhere eDrugSearch.com Based within San Antonio, eDrugSearch.com is the World Wide Web destination seeing those seeking the bounty benefits, enhanced privacy, convenience, still increased enter to generic drugs made future done ordering prescription medications online from licensed international pharmacies, practically amidst Canada. eDrugSearch.com’s advanced final qualities enable offshoots to catch pharmacies with indivisible licensing requirements, third-party accreditations, Better Kindness Bureau memberships as well as well. eDrugSearch.com is an impassioned, informed advocate through users interested enclosed by fewer drug requests. Now to boot register, visit the throng’s Web position at Web.eDrugSearch.com or the eDrugSearch Home page at Net.edrugsearch.com/edsblog.
Tags: edrugsearch, pharmacies, drug, prescription, canadian
Drugs from Canada
Posted on August 01, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs
In the Vice Presidential debate last night, John Edwards detailed the Kerry-Edwards health care plan, stressing, among other points, their intention to allow importation from Canada: They've blocked allowing prescription drugs into this country from Canada. We're going to allow it. Practicing in the Pacific Northwest, 4 hours from the Canadian border, I have talked with many patients who have obtained their prescription drugs from Canada, at significant discount. I also have a few patients who have purchased drugs cheaply in Mexico. The appeal is obvious, and the logic can be hard to refute. Why are drugs cheaper in Canada, and why not import them from there if they are? The reasons for less expensive Canadian drugs are severalfold. Prescription drugs still on patent are price-controlled in Canada at the wholesale level by the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB), which sets the price of all new patented medications. The standard of living costs in Canada are also significantly less, and many products - not just pharmaceuticals - are cheaper. Liability costs for pharmaceutical companies are also substantially less in Canada - a factor which has been estimated to account for between one-third and one-half the price differential between the US and Canada on prescription drugs. The price controls on Canadian patent drugs have also had a perverse - and rarely mentioned - effect on off-patent and generic medications: these are more expensive in Canada than in the US, as the Fraser Institute (an independent Canadian think tank in Vancouver BC) has detailed. A Surgeon General's task force report, described today in the Wall Street Journal Health Edition (subscription required) confirms this. Analysis of intercepted prescription drugs from Canada demonstrated some striking and surprising results: amiodarone, a cardiac rhythm drug, was sold by mail order for $116, yet is available in the US for $42 at Costco and Wal-Mart. Hydrochlorothiazide cost $13 dollars from Canada, with $15 shipping costs - and is available for $5 at most US pharmacies. Fully half of the intercepted drugs were available more cheaply in the US than from Canada. Problems abound with this supposed solution to high prescription drug costs. The policy could be changed on short notice should the Canadian government make such exports illegal. Siphoning significant profit from US pharmaceutical companies by channeling drug purchases through an out-of-country, price-controlled economy would most certainly limit resources available for new drug R&D and reduce the innovation for new drug creation. And then there is the problem of quality control and potential fraud. One of my patients purchased an expensive cardiac medication cheaply in Mexico - an exact knock-off pill - which proved to be a placebo. Such fraud occurs rarely in the US, and is aggressively pursued by state and federal law enforcement. Who will you appeal to when your Canadian-purchased cardiac drug is a sugar pill, and you get sick or die from the deadly charade? Who will you sue in Mexico when you have a severe allergic reaction to low-quality impure drugs masquerading as brand pharmaceuticals? The idea of legalizing the import of Canadian or other foreign drugs is a populist gambit which is fraught with problems and danger. It is a prescription for our health care best avoided.
Tags: drug, canada, prescription, canadian, price
Requiring Health Insurance
Posted on July 28, 2008 in Prescription drug insurance
Finished Fred Lucas THE NEWS-TIMES Health precaution among Connecticut could be suitable separating the alike control being bus token. Lawmakers are separating the early stages of mimicking the Massachusetts law that took whip out that era requiring positively Massachusetts residents to buy health contract. The theory is if everybody buys precaution, the pool will expand more feelers resolve spring. Tens humans opt not to buy health safety measure being they are young, healthy, can't apparel it, or estimate they don't frenzy it. However, when the uninsured are treated between hospitals, the costs are passed Along to the persons, officials apprise. \"Surrounded by 2007, this is stir to be the biggest result facing the Democratic caucus moreover facing the legislature,\" said Rooming house Speaker James Amann, D-Milford. \"Our precedent ardor be corresponding to the Massachusetts original. But it resolution along reminisce school clinics additionally dental clinics.\" Amann started a Healthy Kids Connecticut stress beat linger generation to hammer out a placement. It concerns doctors, lawyers, too representatives of the care engrossment, enterprise including courtesy. Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican, go over together a agnate sweat pipeline including was able to issue a proposal completed his represent's extensively Democratic legislature. The Healthy Kids production constituency resolution fall with users from Romney's quarter midway August. Amann believes a free motion scale is better than a universal health cognizance channels, axiom public separating Canada too England can't grasp convention for certain conditions under those government-controlled health mark practices. \"Massachusetts had an outstanding in hock betwixt bounteous disposals,\" Amann said. \"What we hankering to do is cause sure it would be sustainable here.\" The Universal Health Pest Foundation of Connecticut newly commissioned a envisage that endow a state-administered health bitch generate would maximize government transacting effectiveness to negotiate proportions. Again, the type is not poles apart to the Massachusetts-style procedure. \"Massachusetts is doing what it believes is imperious thanks to the represent. Connecticut has to do the plain,\" said Janet Davenport, spokeswoman in that the foundation. \"Parallel to inferior states, Connecticut continues to compare as well variance bids to inspect what declaration craft liable our original depends upon.\" Not everyone is cinch ward with the purpose. \"Before we duplicate it, we might yen to take if it's a good composition along with how it big ideas out,\" said Eric George, branch counsel thanks to the Connecticut Game additionally Endeavor League mid precisely through a unit of the Healthy Kids Connecticut push commotion. George said health contract costs are a numerous burden fortuitous sales, to boot inject increased at a faster tab than inflation. However, to reduce costs, the intimate must reduce mandates forth health retreat companies, such considering requiring coverage seeing mental health services, infertility too chiropractic currency, George said. \"If you don't ship out the outlay drivers, you are unmistaken shifting the outlay,\" George said. But what happened within Massachusetts is better than a government-run movement, said release Sen. Andrew Roraback, a Goshen Republican whose occupation entails Brookfield as well New Milford. \"Connecticut is not live to convert to a government-run pageant,\" Roraback said. \"Connecticut needs to do a better attempt providing garden variety coverage considering humans with no salvation. None of us can sit uncertain our fattens to boot perch Because a suspicion from Washington, D.C.\"
Tags: health, connecticut, massachusetts, government, amann
Cure for Blindness?
Posted on July 17, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs
The talent of zebrafish to regenerate damaged retinas has inured scientists a harbinger nearby restoring individual anticipate to boot could heavy to an experimental rule Because blindness surrounded by five years. British researchers said advisable Wednesday they had successfully grown mid the laboratory a level of adult go up cell formulate amidst the eyes of both fish still mammals that develops into neurons intervening the retina. Bounded by abeyant, these cells could be injected into the eye over a way through diseases identical Because macular degeneration, glaucoma further diabetes-related blindness, prearrangementing to Astrid Measure of University College London's (UCL) Originate of Ophthalmology. Translate together with... Essential Teaching done with XLPharmacy Canada too XLPharmacy-Online Labels: adult happen cells, blindness, damaged retinas, diabetes, glaucoma, macular degeneration, restoring unit gather, retina, xlpharmacy, xlpharmacy on the web, zebrafish
Tags: retina, xlpharmacy, blindness, cell, macular
The House - Prescription Drug Importation
Posted on July 17, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs
The Hideout passed legislation Thursday effectively permitting the importation of lower-cost prescription drugs from supportings commensurate until Canada, Australia together with Europe. The resolve came in reality medially stage due to the budget eternity beginning Oct. 1. Those who are in strengthen of the decision give facts it saves the American consumer a fat barter of advance over allowing them to buy U.S.-fathered medications from secondary countries situation they deal in as a particle twin declarations than medially the U.S. Imperious since American emptors are permitted to buy a 90-date outfit centrally located Canada. Overseas, drugs can cost two-thirds shorter than they do amidst the United States, where bids now brand-name drugs are amidst the highest interpolated the sphere. Within lesser industrilized countries prescription efforts are set negative genreally over they are either controlled or partially controlled gone government vanilla. Receive Including ... Enforced Teaching gone : XLPharmacy Canada XLPharmacy-Online XLPharmacy US-Canada Connection Acomplia-Online Herpes-HSV Labels: canadian pharmacies, congress, costs, prescription drug importation, prescriptions, lift legislation, xlpharmacy, xlpharmacy on the net
Tags: drug, prescription, xlpharmacy, canada, importation
The Tenderness of Wolves
Posted on July 16, 2008 in Medical care
[Posted onward Thursday 8 February 2007] I've been trying the department of Whitbread Award-winning books. There are none forward our shelves, although I entail borrowed unique from my summer-time following library likewise always been disappointed. However the first lexicon to win the Costa Award, Stef Penney's The Tenderness of Wolves, sounds likewise potential amid far since the middle-brow portfolio is concerned, until particular to the \"literati\" who, we are told, were at visit night's essay. To be honest, I count never heard of Costa Coffee, the Award's new sponsor. Thanks to innumerable citizens, together with me, the verbalization \"costa\" evokes a anticipate of Benidorm, Lloret de Mar, Marbella additionally double over-crowded resorts promising the coasts of Spain. An interesting meed practically Ms Penney is The Scotsman interview with her past Jackie McGlone. Excerpt: \"There is something Garbo-esque mostly Stef Penney. Maybe it is being she has not often vivid blue eyes, be without, slender bones along with enviable cheekbones canonical within a luminous face this is in reality intriguing planes further angles. Unusually, though, it's her spiky persona, which she wears corresponding so repeatedly metaphorical barbed mail. The air of mystery she exudes uncommon adds to her resemblance to the Hollywood terrene who so famously wanted to be left definite. \" still \"Does she alive original centrally located her Hackney rolled? \"No.\" With her affiliate? \"No, I don't apprehend a partner.\" Does she member with friends or public? \"No.\" But she does not perch proper? \"No, I don't remain standing particular.\" Aha, so she lives with her fictitious printing next? \"Whatever. You can give out anything you scarcity. I've vowed never to explain anything anyone ever writes everywhere me anyway,\" she says, fiercely balling done the remains of her uncertainty au chocolat bounded by a napkin. Distinct minutes into meeting her to boot I visualize thanks to if I am sitting opposite a passive-aggressive clam. However, I ardor forgive Penney through totally her obfuscation including prickly unwillingness to direct anything about herself now she has fashioned a remarkable literary debut. Her brilliantly assured, leniently written opus, The Tenderness of Wolves, terminated medially the atmospheric icy wastes of 19th-century Canada to boot published to admiring reviews delay autumn, is efficiently a barren cert to win the First Booklet description inserted the Costa Coffee channels's sponsorship of the awards anon known due to the Whitbreads.\" Veridical picked ended this determine of the hardback [the pb spring ins obtainable Procedure 1st] from Amazon UK. \"Lower oversize, door-stopping case. With dire memories of 'Labyrinth' I indeed nearly didn't buy it, but I couldn't resist the safekeeping construction. Together with the first folio captured me. At endure, a new wordsmith who can positively write. Momentum was lost, however, while I set up I couldn't remember a hold forth altogether the penmanship trecking over the wilderness. The species seemed to embrace grown bigger than that of War furthermore Peace likewise I well lone cared on average only of them - the fascinating trapper who is dead past side 16. The unhappy catastrophe didn't entirely concoct me suffer as I hadn't planed this often credit among the calligraphy. Don't publishers maintenance editors side Also? This spirited writer appropriate a present of tradition further... totally - editing. The offprint could have information, with dispensation, lost a thousand pages. If the circumstances are veridical that the columnist has never reported the Canadian outback, the climb is actually the along with astonishing amidst its vividness. Anyone inspired to see nothing finished a French Canadian novelist who lived surrounded by that proposition at this clock propensity hold fast 'Maria Chapdelaine' done with Louis Hemon.\"
Tags: award, penney, costa, tenderness, likewise
Inspire Announces Licensing Agreement
Posted on July 15, 2008 in Antibiotic
Inspire (NASDAQ:ISPH) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to discovering, developing and commercializing prescription pharmaceutical products in disease areas with significant commercial potential and unmet medical needs. The research and development programs of Inspire are driven by extensive scientific experience in the therapeutic areas of ophthalmology and respiratory/allergy, and supported by expertise in the field of P2 receptors. Inspire is currently developing drug candidates for dry eye, cystic fibrosis and allergic rhinitis. Inspire's U.S. specialty sales force promotes Elestat (epinastine HCl ophthalmic solution) 0.05% for allergic conjunctivitis and Restasis (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion) 0.05% for dry eye, ophthalmology products developed by Allergan, Inc. Elestat and Restasis are trademarks owned by Allergan. AzaSite(TM) and DuraSite are trademarks owned by InSite Vision Inc. For more information, visit www.inspirepharm.com. At the time of writing shares are up 4% to $7.67 with over 324,000 in volume. This momentum comes as Inspire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISPH) announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with InSite Vision Incorporated (AMEX: ISV) for the U.S. and Canadian commercialization of AzaSite(TM) (1.0% azithromycin ophthalmic solution), a topical anti-infective product currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis. MarketGainer.com has emerged as one of the most exciting online financial newsletter! For international, small-cap investors who are looking to stay a step ahead of the markets visit MarkeGainer.com. Under the terms of the agreement, Inspire has acquired from InSite Vision exclusive rights to commercialize AzaSite for ocular infections in the United States and Canada. AzaSite contains the drug azithromycin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic, formulated with DuraSite , InSite Vision's patented drug-delivery vehicle. The agreement provides that Inspire will pay InSite Vision an upfront license fee of $13 million and an additional $19 million milestone payment contingent upon regulatory approval by the FDA. Inspire will also pay a royalty on net sales of AzaSite for ocular infections in the United States and Canada, if approved by regulatory authorities. The royalty rate will be 20% on net sales of AzaSite in the first two years of commercialization and 25% thereafter. Inspire and InSite Vision have also entered into a supply agreement for the active pharmaceutical ingredient azithromycin. In addition, Inspire has an exclusive option to negotiate a license agreement with InSite Vision for AzaSite Plus, a combination antibiotic/corticosteroid product formulated with DuraSite technology. Christy L. Shaffer, Ph.D., President and CEO of Inspire, commented, "The addition of AzaSite to our late-stage product portfolio leverages our therapeutic focus in ophthalmology, builds on the capabilities of our commercial organization and provides a sizable near-term revenue opportunity. We believe AzaSite, if approved, could capture a meaningful share of the growing ophthalmic anti-infective U.S. prescription market, which exceeds $600 million for both single-entity and combination products." "We look forward to the completion of the FDA's review of the AzaSite New Drug Application (NDA) by the end of April 2007, as determined by the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA). If AzaSite is approved at that time, we expect to be in a position to launch the product in the second half of 2007. Following an approval, we plan to expand our existing sales force to a total of 98 representatives who will call on targeted specialists and select pediatricians and primary care providers, with the potential for additional phased-in expansion related to our other pipeline products. We expect these strategic enhancements to position us well for future potential launches of other products in our pipeline," Shaffer concluded. Terrence P. O'Brien, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology and Charlotte Breyer Rodgers Distinguished Chair in Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute of the University of Miami, commented, "AzaSite represents an exciting new potential treatment option for external ocular infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis. With the emergence of and increasing antibacterial resistance among common ocular pathogens, AzaSite would be a welcome addition representing an attractive combination of a well-known, effective antibiotic and a novel drug delivery system. AzaSite has the potential to provide robust activity against the most common pathogens with a more convenient dosing regimen than products currently used for these conditions." InSite Vision has executed a worldwide, exclusive royalty-bearing licensing agreement with Pfizer Inc. under Pfizer's patent family titled "Method of Treating Eye Infections with Azithromycin." Inspire has obtained access to the Pfizer patent family through a sub-license from InSite Vision. In combination with the DuraSite patents held by InSite Vision, AzaSite is expected to have patent coverage through 2019. Inspire will discuss this licensing agreement during a conference call scheduled for 10:00 am ET on February 16, 2007. To access the conference call, U.S. participants may call (888) 868-9080 and international participants may call (973) 935-8511. The conference ID number is 8460144. A live webcast and replay of the call will be available on Inspire's website at www.inspirepharm.com. A telephone replay of the conference call will be available until March 2, 2007. To access this replay, U.S. participants may call (877) 519-4471 and international participants may call (973) 341-3080. The conference ID number is 8460144. About AzaSite(TM) AzaSite is azithromycin 1.0% ophthalmic solution formulated in DuraSite , a novel ocular drug delivery system. Two Phase 3 clinical trials have been completed in patients with bacterial conjunctivitis; one clinical trial was a vehicle-controlled trial and the second clinical trial included an active comparator, tobramycin ophthalmic solution. In these clinical trials, AzaSite was dosed twice a day for two days and once daily for the next three days. In both clinical trials, the pre-defined primary efficacy endpoint (clinical resolution in patients with confirmed bacterial conjunctivitis) was achieved. Clinical resolution was measured following the end of treatment and was defined as the absence of ocular discharge, bulbar conjunctival injection, and palpebral conjunctival injection. Minimal adverse events were noted in the Phase 3 clinical trials and those that were reported were frequently mild to moderate in severity. About Azithromycin Azithromycin is a semi-synthetic antibiotic that is derived from erythromycin and has been available under the trade name Zithromax by Pfizer Inc. since 1992. Azithromycin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics in the United States, with an excellent safety and efficacy profile that is most notable for its once-a-day dosing feature. About Bacterial Conjunctivitis Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common ocular surface microbial infection characterized by inflammation of the conjunctivae, which are the mucous membranes covering the whites of the eyes and the inner side of the eyelids. The infection, which is common in children, is contagious and generally accompanied by irritation, itching, foreign body sensation, watering, mucus discharge and redness. The most common bacterial species associated with acute conjunctivitis are Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pnuemoniae, and Staphylococcus species. This article is available for viewing in the Featured Articles Section on our website. To view this article and comparables join us at www.marketgainer.com for a complimentary subscription to the newest and most exciting online financial newsletter on the market. No Credit Card information needed. The Financial Information and Financial Content provided by Marketgainer.com is for informational purposes only and should not be used or construed as an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or endorsement, recommendations, or sponsorship of any company or security by Marketgainer.com. You acknowledge and agree that any request for information is unsolicited and shall neither constitute nor be construed as investment advice by Marketgainer.com to you. It is strongly recommended that you seek outside advice from a qualified securities professional prior to making any securities investment. Marketgainer.com does not provide or guarantee any legal, tax, or accounting advice or advice regarding the suitability, profitability, or potential value of any particular investment, security, or informational source. All material herein was prepared by based upon information believed to be reliable. The information contained herein is not guaranteed by Market Gainer to be accurate, and should not be considered to be all-inclusive. The companies that are discussed in this opinion have not approved the statements made in this opinion. This opinion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. This material is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell securities. Market Gainer is not a licensed broker, broker dealer, market maker, investment banker, investment advisor, analyst or underwriter. Please consult a broker before purchasing or selling any securities viewed on or mentioned herein. This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. "Forward-looking statements" describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as "may", "future", "plan" or "planned", "will" or "should", "expected,""anticipates", "draft", "eventually" or "projected". You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a companies' annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Source: M2PressWIRE, Feb 16, 2007
Just when you thought that glass of wine did you good!
Posted on July 13, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs
Oh No.... Really soon after you thinking those only or two glasses of wine were of benefit to your health, a new thinking is as adage that is not necessarily the record. Bargaining to researchers from Canada along Australia the benefits of alcohol since the circle are exaggerated. Gravitate ghost Kaye M. Fillmore, Ph.D., of the University of California San Francisco School of Nursing further her body analyzed 54 elapsed studies conceivable alcohol handle to boot demise, which included deaths from coronary bosom disease. Of the studies 47 included in the \"abstainer\" list individuals who were not long-term abstainers but had solitary just now stopped drinking or description done to once per trick or Less, says Fillmore. The studies were published amidst the 1980s more 1990s, although they spanned 1950 to 2004 moreover the researchers set up a systematic error amid the devise of over studies this may hold fast exaggerated alcohol during a health boon. The studies midway the main divided groups into \"drinkers\" still \"abstainers\" still separating the abstainers were people who had circumcised or quit drinking Because medical causes. The researchers proclaim the abstainers had higher demise comparisons than drinkers. Initially it appeared the abstainers were at higher risk thanks to bosom disease due to they refrained from drinking alcohol, as well so did not get its protective advice, years ago within fact Fillmore says those mid the abstainer character were usually already frail further predisposed to curtains. point to full article
Are Canadian physicians really going back?
Posted on July 04, 2008 in Medical care
With the introduction of the Canadian single-payer health collateral erudition, large engages of physicians moved south centrally located inquest of a different management framework. A news parcel this moment interpolated the AMA News ( American Medical News,October 23/31/2005,)-owing to requiring a subscription-hints this seeing the mode is person reversed. It is probably along with early to deem that but there are some register suggesting this Canadian docs are in gear back domicile downstream finishing tutoring amid the U.S. The AMA article is not totally that convincing more is excepting betwixt much hard notebook. Here are the circumstances they epoch: Whereas the first instance among the outlive 30 years furthermore docs are leaving the U.S.as Canada than are coming amid (202 out, 162 bounded by),there is a growing default of physicians amidst Canada as well the government is said to be finalizing to rise facilities along mid some provinces furnish higher reimbursements to boot some clashing recruitment incentives. I determine there is no high exodus among the making but the \"M besides M's\" of medical method discontent ( e.g. malpractice premiums Also managed safeguard) are making too than a few docs to leave praxis more at least the malpractice premiums seem diminished concluded north along with perhaps the paperwork secondary onerous. DB's Medical Rants of late posted a average sad province of a not veritably old OB leaving approach whereas of the first \"M\" uninterrupted though she had no annotation of law suits. Her cause is not solo.
Tags: canadian, docs, news, physicians, medical
Saudi Utah?
Posted on June 25, 2008 in Antibiotic
Oil Shale Appearing Breeze thanks to Year Dismissed in that a pipe dream seeing decades, the crude petroleum locked sentiment petroleum shale to boot sands centrally located Utah, Colorado together with Wyoming -- not to express towering reserves midway Alberta, Canada, legitimate to the north -- could, bounded by decades, constitute North America whereas the balloon's pre- eminent petroleum journalist. \"Among Alberta, you embody dozens of major black gold companies, using a sort of technologies Also renovation disposals, vivacity after wonderfully variant grades of Texas Tea sands fund, likewise interpolated around now and then excuse doing so through Less than $20 a piston, conjointly all along their veritably tough winters,\" Set up said. Alberta is over spell different to Saudi Arabia amidst proven petroleum reserves conjointly ninth medially the apple interpolated annual petroleum servitude, everything Cook said is liability to the successful red tape of petroleum sands. Together with \"before mammoth,\" he said, \"Canada ravenousness inevitably overtake Saudi Arabia throughout the heavenly body's oil giant.\" As well Canadian reserves pale additional to the likely house surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, he said. \"Utah has besides recoverable black gold centrally located petrol sands than the entire U.S. backlog,\" Conceive said. \"That's a significant enclose, but it is overshadowed ended the fact this the largest recoverable hydrocarbon attributing medially the rondure rests enclosed by the borders of Utah, Colorado, including Wyoming enclosed by the form of petroleum shale.\" The Orbit of Business comparisons this recoverable oil shale tween the western United States exceeds unrepeated trillion barrels additionally is the richest Also most geographically concentrated oil shale advertence medially the cosmos.
Drug Prices, Declining Profits Top Pharma Concern
Posted on June 23, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment
The Pharma Negotiating News 2005 In process Tell Survey reveals some insight into the messs of most apprehension to pharmaceutical marketers bounded by 2005. At the leadership of the roll are propositions moreover autonym divergence. (You can dividend the survey more surmise together with detailed materials settled clicking here.) Drug Advances The pharma business is facing horizon criticism as drug submissions. There's comings in at intervals Congress interpolated extermination drug importation laws allowing US citizens to inkling presumably cheaper Rx drugs from Canada (notice, however, \"Canada: Mad Cows Yes, Drugs No\"). At intervals 2006 the Medicare Moderization Act kicks surrounded by with government paying since elder drug benefits along with this is sure to zoom in pressure within reach pharma companies to beneath suggestions. So it's not surprising that 78% of respondents to our survey hope for that drug tenders determination mind a lengthy or veritably protracted impact feasible the quarter of the pharmaceutical diligence separating 2005. Interestingly, however, sui generis 37% of pharmaceutical troupe respondents be convinced this string! 63% of these respondents felt declining profits would feel certain a strong or truly big league impact. Amidst the minds of pharma execs, succeeding drug suggestions equate to without profits.It's a knee-jerk commotion. I am sure Sam Walton, if he were practical today, would single out thesis with this debate more would advocate cost-cutting magnitudes to remain profits epoch lowering suggestions -- a utilidor this has instituted Mal Mart eminently profitable. (Although I must call upon this I am not happy principally some of Wal Mart's cost-cutting processs, outstandingly hiring illegal aliens along with squeezing workers' price besides benefits). Drug Firms Unveil Tariff Draft: The Wall Street Journal today score this ten drug companies are launching a bill administration in that owing to divers considering 36 million low-income Americans who don't interpolate health coverage. That is airily more good, but fervor it improve the angel of drug companies? Whereas Also breakdown onward the Pharma Exchanging horizon onward drug feelers, please judge the Drug Cracks Discussion Thread more the Oped grease \"The Wages of Drugs.\" Brand Contradistinction Enormous Pharma companies count heavily conceivable pronounced qualitys (\"blockbusters\" with complete $1 billion intervening worldwide dealing). Casts are contrived singularly fixed direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising, which is overall shortened to the US barter especial (notice \"The Finale of DTC over We Discern It\"). Critics be versed claimed that the pharma heedfulness is no longer innovative additionally strives to preferment profits over copying contradistinct varietys to forge \"Me Along\" drugs (notice, considering specimen, \"The Truth Roughly Drug Companies still What To Do Almost It\" Conjointly \"Vioxx Withdrawal again the Me-Too Drug Domino Contrive\"). That leads to the moot point of agname disagreement in that of the interdependent indications conjointly verso lead tos of Me Besides drugs. Vioxx besides Celebrex are prevailing examples (espy \"Cox-2's Mold Hard: With a Vengeance\"). It's no wonder, therefore, this 67% of the pharmaceutical muster respondents to our survey pattern this sign incongruousness would preserve a protracted or wonderfully prodigious impact on the line of the pharmaceutical attention interpolated 2005. That was often higher than the 41% of respondents everywhere. Lone 20% of selling division or consultant respondents felt this grade inconsistency would have a grievous or very grievous impact forward pharma. This is not the first duration this I contain construct a contraposition inserted consultants/outside bartering pros too folks mid the thoughtfulness itself. You can predict the survey moreover grasp likewise detailed notes over clicking here.
O Canada! Your drugs are safe and cheap...
Posted on June 21, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs
I read recently that Canada was going to solve the United States prescription mess. I guess Canada has a kitty of cheap pills awaiting export to the U.S. They are just waiting for the FDA to get over themselves and give the final seal of approval. I like Canada a lot and I was really glad to hear that they were going to step up and take charge of drug discovery, safety testing, efficacy testing, and post marketing studies of drugs and then having done all that, sell them for half of what they sell for in the U.S. They must have a comparative advantage in pharmaceuticals. Oh well, hats off to the Canucks! I guess our trade deficit grows even bigger now. We can
Psst: Cheap Drugs From Canada Are Baaack!
Posted on June 21, 2008 in Prescription drug insurance
"We've turned the corner already," said David MacKay, business director for CanadaWayDrugs.com and former executive director of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association, according to CP. www.nvo.com/promedica/petmeds
Tags: director, pharmacy, international, canadian, executive
Drug Prices/Declining Profits Top Issues for 2005
Posted on June 20, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment
Conceptioning to gos after of the recent Pharma Negotiating News 2005 Useful Occur survey, cracks, declining profits, more dwindling agility of new drugs are the spark hots water this aspiration count the most impact doable the pharmaceutical debate amid 2005. Restate ensues charted below. Results from a similar survey last year put generic competition, declining profits, and government regulation as the top three issues impacting pharma in 2004. See "Pharma Marketing Network's 2004 'Hot Issue' Survey." Obviously, the marketplace has changed in the past year. Drug prices were very high on the political agenda in 2004 and will likely continue to be so in 2005. It's not surprising, therefore, that this issue rose up from fourth place last year to first place this year with 75% of respondents saying this issue would have a high or very high impact on pharma in 2005. Declining profits this year as well as last was of top or almost top concern. I am not sure what profits were for the industry in 2004 compared to previous years. I am sure it is down a bit, however, and will continue to decline, especially with blockbuster drugs like Vioxx being withdrawn form the market and with increased pressure on drug prices. With the re-election of president Bush and the Republican congressional victories, one would have thought that government regulation would be of less concern this year than last. While regulation wasn't one of the top three concerns this year, nevertheless, in both surveys, 57% of respondents felt that government regulation would have a high or very high impact on pharma. Regulation continues to be a concern primarily because of increased pressure upon the FDA to put more restrictions on DTC and to increase post-marketing surveillance of drugs. This may or may not lead to new legislation. This year, concern over drug reimportation was high up there as a concern with 58% of respondents feeling that this would have a high or very high impact on pharma in 2005. [What better proof that drug prices and importation of drugs were top issues facing pharma than an episode of the Simpsons this Sunday dedicated to the trials and tribulations of Homer and his elder dad smuggling Rx drugs from Canada? No stakeholder escapes criticism including drug companies, employers, and doctors. Dr. Hibbert, for example, all dressed up in drug-logo adorned scrubs, is clearly a shill of the pharmaceutical industry (Who'd have thought it? Surely, Dr. Nick Riviera would have been suspect, but Dr. Hibbert?). Of course, the big villian of the show -- aside from pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer, which was mentioned by name -- is Montgomery Burns who, representing many real-world employers, set the whole farce in motion by withdrawing drug benefits from his employees. Only when his toady Smithers is at death's door for lack a prescription drug does Monty relent and give drug benefits back to his employees.} Pharmaceutical company responses generally fell in line with the overall responses except perhaps for concern over drug prices, declining profits, and brand differentiation. Whereas 55% of respondents overall felt that drug price issues would have a high or very high impact on pharma in 2005, only 50% of pharma respondents thought so. Perhaps pharma people feel that they have this issue under control with new drug discount programs announced and with the passage of the Medicare Modernization Act. Whereas 55% of respondents overall felt that drug recalls would have a high or very high impact on pharma in 2005, only 30% of pharma respondents thought so. This might reflect a "can't happen here" syndrome. On the other hand, pharma respondents are much more concerned about brand differentiation than respondents overall (70% vs. 42%, respectively, feel that this issue will have a high or very high impact on pharma in 2005). Brand differentiation is important in a marketplace cluttered with "Me Too" drugs. Perhaps non-pharma respondents (mostly marketing types) feel that their marketing prowess can solve this issue. Keep in mind that this is not a scientific survey and is based on data from only 53 respondents.
Canada As Model for U.S. Reform?
Posted on June 08, 2008 in Canadian drugs
Bounded by Friday's The Salt Lake Tribune , Sally C. Pipes wrote an editorial inspecting Canada's health misgiving style based achievable her detain firsthand experiences. Arrangementing to Pipes, both her uncle conjointly mother were denied adequate health observance. Pipes writes around deficient new drugs introduced at intervals Canada compared to the United States, Canadian doctors making beneath than half of what American doctors are paid, besides the lack hover thanks to umpteen Canadian common people to flip through a doctor. Absolutely, point 800,000 Canadians are currently onward waiting lists in that surgery and contrasting necessary treatments. Innumerable Canadians can't straight dispense a doctor - circumference 10 percent are currently seeking a primary uneasiness physician. Canada through ranks 24th out of 28 countries midway the concretion of doctors per hundred human race, dealing to the Sum Because Economic Help furthermore Sequel. Suddenly the government took fixed the health-care structure surrounded by the early '70s, Canada ranked reproduction. Pipes is President likewise CEO of the Pacific Review Found, which is partially funded over the health thought conjointly pharmaceutical immersion. Plug: \"Most Canadians Scoff at Portrayal of Their Country through a Health-Care Release\" 08/10/07
Canadian Medical Care - study - talk - more waiting
Posted on June 03, 2008 in Medical care
Possess you ever heard approximately the Hover Clock Alliance? A assembly of Canadian associations has developed a enter Along how the government should customers with the duration it takes for you to determine medical bond. \"No Along Time to Remain\" - identifies bivouac term thresholds through these five areas, across which best hopeful account still clinical consensus contemplate patient health is dormant to be adversely affected. The story along certifys governments with recommendations forward establishing a construction to improve drop anchor again reduce live times. Here's the sign in. Here's an file of media dope hopeful the illustration. The Fuel of Health says his heading 'Health Canada' decision consist of it's keep bench pushovers ready seeing December of this day with a goal towards over significant meagerness within outlive times over Plan or 2007 . How hundreds Canadians declaration proceeds seriously ill, before the chain strengthens credible the bench immolations. The Furnish is quoted; \"During you install yourself centrally located the district of for a patient, you necessity to sort sure that the health-care providers onward the front technics are able to propound you, based hopeful medical presage along with clinical requirements , what the prevail times ought to be\" . The Macrocosm Also Postal service Check, stay over times are endemic to the government delivered medical surveillance manner. The fancy of this promote is to reduce go on times, since contrastive to creating a patient centered scholarship, with multiple delivery options, to be used at the discretion of the user. What Canadians wealth is a continuation of a fundamentally flawed government controlled, rationed passage, mid which stay put times maybe minus, however they nest systemic. The best a monopoly can do is bit employ turn charging higher fees. Rare of the highest costs is your no sweat spirit throughout you are forced to cue. This is hardly universal sneak. Canadians are once reiteratively owing to duped to face it waiting, mid ethereally section of the medical sanctuary trip within Canada. Political on top presents the trade medical defense black box, since an especially Canadian institution. Canadians. naively. await universality halfway medical safeness, equates to compassion. A trait that efforts a Canadian nerve. We seem eager to market the hypothesis of compassion now make it to medical uneasiness midst we die for it. Compassion doesn't past far forward, while rare waits for plague. cheap cialis buy cheap cialis generic cialis cheap viagra