New research has revealed that the use of Antimicrobial Copper surfaces in hospital rooms can reduce the number of healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) by 58% as compared to patients treated in Intensive Care Units with non-copper touch surfaces. In the United States, 1 out of every 20 hospital patients develops an HAI, resulting in an estimated 100,000 deaths per year. Although numerous strategies have been developed to decrease these infections, Antimicrobial Copper is the only strategy that works continuously, has been scientifically proven to be effective and doesn’t depend on human behavior, according to a recently published study in the SHEA Journal of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61120-antimicrobial-copper-surfaces-reduce-healthcare-acquired-infections
Crosstex International, a subsidiary of Cantel Medical Corp. (NYSE:CMN), and Prestige Ameritech, the only two major U.S.-based medical mask manufacturers have joined forces to bring attention to a glaring void in public health research and policy – that, if addressed, has the potential to more quickly provide a simple, effective tool to mitigate the spread of influenza and other respiratory borne viruses. The awareness campaign comes in response to a new study, “ Exposure to Influenza Virus Aerosols During Routine Patient Care,” published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases, showing that influenza viruses may spread as far as six feet from a person coughing or sneezing, and that some people, referred to as “super spreaders,” may be more likely to spread the virus. The study, supported by the Department of Health and Human Services with a $600,000 research grant, pointed specifically to concerns for healthcare workers being exposed to coughs from sick patients. Yet government research and policy continues to overlook face masks as a feasible protection measure for both the healthcare industry and the general public.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60417-cantel-medical-fitted-mask-infectious-disease-control-public-health-policy
The Gout & Uric Acid Education Society (GUAES) has added six new educational videos for patients and medical professionals to its library of popular educational videos on gout, highlighting the society’s most important takeaways from the recently released American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Guidelines on Gout Diagnosis and Treatment. Available under the patient and medical professional portals on www.GoutEducation.org, respectively, the latest videos emphasize the need for continuous communication between gout patients and their doctors about their unique treatment plan, to help prevent gout flares and long-term complications from this poorly understood form of inflammatory arthritis.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60699-gout-uric-acid-education-society-guaes-new-videos-on-acr-guidelines
OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital is now treating patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) with the first drug-eluting stent to be used outside of the heart. Cook Medical’s Zilver PTX is a drug-coated stent that is used to reopen a long thigh artery, located above the knee (the femoropopliteal artery), narrowed or blocked due to PAD. This is the most common artery for PAD blockages.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60291-ohiohealth-riverside-hospital-zilver-ptx-drug-coated-stent-for-pad
Under the leadership of the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), the primary organization in the U.S. representing people with rare diseases, millions of Americans will gather tomorrow to observe the 5th annual Rare Disease Day. This international observance unites people around the globe to focus attention on the estimated 300 to 350 million patients worldwide afflicted with rare diseases and to recognize that their needs are a global public health concern. In the U.S., a rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 Americans.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60507-nord-rare-disease-day
For the millions who suffer from Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) provides clinical evidence of safety and effectiveness for a new, FDA-approved medical device. Torax Medical’s LINX® Reflux Management System was studied in a controlled, prospective, multicenter trial involving 14 U.S. and European medical centers as part of the FDA pre-market approval process. The patients were evaluated before and after treatment to determine the effect of the LINX System on their GERD using pre-defined success criteria, which included reduction of esophageal acid, improvement in quality of life and elimination of reflux medications.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60077-torax-medical-linx-reflux-management-system-clinical-study-published
The public is generally satisfied with cancer research progress over the past 20 years. However, they believe it takes too long for new cancer medicines to reach patients and that their countries invest too little in fighting cancer. Most fear that the current economic crisis will slow cancer research progress. This is according to the PACE Cancer Perception Index: A Six-Nation, Public Opinion Survey of Cancer Knowledge and Attitudes, released today in advance of World Cancer Day, which is recognized on February 4, 2013.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/60140-lilly-oncology-pace-cancer-perception-index
Jerome Bettis and Robin Miller are teaming up with Sanofi US to raise awareness of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and spread the word that Auvi-Q™ (epinephrine injection, USP) is now available by prescription in pharmacies nationwide. Bettis, who is allergic to shellfish, and Miller, who is allergic to eggs, hope to help educate adults and caregivers of children at risk for severe allergic reactions.
Auvi-Q is the first-and-only epinephrine auto-injector with audio and visual cues for the emergency treatment of life-threatening allergic reactions in people who are at risk for or have a history of anaphylaxis. The size and shape of a credit card and the thickness of a smart phone, Auvi-Q is a breakthrough in epinephrine auto-injector design that talks patients and caregivers step-by-step through the injection process.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59439-auvi-q-epinephrine-injection-usp-now-available-by-prescription-in-u-s
Novo Nordisk, a world leader in diabetes care, today kicked off the first NovoLog® Community Star contest. As part of the program, type 2 diabetes patients successfully managing their blood sugar with NovoLog® (insulin aspart [rDNA origin] injection) are invited to visit www.novolog.com and tell us how they’re giving back to their local communities.
Now through March 15, NovoLog® patients can submit their story and photo online for the chance to be crowned a NovoLog® Community Star. Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges, and each will receive a $5,000 donation to a local diabetes-related organization of their choice. One grand prize winner will also receive a one-year online subscription to Weight Watchers® to help with their diabetes management.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59947-novo-nordisk-first-novolog-community-star-contest-type-2-diabetes-patients
Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc. [http://www.upsher-smith.com] today announced that its epilepsy-focused educational website, Epilog.us [http://www.Epilog.us], now features a panel discussion of leading experts on the role of rational polytherapy in the treatment of patients with epilepsy, led by Dr. Barry Gidal, Professor of Pharmacy and Neurology/Division Chair, University of Wisconsin. Dr. Gidal also brings forward discussion on the mechanism of action of specific antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Additional topics include: AED pharmacokinetics; patient adherence and AEDs; and drug interactions.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59891-upsher-smith-epilog-us-pharmacodynamics-of-antiepileptic-drugs-aeds
AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) today marks its launch as an independent biopharmaceutical company, with employees from more than 40 countries and patients joining AbbVie leaders as they ring the first opening bell of 2013 at the New York Stock Exchange.
With a rich, 125-year heritage of developing pharmaceuticals, AbbVie combines the focus and passion of a leading-edge biotech with the expertise and structure of a long-established pharmaceutical leader. A global enterprise that serves patients in more than 170 countries, AbbVie launches with an estimated $18 billion in annual revenues and a strong commitment to creating shareholder value through long-term growth potential and the continuation of the company’s history of shareholder dividends.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59757-abbvie-celebrates-launch-as-new-biopharmaceutical-company
By reprogramming a 7–year–old girl’s own immune cells to attack an aggressive form of childhood leukemia, a pediatric oncologist has achieved a complete response in his patient, who faced grim prospects when she relapsed after conventional treatment. The innovative experimental therapy used bioengineered T cells, custom–designed to multiply rapidly in the patient, and then destroy leukemia cells. After the treatment, the child’s doctors found that she had no evidence of cancer.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50777-chop-engineered-immune-t-cell-therapy-anticancer-effect-in-children