The New York Times on Thursday examined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, the fourth-leading cause of death in the U.S., as part of a series on the six leading causes of illness and death. [click link for full article]
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Treatment with ibuprofen is associated with a significantly slower rate of decline in lung function in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis, according to a new study. Researchers found that patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) who took high doses of ibuprofen had a 29 percent reduction in loss of lung function compared to those who did not use the anti-inflammatory drug twice daily over a period of two to seven years. [click link for full article]
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A new classification system of rare lung diseases in infants is improving diagnosis and treatment. The system clears up considerable confusion about how to classify and treat diseases that are rarely seen by most doctors and pathologists, says Gail H. Deutsch, M.D., lead author of the multi-center study that developed the new guidelines."Formerly, doctors used a number of different terms to label the same disease," explained Dr. [click link for full article]
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Findings released by the Health Department provide the first broad snapshot of physical and mental health effects among children exposed to the World Trade Center disaster. The survey found that children under five had an increased likelihood of being diagnosed with asthma in the two to three years following the event, though not as sharp an increase as rescue workers. The survey did not find evidence of elevated levels of post-traumatic stress in children. [click link for full article]
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Moffitt Cancer Center is looking to recruit and treat 240 men and evaluate safety and effectiveness of Polyphenon E, a drug developed from green tea, in preventing the progression of early signs of prostate cancer. The goal is to also assess if Polyphenon E reduces urinary tract symptoms that men experience with this condition. In July, a team of physicians and scientists, led by Nagi Kumar, Ph.D. [click link for full article]
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A specific variation in the glucocorticoid receptor gene is associated with lung disease progression in cystic fibrosis, research published this week in the online open access journal Respiratory Research reveals. This finding adds weight to previous research suggesting that specific subgroups of patients with cystic fibrosis may benefit from glucocorticoid treatment. [click link for full article]
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Wednesday 5 December will see Johnny Vaughan, Michael Portillo and 'The Bill' actor Russell Floyd reciting their favourite readings at Asthma UK's prestigious annual Christmas Carol service, to raise vital funds to help improve the health and wellbeing of the 5.2 million people in the UK with the condition. The occasion, at Chelsea's St Luke's Church at 7pm, will be marked with the attendance of the Charity's patron, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester. [click link for full article]
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Neil Churchill, Chief Executive at Asthma UK says: 'Allergy and allergic asthma do not currently receive the priority they should, in either research or services and the Government's disappointing response will do little to improve the situation. 'We are particularly disappointed that the Government does not see fit to act upon the recommendations for specialist allergy centres to be set up in each region. [click link for full article]
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Argenta Discovery Limited, the respiratory drug discovery and development company, and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (NYSE:RDY), announce a major milestone in their development programme targeting a novel disease-modifying approach to treat the underlying cause of certain chronic respiratory diseases including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma. Argenta's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Christopher Ashton said: "Just 18 months after signing the deal with Dr. [click link for full article]
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Meridian Bioscience, Inc. (NASDAQ:VIVO) announced that it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market two new upper respiratory tests: TRU FLU® and TRU RSV®. These tests are based upon a new rapid test technology that features improved safety and space savings. TRU FLU® detects both influenza A and influenza B while TRU RSV® detects for respiratory syncytial virus. [click link for full article]
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