FDA approves Victrelis for Hepatitis C

FDA NEWS RELEASE For Immediate Release: May 13, 2011 Media Inquiries: Erica Jefferson, 301-796-4988, erica.jefferson@fda.hhs.gov Consumer Inquiries: 888-INFO-FDA The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Victrelis (boceprevir) to treat certain adults with...

New Technologies Reveal New Melanoma Genes

Whole-exome sequencing brings to light a novel oncogene, a tumor-suppressor gene, and new melanoma pathways. The ability to decode the human genome through sequencing has provided new insights into all diseases, cancer in particular. On the assumption that the driving...

Conventional Wisdom on Salt Questioned

Conventional Wisdom on Salt Questioned A JAMA study calls into question the current dogma on limiting the population’s salt intake and on salt’s health effects. Initial reaction to the study, as reported in the New York Times, is skeptical. Researchers...

First New Lupus Drug in a Half-Century Approved

The FDA has approved belimumab (Benlysta) to treat patients with systemic lupus erythematosus who are already receiving standard treatment. Belimumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the B-lymphocyte stimulator protein, is the first new lupus therapy in...

Finally, Evidence That Sunscreen Delivers

Primary melanomas developed less often with daily, rather than discretionary, sunscreen use. Routine sunscreen for melanoma prevention is a recommendation almost written in stone. Sunburns are associated with melanoma risk, and sunscreens were designed to minimize...

Which Patients Are Fit to Drive After a Stroke?

The pertinent issue may be not which patients are likely to fail a road test, but rather who should take the test in the first place. What are the best clinical predictors of passing a road test after a stroke? To find out, investigators conducted a literature search...