Edwards Lifesciences received FDA approval to introduce its SAPIEN 3 Ultra transcatheter aortic heart valve in the U.S. Specifically, the device is indicated for cases of severe, symptomatic aortic stenosis identified to be at the intermediate or greater risk of open-heart surgery. The SAPIEN 3 Ultra has some modifications that make it appropriate to a wider range of patients that would otherwise not be able to get a transcatheter aortic valve. And a brand new delivery system and sheath make the...
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The rotavirus vaccine may be pulling double duty; it not only protects young children against a potentially life-threatening rotavirus infection but may also reduce their likelihood of developing type 1 diabetes. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics in late January noted a decrease in the prevalence of type 1 diabetes in Australian children age 4 and younger after rotavirus vaccination was made routine in 2007. However, this association doesn’t prove that protecting against rotavirus cause...
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In a study that could explain why some breast cancers are more aggressive than others, researchers say they now understand how cancer cells force normal cells to act like viruses - allowing tumors to grow, resist treatment, and spread. The virus mimic is detected in the blood of cancer patients, particularly in cases of an aggressive type known as triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania say cracking the code of how this pr...
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According to a new study, deleting two key molecules can give immune cells a much-needed boost in the fight against cancer and infections. These results have important implications for cancer immunotherapy and a potential cure for HIV. Our immune system possesses a rich arsenal of "weapons" that it can use in the fight against the disease. So-called CD8 T cells are part of this arsenal. In case of an infection from viruses or bacteria, CD8 T cells are dispatched to destroy the infected...
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NHS England has unveiled detailed proposals of how prescriptions for “ineffective, over-priced and low value treatments” will be cut in order to shave millions off of the NHS’ drugs bill. A public consultation has now been launched on new national guidelines blocking 18 treatments which together cost taxpayers £141 million a year, including homeopathy, which NHS chief executive Simon Stevens describes as “at best a placebo and a misuse of scarce NHS funds”. The consultation also covers a further...
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As GlaxoSmithKline continues to evolve its business structure under Chief Executive Officer Emma Walmsley, another leadership change is happening at the top levels. Jack Bailey, head of the companys U.S. pharmaceuticals business is stepping down at the end of the year. Bailey, who has been with GSK for about 10 years, will be replaced by Maya Martinez-Davis, who currently serves as regional president of the Latin America Region at EMD Serono, the biopharmaceutical business of Merck KGaA, Darmsta...
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