Impressive Vertex hepatitis C drug data unveiled

November 1, 2008 - A closely watched hepatitis C treatment being developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc showed an impressive ability to knock out the virus in patients who failed other treatments and those not previously treated for the serious liver disease, data from mid-stage studies show.

Sickle cell disease healthcare costs high in US

July 3, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new study shows that the annual cost of medical care in the US for people who suffer from sickle cell disease exceeds $1.1 billion.

Long-term methotrexate appears safe in arthritis

July 3, 2009 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In adults who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), long-term treatment with methotrexate (MTX) appears safe, according to pooled data from 88 studies of patients with RA treated with only MTX for at least 2 years.

Parkinson's drugs show promise in resistant TB

July 3, 2009 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - Drugs used to treat Parkinson's disease show promise as a new way to stem the rise of drug-resistant forms of tuberculosis, U.S. researchers said on Thursday.

Protein a sign of heart risk, not a cause

June 30, 2009 — CHICAGO (Reuters) - Measuring a compound called C-reactive protein helps identify people with heart disease, but a study on Tuesday concluded there is no reason to think that elevated levels of the substance itself cause heart problems.

Drug companies defend combo acetaminophen

June 29, 2009 — ADELPHI, Maryland (Reuters) - Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble and other makers of acetaminophen products said on Monday cough and cold medicines containing the pain reliever should remain on the market despite concerns from U.S. health regulators.