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Ranked by consumer response to NRC study, 2001

Fondaparinux, the first in a new class of antithrombotics that selectively target factor Xa, has been deemed approvable by the FDA for prevention of venous thromboembolism following orthopedic surgery. Four phase III trials have suggested that it may be more effective than enoxaparin in this setting with little to no additional bleeding risk. This Focus review examines data from these trials and others in an effort to sketch out this pending agent's likely therapeutic role.

New Formulations/Combinations: Pediatric-specific albuterol formulation; fixed-dose bronchodilator combination

New Indication: Light-activated ophthalmic cleared for CNV due to two additional causes

New Indication: Injectable PPI cleared for hypersecretion due to Zollinger-Ellison syndrome

NMEs/biologics: 5-HT receptor agonist for Tx of migraine

Uncle Sam is poised to authorize more than $1 billion to buy medicines and vaccines for the national pharmaceutical stockpile, and federal agencies are gearing up to spend millions more on research related to infectious disease. In response, the pharmaceutical industry is assessing how these developments may alter the way it does business.

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How diabetes works and who it targets.

Third-party physician credentialing could keep providers focused on their core businesses

MCOs and voluntary health agencies collaborate to improve care, perception

Achieving clinical excellence has always been the goal of the U.S. healthcare industry, even on the payer side.

Ranked by total HMO enrollment as of July 1, 2000

Third-party physician credentialing could keep providers focused on their core businesses

In less than 2 weeks after the launch of generic fluoxetine in August, Merck-Medco had switched 85% of its mail-order Prozac prescriptions to generic versions of the antidepressant. It says its generic switch rate for retail Prozac scripts was 69% over the same time period.

The September 11 terrorist attacks and October's wave of anthrax cases have forced hospitals and health systems to examine their emergency preparedness from a new perspective. When it comes to planning for possible shortages of critical drugs and the need for biodefense, experts say the right mix of federal guidance and local implementation is key.

Harvard Pilgrim HealthCare, Wellesley, MA-It's well accepted that the provision of drug samples influences physician prescribing practices. Annually, the pharmaceutical industry provides billions of dollars worth of drug samples to physicians' offices and studies have shown the effectiveness of sample medications in shaping physician prescribing patterns.

New Formulations/Combinations: Hormonal vaginal contraceptive ring

New Formulations/Combinations: Oral form of corticosteroid for Tx of mild to moderate Crohn's disease

New Indication: Hepatitis B indication expanded to pediatric patients

NMEs/biologics:Cephalosporin for various infections

With the government spending billions to fight terrorism at home and abroad, federal investigators are looking closely at all health care programs for opportunities to stymie abuses and collect big penalties.

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Health care

news brief

news brief

news brief

news brief

Evolution is a process that normally occurs in tiny increments, over extended periods of time. The changes often can't be identified until centuries or millennia have passed.

Workers won't be happy about sharing the costs, but it's an opportunity to teach them the meaning of value