All articles by sarah williams
sarah williams
FDA approves drug to treat binge eating disorder
A new drug that treats moderate-to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults has been approved by FDA, The Obesity Society (TOS) has reported. The prescription drug, lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, under the brand name Vyvanse, is the first of its kind specifically indicated for BED.
BED is an eating disorder that affects only a portion of those with the medical disease obesity. While as many as 30% of people seeking obesity treatment may report some degree of binge eating, those who meet clinical criteria for BED likely represent only 7-10% of all obesity treatment seekers.
Autophagy gene linked to aggressive breast cancer
A study by scientists from the University of Texas (UT) Medical Center suggests there is a strong link between triple-negative breast cancer – the most aggressive type of breast cancer – and beclin 1, an autophagy gene that regulates the body’s natural cellular recycling process.
Branded drug prices soar 15% in the US
Consumers in the US saw branded drug prices rise by 14.8% last year, according to Truveris, a leading platform for prescription drug pricing and benefits analysis. In turn, speciality drugs rose 9.7%, while generics rose by 4.9%.
GSK and Novartis three-part transaction progresses
The European Commission has granted clearance for a three-part transaction between GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Novartis.
The proposal includes the acquisition of Novartis’s vaccines business (excluding influenza vaccines), the creation of a joint venture in consumer healthcare between the two companies and the divestment to Novartis of GSK’s marketed oncology portfolio, related research and development activities and rights to two pipeline AKT inhibitors.
New research reveals antibiotics could help treat cancer
A researcher inspired by a conversation with his young child has discovered a means of eradicating cancer stem cells, using common antibiotics.
Professor Michael P Lisanti, director of Manchester University’s Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, was discussing cancer cures with his daughter Camilla, when she asked him why antibiotics aren’t used as they are for other illnesses.
