Articles tagged with Pharmaceutical Industry
A new study by Lifeloc Technologies reveals popular consumer breathalyzers to be inaccurate and inconsistent in measuring breath alcohol content. The company's independent report confirms these devices' notorious inaccuracy, warning consumers against relying on them for accurate BAC measurement.
A comprehensive review of 546 clinical trials found industry-funded trials reporting positive outcomes 85% of the time, compared to 50% for government-funded and 72% for non-profit funded trials. The researchers call for greater transparency in study protocols to reduce bias and publication bias.
Despite increased scrutiny, many clinicians continue to hold positive attitudes towards gifts and marketing interactions with pharmaceutical and device companies. A survey found that surgeons and trainees tend to have more positive attitudes, while pediatricians generally hold less favorable views.
This Special Issue of Business Horizons addresses critical issues in US healthcare, including rising costs, quality, and accessibility. The issue features research on topics such as consumerism, information technology, lean-manufacturing concepts, and patient-centered medical homes to improve healthcare delivery and management.
A survey of 381 US internal medicine residency program directors found that 61.9% report accepting pharmaceutical industry support, despite expressing it as undesirable. Acceptance was associated with lower rates of program graduates passing the American Board of Internal Medicine exam.
A UT professor calls for coordinated oversight to monitor electronic health record systems, citing concerns over patient safety and quality of care. The proposed framework involves a five-stage approach to evaluate system design and implementation issues.
A study found that biomedical research funding in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. Funding growth was not accompanied by an increase in new drug and device approvals.
Fewer investigators report industry connections, but companies still seek out highly productive researchers. Industry-funded scientists were more likely to report trade secrets and delayed publications, yet patenting and trade secrecy rates doubled among those without corporate sponsorship.
A study found that Australian reporting standards do not require disclosure of the names of speakers, financial ties, and company roles in sponsored events. The analysis showed that medical specialists received high per-head expenditure on high-cost drugs at industry-sponsored events.
NC State researchers investigate how engineered nanomaterials interact with biological systems, focusing on fullerenes' size and surface charge effects. The study aims to understand nanoparticles' absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) in the body.
A team of researchers from the University of Copenhagen has successfully produced an artificial enzyme that is tailor-made for any application. The new enzyme speeds up oxidizing processes using Hydrogen Peroxide and operates under humane conditions, making it a promising alternative to traditional oxidizers.
Rice University chemists have developed a polymer-coated platinum-gold nanorod catalyst that can be used in organic solvents favored by the chemical and drug industries. The coated particles exhibit nearly 100% catalytic selectivity, making them attractive to industry.
A team of South Korean scientists has successfully engineered the bacterium E. coli to produce putrescine, an industrial chemical traditionally created using fossil fuels. The production process relies on renewable materials and reduces environmental harm associated with chemical synthesis.
Researchers are searching for new enzymes in marine microbes that can convert waste products into desired compounds, increasing efficiency and sustainability. The goal is to develop more efficient and sustainable manufacturing solutions for pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.
Experts debate whether financial ties between doctors and drug companies can be a corrupting influence. Emma D'Arcy argues for 'authentic alliances' with transparent interactions, while Ray Moynihan calls for complete disentanglement to prevent pharmaceutical industry distortion of medical practice.
Scientists at MIT and Brown University developed a microfluidic device to separate right-handed from left-handed bacteria, which can lead to safer pharmaceuticals. The discovery could also impact industries like agriculture and food production.
A group of influential medical leaders propose curbing conflict of interest by reducing industry funding and eliminating ties. They advocate for a goal of $0 contributions from industry, excepting revenues from journal advertisements and exhibit hall fees.
A new MIT study finds that modern manufacturing processes are significantly less efficient in terms of energy and materials use compared to traditional industries. The research highlights the alarming levels of energy consumption by newer processes like microchip production, which uses up orders of magnitude more energy than making man...
Scientists have identified six gene regions suitable for automated plant species identification, promising to aid in biodiversity protection and pharmaceutical discovery. A large-scale test is underway to validate these regions against a vast number of plants.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and Royal Colleges call on the UK government to strengthen the country's clinical research base, enabling patients to access life-enhancing treatments. The consensus statement emphasizes the need for stronger partnerships between industry, academia, and the NHS.
A new international public-private partnership aims to develop small molecule inhibitors for 25 proteins involved in epigenetic signalling. The project, led by the Structural Genomics Consortium, involves major pharmaceutical companies and academia.
The University of Copenhagen has received funding to establish a new center for pharmaceutical nanotechnology and nanotoxicology, aiming to optimize delivery systems and therapeutic benefits. The center will focus on rational design of nanotechnology materials and tools to improve therapeutic benefit-to-risk ratio.
Phycologists and algal biotechnologists in China are addressing pressing issues in algae research, including resource exhaustion and environmental impact. The country's largest seaweed cultivation industry has become a crucial driver of innovation and growth in the field.
A study published in PLoS Medicine calls for strengthened restrictions on off-label promotion by pharmaceutical companies, citing potential dangers to public health. The researchers argue that marketing of off-label uses is widespread and should be heavily fined to prioritize patient safety.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science's annual survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics such as financial strength and research-driven environment. This year, Genentech regained top honors, followed by Monsanto and Genzyme in the top three.
Researchers at Penn State found that smaller grains require less force to initiate movement through sandy soils than larger ones. This discovery could lead to more efficient designs for power-line towers and industrial mixer blades in sandy environments.
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed a novel fermentation process using microalgae to produce omega-3 fatty acids from crude glycerol, a byproduct of the emerging biodiesel industry. The resulting algae biomass can be used as animal feed, mimicking a natural process where fish retain healthful compounds.
The Product Quality Lifecycle Implementation (PQLI) initiative aims to address pharmaceutical development, quality risk management, and pharmaceutical quality systems. The journal publishes high-quality papers on innovative research and applied technologies in the pharmaceutical industry.
A study found that company employees and unacknowledged authors often wrote clinical trial articles and review papers on rofecoxib, while primary authors had little to do with the research. Guest authorship was common in review articles, but ghostwriting was also prevalent.
The editorial highlights the manipulation of research data and clinical reviews by pharmaceutical companies, compromising public trust in medical science. To restore integrity, researchers, editors, and journals must implement measures such as trial registration, authorship criteria, and disclosure of financial conflicts of interest.
The pharmaceutical industry and academia are collaborating to increase the efficiency of drug discovery. Researchers believe that this cooperation will lead to the development of better drugs for a range of diseases at a lower cost. As a result, more people with rare or hard-to-treat diseases will have access to effective treatments.
Researchers estimate that preventing obesity could reduce healthcare costs for healthy individuals due to their longer lifespan and reduced risk of chronic diseases. The study found the opposite: obese individuals and smokers had lower lifetime healthcare costs compared to healthy non-smokers.
A new analysis found that US drug companies spent $57.5 billion on promotional activities in 2004, compared to $31.5 billion on industrial pharmaceutical research and development. The study confirms the public image of a marketing-driven industry and argues for transforming the industry towards more research and less promotion.
Katherine Freed, a Stevens Institute of Technology undergraduate, won first place in the International ISPE Undergraduate Poster Contest for her project on Impedance Mammography. Her design aims to improve mammographic screening in women under 40 who are not regularly screened.
Researchers developed two biochips, MetaChip and DataChip, to test chemical and drug compound toxicity on human cells and organs without animal testing. The combined chips provide efficient and accurate way to screen compounds for toxicity earlier in the discovery process.
The pharmaceutical industry has hijacked WHO's web-based public hearings to promote its own interests in research and development for neglected diseases and access to medicines. Patient advocacy groups have been found to receive funding from pharmaceutical companies, compromising their credibility.
The Science survey ranks top biopharma employers based on driving characteristics, with Boehringer Ingelheim leading the list. Genentech comes in second, followed by Amgen. The rankings are determined by an independent research firm commissioned by AAAS.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a fast and inexpensive method to detect palladium and platinum, reducing the time required for chemical analysis from days to just one hour. This breakthrough could streamline pharmaceutical production and mining processes, making these essential metals more accessible.
A global study has found that phosgene is present in all latitudes and its levels have decreased since previous studies. The gas plays a role in pharmaceuticals, herbicides, and synthetic materials, but its use is being reduced due to legal restrictions.
Research suggests that blue corn tortillas are healthier for diabetics and dieters, with a lower starch content and higher protein levels than white tortillas. This makes them a potential solution for managing metabolic syndrome.
Two new studies investigated patients' decisions regarding therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and glucosamine use for osteoarthritis, finding that most RA patients prefer to maintain their current treatment as long as their condition doesn't worsen. The studies also highlighted discrepancies in clinical trial results for glucosamine...
A miniature robot developed by Prof. Leo Joskowicz and his team enables precise targeting in neurosurgical procedures, reducing complications and improving patient outcomes. The system, which uses preoperative scans and real-time image guidance, has been recognized with a Kaye Innovation Award.
The new value-based payment scheme for NHS drugs aims to balance health benefits with industry profits. While it may increase overall spending, the system could incentivize companies to focus on cost-effective therapies.
Prescription data sale to marketing firms is linked to lower death rates among those with depression, a study of 1,226 older adults found. Fibromyalgia patients have a lower pain threshold than healthy individuals, according to a literature review.
Ronald Cape will receive the 2007 Biotechnology Heritage Award for his contributions to the growth of biotechnology. He was a pioneer in genetic engineering and helped launch the creation of the entire biotech industry.
Phillip A Sharp will receive the 2007 Winthrop-Sears Award for his groundbreaking work on RNA splicing, a discovery that has led to significant advances in understanding cancer and other diseases. The award recognizes Sharp's entrepreneurial spirit as well, including his role as cofounder of Biogen.
A study found that virtually all practicing physicians in the US have relationships with pharmaceutical manufacturers, often through food or prescription samples. The extent and nature of these relationships vary by practice type, specialty, and patient mix.
A study of pharmaceutical sales visits found that almost half led to doctors intending to increase gabapentin prescriptions. Nearly 40% of visits discussed off-label uses not approved by the FDA.
A comprehensive study by University of California, Davis researchers found organically grown kiwifruit contain more health-promoting factors than conventionally grown counterparts. This increases antioxidant activity and vitamin C levels, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.
A recent study found that laws requiring disclosure of pharmaceutical company payments to physicians do not provide easy access to payment information and are of limited quality. The study analyzed publicly available data in Vermont and Minnesota, revealing substantial numbers of payments over $100 made to physicians.
Researchers from UNC and Dana Farber Cancer Institute found that industry-funded breast cancer trials are more likely to have positive outcomes compared to non-pharmaceutical funded studies. The study also revealed significant differences in clinical trial design and outcome between industry-supported and non-industry studies.
Chinese scientists develop heat and irradiation treatment to decrease levels of 'Pen a 1' allergen in prawns, reducing reactive proteins that cause seafood allergies. This non-GMO method may provide an alternative to genetic manipulation, suitable for those wary of genetically modified foods.
A new technique using ozone preserves grapes while boosting healthy compounds, potentially leading to hypoallergenic wines. The method shows promise for reducing sulphite use in winemaking, which can cause allergic reactions and affect the flavor of wine.
Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.
Research published in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture reveals cloudy apple juice contains four times the concentration of polyphenols as clear varieties. Polyphenols have anti-cancer activity and can help prevent heart disease, supporting a healthier diet.
A study of 44 industry-initiated trials found that ghost authorship was present in 33 trials, with statisticians being the most common ghost authors. This practice undermines scientific integrity and highlights the need for stricter guidelines to prevent it.
A new pesticide development with integrated sunscreen shields chemicals from UV light, increasing their effectiveness and reducing degradation. The technology has the potential to lower costs for farmers and minimize environmental impact.
Researchers apply slag to wheat growing in greenhouses, causing plants to grow spiky structures that repel rabbits, reducing grazing damage. The environmentally friendly method uses a plentiful byproduct of blast furnaces and could circumvent pesticide regulatory approval.
Researchers identify barriers and opportunities in treating mental illness, proposing a new paradigm for CNS drug development. The study highlights the need for more effective treatments with fewer side effects, focusing on treatments that act on multiple molecular targets.
Researchers develop an alternative to animal testing by tricking ticks into setting up home on faux-cow hides. This method measures leg tremblings of ticks to observe early signs of pesticide toxicity.