First Treatment Approved by FDA to Treat EGPA
GlaxoSmithKline’s Nucala (mepolizumab) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treateosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA).
Influenza Vaccine Coverage Is Highest Among Workplaces with Vaccination Requirements
An Internet panel survey of healthcare personnel (HCP) showed the overall influenza vaccination coverage estimate among HCP was 78.6 percent in the 2016-17 season, an increase of 15 percentage points since the 2010-11 season, but similar to the 2013-14 through 2015-16 seasons, with the highest coverage among those whose workplace had vaccination requirements.
New Pill May Kill the Flu Virus in Patients in 24 Hours
Japanese drug maker Shionogi has created an experimental compound delivered via a single-dose pill that has been shown to effectively kill the influenza (flu) virus in patients within a single day.
HHS Forms Conscience and Religious Freedom Division
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has formed a new Conscience and Religious Freedom Division in the HHS Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to restore federal enforcement of U.S. laws that protect the fundamental and unalienable rights of conscience and religious freedom.
Higher-Potency Rabies IG Vaccine Receives FDA Approval
Grifols’ HyperRAB (rabies immune globulin [human]) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat rabies postexposure prophylaxis.
Medicare Costs Pose Rising Financial Burden on Older Adults
A recent study found that more than one-third of people with traditional Medicare spent at least 20 percent of their total income on out-of-pocket healthcare costs in 2013, and it is projected that number will increase to 42 percent by 2030.
Plasma Exchange with 5% Albumin Associated with Marked Stabilization of Brain Perfusion in Alzheimer’s
Plasma exchange with 5% albumin replacement was associated with marked stabilization of brain perfusion in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease during a 21-week treatment period and reduced perfusion loss compared to control subjects at six-month follow up, according to findings from a sham-controlled Phase II clinical trial.
Mylan’s Ogivri Approved as Biosimilar to Herceptin
Mylan’s Ogivri (trastuzumab-dkst) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a biosimilar to Genentech’s Herceptin (trastuzumab).
Study Finds 2017-18 Flu Vaccine More Protective Than Believed, Especially Among Children
With many reports about this year’s influenza (flu) vaccine ineffectiveness, a new study shows it is more effective than thought, especially among children.
Universal Flu Vaccine Begins Two-Year Clinical Trial
Researchers at the University of Oxford have begun a two-year clinical trial to test a universal influenza (flu) vaccine in more than 2,000 patients.
