New Inhaled Drug Protects Against Flu
Researchers in Japan have found that one inhaled dose of Daiichi Sankyo Co.Ltd.’s CS8958 (or laninamivir) worked better than Tamiflu to keep mice alive when infected with a normally deadly dose of H5N1 avian influenza.
Pay-for-Performance Effective Incentive
A recent study published revealed that pay-forperformance programs are effective in incentivizing low-performing physicians.
Serum Albumin Levels Linked to Multiple Myeloma Severity
A new study shows that lower levels of serum albumin are associated with greater disease severity in multiple myeloma patients.
A Higher IgG Trough Level May Reduce Risk of Pneumonia in PIDD Patients on IVIG Therapy
U.S. investigators identified and quantitatively combined all available studies evaluating IgG trough levels and pneumonia incidence in PIDD patients receiving IVIG replacement therapy for hypogammaglobulinemia.
Intradermal Flu Vaccine at Reduced Dose Elicits Similar Response as Full-Dose IM Injection in Older Adults
A team of investigators found that delivery of influenza vaccine at 60 percent of the standard dose by either IM or ID route elicited antibody responses generally similar to full-dose IM vaccination among healthy elderly persons.
Treatment Under Development for Autoimmune Diseases
Setpoint Medical, a startup company based in Boston, is developing a nerve stimulator designed to dampen the out-ofcontrol immune system that triggers autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
Benlysta Benefits Lupus Patients in Drug Trial
Benlysta, an experimental lupus drug from GlaxoSmithKline chemically known as belimumab, significantly reduced patients’ symptoms in a recent drug trial.
Teva Launches Lupus Clinical Trial
Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd.is investigating whether its drug Laquinimod, which is in a Phase III clinical trial for treating multiple sclerosis, also is suitable for treating lupus.
In Vitro IVIG Anti-Complement Activity Points to Potential Mechanism of Action in MMN
New data reinforce the idea that IgMinduced, complement-mediated nodal injury of peripheral motor nerves generates conduction block and accounts for muscle weakness.
Genetic Link Found Between Parkinson’s and Immune System
A new study discovered evidence that Parkinson’s disease may have an infectious or autoimmune origin.