Uninsured RX

In less than two years, there may not be enough surgeons in U.S. hospitals to treat the critically injured or chronically ill. A new study suggests that the number of available general surgeons, who often perform life-saving operations on patients in emergency rooms, will not keep up with public demand. As the population continues to grow, there will be a shortage of 1,300 general surgeons in 2010. That shortage will worsen each decade, reaching a deficit of 6,000 by 2050.

The BMA's Scottish Junior Doctors Committee has today (Wednesday 3 December) criticised the decision of NHS Scotland Employers not to provide travel and relocation expenses to all doctors in training grades. While the majority of junior doctors are now eligible to claim travel and relocation expenses, as they move around various work placements across Scotland following a recent agreement, those just starting out in their NHS careers are not.

Researchers used a new imaging technique to take high quality color photographs of the clinical stages of ocular inflammation in mice, and the technology could help in the monitoring and treatment of diseases of the eye that may cause blindness.

Vitamin D deficiency - which is traditionally associated with bone and muscle weakness - may also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). A growing body of evidence links low 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels to common CVD risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and diabetes, as well as major cardiovascular events including stroke and congestive heart failure.

US scientists reviewing 20 years of research and expert opinion on generic versus brand name drugs in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases found no clinical evidence showing brand names were superior to generic versions even though a substantial number of experts writing editorials advised against interchanging them.

"A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down" -- parents know in reality it just isn't that easy. That's why Insight Pharmaceuticals has introduced Sucrets(R) ICE -- unique, frozen single-use packages that offer cooling, soothing relief to both children's and adults' harshest sore throats. Sucrets ICE is the newest member of the Sucrets family of products that has been trusted by doctors and moms for more than 75 years.

TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: TPTX) announced positive results from a 26 patient Phase II trial evaluating three doses of NGX267 as a treatment for xerostomia, or dry mouth, in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. NGX267 met the primary endpoint of a statistically significant increase in salivary flow production compared to placebo at all three doses: 10 mg, 15 mg, and 20 mg.

Horizon Therapeutics, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, announced that two pivotal Phase 3 trials evaluating its lead investigational product candidate, HZT-501, met all primary endpoints.

Biopure Corporation (Nasdaq: BPUR) announced that the U.S. Naval Medical Research Center (NMRC) has submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) a revised investigational new drug (IND) application to conduct a clinical trial of the company's oxygen therapeutic Hemopure(R) [hemoglobin glutamer - 250 (bovine)] for the pre hospital battlefield treatment of trauma patients. The study is entitled "Operation Restore Effective Survival in Shock" (Op RESUS).

USHIFU, a worldwide leader in the development, distribution and use of minimally invasive high intensity focused ultrasound technologies, announced the establishment of India HIFU and the launch of Sonablate(R) HIFU services in Hyderabad, India at Dr. Ramayya's Pramila Hospital for the treatment of prostate disease. Dr.