Drug Research and Technology highlights

Here are some updates on drug research and technology from my reading- 

Nicotine vaccines- do experiments show failure to meet primary endpoint?

The Times "Booster Shots" blog reported that a company working on an "anti-smoking vaccine" similar to the much anticipated product undergoing testing by Nabi Pharmaceuticals "has not been so successful."

Studies see increased skin cancer risk in patients taking anti-TNF drugs.

Medical conference reports at the the American College of Rheumatology, stated that, "Rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with potent tumor necrosis factor inhibitors ran an increased risk of developing skin cancer."

FDA strengthens warning for Dexferrum.

USFDA website reported that, "The FDA has strengthened the black box warning for injectable iron dextran (Dexferrum), cautioning physicians to try a test dose first, due to a risk of anaphalactic reactions and even death." The altered warning "cautions that fatal reactions have occurred even after the test dose was tolerated."  

Three-day antibiotic course may be sufficient for pediatric tonsillectomy patients -

According to a scientific publication reported in the Archives of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, three days of antibiotics after a tonsillectomy will put kids back on a normal diet and activity level. Several studies have demonstrated that postoperative antibiotics reduce pain, thought to be caused when normal oral bacteria colonize the tonsillar fossae and cause inflammation. 

For indepth reading on this topic, please visit- http://www.pharm-education.com/2009/11/drug-research-and-technology-highlights.html 

Disclaimer : The above information has been cited from literature in public domain. This is for research purpose/ dissemination of knowledge only and should not be construed as medical advise.