Drug Research and Technology update :

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

Folate-blocking drugs can increase birth defects if taken in first trimester:.

The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology researchers report  a study that use of the folate-blocking drugs more than doubled the risk of congenital malformations of the fetus, including neural tube, cardiovascular and urinary tract defects. The drugs also "increased the risk of spina bifida and malformations of the brain more than sixfold.

Harvard researchers call for five years of market exclusivity for brand-name biologics.

An online publication from Harvard Medical school reported, Congress should limit the proposed period of market exclusivity for brand-name biologics to five years, rather than the 12 years pending legislation,

FDA cracking down on flu treatment scams.

The US FDA published that it is cracking down on hundreds of products being peddled as swine flu treatments. In a season of high anxiety, the Food and Drug Administration says online scam artists are doing big business in counterfeit flu drugs.

E-prescribing impacts compliance ? an investigational study.

According to Healthcare IT digital new publication, "CVS Caremark and researchers from Harvard and Brigham and Women's Hospital are launching a study to investigate patient adherence to prescription drug therapies," and one of "the four key components of the study will look at how electronic prescribing impacts compliance.

For in depth information on the above, please visit- http://www.pharm-education.com/2009/11/drug-research-and-technology-update.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.