Sanofi-aventis and Merck & Co., Inc. announced today that Raul E. Kohan will be
appointed Chief Executive Officer of their proposed Animal Health joint venture. Sanofi-aventis and
Merck - known as MSD outside the United States and Canada - intend to combine Merial with
Intervet/Schering-Plough, to create a new global leader in Animal Health to be called Merial-Intervet.
Mr. Kohan is currently President of Intervet/Schering-Plough, Merck's Animal Health business. He
will commence his new responsibilities when the new joint venture is approved by regulatory
authorities and closes, which is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2011. The formation of this
new animal health joint venture is subject to execution of final agreements, antitrust review in the
United States, Europe and other countries, as well as other customary closing conditions.
“Raul Kohan will head this new leader in Animal Health”, said Christopher A. Viehbacher, Chief
Executive Officer of sanofi-aventis. “The talents, products and expertise of both companies are very
complementary and will create a company with greater geographical and market coverage. As a
result, we expect the new Merial-Intervet joint venture to drive significant growth”.
“Raul brings a wealth of animal health and global pharmaceutical industry experience," said Richard
T. Clark, Merck Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “We're pleased that Raul will lead the
integration of the two companies while continuing to deliver global growth momentum. The new joint
venture will have one of the broadest portfolios of animal health products and services in
pharmaceuticals and biologics to meet the needs of millions of customers."
Raul Kohan is Executive Vice President and President, Global Animal Health, Merck. He joined
Schering-Plough in 1984 and has since held positions of increasing responsibility. He served as
Deputy Head of Animal Health and Senior Vice President, Corporate Excellence and Administrative
Services for Schering-Plough Corporation. Previously, Kohan’s responsibilities included overseeing
the company's Global Specialty Operations group, which comprised Animal Health and Consumer
Health Care for Schering-Plough. Kohan graduated from the General San Martin Military Academy,
Argentina, and holds an M.B.A. degree in economics from the University of Buenos Aires.
2
José Barella, the current Executive Chairman of Merial, will continue his role until the transaction
closes. Thus, he will work closely with Mr. Kohan and will contribute significantly to the transition and
creation of the new combined Animal Health business. Mr. Barella joined Merial in 2001 and became
Chief Operating Officer in 2005 and head of business operations with responsibilities for all
commercial activities for Merial globally, including sales and marketing for both the companion animal
and production animal businesses, and the commercial functions that support them. He was named
Merial's Executive Chairman in 2007 with responsibility for executing global strategy and through his
leadership grew the company to be an industry leader.
The new Merial-Intervet joint venture will offer a broader portfolio of animal health products and
services in pharmaceuticals and biologics, as well as, the ability to capitalize on growth opportunities
in all fields and countries around the world.
The worldwide animal health market reached $19 billion in 2008. Products for companion animals
accounted for 40 percent of total sales while products for production animals accounted for the
remaining 60 percent of total sales. This market is expected to grow at around 5 percent per year
over the next 5 years, driven by a growing demand for animal proteins, as well as a strong consumer
needs for companion animal health care.
Merial and Intervet/Schering-Plough will continue to operate independently until the closing of the tranction.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Change in environment sparks stem cell cross-over
EU-funded scientists have discovered that stem cells from one of the immune system's main organs can be reprogrammed to form hair follicle stem cells. The key lies in altering the environment in which the cells are grown. These results demonstrate that it is possible to alter stem cells without genetic manipulation. Details of the study are published in Nature.
Ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm are the three germ layers that develop as an embryo grows. Over time, these layers form the basis of skin and nerves (ectoderm) of the gut, liver, pancreas, thymus and other organs (endoderm), and of muscle, bones and blood (mesoderm).
Scientists have always thought that the boundaries that define these layers could not be crossed. However, results from this latest study now demonstrate that the boundaries are much more versatile, and that stem cells that switch layers can produce startling results.
The team from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and the University of Edinburgh in the UK has shown that cells originating in one germ layer (in this case, thymus stem cells originating from the endoderm) can be developed into cells associated with one of the other two layers (skin stem cells originating from the ectoderm).
To determine their findings, the scientists grew stem cells from the thymus - an important organ of the immune system - using the conditions required for growing hair follicle skin stem cells. They found that the transplanted cells maintained skin and hair for more than 12 months, which was significantly more than hair follicle stem cells produced under natural conditions. Gradually, the cells' genetic markers remarkably began to resemble those of hair follicle stem cells.
This means that a surrounding environment can reprogramme stem cells to generate tissues that, under normal circumstances, would not be possible. Just like stem cells from the thymus (previously thought to be less versatile than other cells), the findings suggest that the cross-over could extend to other organs. This would represent a major breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation and regeneration, and could help many people including burn victims.
Dr Clare Blackburn from the University of Edinburgh explained that it is not just that a latent capacity is triggered when these stem cells come into contact with skin, but rather they "change track - expressing different genes and becoming more potent". She added that further research could determine whether other microenvironments (beyond just skin) would produce a similar result.
This research was supported by the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) and Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) as part of the work of three projects: EUROSTEMCELL ('European consortium for stem cell research'), which received EUR 11.91 million under FP6's 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' Thematic area; EUROSYSTEM ('European consortium for systematic stem cell biology'), which received EUR 12 million under FP7's Health Theme; and OPTISTEM ('Optimization of stem cell therapy for clinical trials of degenerative skin and muscle diseases'), which received EUR 11.99 million also under FP7's Health Theme.
* Nature, http://www.nature.com
* Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), http://www.epfl.ch
* University of Edinburgh, http://www.ed.ac.uk
Ectoderm, endoderm and mesoderm are the three germ layers that develop as an embryo grows. Over time, these layers form the basis of skin and nerves (ectoderm) of the gut, liver, pancreas, thymus and other organs (endoderm), and of muscle, bones and blood (mesoderm).
Scientists have always thought that the boundaries that define these layers could not be crossed. However, results from this latest study now demonstrate that the boundaries are much more versatile, and that stem cells that switch layers can produce startling results.
The team from Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in Switzerland and the University of Edinburgh in the UK has shown that cells originating in one germ layer (in this case, thymus stem cells originating from the endoderm) can be developed into cells associated with one of the other two layers (skin stem cells originating from the ectoderm).
To determine their findings, the scientists grew stem cells from the thymus - an important organ of the immune system - using the conditions required for growing hair follicle skin stem cells. They found that the transplanted cells maintained skin and hair for more than 12 months, which was significantly more than hair follicle stem cells produced under natural conditions. Gradually, the cells' genetic markers remarkably began to resemble those of hair follicle stem cells.
This means that a surrounding environment can reprogramme stem cells to generate tissues that, under normal circumstances, would not be possible. Just like stem cells from the thymus (previously thought to be less versatile than other cells), the findings suggest that the cross-over could extend to other organs. This would represent a major breakthrough in the field of organ transplantation and regeneration, and could help many people including burn victims.
Dr Clare Blackburn from the University of Edinburgh explained that it is not just that a latent capacity is triggered when these stem cells come into contact with skin, but rather they "change track - expressing different genes and becoming more potent". She added that further research could determine whether other microenvironments (beyond just skin) would produce a similar result.
This research was supported by the EU's Sixth Framework Programme (FP6) and Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) as part of the work of three projects: EUROSTEMCELL ('European consortium for stem cell research'), which received EUR 11.91 million under FP6's 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' Thematic area; EUROSYSTEM ('European consortium for systematic stem cell biology'), which received EUR 12 million under FP7's Health Theme; and OPTISTEM ('Optimization of stem cell therapy for clinical trials of degenerative skin and muscle diseases'), which received EUR 11.99 million also under FP7's Health Theme.
* Nature, http://www.nature.com
* Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), http://www.epfl.ch
* University of Edinburgh, http://www.ed.ac.uk
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Scientists find 95 genetic variants associated with heart disease risk factor
An international team of scientists has identified 95 genetic variants associated with high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels which are major risk factors for coronary heart disease. The study, published in the journal Nature and funded in part by the EU, could lead to novel ways of preventing and treating heart disease.
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Abnormal levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or 'bad' cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides are all known to be major risk factors for heart disease and represent important drug targets.
In their paper, the scientists describe how they carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS), scanning the genomes of 100,000 people of European descent and looking for changes in the genetic material that are associated with changes in lipid levels.
"Although blood concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides have long between known as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the extent to which genetics contributes to those concentrations and just how alterations in the underlying genes leads to the development of disease has been incredibly difficult to piece together," explained Dr Sekar Kathiresan of Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.
The researchers' analyses uncovered 95 genetic variants, 59 of which were previously unknown. According to the team, taken together the 95 variants 'explain 10%-12% of the total variance (representing 25%-30% of the genetic variance'.
Many of the variants are located in genes known to be linked to lipid levels and heart disease. "Closer scrutiny of the gene loci revealed genetic variants which we know offer a molecular target for cholesterol-lowering drugs," commented Professor Thomas Meitinger of the German Research Center for Environmental Health.
The scientists also scanned the genomes of thousands of people of East Asian, south Asian and African American descent. This revealed that the majority of the variants are shared across diverse ethnic groups.
"The new findings point us to specific genetic signposts that allow us to understand more fully why many people from all walks of life have abnormal levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that lead to heart disease," said Christopher O'Donnell of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. "What's really exciting about this work is that we are moving from discovery to understanding brand-new information about how genes alter the lipids that contribute to heart disease."
As well as shedding light on the genetic causes of abnormal lipid levels, and, by extension, heart disease risk, the study validates the use of GWAS involving ever larger numbers of people. Previous studies of the genetic factors behind high lipid levels involved 20,000 people, and some had suggested that carrying out larger studies would result in no new variants or variants whose effect is so small as to be of negligible interest from a biological or clinical point of view.
"It is often argued that large-scale meta-analyses with more than 100,000 test subjects have little significance for the biology of complex diseases," said Professor H.-Erich Wichmann of the German Research Center for Environmental Health. "Our study impressively refutes this assertion. On the contrary, some of the newly discovered gene loci have clear biological and clinical relevance."
EU support for the work came from several projects. The ENGAGE (European network for genetic and genomic epidemiology) project is financed through the Health Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). INGENIOUS HYPERCARE (Integrated genomics, clinical research and care in hypertension), DIABESITY (Novel molecular drug targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes) and EUROSPAN (European special populations research network: quantifying and harnessing genetic variation for gene discovery) are all funded under the 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). Finally, the GENOMEUTWIN (Genome-wide analyses of European twin and population cohorts to identify genes in common diseases) project was supported under the 'Quality of life and management of the living resources' programme of the EU's Fifth Framework Programme (FP5).
Coronary heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide. Abnormal levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, or 'bad' cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides are all known to be major risk factors for heart disease and represent important drug targets.
In their paper, the scientists describe how they carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS), scanning the genomes of 100,000 people of European descent and looking for changes in the genetic material that are associated with changes in lipid levels.
"Although blood concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides have long between known as risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the extent to which genetics contributes to those concentrations and just how alterations in the underlying genes leads to the development of disease has been incredibly difficult to piece together," explained Dr Sekar Kathiresan of Massachusetts General Hospital in the US.
The researchers' analyses uncovered 95 genetic variants, 59 of which were previously unknown. According to the team, taken together the 95 variants 'explain 10%-12% of the total variance (representing 25%-30% of the genetic variance'.
Many of the variants are located in genes known to be linked to lipid levels and heart disease. "Closer scrutiny of the gene loci revealed genetic variants which we know offer a molecular target for cholesterol-lowering drugs," commented Professor Thomas Meitinger of the German Research Center for Environmental Health.
The scientists also scanned the genomes of thousands of people of East Asian, south Asian and African American descent. This revealed that the majority of the variants are shared across diverse ethnic groups.
"The new findings point us to specific genetic signposts that allow us to understand more fully why many people from all walks of life have abnormal levels of cholesterol and other blood lipids that lead to heart disease," said Christopher O'Donnell of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the US. "What's really exciting about this work is that we are moving from discovery to understanding brand-new information about how genes alter the lipids that contribute to heart disease."
As well as shedding light on the genetic causes of abnormal lipid levels, and, by extension, heart disease risk, the study validates the use of GWAS involving ever larger numbers of people. Previous studies of the genetic factors behind high lipid levels involved 20,000 people, and some had suggested that carrying out larger studies would result in no new variants or variants whose effect is so small as to be of negligible interest from a biological or clinical point of view.
"It is often argued that large-scale meta-analyses with more than 100,000 test subjects have little significance for the biology of complex diseases," said Professor H.-Erich Wichmann of the German Research Center for Environmental Health. "Our study impressively refutes this assertion. On the contrary, some of the newly discovered gene loci have clear biological and clinical relevance."
EU support for the work came from several projects. The ENGAGE (European network for genetic and genomic epidemiology) project is financed through the Health Theme of the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7). INGENIOUS HYPERCARE (Integrated genomics, clinical research and care in hypertension), DIABESITY (Novel molecular drug targets for obesity and type 2 diabetes) and EUROSPAN (European special populations research network: quantifying and harnessing genetic variation for gene discovery) are all funded under the 'Life sciences, genomics and biotechnology for health' Thematic area of the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). Finally, the GENOMEUTWIN (Genome-wide analyses of European twin and population cohorts to identify genes in common diseases) project was supported under the 'Quality of life and management of the living resources' programme of the EU's Fifth Framework Programme (FP5).
Pharma Marketing 2010 - Frankfurt
30 September 2010, Frankfurt, Germany.
Pharma Marketing 2010 in Frankfurt provides a key platform for Europe's pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, such as yourself, to discover how best to tackle the key challenges of a price-sensitive and increasingly competitive and rapidly changing market.
This event offers the perfect setting for industry peers to present their ideas and successes directly to key decision makers from leading pharmaceutical companies. At this meeting you will meet and interact with senior level marketing executives, through a number of one-on-one meetings and networking activities.
They will discuss the challenges and strategies used to enhance online communication, customer relationship, strengthen brand awareness and improve profitability in marketing. This is your one-stop-shop to the most up to date online marketing strategies, regulatory low down, measuring ROI, analytical tools and more such as:
5 reasons why Pharma should not do E-marketing
The successful commercialisation of a pharma brand start with an effective launch
Forecasting is easy, communication is difficult
Achieving Launch Excellence in a Challenging Pharma Marketplace
The Doctor - Patient - Pharma: a triangle about a patient's health improvement.
Balancing "old" and "new" marketing strategies
Brand Management
Why Online Belongs to the Pharma Marketing Mix
Joins some of the experts like:
IMS heath, Director commercial effectiveness EMEA
UCB Pharma, Head of eStrategies
Novartis Oncology Region Europe, Regional Brand Leader
Eli Lilly, Director Human Resources
Astellas Pharma,Marketing Director
Genzyme, Associate Director Global Commercial Effectiveness and Development
AstraZneca, VP Global Marketing
Allergan, Director Consumer Marketing
Google, Industry Head
And many more ...
Who should attend?
This conference is designed to attract key decision makers from the Pharmaceutical industry: Presidents, Managing Directors, Country Managers, General Managers, Vice Presidents, Regional Directors/ Heads, Directors, Department Heads, Managers.
For further information and registration, please visit:
http://nwbg.eu/all-events/pharma-marketing-2010/
Pharma Marketing 2010 in Frankfurt provides a key platform for Europe's pharmaceutical industry stakeholders, such as yourself, to discover how best to tackle the key challenges of a price-sensitive and increasingly competitive and rapidly changing market.
This event offers the perfect setting for industry peers to present their ideas and successes directly to key decision makers from leading pharmaceutical companies. At this meeting you will meet and interact with senior level marketing executives, through a number of one-on-one meetings and networking activities.
They will discuss the challenges and strategies used to enhance online communication, customer relationship, strengthen brand awareness and improve profitability in marketing. This is your one-stop-shop to the most up to date online marketing strategies, regulatory low down, measuring ROI, analytical tools and more such as:
5 reasons why Pharma should not do E-marketing
The successful commercialisation of a pharma brand start with an effective launch
Forecasting is easy, communication is difficult
Achieving Launch Excellence in a Challenging Pharma Marketplace
The Doctor - Patient - Pharma: a triangle about a patient's health improvement.
Balancing "old" and "new" marketing strategies
Brand Management
Why Online Belongs to the Pharma Marketing Mix
Joins some of the experts like:
IMS heath, Director commercial effectiveness EMEA
UCB Pharma, Head of eStrategies
Novartis Oncology Region Europe, Regional Brand Leader
Eli Lilly, Director Human Resources
Astellas Pharma,Marketing Director
Genzyme, Associate Director Global Commercial Effectiveness and Development
AstraZneca, VP Global Marketing
Allergan, Director Consumer Marketing
Google, Industry Head
And many more ...
Who should attend?
This conference is designed to attract key decision makers from the Pharmaceutical industry: Presidents, Managing Directors, Country Managers, General Managers, Vice Presidents, Regional Directors/ Heads, Directors, Department Heads, Managers.
For further information and registration, please visit:
http://nwbg.eu/all-events/pharma-marketing-2010/
Sunday, August 22, 2010
New Colorectal Cancer Screening Coverage to Drive US Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Device Market to Almost $2.2 Billion by 2014
WALTHAM, Mass.: -- According to Millennium Research Group (MRG), the global authority on medical technology market intelligence, new coverage instituted under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 will remove the financial disincentives associated with colorectal cancer screening for a large segment of the US population. As a result of these changes in reimbursement, a growing number of colorectal cancer screening procedures will be performed through 2014, driving sales of many gastrointestinal endoscopy devices, including videoscopes and biopsy forceps.
Under the health care act, all new health insurance policies must cover preventative exams, including colonoscopies, without charging out-of-pocket fees such as copayments or deductibles. All Medicare patients will therefore have colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies fully covered as of January 1, 2011. This expanded coverage of colorectal cancer screening procedures will increase the number of colonoscopies performed over the next five years. Sales of devices used in the procedures, such as colonoscopes and biopsy forceps, will also rise to meet this growing demand for colorectal cancer screening. Although colonoscopy volumes dipped in 2009 during the recession, they are climbing again and will continue to rise as increased medical insurance coverage encourages more Americans to undergo screening.
"At the height of the economic downturn, many Americans declined to undergo colorectal cancer screening because they lost insurance coverage for it or they felt that paying for a diagnostic procedure when they did not have any symptoms was not a priority for them in economically uncertain times," said Sara Scharf, Ph D, Analyst at MRG. "As this new coverage is put in place,
patients will increasingly get screened for colorectal cancer.
"MRG's new report, US Markets for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Devices 2010, now includes more segments
competitor coverage, and insights into trends than ever before. The report provides a thorough analysis of procedural trending, emerging markets, competing and complementary procedures, and revenue growth for the major gastrointestinal endoscopy devices in the US, including videoscopes, enteral feeding devices, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography devices, hemostasis devices, biopsy forceps, stents, virtual colonoscopy systems, esophageal dilation balloons, capsule endoscopes, polypectomy snares, and retrieval devices. For the first time, this report includes market analyses of enteral feeding giving sets, nasogastric tubes, colonic and duodenal stents, and Barrett's esophagus ablation devices.
Under the health care act, all new health insurance policies must cover preventative exams, including colonoscopies, without charging out-of-pocket fees such as copayments or deductibles. All Medicare patients will therefore have colorectal cancer screening colonoscopies fully covered as of January 1, 2011. This expanded coverage of colorectal cancer screening procedures will increase the number of colonoscopies performed over the next five years. Sales of devices used in the procedures, such as colonoscopes and biopsy forceps, will also rise to meet this growing demand for colorectal cancer screening. Although colonoscopy volumes dipped in 2009 during the recession, they are climbing again and will continue to rise as increased medical insurance coverage encourages more Americans to undergo screening.
"At the height of the economic downturn, many Americans declined to undergo colorectal cancer screening because they lost insurance coverage for it or they felt that paying for a diagnostic procedure when they did not have any symptoms was not a priority for them in economically uncertain times," said Sara Scharf, Ph D, Analyst at MRG. "As this new coverage is put in place,
patients will increasingly get screened for colorectal cancer.
"MRG's new report, US Markets for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Devices 2010, now includes more segments
competitor coverage, and insights into trends than ever before. The report provides a thorough analysis of procedural trending, emerging markets, competing and complementary procedures, and revenue growth for the major gastrointestinal endoscopy devices in the US, including videoscopes, enteral feeding devices, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography devices, hemostasis devices, biopsy forceps, stents, virtual colonoscopy systems, esophageal dilation balloons, capsule endoscopes, polypectomy snares, and retrieval devices. For the first time, this report includes market analyses of enteral feeding giving sets, nasogastric tubes, colonic and duodenal stents, and Barrett's esophagus ablation devices.
Daily Intake of 'Yakult' Is Efficacious in Reducing Incidence of Acute Diarrhea in Young Children
YAKULT HONSHA CO., LTD. announced on August 20 that its collaborative study on the incidence of acute diarrhea with the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases in Kolkata, India, showed that daily intake of "Yakult" is efficacious in reducing the incidence of diarrhea in young children.
An unprecedented large-scale study, involving 3,585 children residing in an urban slum community in Kolkata, was conducted. As a result, "Yakult" was shown to be efficacious in reducing the incidence of acute diarrhea in young children and the difference was statistically significant. The demonstration that the continued intake of "Yakult" is effective in improving the gastrointestinal symptoms of the general public strongly corroborates the significance of drinking "Yakult."
These results were published on the "Epidemiology and Infection" website and the ePub is available on PubMed.
YAKULT HONSHA is engaged in research on probiotics, which refer to living microorganisms that confer a benefit on the host (people, etc.) by improving the balance of intestinal flora. A representative probiotic strain is Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (YIT9029), which, in addition to an intestinal regulation action, has been verified in many published papers to have immunoregulatory actions such as helping to suppress the recurrence of superficial bladder cancer and reduce allergy symptoms. Hereafter, YAKULT HONSHA will continue to actively promote research on utilizing the remarkable power of microorganisms for the benefit of people's health.
The number of children aged 5 years and under that die annually throughout the world is 8.80 million, and the country that has the most deaths is India (approximately 1.83 million children per year). It is reported that diarrhea is the cause in 13% of the deaths in children aged 5 years and under in India (Black RE et al, Lancet. 2010. 375: 1969-1987).
ble-blind randomized controlled field trial involving 3,585 children aged between 1 and 5 years was carried out in Kolkata, India. The participating children were given either "Yakult" or a placebo drink daily for 12 weeks to observe the incidence of acute diarrhea and pathogenic microbes in the stool.
The results showed that the proportion of children suffering from diarrhea was significantly lower in the "Yakult" group (608 out of 1,802) compared to the placebo group (674 out of 1,783). Moreover, the incidence of diarrhea was lower in the "Yakult" group (0.88/child/year) compared to the placebo group (1.029/child/year) and the difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). The analysis of pathogenic bacterial, viral and parasitic agents in the children with diarrhea resulted in the lower detection rate of Aeromonas spp and Cryptosporidium spp in the Yakult group compared to the placebo group.
*The placebo drink did not contain Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. The taste and color of both the placebo drink and "Yakult" were similar. By comparing the effects of intake of each drink, the efficacy of "Yakult" can be scientifically measured.
An unprecedented large-scale study, involving 3,585 children residing in an urban slum community in Kolkata, was conducted. As a result, "Yakult" was shown to be efficacious in reducing the incidence of acute diarrhea in young children and the difference was statistically significant. The demonstration that the continued intake of "Yakult" is effective in improving the gastrointestinal symptoms of the general public strongly corroborates the significance of drinking "Yakult."
These results were published on the "Epidemiology and Infection" website and the ePub is available on PubMed.
YAKULT HONSHA is engaged in research on probiotics, which refer to living microorganisms that confer a benefit on the host (people, etc.) by improving the balance of intestinal flora. A representative probiotic strain is Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota (YIT9029), which, in addition to an intestinal regulation action, has been verified in many published papers to have immunoregulatory actions such as helping to suppress the recurrence of superficial bladder cancer and reduce allergy symptoms. Hereafter, YAKULT HONSHA will continue to actively promote research on utilizing the remarkable power of microorganisms for the benefit of people's health.
The number of children aged 5 years and under that die annually throughout the world is 8.80 million, and the country that has the most deaths is India (approximately 1.83 million children per year). It is reported that diarrhea is the cause in 13% of the deaths in children aged 5 years and under in India (Black RE et al, Lancet. 2010. 375: 1969-1987).
ble-blind randomized controlled field trial involving 3,585 children aged between 1 and 5 years was carried out in Kolkata, India. The participating children were given either "Yakult" or a placebo drink daily for 12 weeks to observe the incidence of acute diarrhea and pathogenic microbes in the stool.
The results showed that the proportion of children suffering from diarrhea was significantly lower in the "Yakult" group (608 out of 1,802) compared to the placebo group (674 out of 1,783). Moreover, the incidence of diarrhea was lower in the "Yakult" group (0.88/child/year) compared to the placebo group (1.029/child/year) and the difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). The analysis of pathogenic bacterial, viral and parasitic agents in the children with diarrhea resulted in the lower detection rate of Aeromonas spp and Cryptosporidium spp in the Yakult group compared to the placebo group.
*The placebo drink did not contain Lactobacillus casei strain Shirota. The taste and color of both the placebo drink and "Yakult" were similar. By comparing the effects of intake of each drink, the efficacy of "Yakult" can be scientifically measured.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Pharmacy's online service helps care homes improve their support for residents
Pharmacy Plus launched its new Online Service, the service which is freely available to all its customers offers a unique online tool that provides care homes with data and analysis relating to individual patients medication history and drug usage, to enable them to offer improved and personalised care to all their residents.
The more homes use the online system the more they are able to reduce patient risks, as the online data provides care staff and GPs working together, with a very powerful tool to monitor and intervene in the treatment of residents. The result is a reduction in the number of patients who have to be admitted as emergency cases to hospital.
Tariq Muhammad, MD of Pharmacy Plus says, "Part of the inspiration for us to further improve our online service was the introduction of the new CQC Outcomes framework which comes into force on 1st October 2010. Pharmacy Plus believes the changes are on the whole positive and will provide a good opportunity for homes to demonstrate the quality of their service delivery to residents. However, we do feel care homes may require support, such as that offered by our Online Service, to ensure the necessary processes are in place so they are able to meet the new CQC outcomes, especially Outcome 9 - Medicines Management."
The current Pharmacy Plus Online Service is already valued and regularly used by most of its care home customers. However recognizing how much more could be delivered via online services, the company has redeveloped the site to incorporate many new features and functions. As well as giving access to prescription information for each resident in the care home, the new online service will provide statistics, resources, reports, audits and many interactive features. For example homes will be able to record patient reviews that have been carried out and record any interventions that have been made, all this is done using a secure connection between the Care Home and Pharmacy Plus.
Tariq Muhammad goes on to say that, "Over the last few months we have carefully considered how we could more effectively support each care home and also specifically help them to achieve their CQC Outcomes. After lengthy deliberation amongst all our pharmacists we have concluded that we could best do this by creating a set of guidelines, (which explain clearly what the care home needs to do) and show homes how they should use Pharmacy Plus online services to help meet them.
No other Pharmacy does or indeed can provide this type of service to their care home customers, one that helps enable their dedicated staff to deliver the best possible service to residents."
The new website will be available for Pharmacy Plus customers on the company website, for further information, visit www.pharmacyplus.co.uk.
The more homes use the online system the more they are able to reduce patient risks, as the online data provides care staff and GPs working together, with a very powerful tool to monitor and intervene in the treatment of residents. The result is a reduction in the number of patients who have to be admitted as emergency cases to hospital.
Tariq Muhammad, MD of Pharmacy Plus says, "Part of the inspiration for us to further improve our online service was the introduction of the new CQC Outcomes framework which comes into force on 1st October 2010. Pharmacy Plus believes the changes are on the whole positive and will provide a good opportunity for homes to demonstrate the quality of their service delivery to residents. However, we do feel care homes may require support, such as that offered by our Online Service, to ensure the necessary processes are in place so they are able to meet the new CQC outcomes, especially Outcome 9 - Medicines Management."
The current Pharmacy Plus Online Service is already valued and regularly used by most of its care home customers. However recognizing how much more could be delivered via online services, the company has redeveloped the site to incorporate many new features and functions. As well as giving access to prescription information for each resident in the care home, the new online service will provide statistics, resources, reports, audits and many interactive features. For example homes will be able to record patient reviews that have been carried out and record any interventions that have been made, all this is done using a secure connection between the Care Home and Pharmacy Plus.
Tariq Muhammad goes on to say that, "Over the last few months we have carefully considered how we could more effectively support each care home and also specifically help them to achieve their CQC Outcomes. After lengthy deliberation amongst all our pharmacists we have concluded that we could best do this by creating a set of guidelines, (which explain clearly what the care home needs to do) and show homes how they should use Pharmacy Plus online services to help meet them.
No other Pharmacy does or indeed can provide this type of service to their care home customers, one that helps enable their dedicated staff to deliver the best possible service to residents."
The new website will be available for Pharmacy Plus customers on the company website, for further information, visit www.pharmacyplus.co.uk.
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