In yet another setback to the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, Axovant Sciences has announced that their latest attempt at creating a treatment - a drug known as Intepirdine (a (5-HT)6 receptor antagonist) - has failed during late stage clinical trials. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer Inc has announced plans to leave the field of … [Read more...] about Axovant fails while Pfizer leaves – the grim outlook of Alzheimer’s research
Robotic takeover of healthcare on the horizon?
A robotic takeover has long been thought of as the stuff of nightmares, from being a staple of science fiction doomsday scenarios to being warned of by sci-tech leaders such as Elon Musk as an outcome if artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to grow. In contrast to these bleak predictions on the future of robotics, however, the … [Read more...] about Robotic takeover of healthcare on the horizon?
Immunotherapy: the future of Alzheimer’s research?
Alzheimer’s research may see a well needed boost in the form of a research deal funded by Chicago based pharmaceutical group AbbVie. The recipient research group, Alector, is to receive a $205 million USD up front payment, as well as future equity investments worth up to $20 million. Alector has seen a great deal of interest within the … [Read more...] about Immunotherapy: the future of Alzheimer’s research?
Drug resistant HIV and the potential to render current treatments inviable
Children in Africa have shown a prevalence of up to 54 percent of HIV strains which display a resistance to one or more commonly used antiretroviral (ARV) drugs according to a study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Is this an indication that currently used medications may prove to be ineffective in years to come? Africa has seen a … [Read more...] about Drug resistant HIV and the potential to render current treatments inviable
The continued fight against polio
In 2016 an event took place in global health which failed to make major headlines. Over a two week period over 150 countries simultaneously changed their currently used polio vaccines to one deemed more efficient. The move is a demonstration of the concerted efforts of countries across the globe - and a testament to the efficiency and … [Read more...] about The continued fight against polio
Ambitious goals for UK Pharma, does the budget match up?
The UK government has put forward ambitious plans for the pharmaceutical industry since Brexit. Though seemingly enterprising, there are worries that these plans simply appear promising on paper and do not have enough resources to see them through. Brexit has been marred by uncertainty since the UK voted to leave the European Union. The prospect … [Read more...] about Ambitious goals for UK Pharma, does the budget match up?
Amazon to join the pharmaceutical market?
Speculation is abundant that colossal international retailer Amazon intends to enter the world of pharmaceuticals. The claims are, however, based on little evidence. Much of the speculation is being fuelled by an extensive investigation by The Wall Street Journal. Amazon itself has yet to confirm whether or not they are planning an entry into … [Read more...] about Amazon to join the pharmaceutical market?
Vaccination laws in EU nations set to cause conflict?
Consistently lowering levels of immunisation coverage amongst Europeans -- spurred on by vaccine scepticism -- is prompting some EU nations to introduce laws legally enforcing the vaccination of children. Public confidence in vaccination is currently lacking, with many parents in Europe opting out of having their children vaccinated. This … [Read more...] about Vaccination laws in EU nations set to cause conflict?
FDA shelf lives driving up the cost of healthcare
Are medicines still effective after their expiry date? Could they potentially be dangerous? The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) insist that taking medications past their expiry date is a risky practice; however, evidence appears to suggest this is not the case. An extreme example saw a box of prescription drugs being uncovered in the back … [Read more...] about FDA shelf lives driving up the cost of healthcare
Global Fund welcomes Peter Sands as new Executive Director
The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria has announced Peter Sands -- a former British banker -- as its new executive director. The move comes after a delayed and restarted selection process involving controversy and conflicts of interest amongst numerous candidates. The selection process has been delayed since February, during … [Read more...] about Global Fund welcomes Peter Sands as new Executive Director