Big Pharma

New method reveals nano-scale drug molecules in cells Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology and partners within the Chemical Imaging Infrastructure have produced a method whereby it is possible to see at the nano level where a medicinal drug ends up in the cells and how much of it is needed for optimum treatment. The technique enables the development of new pharmaceuticals and tailored treatments for diseases that have not previously been treatable. ‘Without needing to add anything to affect the cell, we can produce unique precision at the nano level. That is not possible with comparable methods that are...

Medication administration errors can induce fear, sadness ang guilt among healthcare professionals Despite evidence showing that the causes of medication errors can be traced back to multiple factors in the healthcare setting, healthcare professionals still often feel the blame on them. In a new study, healthcare professionals described a variety of negative emotions when reporting medication administration errors, most commonly feelings of fear, disturbed mood, sadness, and guilt. However, immediate reassurance and guidance from seniors and colleagues helped them cope with the situation effectively. “How the workplace responds to the error is clearly linked to the emotional impact it can...

LASIK Warnings Could Alter the Way Patients View Surgery Risks New York, NY, January 28, 2023 — LASIK eye surgeries are one of the most commonly performed elective procedures in the United States, with an average of 700,000 patients seeking the surgery annually, according to Market Scope. LASIK works by altering the shape of a patient’s corneas to correct farsightedness, nearsightedness, and more recently, astigmatism.   While long-term complications of LASIK are rare, no surgery is risk-free, cautions Dr. Daniel Laroche, a top New York City eye specialist. LASIK stands for Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis.   “Although many people benefit from LASIK, there are some that...

Six minutes of high-intensity exercise could delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease   Six minutes of high-intensity exercise could extend the lifespan of a healthy brain and delay the onset of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. New research published in The Journal of Physiology shows that a short but intense bout of cycling increases the production of a specialised protein that is essential for brain formation, learning and memory, and could protect the brain from age-related cognitive decline. This insight on exercise is part of the drive to develop accessible, equitable and affordable non-pharmacological approaches that...

Moderna vaccine price hike a 4,000% mark-up above cost Responding to news that Moderna is considering raising the price of its COVID-19 vaccine to between $110 and $130 per dose in the United States, Julia Kosgei, Policy Co-Lead for the People’s Vaccine Alliance, said:  “Billions of taxpayer dollars went into the development of mRNA vaccines. This vaccine isn’t just Moderna’s, it was developed in collaboration with a government agency based on decades of publicly-funded research. It is the people’s vaccine – and it should be available and affordable for everyone, everywhere.  “Experts have estimated that a dose of the Moderna...