The FDA has approved Tretten (coagulation factor XIII A-subunit [recombinant]; Novo Nordisk) for use in the routine prevention of bleeding in adults and children who have congenital Factor XIII A-subunit deficiency, a rare clotting disorder. Tretten is the first recombinant product approved for this indication. RELATED: Hematological Disorders Resource Center Tretten is a recombinant analog of… Read More »

originally posted on FDA.gov FDA approves Nexavar to treat type of thyroid cancer The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved uses of Nexavar (sorafenib) to treat late-stage (metastatic) differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is a cancerous growth of the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck. Differentiated thyroid cancer is the… Read More »

originally posted on FDA.gov FDA approves Imbruvica for rare blood cancer Second drug with breakthrough therapy designation to receive FDA approval   The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Imbruvica (ibrutinib) to treat patients with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL), a rare and aggressive type of blood cancer. MCL is a rare form of non-Hodgkin… Read More »

Johnson & Johnson will pay $2.2 billion to settle charges that the company marketed drugs for unapproved uses and paid “kickbacks” to doctors and nursing homes.     Originally published by CNNMoney, Nov 4th The penalties announced Monday involve fines and forfeiture to the federal government and several states. The settlement involves the schizophrenia drugs… Read More »

Johnson & Johnson will pay $2.2 billion to settle charges that the company marketed drugs for unapproved uses and paid “kickbacks” to doctors and nursing homes.     Originally published by CNNMoney, Nov 4th The penalties announced Monday involve fines and forfeiture to the federal government and several states. The settlement involves the schizophrenia drugs… Read More »

  New drugs could extend cancer patients’ lives—by days. At a cost of thousands and thousands of dollars. Prompting some doctors to refuse to use them.   By Stephen S. Hall On August 3, 2012, the Food and Drug Administration approved a new cancer drug called Zaltrap as a safe and effective treatment for patients… Read More »

Rising Healthcare Costs: A Deeper Look Into Catastrophic Claims Advanced Medical Strategies contributed the article below to the Self-Insurer Magazine It comes as no surprise to anyone that health care costs continue to rise. We are all aware of the common conditions that result in catastrophic claims: cancers, premature babies, spinal surgeries, end-stage renal disease, and… Read More »

Massachusetts-Based Company Launches Healthcare Diagnoses Database That Alters the Landscape for Insurance Industry; Predicts Costs and Risks for Reinsurers   Lynnfield, MA [date] –The Affordable Care Act has dramatically increased the number of businesses who self-insure, creating a greater need for companies who provide stop-loss or reinsurance policies to look deeper into their long-term liabilities…. Read More »

Orlando Health Piloting Hospital At Home Program In June, Orlando Health announced a pilot program where patients are monitored in their home, rather than admitted to a hospital. Patients who are diagnosed with one of three conditions; skin infection (cellulitis), blood clot (DVT) or pneumonia will be offered the opportunity to enroll in the program…. Read More »

FDA Approves Procysbi For Rare Genetic Disorder In April 2013, Procysbi was FDA approved as an orphan drug for the treatment of nephropathic cystinosis.  Cystinosis affects only roughly 500 patients in the United States. The disorder causes the amino acid cystine to accumulate in every cell of the body, leading to kidney problems and the… Read More »