Merck's antiretroviral drug Isentress suppresses levels of HIV in previously untreated patients better than the company's antiretroviral efavirenz, according to research presented Sunday at a meeting of the American Society of Microbiology and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, Reuters reports. According to Phase III clinical trial results, Isentress -- known generically as raltegravir -- reduced HIV viral loads to undetectable levels in 86% of patients compared with 82% of patients treated with efavirenz (Fox, Reuters, 10/26).
Funding Shortage Hindering HIV/AIDS Programs In Burundi
HIV/AIDS programs in Burundi are unable to expand their services because of a shortage of government funding, IRIN/PlusNews reports. The National AIDS Control Council of Burundi said that in 2008, the government experienced an $11 million shortfall in the $28 million budget needed to address HIV/AIDS in the country. In addition, there was an $83 million shortage in funding needed to fulfill the national AIDS strategic plan from 2007 to 2011.
Spending On Diabetes Drugs Nearly Doubles
The cost of diabetes medications in the U.S. increased by 87% to $12.5 billion in 2007 from $6.7 billion in 2001, according to a study published on Monday in the Archives of Internal Medicine, Bloomberg/Boston Globe reports.
Don't Forget The Men In October's Sea Of Pink
Pink is all the rage in October as money and awareness are raised for the most common cancer for women (other than skin cancer) during Breast Cancer Awareness month. But what about some attention for one of the most common cancers in men? Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, according to the American Cancer Society.
November Is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), pancreatic cancer is the fourth leading cancer killer in the country, with over 37,000 new cases expected and more than 34,000 deaths by year's end. In New Jersey alone, an estimated 1,000 deaths are expected this year due to the disease.
Examining HIV/AIDS Situation In Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday examined how estimates indicate that new HIV infections in Philadelphia are occurring at a rate more than five times the national average. According to the Inquirer, the estimates, which are based on CDC data released in August, are part of a broader government strategy to slow the spread of the virus.
That 'Sticky' Chromosomes Have Role In Kidney Cancer, VAI Researchers Find - Somatic Chromosome Pairing May Play Role In Other Cancers As Well
Van Andel Institute (VAI) researchers have found that when chromosomes "stick" together during the cell division process, an outcome known as somatic chromosome pairing, the result in two types of kidney cancer is disruption of a gene critical for cellular response to changes in oxygen levels. Somatic chromosome pairing may be present in other tumor types as well.
