Health Highlights: July 24, 2008

FDA Approvals

Breast Cancer Test Rates Drug Therapy Candidates
Helps doctors make better treatment decisions

New Drug-Coated Stent Approved
The Xience stent helps prevent arteries from re-clogging

Collagen Wrinkle Filler Approved
Evolence uses tendons harvested from pigs

Wireless Device Approved for Diabetics
Communicates with pump to deliver insulin

FDA Approves Generic Risperdal
Antipsychotic drug prescribed for schizophrenia

New 5-in-1 Vaccine May Reduce Number of Pediatric Shots
By as many as one-third

FYI

Health Tip: Evaluate Your Diet
Is it time for a healthier eating plan?

Health Tip: Reduce Pesticide Exposure
Take these precautions

Pet Doors Opening at Assisted Living Centers The health benefits of an animal's companionship can be significant, experts say. >> complete story

Soy Linked to Low Sperm Count Could affect fertility, especially in overweight and obese men, researchers report. >> complete story

Intestinal Gluten Receptor Is Gateway for Celiac Disease
Finding could offer new treatments for other autoimmune disorders, study says

Genetic Cause of Statin-Related Muscle Pain Found
British researchers identify variant that increases risk of myopathy at high doses

Targeted Drug Boosts Survival Among Liver Cancer Patients
Sorafenib added three months for those with advanced disease, study finds

Twofold Action Urged for Pre-Diabetes
Goal is to prevent progression to the full-blown disease and its huge costs

Kidneys Donated After Cardiac Death Cut Racial Disparities
Black patients conferred better outcomes; organ pool increase cut wait time to transplant

Simple Procedure Improves Male Fertility
Correcting varicose veins in scrotum boosts sperm count, motility, study finds

Children Can Develop Tolerance to Egg Allergy
Greek study finds gradual exposure builds resistance over time

Coronary Disease Dulls Cognitive Skills
Large study found the longer person had heart trouble, the worse their performance

Protein Gives Doctors New Tool to Detect Melanoma
Excessive IMP-3, not found in harmless moles, may be key to diagnosis

Family Meals Can Help Teen Girls Avoid Drugs, Alcohol
But the study didn't find a similar effect on boys

Alcohol Use Frequently Overlooked Before Surgery
Patients with a problem 3 to 4 times more likely to face complications, study says

Mouse Model to Aid Sinusitis Research
Genetically engineered rodents will help in study of loss of smell, researcher says

Viagra May Boost Female Libido in Some Cases
Study suggests sildenafil may reduce sexual dysfunction for women taking antidepressants

Clinical Trials Update: July 23, 2008