Drug benefit firms under scrutiny, but still growing

Article Abstract:

Drug benefit firms are under closer examination as concerns increase about conflict of interests with the drug manufacturers with which they deal. Mergers have created larger companies that have given pharmaceutical benefits managers more clout. A pharmaceutical benefits manager may also be rewarded with discounts if they guide physicians, insurers and managed care companies to purchase a particular drug.

Management, Pharmaceutical industry, Health care industry

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Stroke drug not associated with long-term benefits

Article Abstract:

The antithrombotic drug ORG 10172 does not offer long term benefits to stroke patients. The drug was found to improve the outcome of patients who had strokes that were due to large-artery atherosclerosis. In general, however, the drug did not seem to effect significant improvement after a three month period. Additionally, the drug appears to increase the instances of mild and severe hemorrhages.

Research, Stroke patients, Fibrinolytic agents, Thrombolytic drugs

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Unlocking innovation

Article Abstract:

Kaiser Permanente is suing Biomedical Patent Management Corp. for enforcing a medical method patent. Although Congress has banned medical patent enforcement against health care professionals, it failed to include patents that had been issued prior to the law. Kaiser's suit alleges that the Biomedical patent has been surpassed by other methods and therefore has no reason to enforce it.

Licenses, Patents & Trademarks, Editorial, Cases, Intellectual property, Health insurance industry, Kaiser Foundation Health Plan Inc., Biomedical Patent Management Corp.

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