The rigors of medical training sharpen a doctor's ability to diagnose and treat a wide variety of human afflictions. However, drug abuse and addiction are often insufficiently covered in medical school curricula, despite the fact that drug use affects a wide range of health conditions and drug abuse and addiction are themselves major public health issues.

To improve drug abuse and addiction training of future physicians, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), part of the National Institutes of Health, today unveiled a series of new teaching tools, through its Centers of Excellence for Physician Information Program (NIDA CoEs), at the Association of American Medical Colleges 2009 Annual Meeting's "Innovations in Medical Education" Exhibit in Boston.

The new NIDA CoE curriculum resources provide scientifically accurate information on substance abuse, addiction and its consequences to help meet the educational needs of medical students, residents and medical school faculty. The first seven curriculum resources include lectures, problem-based case studies, a faculty workshop, and a web module, any of which can be incorporated into existing medical curricula.

"Physicians can be the first line of defense against substance abuse and addiction, but they need the resources and the training," said NIDA Director Dr. Nora D. Volkow. "Our long term goal is for doctors to incorporate screening for drug use into routine practice like they currently screen for other diseases; to help patients that are abusing to stop; and to refer more serious cases to specialized treatment."

Three themes have emerged in this first wave of CoE offerings: the importance of communication in the doctor-patient relationship, particularly around sensitive issues; the recognition that substance abuse may play an integral role in many disorders physicians treat, even when not the presenting condition; and the crucial part physicians can play in both identifying substance abuse in their patients and reducing their risk of developing a substance use disorder.

For example, several CoE resources address prescription drug abuse among chronic pain patients, which presents special issues for physicians, who must balance adequate treatment with the risks of addiction.

"Our goal is to improve the quality of pain treatment and the safety of prescribing opioids by increasing the knowledge and skills of medical providers early in the educational process," emphasized Dr. Jeffrey Baxter of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, developer of one of the CoE resources.

By pairing substance abuse expertise with innovations in medical education, these curriculum adjuncts can enhance substance abuse medical education, help to remove the stigma associated with substance abuse, and ultimately improve patient care.

The NIDA CoE program was created through a partnership with the American Medical Association's medical education research collaborative, Innovative Strategies for Transforming the Education of Physicians and includes the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, the Harvard Medical School/Cambridge Health Alliance, the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Creighton University School of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and Drexel University College of Medicine.

The NIDA CoE program is part of NIDAMED — NIDA's ongoing commitment to the medical community to provide scientifically accurate and useful resources for addressing substance abuse in their patients. NIDAMED offers a variety of tools, including an online interactive screening tool to help doctors accurately assess their patient's substance use.

More information on the NIDA CoE resources can be found at: www.drugabuse.gov/coe.

Information on the NIDAMED program can be found at: www.nida.nih.gov/nidamed.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) — The Nation's Medical Research Agency — includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It is the primary federal agency for conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and it investigates the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

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The warning letters directed the companies to cease the marketing and sale of these products immediately or to take other appropriate action to bring the products into compliance with the law. Failure to do so may result in additional regulatory actions such as seizure or injunction. In addition, FDA requested a written response from each of the companies within 15 days outlining the corrective actions taken.

Enforcement of the flavored cigarette ban is FDA's effort to remove cigarettes that contain certain candy or fruit flavors from the marketplace. Removal of these products from the market will assist in the prevention of children and adolescents from starting to smoke and in the reduction in death and disease caused by smoking.

'FDA takes the enforcement of this flavored cigarette ban seriously,' said Lawrence R. Deyton, M.S.P.H, M.D., director of FDA's Center for Tobacco Products. These actions should send a clear message to those who continue to break the law that FDA will take necessary actions to protect our children from initiating tobacco use.'

The Tobacco Control Act, which was passed by Congress and signed by the President in June 2009, specifically called for a ban on cigarettes containing certain characterizing flavors. On Sept. 14, 2009, FDA sent a letter to regulated industry reminding them that the ban would go into effect on Sept. 22, 2009. FDA also stated in the letter that any company who continued to sell such products after the Sept. 22, 2009, effective date may be subject to FDA enforcement actions.

Since the effective date of the ban, FDA has examined products offered for import and searched the Internet to identify illegal products. As a result, FDA issued several warning letters to companies and Web sites that continued to market and sell these illegal products over the Internet to consumers in the United States. The warning letters were the result of Internet searches conducted by FDA's Office of Enforcement and the Center for Tobacco Products.

FDA posted the warning letters that detail the offending websites and flavored cigarette products on the agency's Web site. Review warning letters issued by FDA:
http://www.fda.gov/ICECI/EnforcementActions/WarningLetters/default.htm

Report possible violations of the flavored cigarette ban:
www.fda.gov/flavoredtobacco

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All fifty-eight patients, with a median age of 63 and all with advanced acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome - a pre-leukemic condition - saw their blood cancers go into remission using a novel combination of low-intensity chemotherapy, targeted radiation delivery by an antibody and a stem-cell transplant. Forty percent of the patients were alive a year after treatment and approximately 35 percent had survived three years, about the same rates as patients who received similar treatment but whose disease was already in remission and who had much more favorable risk for relapse when therapy began.

Results of the research appear online in the journal Blood. The principal investigator and corresponding author of the paper is John Pagel, M.D., Ph.D, a transplant oncologist and assistant member of the Hutchinson Center's Clinical Research Division.

The purpose of the study was to find the maximum dose of radiation that patients could tolerate with acceptable toxic side effects, not to assess how effective the novel treatment was, according to Pagel and colleagues. However, "the results appear to be very encouraging and warrant us to study it further for patients who really have no significant other curative options," Pagel said.

Older (over age 50) patients with active, advanced leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome pose the most difficult treatment challenges because standard transplant therapy rarely works, according to Pagel. Both standard and low-dose therapies (a process sometimes known as a "mini transplant" and pioneered at the Hutchinson Center) used to kill leukemia cells in the bloodstream in preparation for a transplant usually require that patients be in remission.

The patients in this study, who came from all over the world to participate in the Phase 1 clinical trial, were in large part those with active relapsed disease that in many cases had failed to respond to standard therapies. Eighty-six percent of the 58 patients had active disease and only 10 percent were in remission when therapy was begun. Their cancers had failed previous treatment attempts. "These were people who had extremely advanced high-risk disease, they were typically older - most of them were in their 60s and some were in their 70s - and had few or no other options for a potential cure. In fact most, if not all, would not been offered a stem cell transplant here or elsewhere. It is fair to say that these patients would likely have died without a transplant being performed if they had not been given the opportunity to participate in this study."

To find the optimal dose of radiation, researchers began at 12 Gy (Gray, a unit of measurement of absorbed radiation dose) and escalated the dosages in increments of 2 Gy up to a Gy of 26. At that dose, some toxicity to the heart and lungs was found so they concluded 24 Gy to be the maximum effective dosage. The 21 patients who received the maximum radiation dose have survived the longest, researchers reported.

The key to success in this study was use of a radiolabeled antibody that has therapeutic iodine 131 attached and is designed to target leukemic bloods cells that carry a marker on the surface of the cell known as CD45. Its use in delivering targeted amounts of radiation was developed several years ago at the Hutchinson Center. Delivered intravenously, the radiation looks for the CD45 antigen receptor on the surface of blood cells. This approach results in a two- to four-fold increase in the amount of radiation that reaches cancerous cells as compared to standard external beam radiation, which also radiates normal surrounding organs and tissue. The more radiation that can be applied, the more cancer cells will be killed in preparation for donor stem cells to take over the diseased immune system and kill off the remaining cancer cells.

Pagel said further research is needed to test more patients at the highest radiation dose both at the Hutchinson Center and at other transplant centers around the country.

Joining Pagel in the study were colleagues from the Hutchinson Center, the Pacific Northwest Laboratory and the departments of Medicine, Pediatrics and Nuclear Medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine.

Grants from the National Institutes of Health, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation, the Edson Foundation and the Frederick Kullman Memorial Fund supported this research.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, our interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists and humanitarians work together to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other diseases. Our researchers, including three Nobel laureates, bring a relentless pursuit and passion for health, knowledge and hope to their work and to the world. For more information, please visit fhcrc.org.

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SAN CLEMENTE, Calif., November 8, 2009 -- Medelita®, maker of breakthrough medical apparel, celebrates National Nurse Practitioner Week this November 8 through 14. Nurse practitioners (NPs) are advanced practice nurses who provide high-quality healthcare services similar to those of a doctor. They diagnose and treat a wide range of health problems, and even prescribe medication. This year, nurse practitioners are celebrated for providing '125,000 solutions to the primary care shortage.'

'Nurse practitioners play a critical role in our healthcare system, providing much needed care that encompasses disease diagnosis and treatment, health education and helping patients to make wise choices and to become better advocates of their own health,' said Lara Manchik, PA-C and founder, Medelita. 'Medelita is proud to be a partner to NPs, who combine strengths from nursing and medicine to provide a holistic approach to personalized patient care.'

Most nurse practitioners have advanced degrees, such as master's degrees, and training beyond their registered nurse credentials. Many even have doctorates in their areas of specialty. Since 1965, NPs have been practicing in all types of settings including clinics, hospitals, private physician or nurse practitioner offices, schools, urgent cares, colleges and public health offices, to name a few.

Nurse practitioners work in areas such as family health, women's health, pediatrics, gerontology, psychiatric, neonatal and oncology. In addition, NPs also often practice in subspecialties, ranging from allergy and immunology, cardiovascular, dermatology, endocrine and gastroenterology, to neurology, orthopedics and many others.

Mimi Secor is one of the many nurse practitioners who not only embodies the philosophy of NPs in providing healthcare to the underserved, she has been instrumental in promoting awareness of NPs as a growing force in delivering quality healthcare.

'We provide care for patients who have the least voice,' said Secor, who was one of the first nurse practitioners to run her own practice, and who has been instrumental in getting legislation passed allowing NPs to write prescriptions for medication. 'We have to take it upon ourselves to educate people about what NPs bring to the table.'

Every day, nurse practitioners are making a difference in the lives of patients and they are advancing the role of women in the healthcare professions. Medelita honors NPs this week and throughout the year, through its 'Celebrating Women in Healthcare' campaign showcasing the talents, devotion and accomplishments of women all across the nation, just like Secor. The women selected for 'Celebrating Women in Healthcare' each receive a lab coat or scrubs of their choice and are featured on the Medelita web site. Nominations that include photos and detailed descriptions of professional and personal accomplishments can be emailed to celebrating.women@medelita.com.

About Medelita
Medelita has one purpose: to reinvent the way women of all healthcare professions present themselves at work by offering the highest quality, best fitting, and most comfortable medical apparel available, including lab coats, embroidered lab coats and women's medical scrubs. Medelita caters to professional women who want their uniforms to embody the poise and confidence already displayed from within. For more information, visit our website at http://www.medelita.com or call 877.987.7979.

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The molecules — called 'antibody-recruiting molecule targeting HIV' (ARM-H) and 'antibody-recruiting molecule targeting prostate cancer' (ARM-P) — work by binding simultaneously to an antibody already present in the bloodstream and to proteins on HIV, HIV-infected cells or cancer cells. By coating these pathogens in antibodies, the molecules flag them as a threat and trigger the body's own immune response. In the case of ARM-H, by binding to proteins on the outside of the virus, they also prevent healthy human cells from being infected.

'Instead of trying to kill the pathogens directly, these molecules manipulate our immune system to do something it wouldn't ordinarily do,' said David Spiegel, Ph.D., M.D., assistant professor of chemistry and the corresponding author of both papers.

Because both HIV and cancer have methods for evading the body's immune system, treatments and vaccinations for the two diseases have proven difficult. Current treatment options for HIV and prostate cancer — including antiviral drugs, radiation and chemotherapy — involve severe side effects and are often ineffective against advanced cases. While there are some antibody drugs available, they are difficult to produce in large quantities and are costly. They also must be injected and are accompanied by severe side effects of their own.

By contrast, the ARM-H and ARM-P molecules, which the team has begun testing in mice, are structurally simple, inexpensive to produce, and could in theory be taken in pill form, Spiegel said. And because they are unlikely to target essential biological processes in the body, the side effects could be smaller, he noted.

'This is an entirely new approach to treating these two diseases, which are extraordinarily important in terms of their impact on human health,' Spiegel said.

HIV is a global pandemic that affects 33 million people worldwide, while prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death among American men, with one out of every six American men expected to develop the disease.

Funding for this research was provided by the National Institutes of Health.

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'As with other life insurance policies, a variable policy provides your beneficiary with permanent protection once you pass away,' the article, Variable Life Insurance Policy: More is Better than Less, describes. 'Despite the protection, many people neglect to purchase a life insurance policy simply because it's too linear for them. A variable life insurance, however, is unlike any insurance policy you'll ever come across.'

While a variable life insurance policy comes with all of the benefits of a standard life insurance policy, it differentiates itself by it also allowing the policyholder to divide a portion of the premium dollars to a separate account, typically made up of investment funds. These types of investment funds include: equity, money market, bond, and stock funds, among others.

If an investment fund does poorly, however, an investor will have less money available for the premiums. The policy's cash value and death benefit may decrease as well, meaning investors will have to put in more work to keep the policy active.

'Despite these obstacles, a variable policy offers plenty of punch to its holders,' the article emphasizes. 'If you're tired of the same old benefits a standard life insurance policy offers, contact your life insurance agent and inquire about how a variable life insurance policy can spice things up for you.'

Staff contribution: Rafael Onak

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Patients hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 influenza are evaluated to determine if antiviral drugs will be useful; some patients are not able to take the drugs that are currently available as pills or liquid and may benefit from intravenous antiviral medications.

To help meet the potential need for IV medications to combat the H1N1 virus, HHS ordered 10,000 treatment courses each from BioCryst, Roche and GlaxoSmithKline, totaling $31.5 million. The contracts allow HHS to place additional orders of up to 30,000 treatment courses with each manufacturer over two years. Roche manufactures Tamiflu; GlaxoSmithKline, Relenza, and BioCryst manufactures Peramivir.

Because there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved antiviral medications that can be administered intravenously to treat influenza, the FDA issued an emergency use authorization on Oct. 23 to allow use of intravenous Peramivir, an investigational antiviral drug in the class of drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors.

The HHS orders for intravenous oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and intravenous zanamivir (Relenza), also neuraminidase inhibitors, are predicated on FDA emergency use authorization for these medications.

FDA has not issued emergency use authorization authorizing the use of intravenous Tamiflu or Relenza. Orders for Tamiflu and Relenza are based on anticipated need of emergency use authorizations for additional IV drugs in the future. Tamiflu and Relenza are FDA-approved in the form of pills or liquid, and studies are ongoing into the use of these two drugs intravenously for hospitalized H1N1 flu patients.

The emergency use authorization for IV Peramivir allowed doctors to prescribe the drug to treat certain adults and children hospitalized with confirmed or suspected 2009 H1N1 infections. Specifically, IV Peramivir is authorized only for hospitalized adult and pediatric patients for whom therapy with an IV drug is clinically appropriate.

To authorize emergency use of any product, the FDA commissioner must determine that in an emergency, based on the totality of scientific evidence available, it is reasonable to believe that the product may be effective in diagnosing, treating, or preventing the serious or life threatening disease or condition; that the known and potential benefits of the product outweigh the known and potential risks of the product in the emergency situation, and that there is no adequate, approved, and available alternative to the product for diagnosing, preventing, or treating such serious or life threatening disease or condition.

The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) within the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) will manage the contracts. BARDA supported the advanced development of IV Peramivir beginning in 2007 as part of a larger HHS initiative to develop promising new influenza medications and vaccines.

For more information on the emergency use of IV Peramivir authorized by FDA, including information for health care providers on patient eligibility, see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/eua/. Healthcare providers can also call 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636). Additional information about BARDA contracts is available at https://www.medicalcountermeasures.gov/announcements.aspx

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The study, published online in Cancer Prevention Research, is the first to examine green tea as a chemopreventative agent in this high-risk patient population. The researchers found that more than half of the oral leukoplakia patients who took the extract had a clinical response.

Long investigated in laboratory, epidemiological and clinical settings for several cancer types, green tea is rich in polyphenols, which have been known to inhibit carcinogenesis in preclinical models. Still, clinical results have been mixed.

"While still very early, and not definitive proof that green tea is an effective preventive agent, these results certainly encourage more study for patients at highest risk for oral cancer," said Vassiliki Papadimitrakopoulou, M.D., professor in M. D. Anderson's Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, and the study's senior author. "The extract's lack of toxicity is attractive - in prevention trials, it's very important to remember that these are otherwise healthy individuals and we need to ensure that agents studied produce no harm."

In the Phase II dose-finding study, 41 M. D. Anderson oral leukoplakia patients were randomized between August 2002 and March 2008 to receive either green tea extract or placebo. Participants took the extract, an oral agent, for three months at one of three doses - 500 per meter squared of body mass (mg/m2); 750 mg/m2 or 1,000 mg/m2 - three times daily. To best assess biomarkers, participants also underwent a baseline and 12-week biopsy, an important component in the design of the study, the researchers say.

"Collecting oral tissue biopsies was essential in that it allowed us to learn that not only did the green tea extract appear to have benefit for some patients, but we pointed to anti-angiogenic effects as a potential mechanism of action," said Anne Tsao, M.D., assistant professor in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, and the study's first author. "While preliminary because our patient population was so small, this gives us direction for further study."

Of those taking green tea at the two highest doses, 58.8% had a clinical response, compared with 36.4% in the lowest extract dose and 18.2% in the placebo arm. At an extended follow-up with a mean of 27.5 months, 15 participants had developed oral cancer, with a median time to disease development of 46.4 months.

Although not statistically significant, the green tea extract also improved histology and trended towards an improvement in a number of biomarkers that may play a vital role in predicting cancer development.

Another important finding, say the researchers, was that that the extract was well tolerated. Side effects, including insomnia and nervousness, were mostly seen in the high-dose group but produced no significant toxicity.

"While these are encouraging findings, much more research must be done before we can conclude that green tea may prevent oral or any other type of cancer. It's also important to remind people that this trial enrolled very few participants who, at the highest dose levels took the equivalent of eight cups of green tea three times a day," said Papadimitrakopoulo. "We need to further understand if green tea offers longer-term prevention effects for patients."

Papadimitrakopoulo and Tsao think that future studies with green tea in this high-risk population should focus on participants being exposed to the supplement for a longer time period. The researchers also stressed that the green tea extract studied in this trial was never sold over-the-counter and/or the Internet, both of which are not highly regulated. Rather, the compound was exclusively developed as a pharmaceutical.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 35,720 are expected to be diagnosed with oral and/or pharynx cancer and the five year survival rate is less than 50%.

The study was funded by Ito En, the company that produced the green tea extract.

In addition to Papadimitrakopoulou and Tsao, other M. D. Anderson authors on the study include: Waun Ki Hong, M.D., professor and chair of the Division of Cancer Medicine; Jack Martin, D.D.S., professor in the Department of Dental Oncology; Li Mao, M.D., adjunct professor, and Xi Ming Tang, M.D., Ph.D., research scientist, both of the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology; Adel El-Naggar, M.D., Ph.D., professor in the Department of Pathology; Iganacio Wistuba, M.D., professor in the Department of Pathology-Research; Kirk Culotta, Phar M.D., Department of Pharmacy pharmacology research; Ann Gillenwater, M.D., professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery; J. Jack Lee, Ph.D., professor, and Diane Liu, both of the Department of Biostatistics. Other authors include Yuko Sagesaka of Ito En, Ltd. 11/05/09

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With Kelly Brook hitting the headlines in a new poster campaign which has been specially doctored to better cover up her E-cup assets, The Harley Medical Group reports that the majority of female patients look to go up just two cups sizes.

Liz Dale, Director at The Harley Medical Group, said, "On the whole women want a natural, curvy look which ensures all their assets are in proportion. Most of the women we see are proud of their figures and through surgery want to achieve - or often regain - increased feelings of confidence and femininity by correcting a part of themselves they are not 100% happy with."

Angela Fry, 38, from Berkshire had breast enlargement surgery after she had her fourth child. She commented, "After each birth, my shape changed dramatically and my breasts sagged and lost their shape completely. For me, having a boob job wasn't about getting bigger breasts but getting them back to the shape and size that was right for my figure."

Liz Dale noted, "We always counsel our patients that cosmetic surgery will not transform them into their heroine (or hero); however it can be useful for a patient to come to us with a clear idea of the shape they're looking to achieve."

Notes to editors:
Breast Augmentation surgery at The Harley Medical Group costs from £4,275.

About The Harley Medical Group
The Harley Medical Group is the UK's largest cosmetic and plastic surgery provider, performing more procedures and with more clinics than any other cosmetic surgery provider. It has been established for over 25 years and is one of the most highly-regarded Cosmetic Surgery Groups operating in the UK. It has treated over 450,000 patients to date.

The Harley Medical Group is renowned for introducing and pioneering most new surgical and non surgical techniques to the UK and Irish markets, such as Aesthera PPx, Laser Hair Removal, Cool Touch Laser, Silk Touch Laser, Collagen for lines and wrinkles, Laser for snoring, Tumescent Liposuction, LPG cellulite treatment etc. All new treatments and techniques are first thoroughly researched and tested before they are submitted for approval by the Group's Medical Advisory Committee, as being suitable for application by the Group's fully trained and specialized Plastic Surgeons, Doctors and Treatment Nurses.

PR Contact:
Hannah Walsh
Rain UK
2 Greycoat Place
London
SW1P 1SB
020 7222 4345
www.harleymedical.co.uk

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Scent-Sations created 'Hope' as a special Limited Edition 16oz pink jar candle perfumed with high-end designer fragrances, and made it available to thousands of their independent distributors. This clean-burning natural wax candle can be purchased from distributors and online via their secure web store.

The company is donating all profits from each jar sold to the NEPA chapter of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® to breast cancer, a cancer that will strike almost 200,000 women in the United States this year, and thousands of men. Many individual distributors are also donating a portion or all of their profits from the sales of 'Hope' to their local chapters around the United States.

'This effort will continue for as long as the need is there' says company CEO Bob Scocozzo. 'We're not just going to do this for October, but plan on making a donation every month to this worthy cause.' Scocozzo credits his wife Cathy with her devotion to this cause. 'It was her determination and commitment that made this 'Hope' candle a reality, and we owe a big thanks to her for helping make it happen.'

The next time you consider purchasing a candle, consider buying some 'Hope', and know that a portion of your funds are going to help make this deadly cancer a thing of the past.

Scent-Sations, Inc. is a direct sales company headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, PA with distributors throughout the United States and Canada. They provide a home-based business opportunity for anyone looking to generate additional part-time income or full-time income from the comfort of their own home.

Products include Mia Bella's Gourmet Candles®, Mia Bella's Bakery® bun and pie shaped candles, Bella Bar® gourmet body bars, hand washes, lotions, wax melters, air fresheners the Mia Bella Beauty ® line of high-end mineral cosmetics.

For more information visit: http://www.Scent-Team.comContact: bob@scent-team.com Direct Line: 570-704-4700

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Dr. Bixby said being with the team for two days was a surreal experience. 'We fitted some of the finest athletes, one right after the other, so much talent in one room. These are true professionals who take their performance seriously. They were all so easy to work with.' Bixby himself fitted Guard Tim Duckworth, Safety Chip Vaughn, D.E. Will Smith, Connecticut's star T.E. Tyler Lorenzen and W.R. Tim Meachem, to name a few.

The Pure Power Mouth Guard technology is not reserved for professionals. 'We fit all kinds of athletes with the VERY SAME technology and guards the pros use. Some just want increased performance on the golf course or tennis courts; others are college athletes looking for every chance to improve. We've even found that singers and speakers benefit from wearing a PPM.'

Getting a Pure Power Mouth Guard is a simple two visit procedure. The first is a highly specialized but pain free fitting appointment that lasts about two hours. During the second appointment, the patient goes home with the mouth guard.

For more information on the PPM mouth guard, to see photos or blog with Dr. Bixby about his experiences with the pros, visit http://www.purepowermouthguard-ppm.com

About Dr Michael Bixby
Dr. Michael Bixby, DMD, FAGD is a General, Cosmetic and Neuromuscular/TNJ Dentist practicing at the Atlantic Center for Advanced Dentistry in Little Silver, NJ.

http://www.CosmeticDentists-NJ.com

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* Labor savings of up to 35-40% per receiving-and-inventory-replenishment employee, allowing participating companies to reallocate staffing resources to other critical tasks;
* Fewer inventory 'stock outs' and increased fill rates because products get more quickly from the receiving dock to the location where they are stored.
* Increased security due to EZ Cart® doors being secured with numbered seals.
* Easier maneuverability within facility and less physical strain on employees when using the EZ Cart® compared to receiving products on a pallets.

'Cardinal Health's EZ Cart® program provides a much easier and safer way to unload and move products around our facility than traditional pallets or forklifts, offers tighter security for controlled substances and saves our shipping and receiving staff a tremendous amount of time,' said Rick Miller, senior director of logistics and inventory for Prime Therapeutics. 'The EZ Cart® has helped us create significant efficiencies with how we receive and replenish pharmaceutical products within our facilities, and is a great example of Prime Therapeutics' commitment to finding innovative ways to more efficiently and effectively serve the needs of our clients and members.'

EZ Cart® is part of a broad array of value-added supply chain optimization services that Cardinal Health currently offers to help mail order pharmacies improve cost-effectiveness and efficiency. To learn more about EZ Cart® and other services that Cardinal Health offers to help its mail order customers improve cost-effectiveness, please visit www.cardinalhealth.com/mailorder.

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Pasadena, CA

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) between 8,000 and 18,000 people are hospitalized in the U.S. each year due to Legionnaires' disease. This number may be just the tip of the iceberg as it is believed by many experts that most cases are not diagnosed or reported.

The disease caused by Legionella, Legionnaires' disease, got its name after a 1976 outbreak at an American Legion convention in Philadelphia that sickened 221 people and caused 34 deaths. There is a milder form of the illness, known as Pontiac Fever, whose symptoms typically diminish and clear up without treatment.

The transmission of Legionella occurs via aerosols, when mist containing the bacteria is inhaled. Legionella can be found in nature in environments such as lakes and streams, but most human infections occur from manmade sources involving cooling towers or hot water systems.

Those infected by Legionella may take up to two weeks before they begin to show symptoms. Early on it may manifest its presence with flu-like and fever symptoms which can escalate into problems with nausea, nervous system issues and pneumonia. The CDC reports that 5% to 30% of cases can cause death.

As one of the largest environmental laboratories in the country, and an expert resource for Legionella analysis, EMSL Analytical and its affiliate LA Testing have developed a number of ongoing initiatives to educate environmental professionals and the general public about the organism that causes the disease. A dedicated website with more information can be found at www.LegionellaTesting.com.

'The collective expertise that EMSL and LA Testing have created over the years developing testing procedures for Legionella has made the company a rich source of information,' reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. To learn more about Legionella and other environmental services please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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WHITEHOUSE STATION, N.J.– Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) today outlined its global plans following the completion of Merck's merger with Schering-Plough Corporation announced yesterday. The new Merck is a global health care leader aimed at providing innovative, distinctive products and services that save and improve lives, while satisfying customer needs and creating long term shareholder value.

'With our merger now complete, we are ready to deliver on the promise of a new Merck built on a foundation of scientific innovation and dedication to the well-being of patients around the world,' said Richard T. Clark, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Merck. 'On 'Day One' for the new Merck, we are stronger and better equipped to make a difference in the lives of people globally through our broadened, diversified portfolio of innovative medicines and vaccines, and products for consumer and animal health.

"Our integration teams prepared us well for a strong start today, with thorough plans designed to ensure a seamless transition for our customers and employees," added Mr. Clark. "The combination of the considerable talents of Schering-Plough and Merck employees across the globe positions Merck to move through this dynamic time for our industry with a clear vision for the future."

From the outset, Merck is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal and consumer health products. This portfolio is complemented by a robust pipeline with more than 15 promising late-stage candidates spanning critical therapeutic categories. Merck now has approximately 106,000 employees and operates in more than 140 countries around the world, including emerging markets. The company expects to generate more than 50 percent of its revenue outside the United States.

"The people of the new Merck share a passion for the good our medicines and vaccines can do for patients and a commitment to pursuing high-quality results with our customers and partners," Mr. Clark said. "Thanks to the talent and dedication of scientists at both companies, the combined company offers an outstanding clinical development pipeline that will greatly increase our ability to deliver important new medicines to patients.'

The company's corporate headquarters will be in Whitehouse Station, NJ, as previously indicated. In addition, the company's U.S. organization for the Global Human Health division and Merck Research Laboratories will be headquartered in Upper Gwynedd, PA. The former Schering-Plough headquarters in Kenilworth, NJ and Merck's operations in Rahway, NJ, will continue to be important sites, with large and diverse operations encompassing marketing, manufacturing and research. At this time, all other sites will continue to operate as they did before the merger.

Key Therapeutic Areas
The new Merck has a broad portfolio of medicines – an engine for consistent, sustainable growth – driven in part by the addition of valuable products with long periods of exclusivity. By leveraging Merck's expanded product offerings, the company expects to benefit from additional revenue growth opportunities. For example, Merck will pursue expanded life-cycle management through the introduction of potential new combinations and formulations of existing products.

The company's diverse portfolio of adult, adolescent and pediatric vaccines and medicines spans important therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular, diabetes, obesity, bone, respiratory, immunology, dermatology, infectious disease, oncology, neurosciences, ophthalmology, women's health and endocrinology.

Diversified Businesses
The new Merck's expanded portfolio also includes leading products from its Animal Health and Consumer Health Care business units.

Merck's Animal Health business is a world leader with market-leading products for a broad range of species and strong growth potential. The division has more than 1,000 marketed products and generates approximately $3 billion in revenues.

The company's Consumer Health Care business has a number of attractive brands such as CLARITIN, COPPERTONE, DR. SCHOLL'S and MIRALAX.

Financial Highlights
Merck is targeting a high single digit non-GAAP EPS¹ compound annual growth rate from 2009 to 2013 (with the 2009 base representing Merck's previous stand-alone non-GAAP EPS guidance of $3.20 - $3.30). Additionally, in 2013, Merck is targeting free cash flow to be approximately $15 billion. The combined company will have a strong balance sheet with cash and investments of approximately $8 billion at the time of the closing. As previously indicated, Merck expects the transaction to be modestly accretive in 2010.

Merck also continues to expect to achieve substantial incremental cost savings of approximately $3.5 billion annually beyond 2011 which are expected to come from all areas across the combined company.

The strong cash flow and substantial cost savings will enable the company to continue to invest in some of the best investment opportunities, including pipeline candidates with the greatest probability of success, as well as licensing opportunities. By optimizing its investments, the new Merck will maximize the benefits of strategic growth initiatives and R&D efforts to solidify its position at the forefront of innovation and enhance its scientific and technological leadership.

Additionally, Merck's Board of Directors continues to be committed to maintaining the dividend at the current level.

Organizational Structure
During the past six months, Merck and Schering-Plough merger integration teams worked hard to successfully maintain the business momentum of the two companies while ensuring operational readiness and business continuity for the merged company.

The integration plans are focused on these priorities: an effective transition for customers and employees; putting the right people in the right jobs; realizing projected merger synergies in the form of cost savings and revenue growth opportunities; and maintaining momentum in the company's late stage pipeline.

The company took significant steps prior to the merger's completion to advance its integration planning objectives. In August, Merck announced the new organizational structure and top leadership team for the combined company. Last month, approximately 300 executives from Merck and Schering-Plough were named to key country leadership positions to ensure that all markets around the world would be ready for business on the first day of operations for the new Merck.

The company's previously announced organizational structure takes advantage of the combined strengths of Merck and Schering-Plough to create a more customer-focused, innovative, and diversified global health care company positioned to capitalize on the company's greatest opportunities for growth, particularly in emerging markets, biologics and vaccines. Merck has five primary divisions: Global Human Health, Animal Health, Consumer Health Care, Merck Research Laboratories and Merck Manufacturing.

Leadership
The new Merck will benefit from the unparalleled industry experience of senior leaders from both Schering-Plough and Merck, with approximately 40 percent of Schering-Plough's senior leaders joining the combined company.

As announced in August, the Executive Committee, reporting directly to CEO Dick Clark, includes the following individuals, as well as a Chief Medical Officer who will be named at a later date: Stanley F. Barshay, EVP and president, Consumer Health Care; Richard S. Bowles, Ph.D., chief compliance officer; Willie A. Deese, EVP and president, Merck Manufacturing; Kenneth C. Frazier, EVP and president, Global Human Health; Mirian Graddick-Weir, Ph.D., EVP, Human Resources; Peter N. Kellogg, chief financial officer; Peter S. Kim, Ph.D., EVP and president, Merck Research Laboratories; Raul E. Kohan, president, Animal Health; Bruce N. Kuhlik, general counsel; J. Chris Scalet, chief information officer, Global Services; and Mervyn Turner, Ph.D, chief strategy officer.

Corporate Branding
With the merger complete, Merck will take a global approach to unify and simplify use of its trade name. The company will use the trade name 'Merck' in the United States and Canada and elsewhere use the trade name 'MSD.'

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MADRID .- IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Telvent Global Services today announced they have entered into a multi-million euro agreement with Castilla y Leon Government to improve management of the province's healthcare centers. The transformation of Castilla y Leon's healthcare centers back office will allow for greater communication among primary care centers, specialized care centers, and emergency and central services allowing the healthcare system to run more efficiently, providing improved care for the local community.

IBM and Telvent Global Services will provide consultancy and information technology (IT) services to help Castilla y Leon transform and improve health center procurement, logistics and supply processes. Central purchasing activity and a unique products catalogue will be enhanced. As the transformation engine, a new technology system will be rolled out to all health centers. The new system will enhance aggregated procurement from the different centers, expanding integration with suppliers.

The system will be integrated with the IT systems of the Regional Health Management organization and the corporate systems of the Castilla y Leon government. The regional government of Castilla y Leon will be the first autonomous community in Spain to use this technology platform -- the latest of its kind geared specifically for the public sector.

The aim of the project is to lower costs for Castilla y Leon by streamlining operating procedures. Communication and information exchange between various centers will be more efficient, and the healthcare system will have greater control over supplies and resources, providing more accurate information to assist decision making. This means that employees will be able to devote more time and attention to tasks of greater added value.

The project demonstrates IBM's position as a benchmark technology firm for the healthcare sector. IBM is currently helping to overhaul other healthcare systems in Catalonia, Murcia, Aragon, Extremadura and Castilla y Leon.

IBM is creating a smarter, more connected healthcare system that delivers better care with fewer mistakes, predicts and prevents diseases, and empowers people to make better choices. This includes integrating data so doctors, patients and insurers can share information seamlessly and efficiently. IBM also helps clients apply advanced analytics to improve medical research, diagnosis and treatment in order to improve patient care and help reduce healthcare costs.

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Sedation dentistry has been available for decades. With the realization that millions of Americans, nearly 30%, are afraid of the dentist, sedation dentistry has grown in popularity and demand.

Dr Sherzoy believes many of his NJ patients avoid regular dental care because of anxiety and fear. He is concerned about those patients who avoid dental care at all costs, even if they are in pain or discomfort. 'Dental negligence can lead to serious medical consequences. Many people don't associate conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke with dental neglect, but these are some of the major repercussions that can occur as a result of avoiding the dentist.'

With Conscious Sedation dentistry, the patient will experience a state of very deep relaxation. They can still speak and respond to the requests of others. According to Dr Sherzoy, 'Unlike General Anesthesia where a patient is completely unconscious, asleep, and unable to respond, patients under Conscious Sedation, are able to respond to commands and breathe on their own.'

Dr Sherzoy is trained in certified by the renowned DOCS Education. All of the DOCS programs are designed exclusively by practicing dental and medical professionals. They are built upon countless hours of study and research in the science and methodology of oral sedatives, patient psychology, and pain management and control.

To learn more about Dr Sherzoy and Bogota Dental Center, visit http://www.dentistbergencounty.com/

About Dr Sultan Sherzoy
For over 16 years, Dr. Sherzoy has been providing the Bogota New Jersey community with excellent dental care. Dr. Sherzoy specializes in all aspects of dentistry, including cosmetic dentistry, periodontal diseases, advanced prosthodontics and full mouth rehabilitation and root canal therapy.

Dr. Sherzoy is an active member of the ADA (American Dental Association), AGD (Academy of General Dentistry), ICOI (International Congress of Oral Implantologist) and AOI (Academy of Osseo Integration). He is also a fellow of ICOI, finally a regular attendee of the American Society for Dental Aesthetics.

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NAIROBI, KENYA.- A pivotal efficacy trial of RTS,S, the world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate, is now underway in seven African countries: Burkina Faso, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania. The trial, which is expected to involve up to 16,000 children, is on schedule, with more than 5,000 children already enrolled, researchers announced Tuesday at the 5th Multilateral Initiative on Malaria Pan-African Malaria Conference.

Developing a vaccine against malaria, a scientific challenge for decades, is critical to defeating the disease. A vaccine would complement existing interventions, such as bed nets and effective drug therapies. GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' (GSK Bio) RTS,S is the first malaria vaccine candidate to demonstrate significant efficacy during early development to warrant Phase III testing. It is the leading vaccine candidate in the global effort by the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative (MVI) to develop a malaria vaccine.

'A malaria vaccine could help save countless lives and redefine the future for Africa's children,' said Dr. Patricia Njuguna, RTS,S principal investigator (KEMRI-Wellcome Trust, Kilifi, Kenya) and chair of the Clinical Trials Partnership Committee, a collaboration of African research institutions, MVI, and GSK Bio that is leading the clinical development of RTS,S. 'Communities all across Africa are dedicated to this future and are participating to ensure that we develop a vaccine with an acceptable safety and efficacy profile.'

RTS,S is the first vaccine designed primarily for use in Africa, where malaria kills more than 800,000 people every year, the majority of them children under the age of five. By conducting the trial in seven different countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, researchers will be able to evaluate the vaccine candidate's efficacy in a variety of settings, with diverse patterns of malaria transmission. For example, some trial sites are located in areas where there is a year-round threat of malaria, while others experience only seasonal transmission.

All of the research centers were chosen for their track record of world-class clinical research, strong community relations and commitment to meeting the highest international ethical, medical, clinical and regulatory standards.

'This is a tremendous moment in the fight against malaria and the culmination of more than two decades of research, including 10 years of clinical trials in Africa,' said Dr. Joe Cohen, co-inventor of RTS,S and Vice President of R&D, Vaccines for Emerging Diseases and HIV, at GSK Biologicals. 'The Phase III trial is a huge undertaking that depends on effective coordination between researchers, regulators, families and communities. Everyone involved has invested significant energy and resources to pave the way for what could become the world's first malaria vaccine.'

Recent Phase II studies showed that RTS,S reduced clinical episodes of malaria by 53 percent over an eight-month follow-up period. Findings from a Phase II trial initiated in 2002 and conducted with more than 2,000 children in southern Mozambique, published in the medical journal The Lancet in2004 and 2005, showed that RTS,S was efficacious for at least 18 months in reducing clinical malaria by 35 percent, and severe malaria by 49 percent.[i] , [ii] In addition, RTS,S was shown to have a promising safety and tolerability profile when used alongside the World Health Organization's (WHO) standard infant vaccines.

"This historic trial could lead to the availability of a vaccine with the potential to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of African children, if the data are positive," said Dr. Christian Loucq, director of the PATH Malaria Vaccine Initiative. 'But development is only half the mission; MVI and its partners are committed to ensuring this vaccine reaches those who need it most. We hope the international community will respond by starting to prepare for the day when—if all goes well—this vaccine will be available for distribution and use.'

The Phase III trial

The Phase III trial will evaluate the vaccine's efficacy in two groups of children. One group, aged 6 to 12 weeks, will be vaccinated as part of their regular schedule of infant immunizations; the second group includes children aged 5 to 17 months. The vaccine profile is intended primarily for infants, as they and children under the age of five are the most vulnerable to malaria.

'This is the largest trial ever conducted in Africa of a vaccine specifically designed for use with African children. We have great appreciation for the families and children participating,' said Dr. Salim Abdulla, director of the Ifakara Health Institute, Tanzania, which is participating in the Phase III trial. 'Development of RTS,S across Africa has strengthened our research capacity, a legacy that will far outlast the trials.'

Each country hosting a study site has undertaken independent reviews to ensure the trial meets national safety, ethical and legal standards for medical research. In addition, an independent data and safety monitoring board oversees the entire trial with support from local safety monitors. The trial has been designed in consultation with appropriate regulatory authorities in the European Union, the United States and African countries, in conjunction with the WHO

Looking ahead

If the Phase III program progresses as expected, RTS,S could be submitted for regulatory review under Article 58 as early as 2012. Article 58 is a special review procedure that allows the European Medicines Agency (EMEA), in close collaboration with the WHO, to issue a scientific opinion regarding the quality, the efficacy and the safety of a medical product that is intended for use exclusively outside the European Union.

Under current plans, the RTS,S vaccine candidate would be submitted to regulatory authorities in 2012 based on efficacy in children 5-17 months of age. Additional safety and immunogenicity data from the infant population will be submitted soon thereafter, followed by efficacy data for infants once available. Depending on the final clinical profile of the vaccine and the timetable of the regulatory review process, the first vaccine introduction could take place over the next three to five years.

'GSK's approach is to make every effort possible to accelerate the availability of this life-saving vaccine,' said Mr. Jean Stéphenne, President and General Manager, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals. 'Ever conscious of the burden of malaria, we have no time to lose and we will exhaust every avenue at our disposal. This is our commitment as a company.'

MVI, the WHO and US Agency for International Development developed the Malaria Vaccine Decision-Making Framework to help countries prepare to make decisions related to future adoption of a malaria vaccine and thereby avoid unnecessary delay between the recommendation for use of a vaccine and its availability in low-income countries. GSK and MVI are already working with malaria-affected countries and international institutions to ensure that, if successful, a malaria vaccine will be readily available and affordable to those who need it most.

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MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.– When a medical bill arrives in an Ohio resident's mailbox, its side effects usually include procrastination, confusion and concern. That's the conclusion of an Intuit Inc. (Nasdaq: INTU) survey that asked Ohioans how they feel about healthcare finances.

The Healthcare in Ohio survey, found Ohioans confused about what they were being asked to pay and why they owed that amount. Fifty-five percent said they stumbled over the medical jargon and codes included in their healthcare paperwork. This confusion has led, in part, to a quarter of Ohioans letting at least one medical bill go 90 days past due or be sent to a collection agency in the past year.

The survey also shed light on the anxiety facing Ohio residents from Aberdeen to Zoarville trying to get a handle on their healthcare finances. Forty-three percent felt that healthcare costs had drastically increased in the past year, and nearly 70 percent expressed concern about their ability to manage medical bills for themselves and their families. As a result, three-quarters of respondents routinely put off opening their medical mail, which includes bills and explanation of benefits statements.

"Our findings in Ohio are a prime example of how medical bills stand apart in the family budget," said Peter Karpas, president and division general manager of Quicken Health Group. "No other payment seems to cause so much concern and angst. And because medical bill amounts can be significant and often arrive when people are stressed, this is the one bill that must be clear, understandable and easy to pay."

These challenges are driving development in consumer-oriented medical management tools, including two online tools from Intuit: Quicken Health Expense TrackerSM, which helps patients understand what they owe and why. It also provides guidance on what to do if something is wrong, and helps consumers conveniently pay online. A second tool, Quicken HealthSM Bill Pay, makes it easy for doctors to provide their patients with a more understandable medical bill that can be conveniently paid electronically – resulting in less confusion and faster payments. More than two-thirds of survey respondents said they would use a product that would help them understand their medical bill and the amount they're being asked to pay.

"There's a connection between the unfamiliar language, on one hand, and delinquent bills on the other, Karpas said.

"Additional research has shown that 40 percent of patients don't pay their medical bills, simply because they either don't understand what they're being asked to pay for or don't believe they are responsible for the amount due. As many as half of those bills are written off as unpaid debt and that can drive up healthcare costs for everyone," he added.

The Ohio study also found that people don't use technology to pay medical bills as frequently as they do to pay other debts. While Americans routinely pay many bills electronically, 68 percent of Ohio respondents still pay their medical bills by paper check—a source of higher processing costs for a sector that is trying to keep costs down.

Quicken Health's Ohio Healthcare survey was conducted from Sept. 22 – 29 by Decipher Research on behalf of Intuit's Quicken Health Group. It surveyed 1,000 adult Ohio residents who had visited a medical doctor in the past 24 months.
Additional Resources

* More Ohio survey findings can be found at www.quickenhealthohiosurvey.com
* For information on Quicken Health Expense Tracker, go to www.QuickenHealth.com
* Providers interested in learning more about Intuit Patient Payments should go to www.intuitpatientpayments.com
* Click here for the Quicken Health Group online press room.
* Follow the Quicken Health Group on Twitter at www.twitter.com/quickenhealth

— WebWireID107054 —

Today, ViiV Healthcare, a new specialist HIV company established by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) and Pfizer, was officially launched. Dr Dominique Limet, the Chief Executive Officer of ViiV Healthcare, outlined the company's ethos and priorities to tackle the increasingly diverse and complex needs of people living with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

Reflecting on the current challenges in HIV and the opportunity for ViiV Healthcare, Dr Limet said, 'Rising infection rates and increasingly complex treatment issues have created a challenging landscape in the treatment of HIV and the need for innovative research and better patient resources.'

The discovery of anti-retroviral treatments for HIV was, said Dr Limet 'a momentous achievement', turning a life threatening illness into a chronic disease. However, he also noted that at present even those people who have access to proper care and treatment live, on average, ten years less than people without the virus. 'This is unacceptable and we must stay relentless in the pursuit of new medicines' maintained Dr Limet.

He acknowledged that research and development into HIV had become more difficult and that to deliver effective medicines a new approach is needed. 'In truth, we have to get closer to those people who live with the virus,' said Dr Limet. 'Much of our historic effort has been led by the virus – a chase of science. This must continue, but we must also listen and better understand the needs of people living with HIV. If we get this balance right, I believe ViiV Healthcare can really make a difference.'

Strong focus on stimulating research and development

ViiV Healthcare has 10 medicines currently available including therapies such as Epzicom/Kivexa (abacavir sulfate+lamivudine) and Selzentry/Celsentri (maraviroc). Revenues from these available treatments, which generated sales of approximately £1.6 billion in 2008, will provide ViiV Healthcare with financial stability and support sustained investment in its pipeline and programmes.

Dr Limet stated that ViiV would be pursuing 'multiple' strategies to develop this existing business and to deliver new growth opportunities, including geographic expansion, new collaborations and business development activities.

The company also has a pipeline of seven innovative and targeted medicines, including five compounds in phase II development. Altogether, ViiV Healthcare has 17 molecules in its portfolio to develop as potential new HIV treatments.

Dr Limet commented, 'Our ambition is to conduct research and development both inside and outside ViiV Healthcare. Our R&D efforts, strategic partnerships and licensing opportunities will be focused on delivering medications that help address resistance issues and dosing complexity. Within our own pipeline we have some very exciting molecules, including our late stage integrase inhibitor development programme.'

'ViiV Healthcare's R&D will not solely focus on creating 'new' medicines. We will explore the potential of all our molecules for broader utility, for example to create new formulations and combinations that can help improve adherence or overcome resistance to the virus.'

'We are also actively seeking new collaborative opportunities to address the diverse needs of patients in the developing and developed world,' said Dr Limet. 'Our ambition is to leverage the best science, from multiple external partners, to create better treatment.'

ViiV Healthcare has signed a Research Alliance Agreement with GSK and Pfizer under which it will invest in research and development into HIV medicines being conducted by both companies. GSK and Pfizer have also agreed to grant ViiV Healthcare a right of first negotiation in relation to any new HIV-related medicine developed by either GSK or Pfizer.

Dr Limet specifically highlighted the need to drive advances in research for children living with HIV, 'A core objective of ViiV Healthcare will be to address the current treatment and formulation gaps faced in responding to paediatric needs. One of our first tasks will be to identify partners to help develop fixed-dosed combinations and we are providing £10 million of seed funding to support a Public Private Partnership approach to the discovery of much needed clinical evidence into new HIV/AIDS medicines for children.'

Access to medicines

Dr Limet affirmed that improving access to HIV treatments will be a critical priority for ViiV Healthcare. He made it clear that ViiV Healthcare is committed to broadening access to its current medicines for all those people requiring life-saving treatment regardless of income and geography.

'It is essential that ViiV Healthcare continues and builds upon GSK and Pfizer's commitments to improve access to HIV medicines' said Dr Limet. 'We will work to identify ways to best support access, whether it is in developing country settings through not-for-profit, preferential pricing and voluntary licences or by providing assistance for people in need in developed nations'.

The long-standing Positive Action programme, established by GSK in 1992, will be at the core of ViiV Healthcare's partnership programmes, supporting local communities impacted by HIV/AIDS globally. With an emphasis on community engagement, ViiV Healthcare will support efforts to address the challenges of HIV prevention, tackling stigma and discrimination, building capacity and treatment literacy.

As part of the Positive Action programme, ViiV Healthcare is committed to a recently announced series of initiatives under the new Positive Action for Children Fund, a £50 million programme over 10 years focused on the prevention of HIV transmission from Mother-to Child, and the health and well being of women, orphans and vulnerable children around the globe.

In conclusion, Dr Limet stated that ViiV Healthcare had the potential to 're-energise' the pharmaceutical industry's participation in HIV.

He emphasised the strong commitment of ViiV Healthcare's shareholders, GlaxoSmithKline and Pfizer, to the new company and said that he wanted to build upon their heritage and success in developing and providing access to HIV treatments.

'ViiV Healthcare has a sustained commitment to delivering advances in HIV care and treatment. By focusing solely on HIV, we will have the ability to explore a broad and diverse range of opportunities within this specialist area of medicine', he said. 'This is ViiV Healthcare's potential and our aim is to deliver for all people living with HIV.'

About ViiV Healthcare:

ViiV Healthcare will have worldwide headquarters in London, and US headquarters based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Dr Limet will be a member of the ViiV Healthcare Board and will lead the company's executive management team with Dr John Pottage, Chief Medical Officer, Subesh Williams, Chief Financial Officer, and Dr Manuel Goncalves, Head of Government Affairs, Patient Advocacy, Community Partnership and Access.

GSK holds an 85% interest in ViiV Healthcare and Pfizer holds 15%. GSK and Pfizer announced that they had agreed to form a new specialist HIV company on 16th April 2009. The transaction was completed on October 30th 2009.

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