This research is part of the American Heart Association's
Emerging Science Series, a free online webinar presentation.
View the webinar at www.scientificsessions.org/emergingscience .

Study Highlights:

• A higher strength of cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins did not increase the risk of kidney injury after heart attack.
• These findings may reassure doctors and patients of the safety of higher strength statins among heart attack survivors.

Statins have been shown to reduce the risk of a first or recurrent heart attack, but recent observational studies suggest that high doses may be linked to a higher incidence of kidney injury.

In this study, researchers analyzed data from two large clinical trials in which survivors were randomly assigned to receive either high- or low-dose statins. Higher strenght statins did not increase the risk of hospitalizations with kidney injury when compared to low-dose statins.  In addition, concentrations of a blood protein, called creatinine, which reflects kidney function were comparable between the two groups during follow-up.

'These findings provide important reassurance to clinicians that the use of some high-potency statins will not increase the risk of kidney injury,' said Amy Sarma, M.D., M.H.S., the study's lead author and a resident physician in internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Mass.

The study data were obtained from two trials with more than 4,000 participants each – the PROVE IT-TIMI 22, and the A-to-Z Trial.

Co-authors are Christopher P. Cannon, M.D.; Stephen D. Wiviott, M.D.; Marc S. Sabatine, M.D., M.P.H.; Marc A. Pfeffer, M.D., Ph.D.; Elaine B. Hoffman. Ph.D.; Jianping Guo, M.A.S. and James A. de Lemos, M.D.  The senior author was Michelle L. O'Donoghue, M.D., M.P.H.

Author disclosures are on the abstract. Bristol-Myers Squibb and Sankyo funded the PROVE IT-TIMI 22 study. Merck funded the A-to-Z trial.

For the latest heart and stroke news, follow @HeartNews on Twitter.

###

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association conferences are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

Additional resources, included multimedia, are available in the right column of this link:  http://newsroom.heart.org/news/higher-strength-statins-do-not-increase-risk-of-kidney-injury?preview=8c429a7ef3e87bc71de0dfd62883fc43

For Media Inquiries: (214) 706-1173
Maggie Francis: (214) 706-1382;  maggie.francis@heart.org
Carrie Thacker: (214) 706-1665;  carrie.thacker@heart.org
Julie Del Barto (broadcast): (214) 706-1330;  julie.delbarto@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
 

— WebWireID176212 —

This research is part of the American Heart Association's
Emerging Science Series, a free online webinar presentation.
View the webinar at www.scientificsessions.org/emergingscience .

Study Highlights:

• People with a gene that has been turned off through a natural process maybe at higher risk of heart and blood-vessel disease.
• The affected gene, called CPT1A, makes a liver enzyme which, at low levels, is linked to increased risk factors for heart and blood-vessel disease.
• Evaluating CPT1A as a new genetic biomarker may one day identify people at the greatest risk for developing heart disease.

Two known biomarkers are high blood levels of certain fats – low-density lipoproteins ('bad' cholesterol) and high triglycerides. Another recognized biomarker is a protein called adiponectin, which is made in fat tissue and helps regulate the process of turning food into energy. At low levels it is associated with increased disease risk.

Researchers examined these biomarkers in relation to a particular gene, called CPT1A in 888 patients from the Genetics of Lipid-Lowering Drugs and Diet Network study. The gene makes a liver enzyme that helps break down fat in food.

They also monitored a biochemical process called methylation that switches off genes. During this process carbon and hydrogen atoms combine to form a compound called a methyl group, which binds to a portion of a gene and turns off its activity.

'Our results open the door to the development of new screening tools and a clearer understanding of the biological mechanisms that underlie heart disease,' said Stella Aslibekyan, Ph.D., study lead author and assistant professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

They found that patients who had methyl groups bound to CPT1A had significantly higher triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein levels, and lower adiponectin.

Heart disease is the number one killer among adults in the United States, and researchers are trying to identify individual genetic differences that might increase risk. One way to do this is by studying subtle variations in indicators of disease, or biomarkers, to identify people who are at greatest risk for developing heart disease.

'This is one step on the road to personalized medicine,' Aslibekyan said. 'In the future, we may be able to screen for methylation of CPT1A to identify at-risk individuals.'

Co-authors are Marguerite M. Irvin, Ph.D.; Jin Sha, M.S.; Degui Zhi, Ph.D.; Krista Stanton Thibeault, M.S.; Michael Y. Tsai, M.D., Ph.D.; Paul N. Hopkins, M.D.; Ingrid B. Borecki, Ph.D.; Jose M. Ordovas, Ph.D.; Devin M. Absher, Ph.D.; and Donna K. Arnett, Ph.D.

The National Institutes of Health funded the study.

For the latest heart and stroke news, follow @HeartNews on Twitter.

###

Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals or presented at American Heart Association conferences are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

Additional resources, including multimedia, are available in the right column of this link:  http://newsroom.heart.org/news/genetic-off-switch-linked-to-increased-risk-factors-for-heart-disease?preview=3ade8c330d41e626b95974d5792414dd

For Media Inquiries: (214) 706-1173
Maggie Francis: (214) 706-1382;  maggie.francis@heart.org
Carrie Thacker: (214) 706-1665;  carrie.thacker@heart.org
Julie Del Barto (broadcast): (214) 706-1330;  julie.delbarto@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
 

— WebWireID176211 —

American Heart Association Comment

DALLAS, June 19, 2013 – The American Medical Association has announced the organization has designated obesity as a disease requiring treatment and prevention efforts.

The American Heart Association believes the additional focus is needed on this important risk factor for heart disease and stroke.   We work with individuals, industry, healthcare professionals and national, state and local governments to recognize the severity of the issue and the need for more coordinated and comprehensive solutions.

Obesity is defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher. Over one-third (33.7%) of U.S. adults are obese (nearly 75 million adults) and about 12 million (16.9%) of U.S. children ages 2 to 19 are obese and nearly one in three (31.7%) U.S. children (23,500,000) ages 2 to 19 are overweight or obese.

'Obesity is mainly caused by taking in more calories than are used up in physical activity and daily life, but other factors may also contribute to obesity including genetics, limited access to healthy foods or unsafe environment for physical activity,' says Donna Arnett, Ph.D., president of the American Heart Association. 'When people eat too many calories, or too much saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, their blood cholesterol levels often rise. But even taking off a few pounds can provide you with cardiovascular benefits, so every step in the right direction is a step toward healthier living.'

If you have too much fat — especially around your waist — you're at higher risk for health problems.  Obesity

• raises blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
• lowers HDL 'good' cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is linked with lower heart disease and stroke risk, so reducing it tends to raise the risk.
• raises blood pressure levels.
• can induce diabetes. In some people, diabetes makes these other risk factors much worse. The danger of heart attack is especially high for these people.

###

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association receives funding mostly from individuals. Foundations and corporations donate as well, and fund specific programs and events. Strict policies are enforced to prevent these relationships from influencing the association's science content. Financial information for the American Heart Association, including a list of contributions from pharmaceutical companies and device manufacturers, is available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

Related links:
American Medical Association news release
American Heart Association:
Obesity Information
Body Mass Index (BMI calculator)
Nutrition Center
My Life Check
Life's Simple 7
 
Contact:
Tagni McRae (214) 706-1383,  tagni.mcrae@heart.org
Julie Del Barto (Broadcast) (214) 706-1330,  julie.delbarto@heart.org
 
 

— WebWireID176206 —

Kansas City, Mo. - AMC Theatres® is proud to announce the launch the AMC Summer Nights program, which will offer some of the past year's biggest movies for just $3, with a portion of the proceeds to benefit the Will Rogers Institute, the Autism Society of America and Autism Speaks.

Starting June 24 and throughout this eight-week program, AMC guests can see the following blockbusters for $3 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights at 10 p.m., at more than 200 AMC locations nationwide:

June 24-26: THE DARK KNIGHT RISES
July 1-3: DJANGO UNCHAINED
July 8-10: THE AMAZING SPIDERMAN
July 15-17: THE HUNGER GAMES
July 22-24: OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN
July 29-31: OZ: THE GREAT & POWERFUL
Aug. 5-7: G.I.JOE: RETALIATION
Aug. 12-14: OBLIVION

"AMC Summer Nights combines three things movie-goers love: big movies on the big screen, community support, and exceptional value," said Elizabeth Frank, executive vice president and chief content and programming officer, AMC. "We have eight weeks of blockbusters lined up for our guests, so they can afford and enjoy extra movie-going with their friends. Together, we anticipate raising significant funds for the Will Rogers Institute and our autism organization partners."

The Will Rogers Institute is a national organization committed to reducing disability and deaths causes by pulmonary illness through the funding of advanced medical research. The money AMC raises will fund cystic fibrosis research underway at Kansas City, Mo.-based Children's Mercy Hospital, in addition to other hospital grants.

"The AMC Summer Nights program will enable Will Rogers Institute to sustain critically needed medical research funding," said Todd Vradenburg, executive director of Will Rogers Institute. "Will Rogers Institute programs have been supported by movie-goers since 1936 and we are grateful that AMC continues an entertainment industry tradition to fight pulmonary disease. We sincerely thank AMC and the people who attend movies at their theatres."

AMC Summer Nights will also fund medical research through Autism Speaks and improve access to services and support through the Autism Society, expanding the company's commitment to helping people living with autism. AMC operates a monthly film series, AMC Sensory Friendly Films, in partnership with the Autism Society, and also administers AMC FOCUS, a program which provides individuals affected by disabilities with access to opportunities for competitive employment.

"The Autism Society is proud to continue our work with AMC Theatres on both Sensory Friendly Films and their FOCUS program," said Scott Badesch, president and CEO of the Autism Society. "We are grateful for their work on key issues, particularly meaningful employment for those affected by a disability. AMC's leadership and generosity should serve as an example to the business community. The Autism Society's participation in the AMC Summer Nights program will help us continue the important work of supporting families and individuals affected by autism; we are grateful for AMC's continued support."

"AMC Summer Nights is a wonderful opportunity to see great movies while helping to raise funds and awareness of autism," said Alec Elbert, Chief Strategy and Development Officer at Autism Speaks. "We are grateful to AMC Theatres for its commitment to supporting the autism community through this innovative program."

"We are pleased to have worked with so many partners to make this program possible. We appreciate the support of our eight participating studio partners - FilmDistrict, Lionsgate, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Releasing, Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures, The Weinstein Company, and Universal Pictures," said Robert J. Lenihan, president, programming, AMC. "We also would like to thank our technical partners - Deluxe Entertainment Services Group Inc., Technicolor and Digital Cinema Implementation Partners (DCIP) - as they are collectively helping us bring these titles to our guests and this program to life."

For the AMC Summer Nights movie schedule, the participating locations list, or to purchase tickets, please visit www.amctheatres.com/summermovienights.

About AMC Theatres
AMC Theatres® delivers distinctive and affordable movie-going experiences at 344 theatres and 4,988 screens throughout the United States. AMC operates 25 of the 50 highest grossing theatres in the United States, including four of the top five. AMC has propelled industry innovation and continues today by delivering premium sight and sound, enhanced food and beverage and diverse content to an engaged audience in state-of-the-art buildings.

About the Will Rogers Institute
The Will Rogers Institute is a program of the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation -- a charity named after one of the greatest humanitarians, philanthropists and entertainers, Will Rogers. The Institute is dedicated to the support of research and medical school fellowships in debilitating lung diseases and disorders, the distribution of free health educational materials, and being a national leader in providing life-saving neonatal ventilator equipment to hospitals throughout the United States. For more information about the Institute, please visit www.wrinstitute.org.

About The Autism Society
The Autism Society is the nation's largest and oldest grassroots autism organization. Founded in 1965, the Autism Society and its national network of affiliates is dedicated to improving the lives of those living with autism today, supporting families and communities, ensuring that individuals lead lives of dignity and attain the highest possible quality of life.

About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $195 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships and related activities in more than 40 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

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The financial terms are confidential at this time, but the offer includes the transfer of the Arixtra® and Fraxiparine® (excluding China, India and Pakistan) brands to Aspen, along with the related manufacturing site and the majority of employees at NDB in France and certain dedicated commercial employees.

The proposed transaction is aligned to GSK's strategy of focusing on products with the most growth potential and the delivery of its pipeline.

GlaxoSmithKline – one of the world's leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies – is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer. For further information please visit www.gsk.com

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Cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements
GSK cautions investors that any forward-looking statements or projections made by GSK, including those made in this announcement, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Factors that may affect GSK' s operations are described under Item 3.D 'Risk factors' in the company's Annual Report on Form 20-F for 2012.

— WebWireID176196 —

OAKLAND, Calif. — Americans view obesity as a serious problem among both the overall public and among children and teens, and most people believe that local K-12 schools need to take a leading role in combating the epidemic, according to a recent survey conducted by Field Research Corp.

Nationwide, 78 percent of parents think that healthier food in schools will increase academic performance and a similar percentage say that regular physical activity during the school day will also boost school achievement.

More than eight in 10 Americans endorse new national school nutrition standards established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture that include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and less sodium, saturated and trans fats in meals. They also voice strong support for extending USDA standards to foods that children can buy at school outside of meal times.

Survey results also indicated that Americans believe their local K-12 schools should play the biggest community role in fighting obesity, with 90 percent endorsing a school role on this issue. The public also expresses a high degree of willingness to take actions to reduce obesity in their own lives, in the lives of family members and in their own communities.

These are the findings from a survey conducted by Field Research Corp. on behalf of Kaiser Permanente from March 5 to April 14, 2013. Conducted by telephone in English and Spanish among 2,104 adults nationwide and across four major states and regions of the country, the survey sought to take the public's pulse to assess views on childhood obesity, and actions schools and communities could take to combat the epidemic.

'These findings confirm there is widespread support for school and community involvement in combating childhood obesity,' said Mark DiCamillo, senior vice president of Field Research Corp. and director of the non-partisan Field Poll. 'The results show a strong desire on the part of Americans to take actions to reduce obesity in their own lives, the lives of their families and in local communities.'

Survey respondents also offer broad-based support for policies aimed at building more sidewalks, paths, trails and bike lanes to enable more children to walk and bike to school.

As part of a commitment to the total health and well-being of children and communities, Kaiser Permanente is engaged in a wide array of clinical and community-based efforts to combat the childhood obesity epidemic. The organization supports more than 40 community health initiatives, a major element of Kaiser Permanente's multifaceted Healthy Eating/Active Living program, designed to address the obesity epidemic and other health issues that can result from poor nutrition and lack of exercise.

'Kaiser Permanente is committed to working with schools to improve the health of children, staff and the broader community,' said Raymond J. Baxter, PhD, Kaiser Permanente's senior vice president for Community Benefit, Research and Health Policy. 'These survey results underscore the importance of taking action now to improve the environments in which we live, work, learn and play.'

In February, Kaiser Permanente announced the launch of Thriving Schools, a comprehensive, national effort for K-12 school students, staff and teachers focused on creating a culture of health in school. The organization is also a partner of Let's Move! Active Schools and a founding member of the Partnership for a Healthier America, the nonpartisan non-profit charged with acting on the goals and vision of Let's Move!. As a health care organization, Kaiser Permanente delivers care to an estimated 2 million students, parents, staff and teachers across nine states and the District of Columbia. In 2012, Kaiser Permanente partnered with HBO (Home Box Office), the Institute of Medicine, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation to launch The Weight of the Nation, one of the most ambitious public health campaigns addressing America's obesity epidemic to date. In May 2013, this group launched The Weight of the Nation for Kids, a three-part film series focused on youth.

Additional details of the survey findings include:
Strong support for community groups and organizations to be involved in reducing obesity

Three in four Americans (74 percent) believe that community groups and organizations should be involved in reducing obesity, and that it's not a family or personal issue only. However, most people gave their own community poor grades on efforts to reduce obesity. Nine in 10 respondents say local K-12 schools should play a role in reducing obesity in their community, of whom 64 percent say the schools should take a major role.
New USDA school nutrition standards broadly endorsed

Eighty-three percent of Americans favor the new USDA school nutrition standards for meals served to students and 71 percent endorse extending new standards to foods kids can buy in school other than mealtime.
Differences across ethnic populations

Larger proportions of African Americans (84 percent) and Latinos (82 percent) than others believe community groups and organizations should be involved in reducing obesity. Latinos (93 percent) and African Americans (87 percent) are also more likely to endorse the new USDA school nutrition standards than other ethnic populations.
Differences across selected states and regions

The views of residents in California, Colorado, the Greater Washington D.C. Area and the Pacific Northwest are generally similar to those of the overall U.S. public on most of the issues polled. Some areas where differences are found across these states and regions include the following:

-Californians are somewhat more likely than others to describe obesity as a very serious problem and to say that community groups and organizations outside the family should be involved in combating the problem.

-Californians, along with residents of the Pacific Northwest, are also somewhat more apt to think it is highly important for schools to increase opportunities for kids to walk and bike to school.

-Both California adults and residents of the Greater Washington D.C. area are more likely than others to strongly endorse the new USDA school nutrition standards for meals served in school.

-While Coloradans are just as likely to believe that K-12 schools should be involved in obesity-reduction efforts, fewer believe employers and government should be playing a major role in these efforts.

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About the Survey
The survey was conducted by telephone in English and Spanish among a random sample of U.S. adults nationwide, with over-samples in California, Colorado, the Greater Washington D.C. Area and the Pacific Northwest. A total of 2,104 interviews were completed overall, 801 with adults nationwide, 500 in California, 326 in Colorado, 326 in the Greater D.C. Area and 325 in the Pacific Northwest. In each area the survey employed a dual-frame landline/cell phone telephone design to sample adult residents. The study was commissioned by Kaiser Permanente and its agency, Cause Communications, and conducted by Field Research Corp. All interviews were completed by professionally trained interviewers March 5 to April 14, 2013 from Field Research's central location call center in San Diego.

About Field Research Corporation
Field Research Corporation is a national, full service consumer marketing and public opinion research firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. Founded in 1945 by Mervin Field, Field Research has been serving the survey research needs of business, industry and government for more than 60 years. It was one of the nation's first survey research organizations and today ranks among the most respected.

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, our mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve more than 9.1 million members in nine states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education and the support of community health. For more information, go to: kp.org/newscenter.

— WebWireID176190 —

The Veterans Administration reported an average of 22 suicides a day among veterans in 2013. That's approximately one every 65 minutes — more than were killed in actual combat during the same year. Given that prescription medications used by some VA facilities are consistently failing a large segment of our nation's heroes, Fleming says it takes more than medication to effectively battle Post-Traumatic Stress.

'After being attacked and severely injured by a suicide bomber who exploded about 3 feet away from me in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2006, the only solution I was offered were more and more pills,' says Fleming. 'But it takes more than pills to get a person beyond a traumatic experience. They may be necessary for a season but for me, and many others I've worked with, pills were a temporary solution to problems that required permanent closure.'

Among the veterans Fleming now mentors, some blame their medical care for their conditions going from bad to worse! One such veteran, still in his twenties, was prescribed 23 pills a day to treat symptoms of PTSD. After several months, all of his teeth fell out. But after working with Fleming and some of his associates and partners who are also combat veterans, this soldier completed his Bachelor's Degree, is now in the process of earning his Master's Degree, and remains happily married.

'The credit belongs to him alone,' says Fleming. "He made a choice to take control and take back his life. We simply provided him some tools. He's a true inspiration and success story. I'm humbled and honored to be a part of his life.'

Fleming believes the majority of doctors are sincere and genuinely care about the veterans they treat. But he also believes they need to prescribe solutions that go beyond prescription drugs. This approach was what allowed him to effectively battle and move beyond his own struggle with PTSD and has also proven effective in the lives of other veterans.

Fleming is co-author with Chad Robichaux of the #1 Amazon best-selling book: REDEPLOYED: How Combat Veterans Can Fight the Battle Within and Win the War at Home and Never the Same.
www.RedeployedBook.com 

# # #

BIO: Brian Fleming served as a Team Leader in a Scout/Sniper Platoon with the US Army's 10th Mountain Division in Afghanistan. While deployed, he was blown up twice; first by a roadside bomb, and then by a suicide bomber who exploded 3-feet away from him in Kandahar. Fleming is now known as the 'Blown-Up Guy' since his war-time experiences. After enduring 14 months of reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation he took to the stage, sharing and inspiring others with his story while raising awareness for other veterans and their families. Fleming is considered a leading authority on combat-related PTSD and conducts several mentorship programs annually for veterans to help them overcome their own post-war struggles. Fleming lives with his wife and two children in Dallas, Texas.

# # #

For further information or to schedule an interview with Brian Fleming, contact Jina Underwood at 954-882-3165. Fleming is available as a last minute guest for radio and live in-studio TV segments; advance notice is required for other media.Contact Email: info@bcfleming.com  www.BlownUpGuy.com 
Available for emergency interview via telephone or satellite uplink from Dallas, Texas.

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• Mirasol's founder is a visionary whose dynamic leadership has realized a life's work dedicated to the wellness of those challenged by eating disorders. The founder's passion and tenacity in accomplishing this vision have garnered the respect of peers and colleagues and afforded Mirasol an opportunity to hire and retain competent staff members.
• Throughout the organization, staff members are passionate, competent, and committed to providing innovative and state-of-the-art alternative and evidence-based practices that have resulted in service outcomes beyond industry expectation.
• Mirasol utilizes a holistic approach in its intensive, therapeutic treatment program, which includes traditional and experiential modalities to maximize effectiveness in achieving positive outcomes.
• Interdisciplinary team members, which include master's-level therapists, child and adolescent psychiatric interns, a naturopathic physician, nurses, dieticians, and a neurofeedback specialist, are highly skilled and work together in an integrated approach. The team plays an active role in providing psychological, medical, and emotional support to individuals who are typically resistent to treatment, which allows Mirasol to achieve outcomes that exceed industry standards.
• The high staff-to-client ratio is advantageous to client care with high levels of satisfaction reported.
• Client care is provided in beautiful, bright, airy, and spacious surroundings with a southwestern motif at the base of the mountains, which complements the natural healing process.

Dr. Jeanne Rust, owner and founder of Mirasol says, 'To receive this complimentary and affirmative survey report  from CARF, an objective, industry-wide accreditation commission, is an attestment to our Mirasol team and our unique treatment model.'

Mirasol is a CARF-accredited,residential eating disorder treatment program for women and teens  founded in 1999 that focuses on the relationship between the mind, body, nutrition, and mental health. Its mission is to heal the mind, body and spirit, promoting therapeutic transformation in individuals, and, ultimately, in families and communities.For more information visit call 1-888-520-1700 or visit the web site at  http://www.mirasol.net .

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This is why WhyiLike has launched its new customer review service, a powerful tool that helps SMBs generate and promote more customer reviews. Customer reviews are a key component to any SMBs marketing plan and incorporates many facets of everyday marketing including social media, content marketing, search engine marketing and of course reputation management.

WhyiLike is different from other review sites because it has developed a system that uses handwritten customer reviews that are written while the customer is still at a business or interacting with a service professional. This is paramount to the authenticity of client reviews because the reviews can be verified and traceable to the user.

'Customer reviews are key to any SMB's success because they provide additional insight into how a business runs and sets expectations for the new customer. Handwritten customer reviews add an additional layer of trust and authenticity that most review sites cannot guarantee.' said Shervin Kalinia, CEO of WhyiLike.

WhyiLike provides clients with review cards that are scanned, transcribed and placed on the client's custom designed WhyiLike review site. The reviews are then submitted to the major search engines as well as social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Google Plus.

According to Kalinia, 'The feedback we've received from business owners so far, has been remarkable. Some mention that their 5-star reviews are showing up on Google, while others mention how WhyiLike has improved their level of customer service.  All in all, this is a very powerful marketing tool and we are excited to be offering it to SMBs across the country.'

WhyiLike is currently offering its customer review service for $59/month plus $10 for each new review.

'We decided to price our new platform at a low, competitive monthly rate for multiple reasons. There may be a month where a client has ten reviews, five the next and zero the following month depending on their flow of business. With this model, month one the client would pay $159, the next $109 and the third month only the base fee of $59. This pricing model allows for their reviews to remain up and active on their site and in search engines without a large monthly fee.' said Matthew Dillingham, CTO of WhyiLike.

— WebWireID176153 —

The epidemic indicates a worsening of the humanitarian crisis in northern Syria and the desperate situation in which much of the population is living. Syria's routine vaccination programs were disrupted by the onset of violence in 2011, the targeting of medical workers and health facilities, and the displacement of millions of people to camps and into other overcrowded, unsanitary makeshift living conditions. MSF medical teams have vaccinated more than 75,000 children in Aleppo, Ar-Raqqah, and Idlib Provinces.

"Carrying out a vaccination campaign in a polarized conflict such as this one is proving extremely difficult," said Teresa Sancristóval, MSF emergency manager, 'but vaccination campaigns and basic health care are needed as much as war surgery."

At least 7,000 cases of measles have occurred in northern Syria since the outbreak began, and while mortality rates remain relatively low, measles makes children susceptible to infections that can be fatal when basic medical care is unavailable.

Disease-related mortality rates are rising in Syria, especially among the most vulnerable, because of a lack of access to basic health care and preventive measures such as vaccinations. MSF has prioritized reaching vulnerable groups through its five field hospitals and other medical programs in northern Syria.

"Children, pregnant women, and the elderly, as well as people suffering from chronic diseases like asthma and hypertension, have been a priority in our response to the humanitarian crisis in Syria," Sancristóval said.

While MSF teams have vaccinated more than 15,000 children in the city of Aleppo and more than 22,000 in the rest of Aleppo Province, widespread violence and fear made completing the measles vaccination campaign very difficult. Lines of people assembling for vaccinations were avoided for fear they might attract airstrikes or rocket attacks.

In Ar-Raqqah Province, MSF has vaccinated 35,000 children so far, but in just one of the three districts. The partial coverage, due to security constraints, leaves thousands of children vulnerable to the disease.

In Idlib Province, 164 cases of measles were reported in May. The number of cases continues to rise, despite MSF's mass vaccination campaign in February, which covered 1,900 children under the age of five in an area close to the border where more than 40,000 internally displaced people were living.

MSF is planning to carry out a second mass vaccination in Idlib's camps and surrounding villages for all children under 15. The target group is roughly 10,000 to 30,000 children, but it is difficult to accurately gauge the size of the shifting population.

The new surge in measles in the Idlib area is likely due to the continuous arrival of displaced people fleeing the fighting, a situation now unfolding in many parts of northern Syria.

MSF runs five hospitals in northern Syria in areas controlled by armed opposition groups. MSF negotiates access with all parties, but has yet to receive official authorization to work inside the country. Since the conflict began, MSF teams have carried out 46,000 medical consultations, 2,481 surgical procedures, and 854 deliveries.

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The CRBOH sets standards for professional competence for occupational hygienists and occupational hygiene technologists. According to the CRBOH, RM points represent attainment and maintenance of a high standard of professionalism.

The Advanced Fungal and Data Interpretation Workshop will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2013 in Toronto, Canada from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre located at 30 Carlton St. Toronto, ON M5B 2E9. The cost of the workshop is $299 per person.

'Through this workshop attendees will gain an understanding of advanced sampling techniques for fungi, interpret data, and apply them to investigative strategies,' states Michael Menz, Environmental Training Manager at EMSL Analytical, Inc. 'EMSL Analytical provides a complete array of Microbiology Laboratory Testing services at our equipped and accredited laboratories throughout the United States and Canada."

To view more details about this workshop, including a workshop agenda and continuing education credits, please download the PDF or visit our website.

To register, please contact Angela Elias at 1-888-958-8170.

To learn more about EMSL's Laboratory services or for upcoming workshops, please visit www.EMSL.com, email  info@EMSL.com , or call (800) 220-3675.

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is the nation's leading testing laboratory with over 30 locations throughout theUnited StatesandCanada. We are a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, microbiology, radon, food, and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. Please visit our website for a complete listing of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Fact: the average person spends more than 33 hours per week watching TV.1 Add in the average 3.6 hours per day in front of a screen on social network sites2 and countless hours on a computer at work or school, and you're looking at a substantial amount of screen time. All this screen exposure could have an extremely irritating effect on your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses.

According to a recent nationwide poll that drew participation from more than 167,000 contact lens wearers, over half (55.2 percent) agreed that looking at a computer or television screen when wearing contact lenses were the key factors in experiencing eye discomfort.3

'I'm one of those guys who spends hours on a screen – literally – from the TV screen to the computer screen to the screen on my mobile device. And as a contact lens wearer, I know how important it is for people to be able to count on their lenses for the most important parts of their day – including watching me on TV,' said Ross Mathews, comedian, 'The Tonight Show' correspondent and 'Chelsea Lately' regular. 'No one should be left high and dry when they're trying to see the world around them. That's why I'm working with Bausch + Lomb to invite people to take the Biotrue® Challenge – so they can see first-hand how lens wearing can be easier on their eyes, no matter what the day may bring.'

'People who experience dry, irritated eyes while wearing contact lenses throughout the day should consider trying a contact lens solution that is designed to work like the eyes, such as Biotrue multi-purpose solution,' said Ryan Stybel, O.D. 'The lubricant in Biotrue multi-purpose solution is found naturally in the eyes, and it has a unique formula that helps to keep lenses moist for up to 20 hours. This has made a world of difference for my patients who have found that they can now comfortably wear their lenses longer into the evening.'

Consumers can take the Biotrue Challenge by visiting biotruechallenge.com. Participants have until August 30, 2013 at 11:59:59 a.m. ET to try Biotrue multi-purpose solution, experience the difference and share their feedback with others, for a chance to win $10,000.

To learn more or to take the Biotrue Challenge, please visit www.biotruechallenge.com.

About the Biotrue® Dryness Poll
The Biotrue Dryness Poll was conducted by Bausch + Lomb, makers of Biotrue multi-purpose solution. The Biotrue Dryness Poll was an online survey designed to determine how consumers feel about their current contact lens wearing experience and gauge the situations that leave consumers feeling the most high and dry. 167,423 people responded to the poll between February 5 and May 6, 2013.

About Biotrue®
Biotrue multi-purpose solution is currently available in the U.S. Designed to work like your eyes, Biotrue is the only brand with a pH that matches healthy tears and a lubricant found naturally in the eye. The clear bottle allows you to track how much solution remains and comes in a range of sizes that can be found at most nationwide food, drug and mass retailers. Pricing is based on product size and varies from retailer to retailer. Biotrue is the newest in Bausch + Lomb's portfolio of lens care products that also includes renu® fresh™, renu® sensitive™, Boston Simplus®, Boston Advance® and Boston Conditioning Solution and Boston Cleaner® solutions. For more information about Biotrue multi-purpose solution, please visit your local eye care practitioner and www.biotrue.com.

About Bausch + Lomb
Bausch + Lomb is a leading global eye health company that is solely focused on protecting, enhancing, and restoring people's eyesight. Our core businesses include ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, contact lenses and lens care products, and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. We globally develop, manufacture and market one of the most comprehensive product portfolios in our industry, which are available in more than 100 countries. Founded in 1853, our company is headquartered in Rochester, NY, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide.

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References
1 Cross-Platform Report: How We Watch From Screen to Screen. (n.d.). Nielsen. Retrieved April 18, 2013, from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2012/cross-platform-report-how-we-watch-from-screen-to-screen.html
2 Socialogue: The Most Common Butterfly On Earth Is The Social Butterfly . (n.d.). Ipsos North American Market Research. Retrieved April 18, 2013, from http://ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5954
3 Results of a voluntary online poll conducted by Bausch & Lomb Inc. between February 2013 and May 2013.

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®/™ are trademarks of Bausch & Lomb Incorporated or its affiliates.
All other brand/product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
© Bausch & Lomb Incorporated.
HL6403

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'Avella is proud to continue to have access to Tarceva. Being included in such an elite group of suppliers is a testament to our business model in the oral oncology market.  Manufacturers like Genentech recognize Avella's ability to serve patients in all 50 states and to provide high-touch patient services and reliable product data to ensure maximum drug effectiveness,' stated Leslie Yendro, RN, VP, Business Development of Avella.

Patients currently taking Tarceva will need to have their prescriptions filled by a pharmacy in the limited distribution network. Oncology referral forms can be downloaded at www.Avella.com/forms.

Specialty pharmacies play a key role in providing patients with complex medical conditions access to medications and in monitoring those patients to ensure correct usage. Working as a key component of the healthcare system, Avella collaborates with both providers and patients to offer unique solutions to their challenges. More information about Avella and its specialty services can be found at www.avella.com.

About Avella Specialty Pharmacy

Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, Avella Specialty Pharmacy (formerly operating as The Apothecary Shops) is a National Accredited Specialty Pharmacy, providing individualized care and support to patients since 1996. Avella's clinical pharmacists and staff members are experts in managing complex disease states and providing compassionate care. The company offers a nationwide distribution service to complement its retail locations. Avella reached 1,064th on Inc. magazine's list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the country, up more than 500 places from 2011. In addition, The Arizona Corporate Excellence Awards has named Avella as the fastest-growing private company based in the state. For more information, please visit Avella.com.

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Rome - FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva today has called on FAO's Conference to approve a Programme of Work and Budget that sharpens the focus of the Organization's actions to improve the assistance it gives to Member Countries in reaching their food security and agriculture goals.

'Since I took up office, brick by brick we have laid the foundation we need to improve the assistance we offer our Members,' Graziano da Silva told the Conference.

'This is the missing piece that will transform into concrete action the results of the Reviewed Strategic Framework that we have built together,' he added.

To implement the programme, the Organization is asking for a one percent real budget increase for the next two years, plus less than 4 percent needed to cover inflation and mandatory increases of costs.

'It is in times like these, when the challenges are greater, that we need most to show our collective commitment to the Organization and its goals,' Graziano da Silva told the Conference. After successive budget reductions, FAO's budget had lost 27 percent of its real value in the last 20 years, he noted.

Graziano da Silva also stressed the need to find a consensus on a budget that would allow the Organization to implement the proposed programme of work for 2014-2015, his first as Director-General of FAO.

Transforming FAO

Addressing the FAO Conference, Graziano da Silva highlighted the work done in his first 18 months in office, focusing FAO's work around five new strategic objectives and a sixth technical objective, approving strategies for engagement with the private sector and civil society, as well as strengthening partnerships with scientific and research institutions, and concluding the FAO reform.

Recalling the McDougall lecture with which Professor Amartya Sen opened the Conference on Saturday, the Director-General pointed out one important change in the work of the Organization.

'If we keep looking at hunger simply in terms of food production, we will not solve this problem, as Professor Amartya Sen reminded us…The world already produces enough food. The main cause of hunger nowadays is the lack of access,' said Graziano da Silva.

'Nowadays, to guarantee food security, it is essential to incorporate the access dimension into our responses, alongside our continued support to sustainably increasing food production,' he explained.

The Director-General also highlighted the increased efficiency of the Organization, which has led to savings of nearly 45 million dollars since his election. This, in turn, has made it possible to strengthen FAO's technical presence in the field and implement six regional initiatives responding to the needs identified by Members at the FAO Regional Conferences held in 2012.

'All this will help translate our work into better results where it really matters: at the country level, transforming FAO into a true knowledge Organization with its feet on the ground,' he stressed.

Commitment to eradicating hunger

The Director-General pointed out that the Conference will also be asked to approve a change in the first global goal of the Organization, aiming for the eradication, rather than the reduction of hunger, food insecurity and malnutrition.

'It is just a word, but it makes a great difference,' he said.

'The eradication of hunger and malnutrition will pay a large dividend in terms of peace and prosperity, from which all countries stand to benefit. And it is a crucial part of the sustainable future we want.'

The Conference opened on Saturday with the annual McDougall Lecture delivered by Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen, who focused on the need for a broader approach to fight hunger, and the delivery of FAO awards, among them to the Self Employed Women's Association of India and the European Commission, represented by its President José Manuel Barroso, for their contribution to food security.

On Sunday, countries that have already met the Millennium Development and World Food Summit hunger targets had their achievements recognized at FAO.

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Study Highlights:

• Older people may benefit from implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) as much as younger people.
• Overall health, not age alone, should determine how well people will do after receiving an ICD.

An implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) is a small battery-powered device placed under the skin of the chest which delivers electrical impulses to restore a normal heartbeat if it detects a dangerous abnormal rhythm.

Overall health — not age alone — should determine how well patients will do after getting an ICD and help guide decisions about who should receive one, researchers said.

'Whether elderly patients benefit from the devices has been controversial and research on the topic is lacking,' said Douglas S. Lee, M.D., Ph.D., lead author and scientist at the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences and cardiologist at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 'The issue is important as the population ages and the number of elderly people living with heart disease grows.'

Researchers studied 5,399 patients who had ICDs implanted because of poor heart function due to a prior heart attack or heart failure, or after being resuscitated from cardiac arrest.

'Older patients were just as likely to experience an appropriate electrical shock from the device to treat a life-threatening heart rhythm. However, older patients experienced more non-cardiac and cardiovascular hospitalizations and higher associated rates of death overall,' said Lee, who is also associate professor of medicine at the University of Toronto.

Other study findings include:

• Among those who received an ICD with heart failure or after heart attack, 38.5 percent were 70 years or older and 7 percent were 80 years or older.
• Among those who received an ICD after surviving a cardiac arrest, 42.5 percent were 70 years or older and 10.9 percent were in their 80s.
• Older age correlated with increased risk of death after ICD implantation in both groups. For example, among those undergoing ICD implantation for prevention of cardiac arrest, 2 in every 100 patients ages 18-49 died whereas 10 in 100 died among those 80 years and older.
• Use of the devices was equally effective among younger and older patients in restoring heart rhythm after a serious life-threatening rhythm disorder occurred. Across all age groups, ICDs more often delivered appropriate electrical shocks when implanted after cardiac arrest than when used to prevent the first cardiac arrest.

The Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research funded the study.

Read more on living with an ICD.

For the latest heart and stroke news, follow us on Twitter: @HeartNews.

For updates and new science from Circulation, follow @CircAHA .

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Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations are available at www.heart.org/corporatefunding.

Additional resources, including multimedia, are available in the right column of this link: http://newsroom.heart.org/news/elderly-benefit-from-using-implantable-defibrillators?preview=42e569bc86a2f9ff177c8ae64edc185b

For Media Inquiries: (214) 706-1173
Tagni McRae: (214) 706-1383;  Tagni.McRae@heart.org
Bridgette McNeill: (214) 706-1135;  Bridgette.McNeill@heart.org
Julie Del Barto (broadcast): (214) 706-1330;  Julie.DelBarto@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: (800) AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and strokeassociation.org
 

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Three major wildfires burned in Colorado over the weekend, but the Black Forest fire has been classified as the most destructive on record in the state. In addition to 750 firefighters battling the flames, aircrafts are flying low and dropping flame-retardant chemicals. The military and national guard also joined in to fight against the fast moving fire.

When large amounts of smoke are released from a wildfire, the air becomes filled with combustion by-products such as soot, ash, and char. The smoke can travel long distances and cause damaging effects on properties and human health.

'Often times, property owners of smoke damaged properties have to show proof of damage before insurance providers will approve any repairs and remediation work on a property,' states EMSL's Materials Testing Laboratory Manager, Eugenia Mirica, Ph. D., 'EMSL Analytical is the nation's leading provider of smoke damage testing services and offers fire debris analysis to help settle insurance claims for property damage caused by a wildfire.'

To learn more about testing for smoke damage, char, carbon black, soot, indoor air quality (IAQ), or other environmental issues, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of consumer product, environmental, industrial hygiene, food, and materials testing services to professionals and the general public. In addition, the company offers a large variety of air sampling equipment, sampling cassettes, and monitoring equipment. The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations, as well as state and federal regulating bodies. They include, but are not limited to AIHA IHLAP, AIHA EMLAP, AIHA ELLAP, A2LA, NVLAP, CDC Elite, CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission), CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX Department of State Health Services, and multiple other state accrediting agencies.

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The findings presented at EHA for patients with MCL or DLBCL expand on the results reported by investigators last year at the American Society of Hematology Congress in December 2012. Ibrutinib was shown to achieve the following key results among patients with relapsed/refractory MCL:

-An overall response rate (ORR) of 68%, including a complete response (CR) of 21% where all signs of cancer are gone, and a partial response (PR) of 47%.
-The estimated median duration of response (DOR) in all responding patients was 17.5 months. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 13.9 months, and the median overall survival (OS) has not yet been reached, but is estimated to be 58% at 18 months.
-Treatment-emergent adverse events (AEs) reported in greater than 20% of patients included diarrhea (50%), fatigue (41%), nausea (31%), peripheral edema (28%), dyspnea (27%), constipation (25%), upper respiratory tract infection (23%), vomiting (23%) and decreased appetite (21%) and were consistent with previously reported data. Only 8 patients discontinued due to an AE.

Professor Simon Rule, Consultant Haematologist in the Department of Haematology at the Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, United Kingdom, presented the results of this study at the EHA Congress today. He explained, 'To see these results from a single agent among MCL patients is quite significant and very promising. The fact that response rates continued to increase over time, with no new safety signals, is particularly reassuring.'

In the second study among relapsed/refractory DLBCL patients, investigators examined whether ibrutinib would be more active in the Activated B-cell-like (ABC) subtype of DLBCL compared to the Germinal Center B-cell-like (GCB) subtype. The ABC subtype of DLBCL is dependent on the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) pathway, of which BTK is a key element. Ibrutinib selectively inhibits BTK, with the aim of inhibiting malignant B-cell growth and proliferation. Results of this study show that:

-Patients with the ABC subtype showed a preferential response to ibrutinib monotherapy compared to those with the GCB subtype (ORR = 41% vs 5%, respectively, p=0.007, Fisher's exact test).
-Median overall survival (OS) was 9.7 months for the ABC subtype, compared to 3.35 months for the GCB subtype.
-Safety data from 70 patients identified no new safety signals. Grade 3 or higher AEs were seen in greater than 3% of patients and included fatigue (9%), hyponatremia (9%), pneumonia (7%), dehydration (4%), and pleural effusion (4%).

'These results indicated that ibrutinib monotherapy was an effective treatment for some study patients who had ABC-subtype DLBCL,' noted presenting investigator Sven de Vos, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, U.S.A., who presented the results at the EHA Congress today. 'Given that patients with the ABC-subtype of DLBCL are difficult to treat, these results are very promising.'

About Ibrutinib
Ibrutinib was designed to specifically target and selectively inhibit an enzyme called BTK). BTK is a key mediator of at least three critical B-cell pro-survival mechanisms occurring in parallel — regulation of apoptosis, cell adhesion and cell migration and homing.

The effectiveness of ibrutinib alone or in combination with other treatments is being studied in several B-cell malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, Waldenström's macroglobulinemia and multiple myeloma. To date 7 Phase III trials have been initiated with ibrutinib and a total of 30 ongoing trials are currently registered on http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/. Janssen Biotech, Inc. and Pharmacyclics entered a collaboration and license agreement in December 2011 to co-develop and co-commercialize ibrutinib.

About the MCL Study
111 patients with relapsed/refractory MCL were treated with ibrutinib in this Phase 2 multicenter, open-label, study at 18 sites internationally and had received a median of three prior therapies. Patients were divided into two cohorts based on prior bortezomib exposure – either bortezomib-naïve (n=63) or bortezomib-exposed (n=48). Both groups received 560 mg of ibrutinib orally, once a day until disease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient. The primary endpoint of the study was ORR, with secondary endpoints being DOR, PFS, OS and frequency and severity of AEs.

When a disease is described as 'relapsed', it means that it has returned after an initial partial or total remission.[1] 'Refractory' refers to cancer that has become resistant to current treatment.[2]

About the DLBCL Study
The DLBCL study was a Phase 2 multicenter, open-label, study. 70 patients with relapsed/refractory DLBCL with a median of three prior therapies were enrolled, all of whom underwent gene expression profiling to determine which DLBCL subtype they had. All patients received ibrutinib 560 mg orally, once a day, until disease progression or no longer tolerated by the patient. The primary objective of the study was to assess ORR categorized by subtype. Secondary objectives were to assess the safety and tolerability of ibrutinib in people with DLBCL.

About Pharmacyclics
Pharmacyclics® is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing and commercializing innovative small-molecule drugs for the treatment of cancer and immune mediated diseases. Our mission and goal is to build a viable biopharmaceutical company that designs, develops and commercializes novel therapies intended to improve quality of life, increase duration of life and resolve serious unmet medical healthcare needs; and to identify promising product candidates based on scientific development expertise, develop our products in a rapid, cost-efficient manner and pursue commercialization and/or development with partners when and where appropriate.

Presently, Pharmacyclics has three product candidates in clinical development and several preclinical molecules in lead optimization. The Company is committed to high standards of ethics, scientific rigor, and operational efficiency as it moves each of these programs to viable commercialization.

The Company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California and is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol PCYC. To learn more about how Pharmacyclics advances science to improve human healthcare visit us at http://www.pharmacyclics.com.

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NOTE: This announcement may contain forward-looking statements made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements, among others, relating to our future capital requirements, including our expected liquidity position and timing of the receipt of certain milestone payments, and the sufficiency of our current assets to meet these requirements, our future results of operations, our expectations for and timing of ongoing or future clinical trials and regulatory approvals for any of our product candidates, and our plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. Because these statements apply to future events, they are subject to risks and uncertainties. When used in this announcement, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "expectation", "goal", "should", "would", "project", "plan", "predict", "intend", "target" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results, performance, expected liquidity or achievements to differ materially from those projected in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, without limitation, our need for substantial additional financing and the availability and terms of any such financing, the safety and/or efficacy results of clinical trials of our product candidates, our failure to obtain regulatory approvals or comply with ongoing governmental regulation, our ability to commercialize, manufacture and achieve market acceptance of any of our product candidates, for which we rely heavily on collaboration with third parties, and our ability to protect and enforce our intellectual property rights and to operate without infringing upon the proprietary rights of third parties. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, performance or achievements and no assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. For more information about the risks and uncertainties that may affect our results, please see the Risk Factors section of our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our transition report on Form 10-K for the six month period ended December 31, 2012 and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this announcement to conform these statements to actual results, to changes in management's expectations or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

References
[1] PubMed Health. Relapse Definition. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032674/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045866/?report=objectonly. Accessed November 19, 2012.
[2] PubMed Health. Refractory Cancer Definition. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0032674/def-item/glossary_CDR0000045863/?report=objectonly. Accessed November 19, 2012.

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Basel, - -Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) today announced that the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has approved Avastin (bevacizumab) for the treatment of malignant glioma, including newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy, and as monotherapy for treatment of recurrent GBM and certain other types of high grade glioma following prior therapy. Current treatment options for malignant glioma are limited, and Avastin represents the first new medicine approved worldwide for newly diagnosed glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive form of primary brain cancer, in the last eight years.

'This approval of Avastin is important news for people in Japan who have been diagnosed with glioma and glioblastoma because aggressive brain cancer can significantly reduce a person's quality of life and the ability to perform everyday activities,' said Hal Barron MD, Roche's Chief Medical Officer and Head of Global Product Development. 'People with newly diagnosed glioblastoma who received Avastin plus radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy in the pivotal study experienced a significantly longer period of time without their cancer worsening.'

The approval was based on data from three clinical studies in GBM:

-The phase II BRAIN study
-A Japanese phase II study (JO22506)
-The pivotal phase III AVAglio study, which demonstrated that when Avastin was added to standard treatment, patients lived significantly longer without their disease getting worse.

Final results from the AVAglio study in newly diagnosed GBM patients were recently presented at the 49th annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.

Applications for first-line treatment have been filed with the health authorities in the EU and Switzerland. Avastin is marketed in Japan by Chugai Pharmaceutical, a member of the Roche Group. Avastin for malignant glioma was designated as an orphan drug in Japan in May 2013, as the estimated number of newly diagnosed malignant glioma and GBM patients per year is about 1,700.

About the AVAglio study

AVAglio is a phase III, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial that assessed the efficacy and safety profile of Avastin in combination with radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy following surgery or biopsy in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma. Patients were randomised to one of two arms:

-Avastin plus radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy for six weeks followed by a four-week break. Patients then received Avastin and temozolomide chemotherapy for up to six cycles, followed by Avastin alone until disease progression.
-Radiotherapy, temozolomide chemotherapy and placebo for six weeks followed by a four-week break. Patients then received temozolomide chemotherapy and placebo for up to six cycles, followed by placebo until disease progression.

AVAglio study results

-Avastin plus radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy significantly reduced the risk of the glioblastoma worsening or death by 36 percent compared to radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy plus placebo (PFS as assessed by trial investigators, a co-primary endpoint: HR=0.64; p less than 0.0001, median PFS 10.6 months vs. 6.2 months, respectively). People who received Avastin plus radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy did not have a statistically significant improvement in OS (the other co-primary endpoint), compared to those who received radiotherapy and temozolomide chemotherapy plus placebo (HR=0.88; [95% CI 0.76, 1.02], p=0.0987). Median survival was similar in both arms (16.8 moinths vs. 16.7 months, respectively). No new safety findings were observed in the AVAglio study and adverse events were consistent with those seen in previous trials of Avastin across tumor types for approved indications.
-Health-related quality of life measures including global health status and physical, social and motor functioning, as well as communication deficit, remained stable or improved in most patients in both arms of the trial during the time from diagnosis to disease progression.

About glioblastoma

Glioma (cancer of the glial cells) is the most common type of malignant primary brain tumour (a tumour that originates in the brain), accounting for approximately one third of all cases diagnosed1. Glioblastoma (or glioblastoma multiforme) is the most common and the most aggressive type of glioma1. Globally, the incidence of glioblastoma is approximately 1 to 2 in 100,000 people annually1.2. Current treatment options for GBM are very limited. Generally, patients' tumours get worse within the first 6 months of initial therapy and the median overall survival of patients following diagnosis is 15 months3. Glioblastoma has among the highest levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression of any solid tumour, which led to the rationale to investigate the effect of anti-angiogenic therapies on this disease.

About Avastin – over nine years of transforming cancer care

With the initial approval in the USA for advanced colorectal cancer in 2004, Avastin became the first anti-angiogenic therapy made widely available for the treatment of patients with an advanced cancer.

Today, Avastin is continuing to transform cancer care through its proven survival benefit (overall survival and/or progression free survival) across several types of cancer. Avastin is approved in Europe for the treatment of advanced stages of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer and ovarian cancer, and is available in the US for the treatment of colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and kidney cancer. In addition, Avastin is approved in the US and over 60 other countries worldwide for the treatment of patients with progressive glioblastoma following prior therapy. The approval in the USA was granted under the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) accelerated approval program. Avastin is approved in Japan for the treatment of the advanced stages of colorectal, non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. Avastin is the only anti-angiogenic therapy available for the treatment of these numerous advanced cancer types, which collectively cause over 2.5 million deaths each year.

Avastin has made anti-angiogenic therapy a fundamental pillar of cancer treatment today. Over one million patients have been treated with Avastin so far. A comprehensive clinical programme with more than 500 ongoing clinical trials is investigating the use of Avastin in over 50 tumour types.

About Avastin – mode of action

An independent blood supply is critical for a tumour to grow beyond a certain size (2mm) and spread (metastasise) to other parts of the body. Tumours develop their own blood supply in a process called angiogenesis by releasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) – a key driver for tumour growth. Avastin is an antibody that precisely targets and inhibits VEGF. Precise VEGF inhibition by Avastin allows it to be combined effectively with a broad range of chemotherapies and other anti-cancer treatments with limited additional impact on the side effects of these therapies.

About Roche

Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leader in research-focused healthcare with combined strengths in pharmaceuticals and diagnostics. Roche is the world's largest biotech company, with truly differentiated medicines in oncology, infectious diseases, inflammation, metabolism and neuroscience. Roche is also the world leader in in vitro diagnostics and tissue-based cancer diagnostics, and a frontrunner in diabetes management. Roche's personalised healthcare strategy aims at providing medicines and diagnostic tools that enable tangible improvements in the health, quality of life and survival of patients. In 2012 Roche had over 82,000 employees worldwide and invested over 8 billion Swiss francs in R&D. The Group posted sales of 45.5 billion Swiss francs. Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan. For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

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All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.

References
1. Central Brain Tumor Registry of the United States (CBTRUS) 2012. CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2004–2008 (Revised March 23, 2012). Available from: http://www.cbtrus.org/2012-NPCR-SEER/CBTRUS_Report_2004-2008_3-23-2012.pdf. Last accessed 21 May 2013.
2. Ferlay J, Shin HR, Bray F, Forman D, Mathers C and Parkin DM. GLOBOCAN 2008 v2.0, Cancer Incidence and Mortality Worldwide: IARC CancerBase No. 10 [Internet]. Lyon, France: International Agency for Research on Cancer; 2010. Available from: http://globocan.iarc.fr. Last accessed 21 May 2013.
3. Stupp R, Mason W, van den Bent M et al. Radiotherapy plus Concomitant and Adjuvant Temozolomide for Glioblastoma. N Engl J Med 2005;352:987-96.

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The Dietary Supplement Label Database provides product information in one place that can be searched and organized as desired. "This database will be of great value to many diverse groups of people, including nutrition researchers, healthcare providers, consumers, and others," said Paul M. Coates, Ph.D., director of the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). 'For example, research scientists might use the Dietary Supplement Label Database to determine total nutrient intakes from food and supplements in populations they study."

For consumers, the My Dietary Supplements (MyDS) app from ODS is already available, at https://myds.nih.gov. The app is an easy way to keep track of vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other products you take, and has science-based, reliable information on dietary supplements.

Dietary supplements, taken regularly by about half of U.S. adults, can add significant amounts of nutrients and other ingredients to the diet. Supplements include vitamins, minerals, herbals and botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and more. They come in many different forms, including tablets, capsules, and powders, as well as liquids and energy bars. Popular supplements include vitamins D and E; minerals like calcium and iron; herbs such as echinacea and garlic; and specialty products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.

By law, any product labeled as a dietary supplement must carry a Supplement Facts panel that list its contents and other added ingredients (such as fillers, binders, and flavorings). The Dietary Supplement Label Database includes this information and much more — such as directions for use, health-related claims, and any cautions — from the label.

The Dietary Supplement Label Database offers these features:

- Quick Search: Search for any ingredient or specific text on a label.
- Search for Dietary Ingredients: An alphabetical list of ingredients is also provided.
- Search for Specific Products: An alphabetical list of products is also provided.
- Browse Contact Information: Search by supplement manufacturer or distributor.
- Advanced Search: Provides options for expanding a search by using a combination of search options including dietary ingredient, product/brand name, health-related claims, and label statements.

Hundreds of new dietary supplements are added to the marketplace each year, while some are removed. Product formulations are frequently adjusted, as is information on labels. 'The Dietary Supplement Label Database will be updated regularly to incorporate most of the more than 55,000 dietary supplement products in the U.S. marketplace,' said Steven Phillips, M.D., director of the National Library of Medicine's Division of Specialized Information Services.

The Dietary Supplement Label Database is the result of collaboration between ODS and NLM, with input from federal stakeholders who participate in a federal working group on dietary supplements. These include representatives from most NIH institutes and centers, as well as the Food and Drug Administration, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Administration for Community Living, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Consumer Product Safety Commission, Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Federal Trade Commission, Health Resources and Services Administration, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, National Institute of Standards of Technology, and Department of Agriculture.

The Office of Dietary Supplements, ODS http://ods.od.nih.gov, seeks to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) is the world's largest library of the health sciences, and collects, organizes, and makes available biomedical science information to scientists, health professionals, and the public. For more information, visit http://www.nlm.nih.gov.

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): 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. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health®

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