Archive for May 10th, 2012
FDA Panel Gives Nod to New Diet Drug
May 10th, 2012 | 
Author: An FDA advisory committee has voted 18-4, with one abstention, in favor of approving lorcaserin hydrochloride (Lorqess). It would be the first new weight loss drug in more than a decade.
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Research: Abdominal fat increases sudden cardiac death risk
Waist-to-hip ratios indicating abdominal obesity are more important than BMI as a risk factor for sudden cardiac death, according to research presented at the Heart Rhythm Society annual meeting. Study author Dr. Selcuk Adabag said abdominal fat "spews inflammatory substances" and inflammation is linked to heart disease.
FDA moves to shield children from unnecessary radiation exposure
The FDA on Wednesday released its recommendations for reducing children's exposure to unnecessary radiation from medical imaging tests. The agency has asked medical device manufacturers to develop new scanners to lower radiation exposure for pediatric patients and encouraged doctors to consider how many scans a patient has had and whether a radiation-free alternative might be available.
Chronic Disease Tops Infection as Global Issue
An increasing number of people in low- to middle-income countries are now dealing with hypertension and arthritis, according to a new global report.
BTW, May 10 is World Lupus Day
New Cautions About Long-Term Use of Bone Drugs
In an unusual move that may prompt millions of women to rethink their use of popular bone-building drugs, the Food and Drug Administration published an analysis that suggested caution about long-term use of the drugs, but fell short of issuing specific recommendations.
Psychosis May Be Overdiagnosed in Blacks
Suspicion of white-dominated institutions and society at large among African Americans may translate into overdiagnosis of schizophrenia, a researcher said here.
How Working the Muscles May Boost Brainpower
According to a study, mice that had “exercised” did better on tests of memory and learning and had far more new neurons in certain brain areas than mice that had remained quiet.