Mesothelioma Survey Project

LegalView updated its Baxter Heparin information portal to add information on the most recent recall of the blood-thinning drug. Heparin, which is used to control blood during surgical procedures, was recently discovered to have a Heparin-like contaminant that sickened many and caused at least 19 deaths.

Denver, CO  -  March 31, 2008 -- The Baxter Heparin practice area on LegalView's site, the source for everything legal on the Web, was recently expanded to explain details of an additional Heparin recall . Heparin has been linked to hundreds of allergic reactions among patients as well as having been connected with 19 deaths. B. Braun Medical Inc. issued the most recent recall of Heparin, which was supplied from Scientific Protein Laboratories - the same company that supplied Baxter Healthcare Corporation with the contaminated Baxter Heparin. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and B. Braun Medical Inc., no one was reportedly sickened off of the Heparin from B. Braun Medical but it did have a "heparin-like contaminant," which was enough for the company to recall the drug.

Heparin is blood-thinner injected into patients who are undergoing surgical procedures such as heart disease or kidney dialysis. It is a drug that has been imported to the United States since the 1930s and is derived from pig intestines. Many surgeons find that Heparin is an extremely important drug because it prevents blood clots from forming during surgery, which can result in death among patients. However, earlier this year, a rash of individuals who had been given Heparin during a surgical procedure had allergic reactions. Individuals who have been affected by the contaminated Heparin should consider contacting a Heparin lawyer to learn about developing a Heparin class action lawsuit for which compensation may be derived from manufacturers if the tainted drug.

The Baxter Heparin that was initially recalled had been tainted with a chemical known as over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate. Through an FDA investigation, it was discovered that a Chinese company that produces the drug was responsible for the tainted Heparin. Although an investigation continues to be ongoing as to whether the chemical was intentionally or accidentally introduced into a batch of the Heparin. According to news reports, using the over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate allows for a reduction in the production of production for Heparin.

For information on additionally recalled prescription drugs or to report an adverse reaction to a prescribed drug, visit LegalView's many unsafe drugs information portals. Here, readers will find information on recently recalled drugs as well as prescription drugs under investigation such as Chantix, Avandia and Trasylol Aprotinin.

Chantix is a smoking cessation drug from Pfizer that was first introduced to the market, with FDA approval, in mid-2006. However, in late-2007 the FDA began an investigation into nearly 400 reports of suicidal tendencies and behaviors among patients. Additionally, nearly 37 suicides have been associated with the Chantix side effects, which include psychotic episodes, depression, suicidal thoughts and erratic behavior.

Avandia is a prescription drug used to treat diabetes 2 among patients; however, the drug has been linked to several serious side effects including an increased risk of heart disease and a higher chance of early onset osteoporosis. Individuals who are taking Avandia are advised to locate an experienced pharmaceutical law firm to receive consultation on an Avandia lawsuit.

Trasylol, also known as its generic version Aprotinin, is similar to Heparin in that it is used during surgical procedures to control blood loss. A study was released in 2006 from the New England Journal of Medicine, which found that the use of Trasylol Aprotinin increased the chances of a patient developing heart disease, kidney disease, stroke and death. Patients who received or may have received Trasylol or it's generic version should use LegalView's information portal to find an Trasylol attorney.

About LegalView:
LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://baxter-heparin.legalview.com

// posted by (hris @ 10:32 AM 0 Comments

LegalView reported on its mesothelioma blog about an asbestos contamination that occurred in Miami during the construction of an affordable housing project. The project, now likely to cost five times the original estimate, was contaminated after crews clearing the area hid an asbestos leak with piles of dirt.

Denver, CO  -  April 12 -- LegalView.com updated its mesothelioma blog with reports of an asbestos contamination that was concealed with piles of dirt by construction crews who were clearing the area for an affordable housing project. The contamination not only increased the risk of exposure to asbestos and thus development of mesothelioma for individuals in the area, but increased the cost of the affordable housing project by five times the originally estimated amount. Individuals living in the area may have been exposed to asbestos fibers and are urged to contact a medical professional as soon as possible. Additionally, Americans who may have been exposed to asbestos should also contact an experienced mesothelioma law firm.

Asbestos is derived vermiculite, a mineral that was heavily mined in the 20th Century. Asbestos was prized for its ability to insulate buildings with a decreased risk of catching fire. It was used for all types of constructions including schools, offices, homes and apartment buildings. However, after discovering that asbestos exposure caused a deadly lung disease among exposed individuals, mining stopped and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was charged with the task of cleaning up any asbestos. Mesothelioma cancer, which is an untreatable form of lung cancer, is often the outcome for individuals who were previously exposed to asbestos. Those who feel they are at risk for this illness should locate an attorney to explore the possibility of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The area known as North Miami's Pioneer Gardens was expected to house 136 units for low-income individuals. However, when a contractor began digging, it was discovered that workers who had previously cleared the site had inadvertently caused an asbestos leak when underground pipes containing the contaminant were broken. The workers allegedly covered the leak with piles of dirt and it was left until just recently when digging began. It can take years to develop the cancer and even then a mesothelioma diagnosis is often overlooked, causing the cancer to spread among its victim. To learn about the potential for monetary compensation, individuals are advised to contact an experienced mesothelioma lawyer for an attorney consultation on their individual case.

Other issues that are covered on LegalView's Web site, which have largely negatively impacted thousands of Americans recently, include several prescription drugs - Chantix, Singulair, as well as Vytorin and Zetia. Chantix is a smoking cessation drug that is prescribed to millions of Americans struggling to quit their tobacco addiction. In late 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) began receiving reports from patients taking Chantix that the drug was linked with instances of depression, erratic behavior and suicidal tendencies and thoughts. Overall, nearly 400 individuals reported this behavior and the drug was also allegedly linked to 37 suicides among patients. The FDA quickly began investigating the drug and are currently studying the Chantix side effects to determine the drug's dangers.

Similar to the dangerous side effects that have been associated with Chantix, are those that have been linked to Singulair, also a prescription drug, which is given to patients who suffer from severe asthma and allergy symptoms. However, in March 2008, reports began to surface about Singulair's potentially dangerous side effects, which may include mood and behavior changes including suicidal behavior among adults and children. The FDA is currently investigating the Singulair risks that may exist with taking this drug.

Vytorin and Zetia are similar in that both are prescription drugs used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease among patients. Often Vytorin and Zetia are used in combination of each other and both are manufactured from Merck/Shering-Plough. Recently, the company made headlines because of an extensive study that was completed in 2006 on the two drugs, which detailed the benefits, or lack thereof, of the medications. However, the Zetia and Vytorin manufacturer allegedly delayed the release of the study to the public because findings that Vytorin and Zetia were not as effective as cheaper alternatives. This information has prompted many patients to consider a Vytorin lawsuit.

About LegalView:

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Press Contact: Katie Kelley
Company Name: LegalView
Phone: 720-771-3246
Website: http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

// posted by (hris @ 9:13 PM 0 Comments

Sterilisation and Disinfectant Markets in Europe Enjoy Mixed Fortunes

LONDON-- July 01, 2008 --The sterilisation and disinfectant market in Europe has been witnessing slow growth as hospitals try to tackle alarmingly high infection rates resulting from inadequately decontaminated patient care equipment. However, the market is mature and saturated, offering little scope for technological innovation, and the complete lack of product differentiation is hampering competition. While the disinfection market has shown potential for expansion, the sterilisation market remains largely static.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.medicaldevices.frost.com), European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market, finds that the market earned revenues of over USD269.7 million in 2007 and estimates this to reach USD352.0 million in 2014.

"Though the sterilisation and disinfection equipment market is not characterised by a strong level of technological development, certain mutations are contributing to the overall positive growth," says Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Kieu A. Vuong. "For instance, slack growth in the low-temperature gas steriliser segments is compensated by positive trends impacting the disinfector equipment sector."

The spurt in the number of surgical procedures utilising minimally invasive instruments such as endoscopes is also driving the need for sophisticated systems for proper disinfection and maintenance of such equipment. This demand for more efficient disinfecting methods is fuelling the growth of the automatic endoscope reprocessor (AER) segment. The washers and AER disinfection markets are exhibiting continuous growth due to advancements in surgical instrumentation and liquid chemical disinfectants as well.

However, emerging trends indicate increasing consolidation and centralisation of hospitals in Europe, drastically reducing the number of hospitals and the number of potential customers. End-user consolidation is a challenge for this market, as purchasing power is augmented.

"High prices along with slow rate of product replacement will force manufacturers to identify different revenue streams in order to maintain and increase their profit margins," notes Vuong. "Despite several attempts at creating a unified platform, insecurities concerning the standardisation and regulation of products continue."

Nonetheless, participants can accrue revenues by providing integrated service packages and proper nurturing of customer relationships, since virtually all hospitals are already equipped with infection control equipment. To achieve the high standards required for service packages, many companies have entered into partnerships to reduce costs and enhance their offering.

If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users and other industry participants with an overview of the European sterilisation and disinfection equipment market, then send an e-mail to Patrick Cairns, Corporate Communications, at pcairns_pr@frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company e-mail address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by e-mail.

European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market is part of the Medical Devices Growth Partnership Service programme, which also includes research in the following markets: cardiovascular, wound care, surgical, orthopaedic and others. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, partners with clients to accelerate their growth. The company's TEAM Research, Growth Consulting and Growth Team MembershipT empower clients to create a growth-focused culture that generates, evaluates and implements effective growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan employs over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from more than 30 offices on six continents. For more information about Frost & Sullivan's Growth Partnerships, visit http://www.frost.com.

European Sterilisation and Disinfection Equipment Market

M236

Contacts

Frost & Sullivan
Corporate Communications - Europe & Africa
Patrick Cairns, +27 18 468 2315
patrick.cairns@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - North America
Stacie Kopecki, 210-247-2450
fax: 210-348-1003
stacie.kopecki@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Asia Pacific
Jasminder Kaur, 65-6890-0937
fax: 65-6890-0988
jkaur@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - South Asia
Remi Chatterjee, +91-44-4001 3419
fax: +91-22-2832 4713
remi.chaterjee@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Middle East
Nimisha Iyer, +91 22 4001 3404
fax: +91 22 2832 4713
niyer@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - China
Amelia Wong, +86 21 5407 5783, ext. 8669
cell: +86 13621724823
amelia.wong@frost.com
or
Corporate Communications - Latin America
José María Jantus, + 54-11-4777-9951
fax: + 54-11-4777-0071
jose.jantus@frost.com
http://www.frost.com

// posted by (hris @ 12:42 PM 0 Comments

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Supports Florida's New Patient Safety Solution

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), the leading national program that has certified more than 300,000 pharmacy technicians, supports and congratulates the Florida House of Representatives and Governor Charlie Crist for passing legislation requiring new standards for pharmacy technicians. The new Florida legislation takes a progressive step toward increasing patient safety for consumers. The legislation will ensure pharmacy technicians meet key requirements for training, certification and registration.

Washington, D.C. - June 27, 2008 -- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (http://www.ptcb.org/), the leading national program that has certified more than 300,000 pharmacy technicians, is pleased to support and congratulate the Florida Legislature for passing SB 1360 and Governor Charlie Crist for signing it into law, requiring new standards for pharmacy technicians. Tireless advocacy efforts for the passage of this critical patient safety legislation and its final approval by Governor Crist were spearheaded by the Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) and the Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA).

The new Florida legislation takes a progressive step toward increasing patient safety for consumers. By passing this legislation without amendment, and signing it into law, the Florida state legislature and governor will ensure pharmacy technicians meet key requirements for training, certification and registration. PTCB is proud to have certified 15,000 pharmacy technicians in Florida to date and looks forward to working with more pharmacy technicians and their employers.

"Florida's new pharmacy technician standards are an important patient safety solution for consumers in the Sunshine State and Governor Crist and the state's legislators should be applauded," said PTCB Executive Director and CEO Melissa Murer Corrigan. "To meet these new state standards, PTCB is looking forward to continued work with pharmacy technicians and significant employers of Florida's pharmacy technicians such as Walgreen's, CVS, Publix, Target, the U.S. military, multiple health-systems and independent pharmacists in communities across the state. Several of these employers presently support and endorse PTCB across the United States."

The landmark piece of Florida legislation (SB 1360) contributes to raising the bar for states across the country by providing an example of the high standards needed for pharmacy technicians. The more than 40,000 pharmacy technicians currently working in Florida will be required to register with the Florida Board of Pharmacy by 2010. In 2011, they will need to either complete a board-approved training program with 1,500 hours of work as a technician under a Florida licensed pharmacist, or be certified (https://www.ptcb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Guidebook_to_Certification&Template=/CM/HTMLDisplay.cfm&ContentID=2952) by a program accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). PTCB is the pioneer in certifying pharmacy technicians (https://www.ptcb.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Learn&Template=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=1384) and is accredited by the NCCA. PTCB's certification program has been included in regulations by more than 30 state boards of pharmacy. Through its strategic partnership with Pearson VUE, PTCB is able to offer highly scalable computer-based testing through the world's largest network of testing centers.

Studies show without a doubt that Americans support a standard of excellence for pharmacy technicians. A recent poll commissioned by PTCB confirms that 91% of American consumers support strong regulations across the country to protect patient safety by requiring that pharmacy technicians are trained and certified. While states like Florida reflect this growing need for action, almost twenty other states still have no requirement for certification. Clearly, consumers are relying on state boards of pharmacy to protect them and enact strong requirements such as Florida's for pharmacy technicians.

About the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) (http://www.ptcb.org/)

PTCB was established in January 1995 and is governed by five pharmacy organizations - the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Illinois Council of Health-System Pharmacists (ICHP), the Michigan Pharmacists Association (MPA) and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Since PTCB's inception, PTCB has certified over 300,000 pharmacy technicians through the examination and transfer process. PTCB's certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The goal of the PTCB national certification program is to enable pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. PTCB contracts with Pearson VUE, the industry's technology leader, as its computer-based testing vendor. PTCB draws upon the experience and expertise of its 13-year partner, Professional Examination Service (PES) for test development.

Contact Information
Mark Franco
The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
http://www.ptcb.org
202-429-7508
202-828-9767

// posted by (hris @ 9:14 PM 0 Comments

InterventionTreatment.com Launches Suboxone Treatment Program

LOS ANGELES-- June 27, 2008 --Intervention Treatment announced today that it has launched a suboxone treatment program. The program will be used to increase Intervention Treatment's Global mission of providing Intervention and Treatment resources to those affected by alcohol and drug addiction. According to Dr. Jason Schiffman, Chief Medical Officer for Intervention Treatment, "There is a large, poorly met demand for outpatient, office-based treatment of opiate dependence and the addition of the suboxone treatment program to Intervention Treatment's array of alcohol and drug addiction related services will be a great tool for patients and their families."

Intervention Treatment is currently one of the fastest growing online resources for those affected by drug and alcohol addiction. The new Suboxone Treatment program is designed to help those affected by opiate addiction.

About Suboxone:

Suboxone is the first drug approved by the FDA for opiate dependence treatment in office based settings. This means that patients addicted to opiates may now choose to receive opiate-based treatment as an outpatient instead of in a hospital setting. Patients are evaluated and treated during office visits and receive a prescription for suboxone which they may fill at any pharmacy. Suboxone is comprised of two separate medications: buprenorphine and naloxone. Buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, meaning its opiate effects are significantly reduced compared to that of full opiate agonists, such as vicodin or heroin. The naloxone in suboxone is not appreciably absorbed from the digestive track when suboxone is taken orally and is in place to prevent the misuse of suboxone by injection drug users. The combination of these two medications leads to suboxone's effectiveness in treating opiate dependence.

About Suboxone Treatment:

Suboxone treatment differs significantly from standard opiate dependence treatment programs. Traditionally, opiate addicts undergoing medical detoxification have been administered either methadone or a combination of drugs, each targeting a symptom of withdrawal. The latter approach usually must take place in an inpatient setting in order to be done safely, while methadone treatment requires a patient to visit a clinic on a daily basis to receive a prescribed dose. Suboxone treatment differs from these treatments in several important ways. Firstly, a prescription for suboxone can be obtained at a specially licensed physician's office and filled at any pharmacy. This means the patient does not need to be admitted to a hospital or make daily visits to a methadone clinic in order to receive their medication. Secondly, because suboxone is a mixture of naloxone and buprenorphine, a partial opiate agonist with a long duration of action, the potential for abuse and overdose are much less than with methadone. Thirdly, because buprenorphine is a partial opiate agonist, suboxone may be easier to taper off of than full opiate agonists like methadone.

About Intervention Treatment

Intervention Treatment, formed in 2007, is an internet resource offering help to those affected by drug and alcohol addiction. Intervention Treatment provides referrals to drug and alcohol rehabs, intervention services, suboxone treatment referrals, and general information regarding addiction and treatment.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company, and members of their management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-statements include fluctuation of operating results, the ability to compete successfully and the ability to complete before-mentioned transactions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results.
Contacts

Intervention Treatment
William Donovan, Co-Founder, 949-267-4113
bj@interventiontreatment.com
www.interventiontreatment.com

// posted by (hris @ 8:51 PM 0 Comments