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Smoking Associated With More Rapid Progression Of Multiple Sclerosis
Patients with multiple sclerosis who smoke appear to experience a more rapid progression of their disease, according to a report in the July issue of Archives of Neurology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.
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Miami-Dade, Blue Cross Announce Low-Cost PPO Aimed At County's Uninsured
Florida"s Miami-Dade County and BlueCross BlueShield of Florida on Tuesday announced a new low-cost health plan, called Miami-Dade Blue, aimed at helping the estimated 600,000 uninsured county residents, the Miami Herald reports. The plan -- which costs taxpayers nothing -- is a traditional PPO, with no pre-approvals or referrals and will cost a healthy 35-year-old male about $100 per month. Miami-Dade Blue has a $250 deductible and will cover 90% of in-network hospital costs and 100% of fees for in-network lab tests after the deductible is met. The copayment for generic drugs is $10 per prescription; the plan will not offer coverage for brand-name prescriptions.The plan is being offered to individuals younger than age 65 and to small employers with up to 50 workers. Businesses will be guaranteed coverage if 70% of employees take part in the plan and the owner pays at least 50% of the premiums; however, individuals with costly pre-existing health conditions likely will be denied coverage. The plan has an annual out-of-pocket limit of $2,500 and a lifetime benefit of $5 million. About 1,500 physicians agreed to be part of the Miami-Dade Blue network, while 20 clinics and seven hospitals are in the plan"s network (Dorschner, Miami Herald, 5/27).
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Results From A European Caregiver Survey Highlight The Impact Of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) On The Child And The Family
Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced results of a European survey that found a child"s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) symptoms at school were a key concern for parents, yet outside of school their child"s ADHD also had significant impact on parents" personal time.1 The survey also revealed key findings surrounding parents" role in assessment and treatment for their child.1 Additionally, the survey suggested that informational needs may not be met adequately for these children with ADHD and their families.1 Conducted in partnership with ADHD advocacy groups in four EU countries, the survey analysed parental impressions surrounding the impact of ADHD on their child, themselves and their family, as well as their child"s ADHD treatment plan.
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FDA Approves Besivance To Treat Bacterial Conjunctivitis

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Besivance (besifloxacin ophthalmic suspension 0.6 percent) for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis (non-viral), a contagious condition marked by irritation of the eyes and a discharge from the mucous membranes. "Bacterial conjunctivitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages," said Wiley A. Chambers, M.D., acting director of the Division of Anti-Infective and Ophthalmology Products in FDA"s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "It is important to have a variety of treatment options available to health care professionals and patients because an effective drug therapy can reduce the duration of the illness and reduce the chances of infecting others." Bacterial forms of conjunctivitis are common in childhood, but they can occur in people of any age. Symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis can include red eyes, swelling, eyelids sticking together, itching, watering and a white or yellow sticky discharge from the eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is generally a condition that runs its course in 7-14 days. Patients using the drug in clinical trials had a faster rate of resolution of the infection than those treated with a solution containing only a preservative. The drug was shown to be effective in treating patients age one year and older. Adverse events were reported in less than 3 percent of patients in clinical trials. Adverse reactions included redness of the eyes, blurred vision, eye pain, irritation and itching, and headache. Besivance is an eye drop for topical use on the eyes only. It should not be injected into the eye. Besivance is made by Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, N.Y. U.S. Food and Drug Administration


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