Gardasil developer: risky HPV shots currently offer little to no benefit
February 21, 2012
Pharmaceutical
“The best way to prevent cervical cancer is with routine Pap screening starting at age 21 years. Vaccination cannot prevent as many cervical cancers as can Pap screening,” Dr. Diane Harper, one of the lead developers of the Merck’s Gardasil® ... Read More
Seniors at greater risk of complications from hip implant defect
February 21, 2012
Pharmaceutical
Seniors are at greater risk of suffering from complications from faulty medical devices that were approved before they were thoroughly tested, says the Consumers Union (CU), a nonprofit organization that works for a safe marketplace. The group also publishes Consumer ... Read More
Transvaginal mesh lawsuits consolidated in federal court
February 21, 2012
Pharmaceutical
Lawsuits against three major vaginal mesh manufacturers have been centralized in multidistrict litigations (MDL) in West Virginia. Plaintiffs allege that the medical devices made by American Medical Systems, Inc.; Boston Scientific Corp.; and Ethicon Inc., caused serious injury and debilitating ... Read More
Research suggests juvenile arthritis drug may not be cause of cancer
February 21, 2012
Pharmaceutical
University of Alabama Birmingham (UAB) pharmicoepidemiologist Tim Beukelman and his team of researchers combed through millions of records of children to determine if a life-altering drug for juvenile arthritis, called a TNF-Blocker, could cause cancer. The drugs are considered highly ... Read More