Saxagliptin Approval: Finally, Competition for Merck’s Januvia

The FDA approved a new diabetes drug in a class Merck has had to itself since 2006.

Eli Lilly’s Payments to Doctors Revealed

The has posted all of its payments to doctors for the first quarter of 2009. The total came to more than $20 million.

FBI: Personal Injury Lawyer Paid for Hospital Patients’ Records

The latest health-care crime news from South Florida.

An ER Doc Grapples With ‘Unnecessary’ Hospital Admissions

The definition of "unnecessary" gets a lot more complicated when you're the one doing the admitting.

Americans Spend $34 Billion a Year on ‘Alternative’ Medicine

The spending included purchases of "natural products" as well as visits to acupuncturists, chiropractors and other practitioners.

For Up to $75 Million, Pfizer Puts Nigeria Lawsuit Behind It

The case dates back to a 1996 study of the drug Trovan.

Creating Fat Cells That Could (Someday) Drive Weight Loss

Scientists have figured out how to turn on the genes that make brown fat cells, which burn calories at a high rate.

Health Reform: A Deal in the House, a Hint from the Senate

For the moment, anyway, the health-overhaul narrative out of Washington is that the congressional logjam may be breaking up, with things starting to flow again.

Poll: Raise Taxes On Wealthy to Pay for Health-Care Overhaul

Most people opposed the idea of requiring everyone to have insurance.

‘Mystery Donor’ Derails First Suit Against Pfizer’s Neurontin

The first of what’s widely expected to be a long-running string of cases involving the alleged effects of an anti-epilepsy drug,

Rice Krispies Complete With Snap, Crackle and Immunity

The new cereal product line touts that it helps support the bodies' immune system.

More Than Year Later, New AMA Conflicts Policy Still in Works

The doctors' group has rejected two revised conflict-of-interest proposals so far and its ethics committee will take up the issue again in late August

What a Doctor Did That Was Worth $1 Million to Medtronic

Spine surgeon David Polly charged the company for many services, including $2,000 for when CEO William Hawkins visited an operating room.

Schwarzenegger Takes Knife to Health, Child-Welfare Services

The governor said he was using his veto power to make last-minute cuts in California's budget.

Health-Reform Update: Medicare Worries & Doctors Balk

Seniors worry about cuts to Medicare benefits while doctors' groups speak out against a commission that would set reimbursement rates.

Dueling Estimates Over Popularity of a Public Health Plan

There is no question about how tricky it is to predict what people will do if the sweeping changes proposed for the health-care system are adopted.

The Philippines, Pfizer and Pharma’s Global Growing Pains

Governments don't always go along with drug companies' plans to grow revenues in the developing world.

Study Using Viagra Ingredient to Treat Sickle Cell Cut Short

Safety problems arise after looking at data from 33 patients using potential treatment for genetic blood disorder.

Mylan Says It’s in the Clear With FDA. FDA Disagrees.

After a newspaper story questioned manufacturing practices at Mylan, the agency disputes a claim from the company.

Jury Rules for Hospital That Deported Brain-Injured Patient

The hospital didn't act in an unreasonable or unwarranted manner, the jury found.

Who’s In and Who’s Out in the Health-Care Debate

The key health reform players, both absent and present.

Heart Failure, Hot Dogs and Hospital Readmissions

Why heart failure is a key condition to watch in the effort to drive down hospital readmission rates.

Amgen, GSK to Launch Joint Sales Attack for Bone Drug

Glaxo will pay the biotech $120 million and royalties in commercialization efforts for denosumab.

To Fight Obesity Epidemic, It Takes a Village, CDC Says

The estimated annual medical costs due to obesity nearly doubled to $147 billion in 2008 from $78.5 billion in 1998, the government says.

How Nanotechnology Can Make Food Work (and Smell) Better

Researchers are using the technology to improve the benefits of food.

Aetna Shops PBM Services, Cuts Earnings Outlook

The nation's third largest insurer cites medical costs and lower-than-expected Medicare payments as the reasons for cutting its earnings forecast.

Health Reform: Timeline, Blue Dogs and Taxing Rich Plans

Rep. Nancy Pelosi will try again today to end squabbles between Democrats and try to move along the House's health-reform bill.

M.D.: Where Is the Art of Medicine in Health-Care Debate?

No one is speaking up for the profession's highest virtues, a Stanford doc argues.

Europe Gives Thumbs-Down to Erbitux for Treating Lung Cancer

The unexpected refusal for approval send shares of Germany's Merck plummeting.

Europe Gives Surprise Thumbs-Down to Erbitux for Treating Lung Cancer

The unexpected refusal for approval send shares of Germany's Merck plummeting.

Amid Reform Talk, Alternative Medicine Gets Some Love

A measure introduced in the Senate could provide insurance coverage for acupuncture or massage.

What Breakfast Cereal Has To Do With Heart Failure

Hint: It may be more than you think.

New Health-Reform Timetable: ‘Done By the Fall’

Harry Reid just reset the shot clock on health reform.

Swine-Flu Update: U.K. Surge, Tamiflu Sales & Vaccine Trials

Clinical trials for swine-flu vaccines are about to start in the U.S. with about 2,400 volunteers.

The Way Pharma Lives Now: Bristol’s $2.1 Billion Medarex Deal

There's plenty of drug industry zeitgeist crammed into the deal.

Obama: Status Quo Will ‘Double Your Health Care Costs’

In the mounting debate over possible costs and benefits of dueling health-reform proposals, the estimated cost of the status quo has sometimes been overlooked.

Mayo Clinic CEO: Medicare Payment Model Is a ‘Catastrophe’

The House health bill misses a key opportunity to change the way Medicare pays for health care, he argues.

FDA Questions Safety, Quality of Electronic Cigarettes

The agency's preliminary report testing 19 products found that the majority contained impurities linked to health concerns.

Lilly Moves Closer to Another Deal Over Zyprexa Marketing

Lilly has faced numerous federal and state investigations into its marketing of Zyprexa for off-label uses.

Shortage of Medical Isotopes Ramps Up After Reactor Closing

Ax expert says there will be a “prolonged period with small quantities of isotope" starting some time in August.

New Online Doctor Rating Site Treads Carefully

Doctors can review the ratings before they're made public.

Health Reform: Individual Insurance Mandate, High Stakes for Obama

The president will address the public about health care during prime-time tonight.

Jindal: Obama’s Dishonesty about Health-Care Reform

Louisiana's Republican governor lays out myths about Obama's strategy for health-care overall and suggestions for bipartisan support.

Long Arm of J&J Reaches Tysabri

How J&J's 18% stake in Elan could give the company half the rights to the multiple sclerosis drug.

Connecticut Moves Toward Public Health-Insurance Plan

A local version of the national fight over whether to create a new, government-backed health insurance plan took a dramatic turn as the Legislature overrode the governor's veto.

Will Merck Partner On Consumer Health? Will Singulair Go OTC?

The company raised some interesting questions in its earnings call today.

Health Reform: Obama on Deadline, Dems On Taxes

Taxing high-end health benefits may be making a comeback in the Senate Finance Committee. Support fades for a surtax on the rich.

Stent Sales: Up for Boston Scientific, Down for J&J

And what Abbott's Xience stent has to do with it.

The New Rules for Outpatient Surgery

In the burgeoning market for outpatient surgery, doctor’s offices have often flown under the radar when it comes to safety oversight -- a subject I discuss in my WSJ column. But last week, a new office-based surgery law went into effect in New York, requiring that physician’s offices that perform surgery with moderate or deep sedation be accredited by one of three independent agencies to make sure they are meeting standards of safety and care. Any office that isn’t accredited is no longer authorized to perform surgery – and any doctor or other medical professional who continues to perform procedures in a non-accredited facility may face professional misconduct charges. Practices also have to report all adverse events to the New York Department of Health. The New York law may serve as a model for other states considering similar measures. Here’s a look at ...

Think You Have Swine Flu? English Can Dial ‘T’ for Tamiflu

The U.K.'s national health-care system is setting up a program that will allow residents who think they have swine flu to call up for a swine-flu diagnosis.

The Changing Landscape of Pharmaceutical Marketing

The shift of the pharmaceutical industry from one based on blockbuster drugs to one based on smaller, niche medicines is affecting not just companies’ R&D strategies, but also how companies are marketing their drugs. We spoke to Rebecca Robins, the global marketing director at InterbrandHealth, an international branding agency, about [...]

What Does J&J’s Stake in Elan Say About Interest in Biogen?

J&J and Elan have “arrangements in place” relating to Tysabri, the multiple sclerosis drug Elan markets with Biogen.

The Unintended Consequences of Taxing Health Benefits

James Klein, of the American Benefits Council, and John Sweeney, president of the AFL-CIO, say that it could disrupt employer-sponsored health insurance.

Erbitux, Vectibix Label Change Approved for KRAS Gene

Patients with mutations to the KRAS gene won't benefit from these medicines.

Tax on Wealthy, Medicare Payments to Docs Fuel Health-Bill Debate

President Obama moves full-force this week to rally for health reform but many sticking points remain.

Drug Makers Circumvent Co-Pays Using Rebates

The practice is leading insurers to pay for more expensive branded medicines, ultimately raising premiums for everyone.

Is Closing Military Bases a Model for Controlling Medicare Costs?

Everybody knows it has to be done, but it's politically treacherous for elected officials to do.

Baucus, Grassley Slam Physician-Owned Hospitals

The two point to the death of a Colorado woman as a cautionary tale about safety at such facilities.

Swine Flu Speading with ‘Unprecedented Speed,’ Says WHO

The virus is spreading with "unprecedented speed", while vaccine manufacturing moves slowly.

Mass. Panel: End Fee-for-Service Payments for Doctors

A state commission recommended paying groups of physicians a monthly or yearly fee instead of the current fee-for-service system.

Harry and Louise Are Back. Again.

The famous health-reform couple keep coming back.

Primary Care Update: House Health Bill On Medical Homes

Both big health bills in the news this week include provisions supporters hope will reduce fragmentation in the health care system.

Employer Health Insurance Mandates: House vs. Senate

Health bills from both houses of Congress would require employers to offer health insurance or pay a penalty. But there are some key differences between the bills.

Employer Health Mandates: House vs. Senate

Health bills from both houses of Congress would require employers to offer health insurance or pay a penalty. But there are some key differences between the bills.

Comparing Employer Health Mandates From the House and Senate

Health bills from both houses of Congress would require employers to offer health insurance or pay a penalty. But there are some key differences between the bills.

Side Job for Regina Benjamin: Inspirational Speaker

Obama's pick for Surgeon General was one of about 50 well-known figures on the roster of a group that represents health-care speakers.

Health Care Companies: Cisco, Intel, Google, IBM, Microsoft

As Cisco and UnitedHealth announced a major foray into telemedecine, we look at some of the other tech giants getting into health care.

Abbott’s Humira Strong, Even As J&J Adds New Competitor

Sales of Humira grew 20% globally in the second quarter compared to a year ago.

Healthy Behaviors Could Cut Insurance Premiums in Senate Bill

A measure added this week could increase discounts on health insurance for workers who quit smoking and lose weight.

Four Tips for Lowering Heat Stroke Risk for High School Athletes

Four or five high-school football players die every year from heat-related issues.

If Subsidies Slip, Middle Class Could Feel Health-Reform Pinch

The House health bill includes subsidies to help some middle-class people buy health insurance -- but the subsidies may shrink as Congress tries to pay for the health overhaul.

CBO: Public Health Plan Would Enroll Less Than 5% of Americans

The health bill out today from House Democrats includes a government-backed health plan that's been hotly debated.

Doctor Accused of Falsifying Studies Gave Ethics Talk

A surgeon accused by the U.S. Army of falsifying a study favorable to Medtronic gave a lecture last December on "ethical business practices."

Q&A: What PowerPoint Has to Do With Scientific Fraud

A federal investigator on who commits scientific fraud, why they do it and what PowerPoint has to do with falsifying data.

Is It Safe to Fix a Hole in the Heart?

Sometimes in medicine, what seems like common sense isn't backed up by data. For a long time, a common heart defect called patent foramen ovale -- or PFO -- has been linked to a higher risk of stroke. About a quarter of the adult population has the condition but most don't experience any symptoms. It's basically a hole in the heart, which occurs when a flap-like opening between the upper chambers of the heart doesn't close during normal fetal development and which may allow a blood clot to get through to the brain more easily. Data showing that PFO causes stroke are shaky, so ...

In Earnings Call, J&J Defends Tylenol, Talks Up Elan Deal

Johnson & Johnson said this morning that its second quarter earnings fell 3.6% compared to the year-earlier period. The stock was up a bit in the first few hours of trading. For more on the numbers, see the earnings story from Dow Jones Newswires. The Health Blog listened in on the company's conference call, and we were struck by a few comments from CFO Dominic Caruso ...

Searching for Meaning in Terminal Cancer

A support program is helping patients with advanced cancer find meaning, peace and purpose in what's left of their lives.

Health Care Job Growth: Not Just Doctors and Nurses

Fields such as home health care and physical therapy are expected to see strong job growth in the coming years, according to a new report.

Study Assesses Cancer Risk From Coronary Artery Screening

Making a heart screen routine could increase the number of cancer cases by an additional 42 cases for every 100,000 men and 62 cases per 100,000 women.

Regina Benjamin and American Health Care

How the new surgeon general's resume speaks to broader issues in health care.

With State Board Slow to Act, Problem Nurses Keep Working

California's Board of Registered Nursing often takes years to discipline problem nurses, sometimes putting patients at risk.

When Should Biotech Drugs Face Generic Competition?

The White House has suggested seven years, while industry groups want at least 12 years of protection.

Should Employers Be Required to Help Fund Health Insurance?

Wal-Mart supports an employer health mandate. A large retail trade group opposes it. What do you think?

Approval of Effient, a Plavix Rival, Boosts Japanese Drug Maker

The blood thinner marks the first time in a while that a Japanese-originated drug has a shot at becoming a blockbuster.

Kids Fool Obesity Researchers, Put Pedometers on Dogs

Researchers discovered that children in its study were clipping pedometers to their dogs' collars.

TV Networks Go to Bat for Drug Makers (and Themselves)

TV networks are lobbying against a plan that would eliminate the advertising tax deduction for drug advertising.

JAMA Conflicts Policy: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

A controversial online editorial on conflicts of interest has been removed from the medical journal's Web site.

How Much Would You Pay for $250 Million Worth of Biodollars?

Today brings an unusual twist on a familiar drug industry deal-making practice, courtesy of Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Johnson & Johnson.

Grassley Takes Closer Aim at Nonprofit Hospitals

The Iowa Republican and Senate Finance head Baucus are on working on legislation targeting the tax exemptions that nonprofit hospitals currently enjoy.

Swine Flu Update: Vaccine for Kids, Tamiflu Resistance

Here are a few notable developments on the swine flu (aka H1N1 flu) pandemic.

Does Court-Ordered Treatment for Mental Health Work?

Duke researchers looked at those required to receive treatment under a controversial New York law.

Rapamycin: It’s Not Just for Longevity in Mice

The drug, also known as sirolimus, has a strange history and a strikingly wide array of uses.

Universal Health Vetoed in Connecticut; Governor Cites Cost

The plan would have cost $1 billion a year.

Rapamycin: It’s Not Just for Longevity in Mice

The drug, also known as sirolimus, has a strange history and a strikingly wide array of uses.

Universal Health Vetoed in Connecticut; Governor Cites Cost

The plan would have cost $1 billion a year.

How J&J Marketed Tylenol After Acetaminophen Hearings

Full-page ads called Tylenol the "safest" painkiller, but pointed to risks of overdose.

Health-Reform Update: Dissension in the Ranks

It's not easy trying to find $1 trillion and restructure health insurance.

Genetist Francis Collins Nominated to Head NIH

The 59-year-old led an international effort to sequence the human genome.

Delaying Generic Drugs Costs Patients & Taxpayers, EU Says

Antitrust investigations are underway involving generic markers Teva and Servier.

Eight-Way Kidney Transplant Sets Mark for Longest Chain

The transplants involved 16 surgeries in four states over the course of three weeks.

Food Safety Gets a Turn in the Overhaul Spotlight

Changes would include a federal coordinating and command center to track food-borne illness outbreaks.

Push to Tax Health Benefits Starts to Fade in Senate

Senators are turning their attention to other options, such as limiting tax deductions for the wealthy.

JAMA Eases Stand on Public Complaints About Conflicts

Gone is material attacking Jonathan Leo, a Tennessee researcher that JAMA Editor in Chief Catherine DeAngelis had called a "nobody and a nothing."

Savings From Hospitals, Insurers & Pharma Could Top $300 Billion

The health-reform narrative of industry playing ball with Washington rolls on.

Scrutiny on Two Continents for ‘Pay for Delay’

In Europe and the U.S., regulators are questioning the practice of paying generic manufacturers to delay competition for branded drugs.

An M.D. On How Money Drives Medical Testing

"It is not easy to ignore reimbursement," a cardiologist writes.

FDA Tries to Smoke Out New Tobacco Czar

The real test for the applicant will be knowing how play well on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

Wake-Up Call for Insomniacs? Web-Based Therapy May Help

A small study in the Archives of General Psychiatry shows that participants taking part in a Web-based therapy program were helped with sleep woes.

New Rules Could Further Expand Stem-Cell Research

Stem-cell lines derived in the spirit of new ethical requirements will be eligible for federal funding.

Compromise is Buzz Word with Health-Care Overhaul

In coming weeks, Congress will have to agree on who will be eligible for insurance subsidies.

How Long Does it Take to Set Up a Health Co-Op?

The formation of smoothly running new co-ops could take a decade or longer.

Former Congressional Insiders Lobby for Health-Care Industry

More than 350 former government insiders and members of Congress are now working on behalf of health-care stakeholders.

Big Bang Theory for July 4: Leave It to the Professionals

Seventy percent of firework-related injuries occurred between June 20 and July 20 last year.

The Need for New Research to Include Old Patients

Medical studies often exclude the elderly.

J&J Antes Up $1 Billion for Alzheimer’s Push With Elan

When the deal is complete, J&J will also become Elan's largest shareholder.

Would Developing World’s Low-Cost Strategies Work in U.S.?

Many Americans believe that expensive treatment is better than cheaper treatment.

Medicare May Shuffle the Deck on Doctor Payments

How an obscure accounting change could affect on the way Medicare pays doctors.

The Road to Stiffer Suicide Warnings for Chantix and Zyban

The smoking-cessation drugs appear linked to increased suicide attempts and deaths.

What Do You Think of Banning Drug Industry Gifts to Doctors?

New laws go into effect today in two states to restrict gifts to doctors from the drug and device industries.

Flu Update: Buenos Aires, Wimbledon and Tamiflu

The H1N1 flu (or, if you prefer, swine flu) continues to rattle around the globe. Here's an update ...

What An Employer Mandate for Health Insurance Might Look Like

Wal-Mart came out in support of requiring employers to contribute to employee health insurance. Here are some of the options for employer mandates being kicked around in Congress.

FDA Panel: Down With Percocet & Vicodin. Long Live NyQuil!

If the FDA follows the panel's advice, doctors would still be able to prescribe the ingredients in Vicodin or Percocet, but they would no longer be combined in a single pill.

Panel: Down With Vicodin & Percocet. Long Live NyQuil!

If the FDA follows the panel's advice, doctors would still be able to prescribe the ingredients in Vicodin or Percocet, but they would no longer be combined in a single pill.