Study: Healthcare Tweets Depend On Account's Author.

Politico (2/26, Kenen) reported that a new study has found that "lawmakers, doctors and journalists send out tweets by the millions on health care and health reform - but the three groups don't have the same take on Twitter." Specifically, "Botox [onabotulinumtoxinA] comes up a lot more among doctors. Pfizer and Merck pop up among a sampling of health journalists. And Medicare dominates lawmakers' health tweets." Politico added that physicians focused on healthcare education, lawmakers were marking the political pulse, and the media checked up on the business end of the topic. The Twitter accounts observed were "3,200 doctors, the 458 members of Congress with Twitter accounts and 154 health care journalists writing for both political and business-oriented publications."

from DIA Daily

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Discovery through Commercialization - 7th Annual Conference - Hyderabad, India

Discovery through Commercialization The 7th Annual Conference will include multiple tracks focusing upon the confluence of discovery,  development, manufacturing and commercialization towards the development of innovative, path-breaking strategies in the realm of personalised health care. Here are a few of the sessions at this year's conference. Target Discovery This session chaired by V. N. Balaji, Consultant, Discovery Research will discuss Applications of Next Generation Sequencing and Genomics—from Target Discovery to Clinical Trials and Beyond by Raja Mugasimangalam, CEO, Genotypic Technology Distilling Omics Data for Drug Discovery by Kalpana Krishnaswamy, CEO, Metaome Science Informatics Homology Modeling of Proteins and Ligand Docking: How close are we to drug discovery? by R. Sowdhamini, Associate Professor, National Centre for Biological Sciences Processes   Register Online      Read More Public Knowledge and Perceptions as Drivers or Barriers to the Future of Clinical Research in India This session chaired by Tal Burt, Scientific Director, Duke Global Proof-of-Concept (POC), Research Network will discuss PARTAKE Program and Survey of Public Knowledge and Perceptions of Clinical Research by Tal Burt, Scientific Director, Duke Global Proof-of-Concept (POC) Research Network Challenges of Drug Development in India – The Relevance of Public Awareness and Partnership by Krathish Bopanna, President and CEO, Semler Research The Role of Stakeholder Collaborations in the Ethical Conduct of Clinical Research by Nandini Kumar, Former Deputy Director General, Senior Grade Investigator NIH project, National Institute of Epidemiology   Register Online      Read More Health Economics and Valuation This session chaired by Shashidhar Rao, Head Global Medical Affairs and HEOR, India Operations, Novartis Healthcare will discuss New Molecules: Paths to their Development and Commercialization in India by Nidhi Saxena, Founder and CEO, Karmic Lifesciences Personalization and Regulatory Framework by Arun Bhatt, President, Clininvent Research Approach to Early Phase Health Economics Evaluations by Adrian McKemey, Practice Leader, Product Development & Commercialization, Quintiles   Register Online      Read More 7th Annual Conference Registration Fees Reduced Registration fees at the 7th Annual Conference have been reduced by nearly 20% to as low as Rs. 9,000 + taxes to help the industry participate in large numbers and gain immensely through this unique networking opportunity. Click here to view the conference program with over 75 International & India industry leaders. For more information and group registrations please contact Rhean.DSouza@diaindia.org or call +91.98.2058.7798. Follow us and tweet on the 7th Annual Conference with #DIAIndiaAM2012   Register Online      Read More Email Preferences    |    My DIA    |    Forward to a Friend    |

PCORI wants to know what health care question or decision you may be facing - SURVEY

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) wants to know what health care question or decision you may be facing. Your input can help us refine our research agenda.

Patients, caregivers and the broader health care community are invited to complete a survey on our website to propose specific research questions. Each suggestion we receive will be carefully evaluated through a selection process that will lead to targeted announcements for research funding.   In addition to questions about prevention, diagnosis and treatment options, we'd like to know what information you need that could help us fund research to improve health care delivery, address disparities of all types, improve how research is communicated , or even improve the research process overall.   One example of a proposed research question is: "Should I see my primary care physician, an orthopedic specialist, or chiropractor for the best care related to my chronic lower back pain?"   That's an actual question we received through the form.   Join us! Please take a few minutes to submit your research questions and become part of PCORI's efforts to change the research process by making the patient's voice a central piece of how our work is done.   About PCORI The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) is an independent, non-profit organization authorized by Congress. Its mission is to fund research that will provide patients, their caregivers and clinicians with the evidence-based information needed to make better-informed health care decisions. PCORI is committed to continuously seeking input from a broad range of stakeholders to guide its work. More information is available at www.pcori.org.

The need for evidence in genomic medicine, from KevinMD.com

by Michael P. Douglas and W. David Dotson, PhD
 
An IOM report makes recommendations that aim to ensure that progress in omics-based test development is grounded in sound scientific evidence and is reproducible, resulting in improved health care and continued public trust in research.  Another new IOM roundtable workshop report discussed the differences in evidence required for clinical use, regulatory oversight, guideline inclusion, coverage, and reimbursement of genomic diagnostic tests and focused on ways to clarify pathways for using such tests in clinical settings.


Recently, the NIH made a beta version of Genetic Test Registry (GTR) available online.  The GTR provides a central location for voluntary submission of genetic test information by developers. The GTR includes information on the test’s purpose, methodology, validity, evidence of the test’s usefulness, and laboratory contacts and credentials. The information provided is not verified by NIH, but assumed to be accurate by the submitting party. The GTR will not obviate the need for evidence-based evaluation of genetic tests and development of recommendations. However it is on track towards becoming useful to advance research and clinical practice.

So what are health care providers to do today when considering ordering a genomic test to diagnose, prevent or ameliorate a medical condition? Ultimately, providers and patients have to ask whether or not such a test can help in management of a health condition, and what is the balance of benefits and harms of such testing to the patient, the family, the community and the healthcare system.  Genomics and related fields (“Omics”) are rapidly emerging, resulting in many tests proposed to improve health. Since 2009, the CDC’s online GAPP Finder has catalogued more than 400 emerging tests, most of which are related to cancer. Unfortunately, beyond management of rare, single gene disorders, most new tests are not ready for use in clinical practice. The question is how do we know what is ready and what is not. After all, many people would like to have access to their personal genome information regardless of health related utility. This was reflected in the recent readers’ response to our blog on the topic of personal genomics.

more... http://www.kevinmd.com/blog/2012/04/evidence-genomic-medicine.html

US Spending on Prescription Drugs Increased Moderately in 2011

US spending on prescription drugs increased moderately in 2011 reflecting increased generic-drug incursion and lower spending on prescription drugs. Pfizer retained its number one position of the top company of US prescription drug sales, and the generic-drug company Teva Pharmaceutical moved into the top-five companies of US prescription drug sales.

Total healthcare system spending on medicines in the US reached $320 billion in 2011, up 3.7% in nominal terms or 0.5% on a real-per-capita basis, according to a recent report by the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. Branded medicines spending grew 2.2% on a nominal basis and reflected the impact of $14.9 billion lower spending on products that lost their patent exclusivity. In 2011, spending for brands launched within the past two years was $12.2 billion, compared with $8.5 billion in the year-earlier period. Spending on generic drugs, which now account for 80% percent of dispensed prescriptions, increased $5.6 billion in 2011, according to IMS. Overall spending on medicines continued to be concentrated on traditional small- molecule oral pills dispensed through retail pharmacies, even as specialty drugs and biologics experienced higher growth.

http://www.pharmtech.com/pharmtech/News/US-Spending-on-Prescription-Drugs-Increased-Modera/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/768291?contextCategoryId=35097&ref=25

5 Buckets to Patient Engagement and the Role of HIT

What is patient engagement?
Patient engagement is a connection between patient, caregiver and health care provider.  A trusted relationship forms and mutual respect is fostered.  Patients and their families are empowered and they are active in health care decisions.  However, patient engagement begins before the initial interaction with health care providers.

When patients and consumers recognize the need to be in charge of their health, patient engagement evolves.  Patients and consumers have a choice to be an active participant in their health care.  Those patients and consumers who choose to be actively involved and in charge of their health, work together with their health care providers to successfully reach their health goals and needs.

A recent study conducted (pdf link) by the National eHealth Collaborative “2012 NeHC Stakeholder Survey,” found that 64% of stakeholders’ survey described “patient engagement” as: “Patient uses educational material and online resources to learn about better health or their own health conditions.”
It’s interesting that most stakeholders surveyed felt that using educational materials and online resources best reflects the definition of patient engagement.

http://healthworkscollective.com/barbara-ficarra/30964/5-buckets-patient-engagement-and-role-hit?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+healthworkscollective_allposts+%28Healthworks+Collective%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

Public Policy / Health Care Compliance / Regulatory Law - What's on tap at DIA2012?

48th Annual Meeting
June 24-28, 2012
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Convention Center

Public Policy / Health Care Compliance / Regulatory Law - What's on tap at DIA2012?

Civil and Criminal Liability from Clinical Trials
This interactive forum will use case studies to highlight some real-life legal and regulatory issues that affect sponsors, investigators, and IRBs in the conduct of clinical trials. The forum will touch upon legal and regulatory issues regarding such things as conflicts of interest, enrolling non-English-speaking subjects, and enrollment incentives.


Clinical Trials on Trial: Potential Legal Liability Arising from Clinical Trials
In this workshop, experienced lawyers will conduct a mock trial involving issues that may arise in clinical trial lawsuits. The mock trial will include opening statements and closing arguments, as well as realistic direct and cross-examination of the primary witnesses in the case, including video evidence. At its conclusion, the lawyers will entertain questions about the mock trial. **Due to workshop format, seating will be limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. The Pennsylvania Convention Center has stringent regulations on maximum room capacities, and they are strictly enforced. Once all seats are occupied, DIA will be required to close the workshop, and no more participants will be admitted. Interested attendees are encouraged to arrive at workshops early in order to ensure seating. Please note, as a workshop with interactivity, this event will not be recorded.


Drug Rediscovery as an Innovative Tool to Meet Unmet Medical Needs
Drug Rediscovery is the science dealing with the use of old active substances to develop new treatments. This session focuses on the benefits and challenges of drug rediscovery.


Emerging Development and Policy Trends in the Economics of the Biopharmaceutical Industry
The implications of industry practices and public policies for R&D productivity and the incentives to innovate will be examined.


Emerging Role of the Patient Voice on Drug Policy in Japan
Patients and lay people in Japan now form one of the major groups that support current drug development, safety, supply, and regulatory affairs. This session will discuss recent change and the significant effect of the patient voice on drug policy and the progress of the amendment of the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law.


International Cooperation Among Regulatory Agencies
Since 2004, regulators, such as the EMA, Health Canada, and the US FDA, have extended harmonization actions to include exchanges of information and personnel to discuss product development and policy matters in joint closed sessions. Industry began to take notice that regulatory decision-making had become global. This session will include updates on strategic activities sponsored by the EMA, Health Canada, and the US FDA.

Legal Aspects of Clinical Trial Compliance
This session will provide a broad-based review of the various laws and regulations that impact clinical trials. This discussion will focus primarily on issues including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, False Claims Act, anti-kickback laws, determination of fair market value, and HIPAA. There will also be a discussion on the non-FDA governmental organizations that may get involved in clinical trial compliance including HHS and the US Attorney's Office.



Meeting the Therapeutic Needs of Older Patients: A Sustainable Collaborative Approach
Regulators will discuss how to facilitate the implementation of affordable development programs for unmet therapeutic needs of older patients, in line with the existing regulatory guidance for geriatric medicines.

Policy and Enforcement Trends: Are Regulators and Industry Heading in the Right Direction?
This forum will explore policy and enforcement trends and explore issues addressing questions related to the issue of whether regulators/industry are heading in the right direction. As globalization and collaboration become more relevant, can we do better?

Regulatory Capacity Building from 360 Degrees
Regulatory capacity building is a critical activity to ensure the global access and supply of safe and effective pharmaceuticals. Health authorities, nonprofit entities, and international organizations priorities and activities will be presented.

Product Liability in the US and the EU
In this session, an overview will be given of both legislation and case law with respect to product liability on both sides of the Atlantic. The session will provide hands-on information for advice to clients and will discuss current case law.

MAINE COMPASS: Cold reality is that rationing health care is inevitable | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME

MAINE COMPASS: Cold reality is that rationing health care is inevitable

Rep. Lance Harvell

Richard Lamm, director of the Institute for Public Policy Studies at the University of Denver has just published "The Brave New World of Health Care," in which he argues that widespread rationing is inevitable within the next 20 years.

Otherwise, Lamm warns, health care will become a fiscal black hole that will consume our children's future. As he sees it, "The health care system is consuming massive resources that are desperately needed in other parts of the economy if we are to leave our children a sustainable society."

His book proposes six essential reforms:

* Provide access for all to a base level of health care.
* Develop a means of limiting the use of procedures that are ineffective or marginally effective, or that are effective but too expensive.
* Develop a consensus on social and individual health care priorities.
* Place limitations on malpractice suits.
* Control the health care bureaucracy.
* Place limitations on the supply side of health care.

See article for more:
MAINE COMPASS: Cold reality is that rationing health care is inevitable | The Kennebec Journal, Augusta, ME

The Burrill Report see page 5 of 35 page April report

Downturn Raises Profile of Government and Foundations as Sources of Early-Stage Funding

Grants and contracts can provide financing for ventures too risky for traditional investors

By Linda Molnar

At a time when early-stage life sciences companies face challenges raising money, they are increasingly finding the federal government and foundations can be good sources of non-dilutive funding. This was not always the case. As recent as five years ago, there was a large disconnect between these sources of funding and traditional venture capital, let alone entrepreneurs themselves.

The deep recession that began in 2008 and the significant fall-off in early-stage venture deals and investments have helped to change this. The venture capital world has still not returned to the levels of funding of early-stage life sciences companies of the past years and may never return to those levels given the changes the venture capital industry is undergoing today.

Deadline approaching for Life Science Entrepreneur/Start Up Application | DIA 2012: Collaborate to Innovate | Deadline: Monday, April 16, 2012

DEADLINE TO APPLY - April 16, 2012

DIA 2012 Collaborate to Innovate

48th Annual Meeting
June 24-28, 2012
Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania Convention Center

DIA 2012: Collaborate to Innovate, DIA’s 48th Annual Meeting, is the medical product and health care industries’ largest multidisciplinary event, and brings together a global network of 7,500 professionals to develop safe and effective medical products.

DIA recognizes the innovative seed and early-stage start-up companies that are impacting these industries and we welcome your participation at this year’s event.

Eight entrepreneurs will be given the opportunity to showcase their work at this year’s DIA Annual Meeting.

These entrepreneurs will receive complete and total access within the DIA Annual Meeting Exhibit Hall (which features 500+ exhibiting companies from all around the world) and a small dedicated area (including internet hookup) for a live demonstration or presentation of their innovative product.

For more information, please click on the link below:

http://www.diahome.org/productfiles/27170/12001_EntrepreneurApplication.pdf