Sleep News and Research

Latest Sleep News and Research

FDA issues a complete response letter for Sanofi-aventis' eplivanserin NDA

Sanofi-aventis (EURONEXT: SAN and NYSE: SNY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a complete response letter regarding the company's New Drug Application (NDA) for eplivanserin (Ciltyri(R)). Eplivanserin was reviewed as a potential treatment for patients with chronic insomnia characterized by difficulties with sleep maintenance.

17 Sep 2009

US NetMark project helps build African and international businesses

The NetMark project, a $67 million, USAID-funded public-private partnership to prevent malaria, ends September 30, but the bed net market continues to thrive in seven countries where it operated-Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Not only did the U.S. investment help spur major spending by private companies-for every $1 in public funds, African and international businesses spent $1.30-the new commercial sector now exists.

17 Sep 2009

News outlets examine West Africa floods

The torrential rains that began in June in West Africa and subsequent floods have forced an estimated 150,000 people from their homes and claimed the lives of 160, VOA News reports. The worst affected countries include Senegal, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Niger and Sierra Leone (Schlein, 9/13).

17 Sep 2009

Genetically removing the osteopontin protein prevents lung diseases

In a development that could lead to a novel approach to the treatment of a devastating lung disease, biochemists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston report they are the first to link the osteopontin (OPN) protein to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

16 Sep 2009

Cardiac MRI exams gain prominence in the medical imaging market

Developments in imaging technology and software continue to help cardiac MRI exams gain prominence in the medical imaging market by meeting the demand for faster scan times and the ability to view areas of the body that were previously deemed impossible to image, according to "Medical Imaging Markets: MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and Ultrasound" by healthcare market research firm Kalorama Information.

16 Sep 2009

Mechanism during sleep responsible for memory formation identified

A Rutgers University, Newark and Coll-ge de France, Paris research team has pinpointed for the first time the mechanism that takes place during sleep that causes learning and memory formation to occur.

16 Sep 2009

Mantra medicine tool helps patients in healing process

Dr. Mitchell Earl Gibson, a board-certified medical doctor in High Point, North Carolina, has formed a company that creates mantra and prayer-meditation-based recordings.

15 Sep 2009

Ten tips from SCAN Health Plan to help protect your health as you age

The average life expectancy has topped 78 years, giving people more reasons to celebrate and seek ways to protect or improve their health. In recognition of Healthy Aging Month in September, SCAN Health Plan Arizona takes an in-depth look at healthy aging -- mentally and physically -- during television and radio programs this month and offers 10 tips to better health.

15 Sep 2009

New generation CPAP mask to aid sleep apnoea patients from ResMed

ResMed, a leading manufacturer of sleep and respiratory medical equipment, today announced that it has introduced a new generation continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mask designed to improve the patient experience and compliance. With minimal contact on the face and a sleek design, Swift FX is expected to help sleep apnoea patients overcome issues related to wearing a mask at night and effectively providing them with a good night’s sleep.

From ResMed Corp 15 Sep 2009

Hebrew University researchers' discovery may lead to treatments for various states of loss of consciousness

A new understanding of how anesthesia and anesthesia-like states are controlled in the brain opens the door to possible new future treatments of various states of loss of consciousness, such as reversible coma, according to Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists.

14 Sep 2009

Tips from ADT to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning

As Americans in many parts of the country gear up for colder weather, others brace for the peak of hurricane season. This means more families will begin using fuel-burning space heaters and portable generators that may release harmful carbon monoxide (CO) gas.

14 Sep 2009

Positive results from Transave's Phase II clinical trial of ARIKACE in non-CF bronchiectasis patients

Transave, Inc., today reported positive results from a Phase II clinical trial in non-cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis patients for its lead investigational drug, ARIKACE(TM) (liposomal amikacin for inhalation). The Phase II data indicated that ARIKACE, delivered once daily for 28 consecutive days, demonstrated superior clinical benefit compared to placebo as measured by patient and physician reported outcomes and reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa density.

14 Sep 2009

Final results of SAPHRIS clinical study released

Schering-Plough Corporation today reported final results of a SAPHRIS(R) (asenapine) long-term schizophrenia relapse prevention clinical study.

14 Sep 2009

Centre of consciousness may lead to new coma treatments

14 Sep 2009

Sleep deprivation is a major factor for clinical errors

A study of clinical errors made by resident physicians in a teaching hospital reveals that the more tired they are the more mistakes they make. The study published in the International Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research puts figures to this seemingly obvious conclusion and shows that fewer errors are made if clinical practices are standardised.

14 Sep 2009

Natus Medical to purchase Alpine Biomed Holdings

Natus Medical Incorporated today announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Alpine Biomed Holdings Corp in a transaction that is expected to close today.

14 Sep 2009

University of Surrey lecturer on Co-sleeping

The event will be a series of overlapping presentations based on video clips of older people talking about their experience of poor sleep, and the impact this has on their lives. The presenters are all involved in the SomnIA (Sleep in Ageing) project based at the University of Surrey. As well as the video-based presentations and discussions, members of the audience will be invited to share some of their own experiences of poor sleep, and write down questions which they would like the panel of presenters to address during the last part of the event.

11 Sep 2009

Merck update on the status of telcagepant clinical development programs

Merck & Co., Inc. today updated the status of the clinical development programs for telcagepant (MK-0974) and MK-3207, the Company's investigational oral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists for the intermittent treatment of acute migraine.

11 Sep 2009

New data reveals the efficacy of Instanyl in management of breakthrough cancer pain

New data presented today further demonstrate the efficacy of Instanyl in management of breakthrough cancer pain. The data which were presented at the 6th congress of the European Federation of Chapters of the International Association for the Study of Pain (EFIC) are from a multinational, crossover trial comparing Instanyl with oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (OTFC) for the treatment of breakthrough pain in patients with cancer.

11 Sep 2009

New outpatient center opened in Westchase, Florida by The Graham Group

The Graham Group, Inc. announced in August the opening of the BayCare Outpatient Center in Westchase, Florida. The BayCare Outpatient Center is a four-story, 55,000 square-foot medical office building located north of Tampa in Hillsborough County.

11 Sep 2009