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"Our main concerns are that the use of what they call an asynchronous supply, where the prescriber neither sees nor talks to the patient at the time they issue the prescription, does lay itself open to perhaps people getting hold of medication that they shouldn't," the Head of Policy, PDA said. The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) engages in a critical conversation on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, shedding light on the online prescribing of weight loss drugs and advocating for safer practices. The PDA's spokesperson, Head of Policy Alima Batchelor, emphasised the importance of adhering to professional guidelines to ensure patient safety and mitigate regulatory concerns. During the feature, the PDA highlighted the complexities and risks associated with online supply chains, stressing the necessity for direct clinical consultations and pharmacist involvement in medication management. ""There are guidelines and advice about verification within the DiCE guidance, but it doesn't go quite far enough for us. We are concerned when patients decline to allow the online prescriber to advise their GP of what they're taking," Batchelor highlighted.

Thousands of cancer patients in England are set to gain fast-tracked access to personalised cancer vaccine trials through a new National Health Service(NHS) initiative, the Cancer Vaccine Launch Pad. This groundbreaking service aims to find new life-saving treatments by matching eligible patients with clinical trials across the country. The first patient to receive a personalised vaccine for bowel cancer is Elliot Phebve, a 55-year-old lecturer, treated at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust. Phebve, diagnosed through a routine health check, underwent surgery and chemotherapy before joining the trial. Sponsored by German biotech company BioNTech SE, the colorectal cancer vaccine trial is one of several taking place across NHS trusts.

The government has accepted the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation's (JCVI) advice for the autumn 2024 COVID-19 vaccination programme. According to the JCVI, the following groups will be eligible for vaccination this autumn: Individuals aged 65 and over Residents of care homes for older adults Those aged 6 months and older in clinical risk groups Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, emphasised the importance of protecting vulnerable populations from COVID-19 and reducing pressure on the NHS. He said: "We are committed to protecting those most vulnerable from COVID and have accepted the independent advice from the JCVI for the autumn 2024 vaccination programme." "I encourage anyone invited for a vaccine to get one as soon as possible to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter, helping to cut waiting times and get the health service back on its feet."

Patients in Ireland with a specific type of lung cancer can now access Merck's TEPMETKO® (tepotinib) as a second-line treatment option, following its approval for reimbursement by the Health Service Executive (HSE). Tepotinib is the first treatment approved in Ireland specifically targeting advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor gene (MET) exon 14 (METex14) skipping alterations. Previously, the oral MET inhibitor had been approved in the NHS across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Patients with advanced NSCLC with METex14 skipping alterations typically have poorer overall survival rates compared to other NSCLC patients. According to Merck, tepotinib has shown consistent and durable antitumor activity in this group, as demonstrated in the VISION study, further cementing its role in clinical practice. Roisin Molloy, Managing Director of Merck Healthcare in Ireland, said: "This is an important step forward for targeted treatments in Ireland and it is fantastic news that the HSE has reimbursed tepotinib."

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved a new indication of semaglutide (Wegovy), authorising its use to reduce the risk of serious heart problems and strokes in adults who are obese or overweight. Semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, was previously approved for use in the treatment of obesity and weight management, to be used alongside diet, physical activity and behavioural support. The latest approval establishes it as the first weight loss drug to be prescribed to prevent cardiovascular events, such as cardiovascular death, non-fatal heart attack and non-fatal stroke, in people with established cardiovascular disease and a Body Mass Index (BMI) higher or equal to 27 kg/m2. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Wegovy, received this authorisation on 23 July following compelling evidence from a recent post-approval clinical study involving over 17,600 participants. The study demonstrated that Wegovy, administered at a dose of 2.4 mg once weekly via subcutaneous injection for up to five years, significantly lowers the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) by 20 per cent compared to a placebo.

On World Head and Neck Cancer Day today (27 July), the National Health Service (NHS) has launched a new partnership with the British supermarket chain, Asda to raise awareness of mouth cancer symptoms. As part of this partnership, the NHS will provide vital advice on millions of toothpaste tubes and mouthwash bottles, urging people to consult their GP or dentist if they notice any potential symptoms of mouth cancer. Starting this month, the grocer's own brand of oral hygiene products will feature NHS advice in over 500 Asda stores nationwide. The NHS guidance will be displayed on the packaging, along with a link to more detailed information about mouth and throat cancer on the health service website. Professor Peter Johnson, national clinical director for cancer at NHS England, said: "Early detection of mouth cancer can help save lives and this fantastic new partnership with Asda will be vital in raising awareness of the signs and in supporting the NHS's ambition to diagnose more cancers at an earlier stage.

The current funding and contractual framework for community pharmacy is not fit for purpose, the Health and Social Care Committee report has concluded, recommending a complete overhaul to reduce its complexity. Published today, the report highlighted the necessity for a new framework to ensure adequate funding and to prevent damaging cross-subsidy between clinical services and prescription dispensing, as is presently observed. The report revealed that community pharmacy funding has fallen by over 30 per cent in real terms since 2015, resulting in an annual shortfall of at least £67,000 per pharmacy for individual owners. More than 1,100 community pharmacies have closed since 2015, of which were serving the most deprived areas, it said. MPs on the committee have urged the government to address medicine shortages, warning that they could undermine flagship initiatives such as 'Pharmacy First' by eroding public confidence in pharmacists. "People living with type 2 diabetes, ADHD, epilepsy and cystic fibrosis, and those experiencing the menopause, have faced challenges accessing the vital medication they need. Many others are facing similar experiences.

Community Pharmacy England (CPE) has taken an interesting step to increase public awareness and understanding of the Pharmacy First service. The organisation has launched a new video animation that provides clear and concise information about the service, highlighting the seven conditions covered, the eligible age ranges within the clinical pathways consultations, and explaining how patients can access these services. Pharmacy owners and their teams are encouraged to use the new animation with existing resources to communicate the benefits and scope of the service to their  patients. The animation can be linked to pharmacy social media content and downloaded for display on digital screens in pharmacies. General practices are also encouraged to use the animation on digital screens in their practice waiting areas.

Researchers from King's College London and the University of Helsinki have identified a link between periodontitis (gum disease) and cryptogenic ischemic stroke, which causes a blockage in the blood vessel supplying blood to a region of the brain. The findings, recently published in the Journal of Dental Research, emphasise severe gum disease as a risk factor for young-onset stroke, particularly in patients with no other identifiable risk factors. Dr. Susanna Paju, Periodontology Specialist from the University of Helsinki, led the study in collaboration with Dr. Svetislav Zaric, Clinical Lecturer in Periodontology from King's College London. Dr. Zaric explains the implications of their research: "Stroke remains the second leading cause of death globally. Strikingly, the incidence and prevalence of ischemic stroke have been increasing in the younger population during past decades," she said. "Periodontitis, which involves deep inflammation of the gums due to bacteria under the gumline, can lead to systemic effects as bacteria enter the bloodstream and affect other parts of the body," she added.

Healthcare reform emerged as a cornerstone of the Labour Party's manifesto leading up to the recent general election. A standout pledge was the establishment of a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting pharmacists independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. This initiative is seen as a positive step in addressing critical challenges within the National Health Service (NHS). Numark Chairman Harry McQuillan praised Labour's recognition of pharmacists' role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights. "Let's be honest, pharmacists are an underutilised resource within the healthcare system. We possess extensive training and expertise, yet our full potential hasn't always been acknowledged. "By harnessing pharmacists expanded prescribing rights, Labour is acknowledging our significant role in patient care. This initiative aims to recognise our skills and enhance patient care, ensuring quicker access to necessary treatments," he said. However, he pointed out that the concept requires further exploration, as the rights to prescribe are already granted through the recent change to undergraduate training that incorporates prescribing.

With the Labour Party now in power, there is keen interest in the healthcare initiatives they pledged during their election campaign and how these proposals will shape the future of NHS. One of the key pledges in their healthcare reform is the introduction of the Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, which aims to empower pharmacists with independent prescribing rights where clinically suitable. While pharmacists appreciated Labour's acknowledgment of their role in patient care through expanded prescribing rights, they foresee some challenges in implementing the service. "Budgets will be a key issue," said Pharmacist Thorrun Govind, also a Healthcare Lawyer (Brabners LLP). However, she noted that, given the success of pharmacist prescribing services in the devolved nations, there is "a road map in place."

The Labour Party's election manifesto, unveiled with a focus on bolstering community pharmacy services and enhancing localised healthcare, has sparked responses from key pharmacy bodies across England. A standout pledge within the manifesto is the commitment to establish a Community Pharmacist Prescribing Service, aimed at granting more pharmacists independent prescribing rights. This initiative is viewed as pivotal in recognising the clinical capabilities of pharmacists and their potential to alleviate pressures within primary care. Additionally, Labour's plan advocates for broader healthcare access improvements, including enabling opticians to directly refer patients to specialist services and expanding self-referral options where suitable. The manifesto also introduces proposals to trial Neighbourhood Health Centres, designed to consolidate various healthcare services under one roof, such as family doctors, district nurses, and mental health specialists.

Walgreens Boots Alliance (WBA) has officially announced that Sebastian James, the Managing Director of Boots, will be stepping down from his role to pursue a new opportunity in the healthcare sector. James has given notice to leave the company and will remain with Boots until November. The UK pharmacy giant has already begun the search for a new Managing Director. James is set to take on the role of CEO at Veonet, a leading European chain of ophthalmology clinics. During his tenure as Managing Director since 2018, James played a pivotal role in transforming Boots into the UK's leading health and beauty retailer. He oversaw significant growth and innovation, achieving thirteen consecutive quarters of retail market share growth. Most recently, the company announced strong Q3 results in June with growth across all categories.

"The UK remains genuinely world-leading for life sciences in numerous areas - yet we continue to underperform on our potential," said Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI). His statement is based on recent government data indicating that the UK is not fully capitalizing on its strong historical and institutional advantages in life sciences across a range of economic, health, and research indicators. The latest 'Life sciences competitiveness indicators 2024' report from the government's Office for Life Sciences revealed that while the pharmaceutical industry leads in R&D spending with £9 billion in 2022, representing a fifth of total business investment, the country saw a notable decline in foreign direct investment (FDI), industry clinical trials, and exports. In 2023, FDI dropped by 21 per cent to £0.8 billion, following a trend that saw a 52 per cent decrease over the previous two years, including a £0.9 billion fall in FDI the year prior.

The latest NHS data showed that 487,432 individuals in England were diagnosed with dementia in June, the highest since the start of the pandemic. Although dementia diagnosis rates have reached 65 per cent, the NHS still aims to meet its target of diagnosing 66.7 per cent of the estimated total number of people living with a form of the disease. NHS stated that their staff across the country are actively assessing care home residents to identify more individuals who may have dementia. Dr. Jeremy Isaacs, National Clinical Director for Dementia at NHS England, praised the efforts of NHS staff in increasing diagnosis rates but acknowledged that more work is needed. "Getting a diagnosis of dementia is the first step in supporting people, with a wide range of NHS services able to help.

Mental health problems can be incredibly isolating and debilitating. It can be difficult to know how to get your life back on track when you are struggling with mental health issues. In this blog post, we will discuss some strategies for overcoming mental health problems and getting your life back on track! 1. SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP: Mental health problems can be complex and difficult to manage on your own. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand and manage your symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and work through any underlying issues that may be contributing to your mental health problems. If you are not sure where to start, you can ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a mental health professional. You can also go to a treatment center where their clinical team will help you with your mental health. This way you ensure that you're getting the help that you need and not just from a family member or friend. You can also search for therapists in your area online or by calling your insurance company. There is no shame in seeking help for mental health problems. In fact, seeking professional help is one of the most important things you can do for your mental health. 2. DEVELOP A SUPPORT SYSTEM: When you are struggling with mental health issues, it is important to have a supportive network of people on who you can rely. This may include family members, friends, therapists, or a support group for people with similar experiences. Having people to talk to who understand what you are going through can be incredibly helpful. These people can provide support, advice, and practical assistance when you need it. Having a strong support system can make a big difference in your ability to cope with mental health problems.

Dealing with mental health problems can be challenging, and finding the right support is crucial. One resource I've found helpful is reaching out to services that focus on overall well-being. For instance, Discover My Mobility offers excellent customer service here https://www.pissedconsumer.com/discover-my-mobility/RT-F.html and can provide valuable resources for managing stress and improving mental wellness through their mobility solutions. Their support team is attentive and offers guidance that could be beneficial.

India is in great need of developing a strong base for conducting medical and clinical research in the country. Medical research in India is still at large limited to some apex medical institutes and central laboratories.

Epic Sciences has announced an agreement with Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) to expedite sample processing for Epic's circulating tumor cell (CTC) technology to support European clinical trials.

PBR Staff Writer Published 25 March 2014 US-based Goodwin Biotechnology has entered into an agreement with Aspyrian Therapeutics for the technology transfer, process development, scale-up, and cGMP manufacturing of a new Antibody Drug Conjugate (ADC) for use in Phase I clinical trials.