Group items matching

in title, tags, annotations or url

Pharma giant, Pfizer has announced plans to cut 500 jobs at its Sandwich site in Kent, England as part of its ongoing $3.5 billion cost-cutting drive. The company is also planning to shut its Pharmaceutical Sciences Small Molecule (PSSM) capabilities at the site, a spokesperson of the company told FiercePharma. However, the Sandwich site will remain open and other functions will continue with "a different size," the spokesperson added. Currently, around 940 people are employed at the site, which is the location where Pfizer scientists first discovered Viagra. "We are proud of our heritage of breakthrough science in the UK and we will retain a scientific presence in the U.K. including at our Discovery Park location in Sandwich," Pfizer's spokesperson confirmed in an email to FiercePharma.

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) launched a report on pharmacy-led common ailment schemes. The data was collected from 24 countries, including case studies from nine countries. It highlighted the growing demand for care models for ageing populations and the increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. Pharmacists had been managing the stress, including prescribing authority and provision of medicinal treatments. Paul Sinclair AM, Global President of FIP, said, "I believe this report is both a foundation and a catalyst - a foundation on which FIP and our member organizations could base initial strategies and a catalyst to drive us to seek even more diverse and comprehensive insights in the future.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reminded healthcare professionals prescribing aripiprazole to alert patients about its possible side effects, following a rise in the number of reports of gambling disorder associated with the drug. Patients taking aripiprazole, which is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are at risk of developing unusual urges or cravings that they cannot resist, including behaviours such as addictive gambling, excessive eating or spending, or an abnormally high sex drive. The regulator has received 69 reports of gambling or gambling disorder suspected to be caused by aripiprazole in the last 14 years via the Yellow Card Scheme, out of which 32 were received between 1 January and 31 August this year. Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: "The number of reports for suspected gambling and other impulsive behaviours associated with aripiprazole are small in comparison to the frequency with which it is prescribed, but the consequences for any patient developing these conditions can be significant."

Dementia is an extremely deceptive disease that develops slowly and may go unnoticed in people, said NHS mental health director Claire Murdoch, while urging people to look out for the vital warning signs of this condition among family and friends over Christmas. Common early symptoms of dementia may include emotional change, forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, struggling to follow a conversation or find the right word, being confused about time and place, the health service has cautioned. An increasing number of people have been diagnosed with dementia in England since the start of the pandemic, following a drive by the NHS England to increase diagnosis rates. In November 2023, NHS staff diagnosed 463,797 people aged over 65 with dementia, up more than 41,000 compared to the same period last year, according to the figures revealed by the health service.

Gisela Abbam today (March 14) officially succeeded Nigel Clarke as new chair of the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). She was appointed in mid-Feruary. The council paid tribute to its outgoing chair for his major contribution to pharmacy regulation and his focus on patient safety for the past eight years on the role. During his tenure Clarke has overseen significant changes to how the GPhC regulates pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and pharmacies to help drive improvements in professional practice and protect patient safety. Chief executive of the GPhC, Duncan Rudkin, said: "I would like to pay tribute to Nigel for everything he has done to support continuous improvement and assure the quality and safety of pharmacy for the benefit of patients and the public.

Women's health company Hertility has acquired the Netherlands-based fertility and hormone testing company Grip, increasing their market share in the women's health space and positioning them for rapid international expansion. Hertility said the acquisition will expand its own dataset and help them reach their goal of drastically cutting down the time to diagnosis of female health conditions. The UK start-up, launched in September 2020, offers a machine-learning healthcare solution, giving women insight on their reproductive health, through an at-home hormone test, individual results and a route to care. Founded by scientists and powered by an (all female) research team, Hertility is building a science-backed eco-system of care around every woman. Hertility is planning on launching in Ireland this summer and the Netherlands before the end of the year and is already offering end to end gynae and fertility care with a team of over 30 experts. "This acquisition is a coming together of women who are on a mission to drive real change in women's health. We are over the moon to have taken Grip under our wing, and will be taking Hertility into new markets, starting with the Netherlands," Dr Helen O'Neill, founder of Hertility, commented.

Walgreens Boots Alliance has announced the launch of its new clinical trials business that aims to use patient data from its pharmacies to help drive up recruitment in studies conducted by drugmakers. With patient recruitment and enrollment remain key challenges in clinical trials, further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company said it can proactively match diverse patient populations to trials across a range of disease areas based on race, gender, socioeconomic status and location with its patient reach and access to an extensive foundation of pharmacy and patient-authorised clinical data. The Boots owner also believes that by leveraging a tech-enabled approach to patient identification and creating a large registry of clinical trial participants, the company will be able to reduce the time it takes to match eligible patients to clinical trials. "Walgreens trusted community presence across the nation, combined with our enterprise-wide data and health capabilities, enables us to pioneer a comprehensive solution that makes health options, including clinical trials, more accessible, convenient and equitable," said Ramita Tandon, chief clinical trials officer, Walgreens.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has been accepted as a full member of three international work-sharing partnerships. Through these partnerships the agency said it will play vital international role in making sure medicines and medical devices are regulated safely and efficiently worldwide, Two of these, the International Medical Device Regulatory Forum (IMDRF) and the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) are focused on improving the harmonisation and convergence of medicines and medical devices regulation globally. The partnerships will also help the MHRA to share expertise with other leading organisations, support the development of regulatory guidelines and drive greater harmonisation of regulation around the world. This will help deliver timely access to innovative medical products not just in the UK but globally.

Superdrug has announced a pay increase for newly qualified pharmacists, in a move that will see wages rise to £50,000 - ensuring that Superdrug Pharmacists continue to receive the strongest renumeration package on the high street today. Superdrug is also enhancing its patient experience and operational structure, with the introduction of a new role of Pharmacy Team Leader to selected pharmacy stores. Pharmacy Team Leaders will be dispenser trained and provide a clear line of accountability for day-to-day dispensary activity including adhering to legal and clinical frameworks whilst supporting, coaching, and developing a high-performing pharmacy team. The role also allows Superdrug to offer a clear line of progression for talented Pharmacy Dispensers and Technicians who want to do more in their career and recognises the valuable contribution Pharmacy Dispensers & Technicians play in community pharmacy. In addition, the appointment of two new Heads of Pharmacy Operations sees the high street retailer driving and improving Superdrug's pharmacy performance to offer the best possible care for patients. Craig Watt, Pharmacist and previously Area Manager, has been appointed to Head of Pharmacy Operations North and will be responsible for the operation of Superdrug's central distribution hub serving its e-pharmacy and Online Dr team.

If you have low testosterone levels, there is a good chance you have felt some physical side effects from that. You may have heard that certain physical activity helps combat the depletion, and there is truth in this. There is a link between increasing and fine-tuning an exercise agenda and raising testosterone levels. Below, the relationship is explored in more detail. WHAT DOES TESTOSTERONE DO? There is more to the function of testosterone than just in relation to your sex drive. Of course, that is important, but it also impacts muscle building, strength, energy levels, hair growth, and red blood cells. When levels are low, there are big consequences for anybody from hair loss to weak muscles and even exhaustion too. TESTOSTERONE AND OBESITY One of the biggest things that affects testosterone is being overweight. If you are carrying a few extra pounds, it would be beneficial to try to get into some healthier habits if you want to promote an organic increase in T-levels. HOW EXERCISE PLAYS A ROLE Exercise seems to be a natural inhibitor of testosterone, especially when you focus on particular strategies and workout styles such as strength training. Levels have been shown to rise immediately after exercise for anything from fifteen minutes to an hour plus. While it is different for everyone, the link is clear.

Boots witnessed a 'record-breaking' performance for beauty driving retail sales with a growth of 16 per cent in the three months to 28 February 2023. The beauty category delivered a record January, and premium beauty saw its biggest ever sales week in December. Skincare reported three consecutive weeks of record sales in December driven by the 'expert skincare' category in which brands including No7, La Roche-Posay, CeraVe and Eucerin proved popular. Boots beauty transformation strategy continued with 19 new beauty halls opened in Q2 and the 170th store to receive a beauty makeover opening at Westfield White City post-period end. Boots now stocks over 500 big name and cult beauty brands and exclusively sells the UK's leading skincare brand, No7. The business reported its eighth consecutive quarter of market share growth with gains across all categories, led by beauty - the stand-out performer of the quarter. Footfall, basket size and the number of Advantage Card customers all increased, as more people chose to shop at Boots. The Christmas period was particularly strong with retail sales in the five weeks to 31 December up 17.4% and outperforming the market. Boots further expanded its value offering in the quarter, announcing its biggest ever savings as part of its continued focus on the affordability of life's essentials. This included the addition of 60 new products to the Boots Everyday label as well as the extension of its Price Advantage scheme, which has to date resulted in £30 million of customer savings and now includes discounts on over 800 products every month.

Bas Vorsteveld has been elected as the new president of PAGB, the trade association representing the manufacturers of branded OTC medicines, self care medical devices and food supplements. Vorsteveld, who is vice president and general Manager of Haleon GB and Ireland, succeeds Neil Lister, managing director UK & Ireland and vice president at Perrigo. PAGB said the appointment comes at a crucial time for the consumer healthcare association as it looks to expand the role of self-care, secure a long-term favourable business environment for members, adapt to environmental challenges and continue to deliver excellent services for members. "We are so pleased to welcome Bas to the role of President. Bas has been actively involved with PAGB as a board member and we're looking forward to continuing our work with him. I have already seen from Bas's time on our Board that he combines great sector knowledge with drive, energy and genuine passion for what we do and we're so excited to have him as our President," Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of PAGB, said. "Bas's input and guidance as our strategy evolves over the coming years will be vital as we respond to new challenges as they emerge and make the most of the opportunities ahead."

Nine in ten people surveyed by Ipsos on behalf on NHS positively rated the advice they received from their local pharmacies. The results from Ipsos found that the vast majority of patients (91%) who had used a community pharmacy in the previous year for advice about medicines, a health problem or injury, or what health service they should use said they received good advice. The research comes as more than 11,000 pharmacies in England can now access training to spot signs of cancer as part of a new drive to catch tumours earlier when they are easier to treat. Thorrun Govind, Chair of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society English Pharmacy Board, said: "Community pharmacists are working exceptionally hard to make sure that the public gets the right advice at the right time. This new data shows the public appreciate both the accessibility and quality of advice they receive from community pharmacists. "I am delighted that the Royal Pharmaceutical Society is working with the NHS to deliver professional development for community pharmacists to further enhance their clinical consultation skills.

What is Red Boost? Red Boost the Most Potent, Fast-Acting Formula for Boosting Male Sexual Performance. It helps to healthy blood flow support, enhanced smooth muscle function, emotional, long- lasting performances in the bedroom and strong sexual desire all while boosting natural reserves of energy and sex drive all day long Key Feature of Red Boost reviews Boosting Male Sexual Performance Healthy blood flow support Enhanced smooth muscle function Increased Sex drive Further Energy and Vitality Easier Weight Loss and lower jones A Sharper and Healthier Recall Increased Performances and Youthful Stamina for your Love Life Support Healthy Blood Pressure Support Healthy Blood Sugar Supporting a Healthy Immune System

The National Health Service (NHS) on Monday launched a new national campaign to find the 'missing millions' who could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, often described as a 'silent killer'. People are being warned that the condition rarely has any symptoms and it can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia, if left untreated. According to the NHS, high blood pressure affects an estimated 32 per cent of adults and approximately three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England. The NHS has expanded blood pressure checks in community pharmacies to include 2.5 million more tests as part of the Pharmacy First programme. With the 'Get Your Blood Pressure Checked' campaign, the health service is encouraging those aged 40 years and over to get a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy, for which they don't need to be booked in advance. Health Minister Andrea Leadsom expressed confidence that this new drive will help to prevent the potentially "fatal consequences" of untreated high blood pressure. She urged people to go to their local pharmacy to get their blood pressure checked, stating that it could be a "lifesaving trip."

The Pharmacists' Defence Association (PDA) is bolstering its leadership team with the appointment of Jay Badenhorst as the Director of Pharmacy, a newly created position aimed at fortifying its commitment to advancing pharmacy practice. This move comes amidst a period of significant change and challenge for frontline pharmacists, prompting the independent trade union to enhance its influence in the evolving healthcare landscape. Mr. Badenhorst, who previously served Whitworth Chemists as the Managing Director and also has leveraged his extensive knowledge of the pharmacy practice and organisational leadership as the Vice Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, reasons his "commitment to being at the forefront of positive change within the pharmacy profession." Mr. Badenhorst expressed his enthusiasm stating: "I am delighted to be joining an organisation that has so much vision, ambition and drive at a time when pharmacists have so many opportunities to develop their roles for the benefit of patients." According to Mark Koziol, Chair of PDA, the new position is a reflection of the union's commitment to pharmacy and described the new Director of Pharmacy as "a senior level, proven and award-winning pharmacy leader."

The UK government has decided to ban disposable vapes to tackle the rise in youth vaping and protect children's health, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Sunday (28 January 2024) during a visit to a school. Official figures revealed that the number of children using vapes has tripled in the past three years, with nine per cent of 11 - to 15-year-olds now affected by this rising trend. Disposable vapes are believed to be mainly driving the worrisome rise in youth vaping, with the number of 11- to 17-year-old vapers using disposables estimated to have increased by almost ninefold in the last two years. Sunak said: "As any parent or teacher knows, one of the most worrying trends at the moment is the rise in vaping among children, and so we must act before it becomes endemic. "The long-term impacts of vaping are unknown and the nicotine within them can be highly addictive, so while vaping can be a useful tool to help smokers quit, marketing vapes to children is not acceptable."

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) made a recent announcement that the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence (i.AI) and NHS England (NHSE) have joined forces in a groundbreaking move by signing a Collaboration Charter on AI. This pivotal partnership aims to equip the NHS workforce with the tools and resources to leverage AI technology for enhancing patient care, improving staff experience, and driving operational efficiency. The Charter, endorsed by Minister Burghart, Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, and Lord Markham, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the DHSC, signifies an important step towards integrating AI into the fabric of the NHS. Under this collaboration, the i.AI team, comprising elite technical experts within the government, will identify opportunities where AI technology can be deployed responsibly to support the NHS. This initiative is expected to streamline processes, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately enhance patient outcomes.

In a groundbreaking move, the Department of Education has initiated the first phase of its ambitious childcare expansion plan, offering a lifeline to thousands of working parents of two-year-olds nationwide. Effective from April 1, working parents now have access to 15 hours a week of government-funded childcare, marking the onset of the largest-ever childcare provision expansion in the country's history. This milestone initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on families and promote workforce participation, with over 150,000 children projected to benefit from government-funded places. By September 2025, the expansion will culminate in working parents gaining access to 30 hours of free childcare, offering substantial annual savings and enabling parents to navigate the delicate balance between work and family commitments. Acknowledging the pivotal role of childcare in supporting families and driving economic growth, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak emphasized the government's commitment to delivering on its promise of expanded childcare provision.