"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 foot is the foundation of movement of the body. If pain prevails in the foot, it either indicates the interaction of internal structures or how the foot
The sad truth is which it removes some time for indications to become clear. As a matter of fact, it may take weeks, or even years, prior to the indications show.
The regulatory amendments proposed will enable pharmacists to dispense medicines in their original packaging for private prescriptions starting this
Autumn, according to the Department of Health and Social Care.
In the recently published draft OPD regulations, the DHSC has indicated that the alterations, permitting pharmacists to vary the dispensed quantity by up to
10 per cent to avoid splitting medicine packs, will be implemented for private prescriptions 'immediately upon the enforcement of the Human Medicines Amendment
Regulations in the autumn,' as highlighted in a briefing by Community Pharmacy England.
CPE stated that the regulations related to NHS prescriptions will come into effect when the pharmaceutical terms of service regulations expressly apply the OPD
amendments.
Moreover, new directive mandating the dispensing of sodium valproate products solely in their original packaging (except when an assessment of risk necessitates
an alternative approach) will align with the rollout of the private prescription regulations during the autumn.
CPE further noted that these regulations are currently in draft, indicating that they are not currently in effect and may undergo revisions prior to their
implementation.
Pharmacy chain Superdrug has introduced what it asserts to be the most affordable private flu vaccinations offered on the UK high street. The vaccinations
will be priced at £8.79 for 17.2 million members of its Ghada , and £16.99 for non-members. The 2023-24 vaccination service is set to become available across 150 of
its stores starting from early September.
Superdrug has taken this step in response to a change in NHS England's inclusion criteria, which has rendered the 12 million individuals aged 50-65 ineligible for
the NHS flu vaccination service, the company said. The company is anticipating heightened demand for private flu vaccinations due to the postponed commencement of
the NHS service and alterations in eligibility for free flu jabs.
"Our waiting list for private flu vaccination services has already exceeded last year's figures, indicating a heightened demand this year," said Ghada Beal,
Superdrug's Healthcare Director. "Providing this service at a more accessible price-point is significant, given the eligibility changes that will impact millions.
Our private flu vaccination services provide a convenient means for individuals to safeguard themselves against flu and its potential complications."
In May, the government's annual flu vaccination programme letter indicated that individuals aged 50 to 64 won't receive free flu vaccinations in the 2023/24
season. Moreover, the NHS plans to delay flu vaccine distribution to October, with the goal of enhancing protection for those aged 65 and older and other eligible
groups during the winter months.
Dr. Reddy's Teraleve® 4mg and 8mg Fesoterodine Fumarate Prolonged-Release tablets have been available in the UK since their launch on 1st June 2022.
Therapeutic indications:
Indicated in adults for treatment of the symptoms (increased urinary frequency and/or urgency and/or urgency incontinence) that may occur with overactive bladder
syndrome.
Presentation:
4mg tablets are light blue, oval, biconvex, film-coated, and engraved on one side with the number '4'.
8mg tablets are light blue, oval, biconvex, film-coated, and engraved on one side with the number '8'.
Tablets are packaged in aluminium-aluminium blisters in a carton with a PIL.
Pharmacists from BAME backgrounds still face higher levels of discrimination, harassment, bullying, and career obstacles compared to their white
counterparts, the Pharmacy Workforce Race Equality Standard (PWRES) report has revealed. Published by NHSE England, this report underscores the persistent
presence of inequality, emphasising the crucial need for all stakeholders in the pharmacy sector to prioritise addressing these issues.
The PWRES report indicates that pharmacy team members of Black ethnic backgrounds are less likely to perceive equal opportunities for career advancement or
promotion within their trust. Additionally, female pharmacy team members from BAME backgrounds report higher incidents of personal discrimination in the
workplace. The report also highlights an overrepresentation of pharmacy technicians from BAME backgrounds in lower-paid roles.
"It is shocking and unacceptable to see that across all indicators the BME staff experience is worse than their white counterparts," said Tase Oputu, Chair
of RPS in England.
Kelso Pharma, the growing UK based specialty pharma business, has announced its first product launch with the release to the UK prescription medicines market
of Acepiro (Acetylcysteine) 600mg effervescent tablets.
Acepiro 600 mg effervescent tablets are indicated in adults only and are being made available to hospital and community prescribers in 20 and 30 day packs, with the
30 day pack consistent with monthly prescribing. The NHS List Price for the 30 day pack is £4.40, with the 20 day pack priced at £3.65.
Acepiro is being launched by Stirling Anglian Pharmaceuticals (SAP), which was acquired by Kelso Pharma one year ago, providing a new UK platform and springboard for
future sales growth for the business. The new product complements SAP's existing portfolio of three medicines:
CosmoCol (macrogol 3350 plus electrolytes) powder for oral solution - an osmotic laxative indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation and faecal impaction.
Stirlescent (naproxen) 250mg effervescent tablets - containing naproxen, which is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Suffering a brain injury is no easy thing. The plurality of potential symptoms meets with the potential long-term effects to create a poor prognosis for many
unfortunate enough to experience them. But new technological leaps could pave the way to a better quality of life.
What is a Brain Injury?
The above question might seem a simple one, with a simple answer. But brain injuries are by no means simple, and by no means simply defined. There are two major
categories under which a brain injury can fall: hypoxic and traumatic. Of civil brain injury claims in the UK, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are the most
common - with 95% of claims revolving around some form of traumatic injury or incident.
TBIs are brain injuries suffered as a result of a specific or direct injury. The brain is damaged through direct contact or the transfer of force. A direct strike
to the head is in an assault or a serious fall might compromise the cranium, sending shockwaves of energy through the brain and potentially crushing the skull into
the cranial cavity. Alternatively, a car accident or sudden stop might see the brain bashed against the occipital bone, causing internal trauma and intracranial
hypertension.
Hypoxic brain injuries refer specifically to injuries caused as a result of loss of blood or oxygen to the head. These injuries reflect birth injuries that might
lead to cerebral palsy, or serious medical events that might alter the brain's response to stimuli.
How are Brain Injuries Diagnosed and Treated?
While the potential causes of a brain injury are plain to see, diagnosing a brain injury is not as straightforward. There are immediate symptoms that can indicate
brain injury, such as the 'fencing response' which can indicate a severe rotational brain injury. Conscious patients might also exhibit difficulty speaking,
remembering key pieces of information or responding to any stimuli.
In a recent report released by the Company Chemists' Association (CCA), data from the NHS Pharmacy First service indicates a substantial uptake and
positive impact on patient care just two months after its launch.
The CCA's findings shed light on the service's efficacy in meeting patient needs and its potential to alleviate pressure on General Practices (GPs) within the NHS.
According to the report, over 90,000 Pharmacy First consultations were conducted solely by CCA members within the initial two-month period.
Impressively, 88 per cent of these consultations, totaling 81,627, were deemed eligible for NHS-funded care indicating a significant demand for the service among
patients.
In the first month, the data revealed that more than 90 per cent of eligible patients received necessary care directly through Pharmacy First, bypassing the
need for further referral.
A recent report by the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) has shed light on ongoing supply challenges in England's generic medicines market,
revealing significant issues impacting patient care.
The report highlights significant challenges faced in supply of medicines as currently, 51.72 per cent of generics in short supply lack licensed alternatives,
posing substantial hurdles to ensuring continuous patient care.
Additionally, 39.08 per cent of affected generics are branded, indicating widespread disruptions across the market.
A notable 26.44 per cent of generics experiencing shortages have been affected for over six months, highlighting persistent difficulties in supply chain management.
The report indicates that 0.15 per cent of generic medicine presentations listed in the Drug Tariff are currently facing supply issues, impacting accessibility
nationwide.
Burnout is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress. It can affect anyone, regardless of their profession or
personal situation. Recognizing the warning signs of burnout is crucial for taking proactive steps to address it before it leads to more severe health issues.
This article will explore the key indicators of burnout and provide practical strategies for managing and preventing it.
Physical Symptoms of Burnout
Physical symptoms are often the first signs of burnout. These symptoms can manifest in various ways, including chronic fatigue, insomnia, headaches, and muscle
tension. Persistent fatigue, even after a full night's sleep, is a significant red flag. This type of exhaustion can make daily tasks feel overwhelming and
unmanageable.
Insomnia, or difficulty sleeping, is another common physical symptom. Individuals experiencing burnout may find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading
to a vicious cycle of fatigue and sleeplessness. Headaches and muscle tension, particularly in the neck and shoulders, are also prevalent. These symptoms are
often caused by the body's prolonged stress response, which keeps muscles in a constant state of tension.
There are multiple causes of snoring and some of them are not detrimental to health. Those can be easily cured just by changing your sleeping postures or curbing on your habit of excessive alcohol consumption.
Scientists have now found out after a long-time research that obstructive sleep apnea results from a serious disorder and can up the risk of cardiovascular problem. It could indicate breaking down of cells in your veins.
Link between Snoring and Heart Disease
However, snoring can be a symptom of serious health issues, including cardiovascular problems. Let us take a quick look at how snoring could be a red flag for your heart health. A recent study by a group of doctors at Columbia University has identified a chain of events that define how the damage is caused in a step-wise manner.
Of several problems that could cause heart attack is high blood pressure. If obstructed sleep apnea is not treated properly or in time, it could cause high blood pressure which may result in increased size of the heart, thereby being an alarming signal for strokes and heart attack.
Diabetic retinopathy is a diabetes complication that results due the changes in blood vessels of the retina caused by high blood sugar levels. This complication can lead to blurring of vision, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and if left untreated, even blindness.
The Symptoms of Diabetic Retinopathy
Blurring of vision
Loss of vision in one eye
Appearance of strings or dark spots around lights
Dark areas in the vision
Though these symptoms are not always indicators of diabetic retinopathy, if you are diabetic, ensure you consult your eye doctor for an examination every year, even if you don't experience these symptoms. If you are pregnant, especially, high blood pressure can trigger diabetic retinopathy, so exercise caution.
A new study finding suggests that consuming sugar can actually pave way to cancer growth. Research journal corroborate other study findings that indicate People with excess sugar intake face increased risks of cancer.
The most common symptom of an infection is ear pain. However, it is important to note that the pain does not necessarily indicate a middle ear infection. Ear pain may occur due to fluid buildup in the middle ear (e.g. after a cold) or related to "referred pain" such as a tooth ache. The Eardoc is a simple to use and children friendly medical device. It's always good to have one in your home.
Manufactured by Piramal Critical Care, Sevoflurane is an inhalation anesthetic indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in adult and pediatric patients for inpatient and outpatient surgeries. It is manufactured in generic and branded form (Sojourn and Petrem) for both human and veterinary use.
Manufactured by Piramal Critical Care, Petrem (Sevoflurane) is an inhalation anesthetic indicated for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in dogs. It is the first generic sevoflurane approved for veterinary use.