Zimmer: big advances through tiny holes

Zimmer has released positive preliminary results for its two-incision minimally invasive hip arthroplasty system, and also plans to open a training facility teaching surgeons how to implant these systems. But while the system can radically reduce recovery time, it involves an extremely difficult technique that most orthopaedic surgeons are unlikely to adopt.

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Women's mental health: no easy thinking, no easy solutions

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Waxman leads the call for greater transparency on Part D drug prices

Following the recent hearing of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, its chair Rep. Waxman, has indicated that he is pushing for greater clarity on the cost of drugs through Medicare Part D. This step adds increasing pressure on the government's decision to contract out Part D to private insurance companies, as Datamonitor analyst Dr Mark Belsey discovers

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US pharmaceuticals: caregiver needs provide commercial opportunities

Despite the role of the caregiver in patient welfare gaining an ever greater profile, the group remains largely overlooked by the marketing campaigns of the pharmaceutical industry. This is slowly starting to change however, as pharma companies recognize the impact that the caregiver audience can have on a company's bottom line.

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UK: criticism mounts over NHS reform but pharmaceutical firms may benefit

The UK coalition government is facing legal action from public services trade union UNISON over plans to shake up the National Health Service in a bid to find efficiency savings. However, the proposed reforms could benefit pharmaceutical companies, with patients gaining access to drugs previously blocked by the health service's cost watchdog.

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UK healthcare: NHS changes will have an impact - eventually

The grossly underfunded NHS is finally receiving some help. The additional funds will be used for modernization, financial incentives, paying debts, and increasing staff - all necessary steps to improve patient care. While this budget increase is only the first step in a 20-year program, any rise in NHS funding is good news for staff, patients - and medical device companies.

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UK healthcare: encouraging patient empowerment

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UK budget: uncertainty remains over intellectual property legislation

George Osborne, the UK chancellor of the exchequer, has attempted to appease branded pharmaceutical manufacturers in his 2011 budget announcement by introducing lower corporate tax rates and increasing R&D incentives. However, it is still unclear as to whether he will go even further and reform the Bolar exemption, which could harm generic drug producers, and lead to a rise in NHS drug spending.

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UCB: innovative payment scheme behind Cimzia approval sets precedent in rheumatology

UCB's new rheumatoid arthritis drug, Cimzia, has been recommended for use on the NHS but only in conjunction with a company-sponsored patient access scheme. As such, UCB will cover all treatment costs for the first 12 weeks of therapy. This is a shrewd way of ensuring Cimzia's use by the cost-conscious NHS, and could herald change in both prescribing practices and future NICE submissions.

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TNT Express: clinical precision

TNT has announced the introduction of Clinical Express, a set of logistics services for the clinical trials logistics market. The courier sees Asia as the key growth region for its door-to-door service, aimed at pharmaceutical companies, laboratories and contract research organizations. Clinical trials logistics is a growth market in which TNT aims to achieve global leadership by 2007.

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