A study from University of Toronto claims that adults who underwent physical abuse as children have about 56 per cent more chances of suffering from osteoarthritis as opposed to those who have not been abused. Osteoarthritis is said to occasionally be an incapacitating severe condition that affects millions of adults. The experts examined the affiliation between self-reported childhood physical abuse and detection of osteoarthritis (OA).

Covidien, a US-based provider of healthcare products, and Nuvo Research, a Canadian drug development company, have received the FDA’s approval of its new drug application for Pennsaid topical solution 1.5% w/w. Pennsaid topical solution is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Covidien is responsible for all US commercialization activities, and is responsible for the clinical development of Pennsaid Plus.

Eurand N.V., a specialty pharmaceutical company, has announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its New Drug Application (NDA) for Zenpep (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release Capsules for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or other conditions. Zenpep is the only FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme product (PEP) that has been evaluated in clinical studies in adults and children.

According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research suggests practicing tai chi can help seniors suffering from OA reduce their pain and improve their physical function. Treating arthritis pain may be possible with a relaxing alternative therapy. The ancient Chinese martial art known as tai chi may be effective in reducing knee pain in older people with osteoarthritis (OA).

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and KOKEN Co.,Ltd., announced that Alnylam has granted KOKEN a non-exclusive worldwide license to manufacture and provide RNAi research products and services under the Kreutzer-Limmer patent family. This patent family, owned exclusively by Alnylam, covers fundamental aspects of the structure and uses of RNAi products, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and their use to mediate RNAi in mammalian cells, and of RNAi-related mechanisms.

The FDA has approved Arzerra for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) that is refractory to fludarabine and alemtuzumab. Arzerra is a monoclonal antibody that causes the body’s immune response to fight against normal and cancerous B-cells. Arzerra attaches to the small and large loop epitopes on a molecule called CD20, which is found on the surface of B-cells, the type of cell which becomes cancerous in CLL.

Talecris Biotherapeutics has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PROLASTIN®-C (Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor [Human]), a more concentrated version of PROLASTIN® produced using advances in manufacturing technology. PROLASTIN-C is indicated for the treatment of alpha1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency, a genetic condition in which low levels of this essential protein can result in emphysema. The active protein in PROLASTIN-C increases or “augments” protein levels in AAT-deficient patients at risk for developing emphysema.

Leafy greens, tomatoes, even sprouts are among the ten foods that pose the biggest risks of food poisoning, according to a new report from the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest. These 10 foods account for roughly 40% of all food borne outbreaks linked to FDA-regulated food, the report found. Leafy greens top the list, followed by eggs and tuna. While cheese came in at the sixth position, berries, which are loaded with antioxidants, were tenth on the list.

Dyadic International Inc has received approval from the FDA for the use of its C1-derived cellulase enzyme. The enzyme is derived from a genetically modified strain of its patented C1 organism and is used in the fermentation of wine, beer and fruit juices. The approval is known as a “GRAS,” which acknowledges that the product is safe to use in its intended conditions of use.

Apex Nutraceuticals, a leading supplier of naturaceuticals and cosmeuticals, announced the introduction of Acai Health System, three-in-one Acai Based Products, Acai Pure 1000X, Acai Slim XTRA and Acai Cleanse ULTRA. These products will be marketed directly to the consumer. Apex Nutraceuticals Acai has broad-spectrum antioxidant-active compounds that include beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, magnesium, polyphenolic flavonoids and anthocyanins. Plus Apex Nutraceuticals’ Acai contains several amino acids, B vitamins, essential fatty acids and minerals like calcium, chromium, selenium, zinc and iron… and dietary fiber.