The IMAK Products Corp.'s SmartThumb is a flexible stabilizer that offers thumb support and pain relief for everyday activities. The SmartThumb is features two flexible support splints built into the thumb extension, one on each side of the thumb. This design provides comfortable support yet allows full use of the thumb. It also features an elastic inset at the dorsal side and a foam wrist cushion for added support and protection to the hand.

The SmartThumb helps relieve pain and protects the thumbs while the usef does every day activities, including mousing, keyboarding, gaming, using a PDA, crafting and many other activities that may cause painful thumbs. The SmartThumb is made of breathable cotton Lycra for comfortable thumb support all day long.

November 2009

Triax Pharmaceuticals, LLC, announced today the approval of new labeling for Locoid Lipocream (hydrocortisone butyrate, 0.1%), the leading mid-potency corticosteroid brand indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses in adults. The new labeling now includes an indication for topical treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients 3 months of age to 18 years of age. Topical corticosteroids have become the cornerstone of treatment for a variety of inflammatory dermatoses, including atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis.

The Posey Company has introduced its new PRO-heeLx Heel Protector. PRO-heeLx is a comfortable foot protector that helps protect against heel ulcers and foot drop. Heel ulcers are the most common facility-acquired pressure ulcer in long-term and acute-care facilities and the second most common pressure ulcer overall. By elevating the foot and separating the heel from the mattress, the PRO-heeLx provides complete heel pressure relief for bedridden and at-risk patients. The soft Orthowick fabric liner in the PRO-heeLx helps minimize heat, moisture, friction and shear on a patient's feet, heels and ankles.

Bifidobacteria play an extraordinary and essential role in children's digestive and immune health. That's why Florajen's founding bacteriologist has developed a new probiotic formula especially for infants and children. Florajen4 Kids has a unique blend of four different strains: Bifidobacterium lactis, and Bifidobacterium bifidum (Bb-12), which produce short chain fatty acids that have an anti-inflammatory effect, as well as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, proven to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestine.

If infants are unable to acquire natural balances of microbial flora at birth or during breastfeeding, or if antibiotics disrupt natural balances, supplementation of good flora may help establish and maintain a healthy gut.

October 2009

Quidel Corporation received Special 510(k) clearance for an update on H1N1 to the Company's QuickVue Influenza A+B test package insert to include reactivity with culture isolates of the 2009 H1N1 Influenza A virus.

Although the QuickVue Influenza A+B test has been shown to detect the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus, the performance characteristics of this device with clinical specimens that are positive for the 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus have not been established. The QuickVue Influenza A+B test kit can distinguish between influenza A and B viruses, but it cannot differentiate influenza subtypes.

The U.S. Food an Drug Administration approved the Adiana permanent contraception system by Hologic, Inc.

The Adiana permanent contraception procedure is minimally invasive, requires no incisions and can be performed in outpatient settings using local anesthesia. Patients are normally able to return to work or resume their daily activities within a day, according to Hologic. In contrast, traditional methods of permanent contraception, such as tubal ligation, require more invasive surgical procedures, usually are conducted in a hospital under general anesthesia and typically require several days of recovery.

The Adiana procedure is indicated for women who desire permanent birth control by occlusion of the fallopian tubes. During the Adiana procedure, a slender, flexible instrument is passed through the body's natural openings to deliver a low level of radiofrequency (RF) energy to a small section of each fallopian tube. A tiny, soft insert, about the size of a grain of rice, is then placed in each fallopian tube in the location where the energy was applied. During the 3 months following the procedure, the patient continues to use temporary birth control while new tissue grows in and around the Adiana inserts, eventually blocking the fallopian tubes. At 3 months, a hysterosalpingogram (qn x-ray test) is performed to confirm that the fallopian tubes are completely blocked, and the patient may begin relying on Adiana for permanent contraception.

September 2009

Test Identifies Breast Cancer Markers

Provista Life Sciences LLC has announced a limited national rollout of the BT Test, or Biomarker Translation Test, a new predictive blood test to aid healthcare providers in the early detection of breast cancer. Through a partnership with MedicExams, a national network of healthcare testing facilities, women can now take the BT Test in 27 states nationwide.

The BT Test finds multiple cancer-related proteins in the blood and combines the results with the patient's medical profile to help providers in their efforts to diagnose breast cancer as early as possible. According to Provista, research conducted on the BT Test showed an accuracy rate above 80%.

All of the blood samples are processed at Provista, a CLIA-compliant laboratory in Phoenix. Provista will file private insurance claims on behalf of women who take the BT Test, and women can purchase a test on their own from Provista.

MedicExams will phone to schedule an appointment for the blood draw. Once the sample is collected, MedicExams will make sure the sample and all the necessary paperwork is sent back to Provista for testing. Upon completion of the analysis, the results of the test are then sent to the patient.

July-August 2009

Treatment for Facial Skin Discoloration

Age Intervention Enlighten by Jan Marini Skin Research is a new composition designed to brighten and encourage the uniform appearance of facial discoloration. 

Uneven skin tones and discoloration can age the look of facial skin. Overly pigmented facial areas caused by melasma, cumulative sun exposure and ethnicity are some of the most common and difficult concerns to treat.

Enlighten contains retinol and two other topical agents combined to address the appearance of facial discoloration. The product is formulated to discourage the production of excess melanin and to assist in resolving the appearance of existing facial discoloration.

July-August 2009

Natural Antiviral Product

Zeolite-AV

Antimicrobial Keyboard for Healthcare Setting

Unotron manufactures medical-grade, antimicrobial, true-type keyboards. The SpillSeal technology safely and hermetically seals each key. SpillSeal technology means there are no bacteria-trapping drain holes. All Unotron products are fully submersible and easily disinfected; simply wipe or wash.

Infection control is a large concern in healthcare settings. Unotron's products make it easy to maintain as sterile an environment as possible. Unotron also offers the world's only ScrollSeal washable mice and waterproof smartcard readers.

July-August 2009

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared a new, more rapid influenza A/H5N1 test. The virus is a disease-causing subtype of the avian influenza A virus that can infect humans.

The AVantage A/H5N1 Flu Test, by Arbor Vita, detects influenza A/H5N1 in throat or nose swabs collected from patients who have flu-like symptoms. The test identifies in less than 40 minutes a specific protein (NS1) that indicates the presence of the influenza A/H5N1 virus subtype. Previous tests cleared by the FDA to detect this influenza A virus subtype can take 3 or 4 hours to produce results, according to Arbor Vita.

Influenza A infects both humans and animals. H5N1 is a subtype that is found mostly in birds, although infections have also occurred in humans, mostly in people who have come into contact with the virus through infected poultry. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of the few avian influenza viruses that have infected humans, the H5N1 subtype has caused the largest number of detected cases of serious disease and death.

There is a possibility that the influenza A/H5N1 virus subtype could mutate further and spread quickly to humans, causing an influenza pandemic. According to the World Health Organization, there are 412 confirmed human cases of infection from this virus, almost all in Asia and northern Africa. This virus subtype, which can cause life-threatening illness, has not been detected in the Americas.

PRN is a unique line of skin care products from Fallene, Ltd., designed to minimize the signs of aging and reduce the effects of cosmetic regimens. This treatment regimen includes PRN Moisturizing Anti-Glycation Cleanser, a gentle cleanser that instantly turns into a rich, creamy foam to lift away oil and impurities. Gentle enough to use every day as needed, it is oil free, moisturizing and mild enough for sensitive skin. The PRN line also includes a protective sunscreen that is free of chemical sunscreen filters and is formulated with Fallene's unique particle sunscreen technology.

PRN Anti-Glycation Moisturizing Gel is designed to restore moisture with sodium hyaluronate and urea to soothe and moisturize the skin. The Anti-Glycation Moisturizing Gel also contains Vitamins A, C, E and B3 to further nourish and revitalize skin. Recommended for use after chemical peels, laser treatments and microdermabrasion, the gel contributes to the successful outcome of aesthetic treatments, according to the company.

Hospira, Inc., announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for a 10-gram vial of sterile vancomycin hydrochloride, USP, an anti-infective medication. The medication is an effective agent for fighting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a common infection that is often resistant to other antibiotics.

Hospira now offers vancomycin in 500-milligram, 750-milligram, and 1-gram dosages as well as 5-gram and 10-gram pharmacy bulk packages. Additionally, Hospira's vancomycin dosages are available in its proprietary ADD-Vantage Drug Delivery System for the 500-milligram and 1-gram presentations.