PJ, 4/11 April 2015, Vol 294, No 7856/7

Hodgkin’s lymphoma therapy improves survival in hard-to-treat cases

Brentuximab vedotin (BV) has shown “remarkable” efficacy when used after autologous stem-cell transplantation in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma.…

Icelandic genome sequencing project reveals insights into disease susceptibility

A human genome sequencing project conducted among the population of Iceland has revealed important new insights into human evolution and susceptibility to disease.…

Analysts predict surge in ‘blockbuster drugs’ entering the market in 2015

Over the next twelve months there will be 11 “blockbuster” drugs entering the market, according to business intelligence company Thomson Reuters.…

Regulator seeks information on link between birth defects and hormonal pregnancy tests

The MHRA is calling for information that will help establish whether there is a link between the hormonal pregnancy test used in the 1960s and 1970s and birth defects.…

‘Essential small pharmacies’ are just that: essential

The disconnect between the words of politicians and NHS England and the reality on the ground is a chasm growing larger daily. Just look at how “essential small pharmacies” (which exist in areas where they are needed for patients, but where the level of business is otherwise too low for …

NHS England calls for assessment of pharmacists’ skills for GP practice role

Deputy chief pharmaceutical officer warns NHS not to introduce pharmacists in GP surgeries initiative in a “reckless” manner, and says skills and training requirements must be assessed first.…

FDA approves cholic acid for rare bile acid synthesis disorders

Cholic acid, a drug used to treat bile acid synthesis disorders and peroxisomal disorders, has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.…

Mario Raviglione: an ambitious new strategy to end tuberculosis

To coincide with World Tuberculosis Day on 24 March, the World Health Organization has called for support to achieve an ambitious new 20-year strategy to end the tuberculosis epidemic by 2035. Mario Raviglione, director of the WHO’s Global TB Programme, discusses the tasks and c…

NPA and IPF merge to form single membership body for independent pharmacies

The National Pharmacy Association and the Independent Pharmacy Federation are merging to become a single membership body for independent community pharmacies.…

How changes to UK flexible working laws affect pharmacists

Kevin McKenna, head of employment law at Kuits Solicitors in Manchester, explains how changes to laws on flexible working have affected employers and employees.…