PJ, 6 June 2015, Vol 294, No 7865

GPs call for legislation to end patent protection for specific drugs

While patent protection is important for stimulating drug development, a second medical use patent for pregabalin has caused “considerable” work for pharmacies.…

Countries to explore pooled procurement of vaccines to reduce costs

The World Health Assembly, the decision making body of the World Health Organization, has passed resolution that aims to improve the affordability and accessibility of vaccines. …

Setting up a pharmacy on GP premises: the law

Pharmacy owners may have considered locating their businesses on GP premises to increase their dispensing volume. However, they need to ensure they are acting within the law.…

Pactamycin analogues open ‘new frontier’ in anticancer drug development

Researchers are looking at two promising analogues of an old compound with potent antitumour activity, but abandoned because of its toxicity.…

Receiving chemotherapy before surgery may benefit women with ovarian cancer

Primary chemotherapy followed by delayed surgery is an acceptable alternative to primary surgery, the current standard of care, in women with advanced ovarian cancer, according to the results of a clinical trial.…

WHO publishes its plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance

New partnerships between the pharmaceutical industry, academia and politicians are needed to generate new antibiotics and other technologies to fight antimicrobial resistance, according to a global action plan approved by the World Health Assembly.…

Oral steroids provide a modest boost to function for patients with sciatica

A trial has found giving patients a tapered 15-day course of oral steroids can provide a modest improvement in function.…

Thursday 18 June: RPS Faculty webinar

Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) Faculty webinar, ‘RPS Faculty membership – what are benefits?’ Find out what the Faculty is and how it fits and benefits your professional development and recognition. Online 7–8pm. To find out more information and to register and …

English Pharmacy Board election results are announced

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has announced the results of the 2015 English Pharmacy Board election, as voter turnout marginally rose but remained low.…

Guidance clarifies new rules for pharmacies selling poisons and chemicals

Changes in legislation prompt the RPS to publish guidance for pharmacists.…