Blood diseases News

Natalie Cole diagnosed with hep C

Grammy-winning singer Natalie Cole has been diagnosed with hepatitis C, her publicist announced this week.

HIV, hepatitis scare in US

US officials say 40 000 people may have been infected with HIV and hepatitis in a major health scare after a Las Vegas clinic was found to have re-used syringes and medicine vials.

Laser could zap HIV

A revolutionary laser technique can destroy viruses and bacteria such as AIDS without damaging human cells and may also help reduce the spread of hospital infections.

New anaemia drug delayed

In the wake of the US FDA’s concern about the safety of anaemia drugs, the Swiss pharmaceutical firm Roche has announced the federal agency has delayed approving its drug, Mircera.

New anaemia med warnings

A US FDA advisory panel has called for new warnings and additional safety studies on anaemia drugs commonly used to treat patients undergoing kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.

Shock as US docs take bribes

US doctors are being paid millions of dollars a year by drug makers in return for prescribing anaemia medicines to patients that may be unsafe at commonly used doses.

Hep C ups cancer risk

People with the liver disease hepatitis C face a higher risk of developing lymphoma, a cancer of the immune system, new research suggests.

Steroid vs. multiple myeloma

Preliminary results from a study of patients with multiple myeloma found that a low dose of dexamethasone, in combination with lenalidomide, improved survival.

Green light for clotting med

Ceprotin, a protein-based biologic drug that combats a rare clotting disorder, has been given government approval.

Anaemia meds under review

The marketing and regulation of the commonly used anaemia drugs Epogen, Aranesp and Procrit are under review by a US Congressional committee.