A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel has rejected Acomplia (generically known as rimonabant) based on evidence that the drug raises the risk of suicide. Acomplia is a weight-loss drug developed by Sanofi-Aventis SA. The panel's final decision regarding the drug will be announced by the end of July. The drug allegedly induced suicidal tendencies even in patients who did not have any history of depression. Acomplia is presently marketed in 18 countries. The FDA believes the drug may also increase the risk of neurodegenerative problems like multiple sclerosis.
Spheris one of the nation's largest healthcare-technology companies
Healthcare Informatics magazine has ranked Spheris, one of the major worldwide outsource providers of clinical documentation technology and services, among the 30 largest healthcare technology companies in the U.S. in 2007. The magazine's rankings are based on overall revenue from the previous year. Along with the top ranking, Spheris also received a mention in the magazine's "Headliners" section of its June issue. Spheris offers its services to more than 500 hospitals, group practices, and health systems in the U.S. It has more than 5,500 expert medical-language professionals managing clients through a protected network.
Healthline Networks appoints former surgeon general to its board of directors
Healthline Networks, Inc., has roped in Richard H. Carmona, as a member of its board of directors. Carmona was the 17th Surgeon General of the United States; he served from 2002 to 2006. Currently, he holds a number of prestigious titles in various healthcare sectors. Apart from having 40 years of medical experience, he is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Carmona is also a professor of public health at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
Bayer HealthCare and ZymoGenetics sign agreement
Bayer HealthCare recently signed a deal with ZymoGenetics. The multiyear domestic and universal alliance will induce the co-promotion and licensing of rThrombin, a bleeding-control agent utilized in surgical operations. The product will be marketed in the U.S. as well as abroad. Bayer's hematology/cardiology business unit will oversee the collaboration. ZymoGenetics anticipates the deal will yield $70 million from Bayer in 2007 alone. According to the agreement, ZymoGenetics may gain as much as $128 million.
ATC Healthcare appoints Kimball as its new CFO
ATC Healthcare, Inc., has appointed David Kimball senior vice president and CFO. In his new roles, Kimball will manage the accounts and finance matters of all 52 locations of the healthcare company. With 29 years' experience in finance and healthcare, he has served as the CFO of Galt Corporation, Professional Care, Inc., and Progressive Nursing Staffers, Inc. He also previously worked for Electronic Diagnostic Imaging, Inc., where he was vice president of finance. ATC offers additional workers to clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare providers in the U.S.
