Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality throughout much of the industrialized and developing world. Smoking is the main cause of lung cancer, but with smoking on the decline in most western societies, it seems we have seen the peak of the lung cancer incidence in the west. In Asia, however, a lung cancer epidemic is looming as more smokers die and more children take up smoking. Today though, lung cancer is still responsible for more deaths annually in Western countries than breast, colorectal and prostate cancers combined. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for about 80% of all cases, and despite recent advances in treatment, NSCLC remains a disease of poor prognosis, with few treatment options available and an overall five year survival rate of about 15%. According to a new report , despite extensive research and development (R&D) in the field, new drugs may struggle to improve NSCLC patient outcomes. However, research in the field of biomarkers may help improve the treatment of the disease, tailoring therapy to individual patient characteristics. (more…)

The increase in cost-limiting measures used by governments and a constant stream of patent expiries mean that the global generics market continues to grow. Generics sales growth is slowing in mature markets like the US, where generics use is high. However, as governments look to curb healthcare spending, the introduction of pro-generic legislation will see less mature markets, like Spain, change.
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The increase in resistance to and toxicity associated with some conventional antibiotics means that antibody-based products can represent a novel approach to the treatment and prevention of infections. Several companies have antibody-based agents in development for a range of infectious disease indications; however, their cost, complex manufacturing methods and mode of administration will restrict their use to certain therapeutic areas. A high unmet need as well as defined target groups are therefore key for commercial success for companies investing in this market, according to a new report by independent market analyst Datamonitor.

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For more than 30% of our life we sleep. Sleep is of extreme importance for the metabolism and immune system. Neurotransmitter are released during the night regulating our sleep.Sleep disorders are group of conditions that impair the ability to sleep, often resulting in daytime sleepiness. They affect over 200 million people worldwide.
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