An improved test for prostate cancer promises to improve the detection and monitoring of the most common form of cancer affecting men in the UK.

During the annual Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in March 2010, Roche in the UK has launched an enhanced portfolio of tumour markers for the early detection of prostate cancer and for monitoring response to treatment.

The new prostate cancer test from Roche, available for use by clinicians, consists of two specific assays for Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): the Elecsys Total PSA assay and the Elecsys Free PSA assay.

PSA measurement is currently considered to be the best method for identifying the risk of localised prostate cancer. This test may help to detect cancer at an early stage, before symptoms develop, when treatment can significantly extend life.

PSA is a substance produced by the prostate that helps in the mobility of sperm. A rise above the 'normal' level may indicate cancer of the prostate. The measurement of percentage Free PSA helps to differentiate between cancerous and non-cancerous conditions. Used in combination, the Roche Elecys prostate-specific markers can give a valuable early indication of prostate cancer.

Ian Parfrement, Director, Hospital In Vitro Diagnostics at Roche, said: "Although there is currently no population screening for prostate cancer, there is considerable demand for the PSA test amongst men worried about the disease and therefore this is a good opportunity to raise awareness of these enhanced markers. We believe the test's capability of early detection will help make a real difference to men all over the country affected by the disease."

Based in Basel, Switzerland, Roche is a leading global supplier of in vitro diagnostics.

New MRI and imaging software solutions launched in the UK by Siemens Healthcare are designed to help hospitals cut costs by increasing their imaging productivity.

The Magnetom Aera 1.5 Tesla and Magnetom Skyra 3 Tesla MRI systems have the potential to increase patient throughput by 30% per day. The syngo.via software tool for the pre-processing of clinical images can save over 10 minutes per case.

The two new MRI systems use Tim (total imaging matrix) 4G technology to power image generation and Dot (day optimising throughput) technology to provide guidance and automated workflows, helping to standardise MRI scans across a range of patient conditions.

The syngo.via multi-modality software solution integrates with Siemens MRI, CT and PET•CT scanners and interventional imaging systems. It pulls together clinical images for interpretation and automatically pre-processes them, saving time and improving diagnostic confidence.

"syngo.via is an exciting solution for today's health economy and well positioned to support the NHS' QIPP agenda. It works with existing multi-modality medical equipment to improve patient throughput and clinical interpretation, which in turn enhances the quality and productivity of the service delivered to patients," said Ronan Kirby, Image & Knowledge Management Business Manager at Siemens Healthcare.

The Aera and Skyra MRI systems have a 70cm open bore design to accommodate a variety of patient sizes and conditions. The Dot workflow engine offers real-time guidance to steer the user through complex examinations.

Jane Kilkenny, MR Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare, said "Pressures on the health service demand that imaging solutions streamline workflow and at the same time enhance the patient experience. Skyra and Aera will ensure that staff resources are better utilised, even in complex cardiac cases, and that more patients can be seen."

 
MRI syngo.via UK launch

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) costs the UK economy almost £8 billion per year, yet NHS spending on the condition is less than 9% of this figure.

These are the findings of a new report, The Economic Burden of Rheumatoid Arthritis, published by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) with support from Roche Products.

The total expenditure on RA (£8bn a year) is almost double the figure previously estimated (£3.8bn to £4.8bn) and outstrips NHS expenditure on RA (less than £700m) by 12 to 1.

The report argues that for a fraction of the £8bn currently being lost to the UK economy, thousands of patients could be put onto cutting-edge biologic treatments for RA that NICE are currently looking to restrict.

Arthritis charities are calling for the appointment of a National Clinical Director (NCD) for Musculoskeletal Conditions in England, a necessity the Secretary of State for Health has also recently acknowledged.

“The scale of these losses is vast. As a matter of urgency, the government needs to ensure people with rheumatoid arthritis present to the NHS promptly after symptom onset so that they have the best chance of dealing with their RA before it is too late,” said Ailsa Bosworth, Chief Executive, NRAS.

RA is a major cause of sickness absence and, ultimately, premature retirement – an employed person with RA has an average of 40 days sick leave a year, compared to just 6.5 days for the average person.

Professor Scott, Consultant Rheumatologist, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: “It is vital that the Government ensures appropriate resources are made available to help combat this condition, ensuring that all sufferers have access to the best possible care and treatment, and that they are supported to remain in or return to work.”

Roche’s Xeloda (capecitabine) has been approved by the European Commission for post-surgery treatment of patients with early colon cancer.

The drug is indicated in combination with oxaliplatin – a combined treatment named XELOX.

The XELOXA study, one of the largest studies of early colon cancer, showed that patients taking XELOX immediately after surgery lived disease-free for longer compared to those treated with chemotherapy regimen 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin (5-FU/LV).

“The approval of XELOX for the adjuvant treatment of early colon cancer is great news for patients, who now have the added benefits and convenience of oral Xeloda in combination therapy for this disease, which is potentially curable if diagnosed and treated promptly,” said Pascal Soriot, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Roche Pharmaceutical Division.

Xeloda monotherapy is already approved for use immediately after surgery in patients with colon cancer throughout the world including Europe, the US and Japan.

“I am delighted that XELOX will now be made available to patients with early colon cancer, particularly as it is at this stage of the disease that we have the best chance of curing them,” said Professor Hans-Joachim Schmoll, Martin Luther University Clinic for Internal Medicine IV, Halle, Germany and one of the lead investigators.

“Having a range of treatment options means more patients are given the chance to live without their disease returning, potentially enabling them to be cured,” he added.

Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of death from cancer across all tumour types in Europe and is the third most commonly reported cancer in the world.

Xeloda is also currently available for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, adjuvant colon cancer, advanced gastric cancer and metastatic breast cancer.

A quarter of employees in the pharmaceutical sector are more loyal to their employer as a direct result of the economic downturn, according to a recent survey.

The research, by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services, shows that the economic recession has generated a clear and powerful sense of engagement between workers and bosses.

Conducted between early October 2009 and the end of January 2010, the survey found that 25% say the economic downturn has made them more loyal, while 9% say it has made them less loyal, and 66% say it has made no difference.

The trend is most pronounced in London, with 34% of respondents more loyal, compared with Scotland and the South West (29%), the North West (26%), the Midlands (24%), the South East (23%) and Wales and the North East (22%).

Those workers who are more loyal to their employers attribute the shift to positive management, good company morale and active communication from senior executives. Those who are less loyal say it is due to poor management and low morale.

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 134,000 people, including almost 6,000 in the UK.

Kelly Services General Manager John Callagher commented: “The recession has been challenging for everyone, but the findings clearly show that those employers who have communicated openly with their staff about the difficult economic conditions and who have tried their best to look after staff have been able to build strong levels of trust within their organisations.”

In assessing a firm’s reputation, pharmaceutical sector employees placed most weight on the quality of its products and services (46%), leadership (28%) and employees (12%). Least important were features such as global presence, financial performance and initiatives aimed at fostering corporate social responsibility.

“When we look at the things that motivate people in the workplace, it’s clear that opportunities for personal growth and development are critical, as is the chance to perform stimulating and challenging work,” added John. “Pay is certainly a motivator but it’s not as big as some imagine, which means that employers have to examine a broader range of employee conditions and business features if they want to have the workforce performing at its best.”

The Pf Company Perception, Motivation and Satisfaction Survey is an industry-specific piece of research into the happiness of employees within the pharma sales industry. To have your say about your employer, visit www.pharmasurvey.co.uk.

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched a new fund to invest in companies that provide ground-breaking therapeutic approaches and technologies to help drive innovation in medical science.

The Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund (BIVF) will initially invest a total fund volume of €100 million.

“Our investments will extend beyond the current therapeutic area focus of Boehringer Ingelheim and our existing therapeutic approaches and technologies,” said Prof. Andreas Barner, Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors at Boehringer Ingelheim.

“We have extensive drug discovery expertise and can take advantage of knowledge and experience available within our global organisation, but we are aware that there is an entire landscape of novel therapeutic ideas and potentially breakthrough technologies that need to be supported for future patients’ benefit.”

The BIVF will invest in companies that provide, for example, new therapeutic concepts including stem cells and RNA silencing as well as new generation vaccines, new generation protein or antibody technologies, new molecular targets and/or first-in-class lead compounds.

“By focusing on novel therapeutic concepts and potentially breakthrough technologies, our Venture Fund represents a long-term investment in external innovation,” added Dr Michel Pairet, Head of the Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund. “Our philosophy is to provide both our expertise and funding to drive innovative ideas from early stages into clinical testing.”

NHS Direct has appointed Ronnette Lucraft as Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the Trust’s plans to improve its operational efficiency.

Ronnette took over as Acting COO, following the resignation of Paula Higson in January this year. Prior to this she was the Trust’s Commercial Director.

Ronnette was NHS Direct’s Executive Lead for the National Pandemic Flu Service. She worked closely with Department of Health, Strategic Health Authority and BT officials to mobilise and secure the success of the National Pandemic Flu Service, which was operated by NHS Direct.

She has also overseen the development of NHS Direct’s integrated online symptom checkers and pioneered the use of new channels such as web chat and social media forums.

Ronnette commented: “It’s an exciting time to be part of NHS Direct as we carry out our plans to reduce our operational costs and increase efficiency, whilst at the same time retaining the high quality and availability of the service.

“NHS Direct has a unique and well-developed operating model and staff show a high degree of professionalism and care. It’s with these strong foundations that we’ll be able to continue to improve the service we provide patients and the support we offer the rest of the NHS.”

Ronnette has both public and private sector experience within communication and new media industries including BT, ntl and as the Chief Executive of an NHS LIFT company.

NICE has revised its original recommendation that dronedarone (Multaq) should not be used to treat atrial fibrillation (AF) – a disturbance of the heart’s rhythm.

After considering comments on the previous draft guidance, the independent Appraisal Committee decided to recommend limited use of the drug as a second-line treatment in people with additional cardiovascular risk factors whose AF has not been controlled by first-line therapy (usually including beta-blockers).

Although the committee did not change their conclusion that dronedarone is not as effective as other anti-arrhythmic drugs in preventing the recurrence of AF, it accepted evidence that the drug did not lead to an increase in the risk of mortality, unlike the anti-arrhythmics with which it was compared.

The Appraisal Committee also noted comments from patients and clinical experts received during consultation on the previous draft that all current anti-arrhythmic drugs, but particularly amiodarone, had side effects which had a significant impact on quality of life with long-term use.

Overall, the Committee concluded that dronedarone was likely to result in fewer adverse effects than amiodarone.

Andrew Dillon, Chief Executive of NICE, said: “Whilst dronedarone has not been shown to be as effective as existing treatment options in controlling atrial fibrillation, and is more expensive, short-term evidence suggests that it is associated with fewer side-effects. Therefore we are pleased that, following public consultation on the first draft of this guidance, we have been able to identify circumstances in which dronedarone could be offered as a cost effective treatment option.”

These preliminary recommendations are available for public consultation from

30 March until 22 April 2010.

Belen Garijo, Senior Vice President, Pharmaceutical Operations Europe, sanofi-aventis, commented: “We appreciate the thorough and comprehensive evaluation of the Multaq clinical and economic dossier that NICE has performed and believe that this preliminary recommendation by NICE provides a valuable benchmark to guide sanofi-aventis’ ongoing efforts to have the Multaq value proposition in AF patients recognised within Europe and beyond.”

The new NHS Commercial Support Units will help local and regional decision-makers to support the quality and productivity agenda by building effective relationships with suppliers and independent health providers, a new DH publication explains.

Commercial Skills for the NHS sets out a strategy for supporting NHS staff to develop their commercial skills, and for supporting local commissioners and providers with a new commercial infrastructure.

The document makes it clear that the new infrastructure for NHS commissioning and procurement has the overarching goal of supporting a shift from hospital care to healthcare in the community.

The role of the Commercial Support Units in helping PCTs and SHAs to relate more effectively to the range of product and service providers on the ground, as well as to the structures (such as NHS Supply Chain) that are seeking to rationalise procurement activity at national level, is explained.

Commercial Skills for the NHS supersedes Necessity not Nicety - a new commercial operating model for the NHS (May 2009), clarifying the new infrastructure and indicating that the 'preferred provider status' of the NHS does not impede open competition for franchises in the redesign of service provision.

The goal of Commercial Skills for the NHS is to clarify the role of the Commercial Support Units in supporting service redesign at local and regional level, driving changes in commissioning and procurement to support quality and productivity - and thereby opening doors for innovative healthcare product suppliers and service providers.

Robotic surgery pioneer and former Health Minister Lord Ara Darzi has been appointed as NICE's first honorary Fellow.

A total of 20 fellowships and scholarships were presented to NHS health professionals from a range of disciplines including general practice, physiotherapy, public health, radiology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and intensive care.

Professor Peter Littlejohns, Director of Clinical and Public Health at NICE, said: "We are very honoured to have such high-calibre health professionals on board for the first year of our NICE Fellows and Scholars Programme. Our appointees have been chosen for their dedication, foresight and experience in promoting clinically- and cost-effective practice in the NHS.

"While the fellowships and scholarships will provide them with opportunities to develop further in their own careers and improve the quality of healthcare in their local areas, we also hope that they will allow us to engage even more closely with the NHS and foster a growing network of individuals who are committed to promoting our core values."

NICE awarded 10 fellowships to senior health professionals across the NHS, primarily at consultant level. They will represent the Institute within their local health and professional communities, as well as being involved in activities such as clinical audit, education and policy development.

The Institute also awarded 10 scholarships to specialist registrars and other qualified health professionals, who will undertake a variety of projects in the twelve months that they hold the post.

The Fellows and Scholars Programme was developed following recommendations made in Lord Darzi's NHS Next Stage Review (June 2008).

NICE intends to begin its search for the Programme's second intake of Fellows and Scholars in the autumn as part of an ongoing annual recruitment process.

 
Lord Darzi