All GLG News Analyses Filed Under: OB/GYN & Women's Health

Analyses are solely the work of the authors and have not been edited or endorsed by GLG.

Solar-Powered Portable Medical Imaging Devices Are Coming Soon

November 9, 2009

Analysis of:GE Global Research bags US$ 1.2 mn NIH project for developing technology in prenatal care | www.pharmabiz.com

GE Healthcare appears to be serious in exploring the potential to create portable solar-powered medical imaging devices. The value of this type of technology in helping to save lives and detect early potential life-threatening medical and surgical conditions affecting people who live in the rural and most remote areas and who are unable to readily obtain access to healthcare services is discussed.

Is GE Global Research Developing a Portable Solar-Powered Ultrasound Device?

November 6, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:GE Global Research bags US$ 1.2 mn NIH project for developing technology in prenatal care | www.pharmabiz.com

As the recipient of a new NIH grant, GE Healthcare should create and design new innovative features as a way to differentiate its products in the nascent point-of-care portable ultrasound marketplace. Reasons why GE Healthcare should pursue a risk-taking strategy, such as developing a portable solar-powered ultrasound device and background information supportive of this strategy is offered in the following analysis.

Steve DavisDirector of RadiologyCLARENDON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL INC

Breast Cancer Education Bill

July 15, 2009

Analysis of: Detecting a Bad Breast Cancer Bill | www.rollcall.com

The author is correct that the occurrence of breast cancer in the population being educated by these grants is very small. The intent, one would assume, is to educate these teens and young adults so that when they reach normal screening age they would be more compliant. Unfortunately, there is little evidence that more education makes women more compliant.

New Direction for an Ongoing Problem

July 14, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:Bayer seeks US FDA approval for estradiol-based oral contraceptive to treat heavy menstrual bleeding | www.pharmabiz.com

The announcement by Bayer of submission of a novel estradiol based oral contraceptive to treat heavy menstrual bleeding addresses a growing trend among medical device makers and pharmaceutical companies: how to become involved in the growing market for medical and surgical treatments of heavy menstrual bleeding in order to lower the rate of hysterectomies performed for this reason.

Sometimes, Breast Cancer Legislation Could Do More Harm Than Good

July 14, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of: Detecting a Bad Breast Cancer Bill | www.rollcall.com

New legislation calls for more widespread genetic testing for breast cancer as well as other types of breast cancer screening.

Other Issues to Consider With Reclast

June 2, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:US FDA approves Reclast injection for 2 years with single dose in postmenopausal osteoporosis | www.pharmabiz.com

I agree that Reclast is an excellent drug to treat osteoporosis. However there is another issue to consider. That issue is ONJ (osteonecrosis of the jaw). Although uncommon it is a very real complicatiopn of all bisphosphonates. Many oral surgeons will not operate on a patient to put in implants, remove impacted wisdom teeth and other procedures that involove the jaw bone if the patients is on a bisphosphonate. I had a patietn who had to stop her bisphosphonate for three moths prior to receiving her implants, plus had to had a blood test to measure bone turnover. The test was about $100. She also could not restart her bisphosphonate for 2 months after the oral surgery. I've had at least 15 cases like this. But, what if a patient has received Reclast and they need a procedure? They are likely to have to wait a full year, possibly two before they can have their oral surgery. If ONJ is discovered, Reclast can't be "flushed out". Reclast should be reserved fo those intolerant to oral meds

Robert BoorsteinAssociate Professor, PathologyNEW YORK UNIVERSITY (INC)

Can DNA testing replace routine PAP smears

April 15, 2009

Analysis of:DNA Test Outperforms Pap Smear | www.nytimes.com

A major study funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation and published in the NEJM http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/360/14/1385 has concluded that HPV DNA testing outperforms traditional Pap testing in a poor rural setting. Recommendations to replace Pap testing in women over 30 could have major implications for providers of traditional Pap testing services, for suppliers of reagents and supplies for Pap testing, and for clinicians that order such tests.

Cheap HPV testing is great news for poor countries

April 9, 2009

Analysis by: GLG Expert Contributor

Analysis of:DNA Test Outperforms Pap Smear | www.nytimes.com

Cervical cancer is caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV). There are many different ways to screen for cervical cancer, including pap smears, flashlight-vinegar visualization of the cervix, and DNA testing for HPV. A new, inexpensive DNA test will provide high-quality, affordable screening to poorer countries which otherwise have access to only crude screening methods. The test is described as being much better than any current method for cervical cancer screening; it may even replace pap smear testing in wealthy countries.