Leading experts in the fields of gynecology, reproductive endocrinology, hematology and epidemiology have affirmed that for most women the low absolute risks of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are outweighed by the well-established benefits of hormonal contraception. Their consensus opinion has just been published in the Journal for Family Planning and Reproductive Health (J Fam Plann Reprod Health Care 2010; 36(3): 117 - 122)(1)…

Based on data from its recently completed CALMAG (CALcium acetate MAGnesium carbonate evaluation) study, Fresenius Medical Care is announcing a demonstration of the effectiveness of its combined phosphate binder OsvaRen® (calcium acetate/magnesium carbonate) in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia in hemodialysis patients. A scientific symposium unveiling these findings will take place during the 2010 European Dialysis and Transplant Association (EDTA) congress in Munich, Germany (June 25-28)…

According to SDI’s Pharmaceutical Company Image 2010 study, Novo Nordisk was ranked by endocrinologists as the top company overall. The company was mentioned by 62% of the endocrinologists who participated in the annual study - a substantial increase from last year, when it was mentioned by 52% of participants and ranked second. Eli Lilly, ranked first by this specialty group in 2009, finished second this year even though its percentage of mentions was similar both years at 52% and 53%, respectively. Sanofi-aventis U.S. was ranked third…

Endo Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: ENDP) has submitted a complete response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following the company’s receipt of a Complete Response letter in October 2009 related to the New Drug Application (NDA) submission for FORTESTA™ (testosterone) 2% gel. The company’s Class 2 resubmission is the next step in its intention to offer FORTESTA as a treatment option in the United States for men diagnosed with low testosterone (Low T), also known as hypogonadism. The FDA’s review period for Class 2 resubmissions typically is six months…

A new, effective, non-surgical treatment for uterine fibroids can help women with this condition maintain their fertility, an American scientist told the 26th annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology in Rome. Dr. Alicia Armstrong, Chief, Gynecologic Services, National Institutes of Health (NIH) Programme in Reproductive and Adult Endocrinology, Bethesda, Maryland, said that the outcome of two Phase II clinical trials of ulipristal acetate (UPA) had significant implications for both infertility and general gynaecology patients…

PROLOR Biotech, Inc. (NYSE Amex: PBTH), a company developing next generation biobetter therapeutic proteins, announced that it has received formal Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) certification for hGH-CTP, the company’s proprietary biobetter version of human growth hormone. GMP certification is required by the European Union (EU) clinical trials legislation as a precondition for conducting clinical trials in EU member countries…

SAGE has extended its suite of Therapeutic Advances journals with the launch of a further two titles: Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease and Therapeutic Advances in Endocrinology and Metabolism. Therapeutic Advances in Chronic Disease covers the drug treatment of all major chronic diseases excluding cancer, publishing guidance on which drugs to use and when (i.e. expert opinion reviews, narrative reviews, analysis of published guidelines (editorials or reviews)…

According to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), long-term elite rhythmic gymnastics exerts positive effects on volumetric bone density and bone geometry in adolescent girls. “Previous studies of adolescents have found an association between weight-bearing exercise and increased bone density and bone strength,” said Symeon Tournis, MD, of the University of Athens in Greece and lead author of the study…

According to a new study accepted for publication in The Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), just one night of short sleep duration can induce insulin resistance, a component of type 2 diabetes. “Sleep duration has shortened considerably in western societies in the past decade and simultaneously, there has been an increase in the prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes,” said Esther Donga, MD of the Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands and lead author of the study…

New research uncovers some surprising information about how sex hormones control masculinization of the brain during development and drive gender related behaviors in adult males. The study, published by Cell Press in the April 29 issue of the journal Neuron, demonstrates that direct action of testosterone, the prototypical male hormone, is unnecessary for masculinizing the brain and behavior. Testosterone and estrogen are thought to play an essential role in organizing and activating gender-specific patterns of behavior in sexually reproducing animals…