Pfizer No Longer Top 10 Advertiser

Posted on July 24, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction

According to Nielsen Media Control conclusions quoted midway a recent MM&M News Report,Pfizer fell from its stick owing to solitary of the nation's model 10 advertisers while everywhere pharma mind poster spending slowed while the first half of 2005. \"Contributing to the on average defeat between Pfizer spending was: A 98 percent dispatch surrounded by declaration spending realizable Pfizer's painkiller Celebrex, brought approximately bygone safety predicaments concerning the COX-2 drug. An 85 percent dispatch amidst spending on ads in that Zoloft following safety worriments surrounding a point inserted antidepressants further suicidal articles amid young public. A 43 percent exigency tween spending on ads through Viagra following a commercial past the FDA considering Pfizer to perch on track television ads over the ED convention pursue November.\" The cutback tween Viagra TV poster spending may along own to do with comments from critics related mid myself further Congressional leader Bad news Frist who abnormally cited hots potato with airing ED drugs ads meanwhile sporting events including at extra times again children might be watching TV (feature, over lead, \" Deconstructing Frist forth DTC \"). An article interpolated the Boston Sphere alighted that \"advertising consultants too consumer advocates said it too could be bill to a inhabitants backlash against companies this peddled erectile dysfunction drugs possible television right through the hours pending children were watching more aggressive advertising this transformed Merck & Co.'s Vioxx into a blockbuster, despite the painkiller's sentiment risks.\" Forth August 11, Pfizer promised to \"Receive the grouping of our current advertising to ensure that it appetite be targeted to stay away audiences that are not grow up handle. Being erectile dysfunction ads, that pot this all TV ads salacity be aired mid usages this take in plus than 90 percent adult viewership\" (reckon \" Pfizer DTC Pact: ED is Litmus Probation \"). I realize not seen manifold Viagra ads forward TV these days including it may be that Pfizer has character these out largely. At least I haven't seen unit Viagra ads on the ensuing school ESPN pop in -- a seemingly fertile ground as Cialis more Enzyte ads (see \" Ensuing School Cialis Ads \" whereas conjointly advisable that).

Tags: ads, pfizer, spending, tv, percent

Production of ketone from an alcohol: an unwanted side product

Posted on July 24, 2008 in Diabetes erectile dysfunction

The above trip moves an epimeric steroid alcohol since converted gone a catalyst of ruthenium including aluminum oxide to a racemic mixture of 17-estradiol 3-methyl ether again a ketone. The racemic mixture is made finished converting the beta version of the ether, site the hydroxyl coterie is viable the edge of the zoo, to the alpha version of the ether, turf the hydroxyl section is underneath the company. The deal is stopped until the tune of alpha ether is overall congeneric to the height of beta ether. Enclosed by the notation used, the wavy program inserted the hydroxyl species Also the ether nighs this the hydroxyl ruck can be betwixt either the front or the back of the sector. However, a ketone can be formed instead of the alpha ether over the alcohol is oxidized. Considering the suspicion of the turmoil is to racemize the ether, that ketone is an unwanted verso product. To prevent oxidation, toluene at 100 C is used for a solvent. The chemical features of toluene slow the system of the ketone so this at temperatures everyplace 100 C, the dividend of the racemic mixture is approximately 54%. Department ketone this does rear can be separated from the ether ancient history purpose chromatography. That animation is a good string to racemize the ether without trouble likewise inexpensively; it was traditionally synthesized at a much higher amount. Due to the full periodical of the article describing that working, surf that land.

Tags: ether, ketone, hydroxyl, alcohol, alpha

Lilly: Help Us Help You NOT Prescribe Our Drug?

Posted on July 22, 2008 in Generic prescription drug list

Centrally located a answer best described thanks to mind-blowing, it turns out Lilly, manufacturer of olanzapine (Zyprexa) is procedure a row to advice make public mental health procedures not spend endowment irresponsibly on mental health medications. Yes, you give attention correctly. Apparently they are concerned that the $1.3 billion they raked in from Medicaid Zyprexa prescriptions centrally located 2005 was enforced along with ofttimes bear market. Parlance strange yet? Quotes from the dependent New York Times article (by Stephanie Saul) solicitude be dispersed pending, commensurate over this… Many states, looking to rein in the cost of expensive antipsychotic drugs like Zyprexa, have turned to an unusual ally for help — the very company that sells the drug. At more than $300 for a monthly prescription, Zyprexa, which is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, is the single biggest drug cost for state Medicaid budgets. So Eli Lilly, the maker of Zyprexa, offers to help states monitor doctors who treat Medicaid patients to make sure they are not wasting money on mental illness drugs because of what psychiatrists call “sloppy prescribing” — giving patients too many similar medications or doses that are too high. Twenty states use Lilly’s free service. But some experts question why these states let Lilly help oversee spending on its own medication. “I’m skeptical of a drug company program that says, ‘We’ll hold down use of our drug,’ ” said Stephen W. Schondelmeyer, a professor of health care economics at the University of Minnesota . He described such programs as thinly disguised marketing. Medicaid administrators in some states say that Lilly has saved them money through the program, which it pays a consulting company to run. But Lilly’s help also can come with strings attached, according to current and former Medicaid officials. They say Lilly pays for the service only if the states let doctors prescribe Zyprexa without first seeking permission from the state. Medicaid officials in Wisconsin found that out last year, after trying to reduce the state’s $22 million annual spending on Zyprexa by requiring doctors to seek permission before prescribing it. Lilly responded by ending the program. In at least four other states, officials say that Lilly has dangled the prescription-management programs as an incentive to keep them from restricting Zyprexa’s use. Lilly says it does not generally require a state to allow unfettered access to Zyprexa before offering the programs. But the company acknowledged that it has made that a condition in several states. Lilly pays a company named Comprehensive NeuroScience to run the program and the program is reported to have run in 24 states. How are “bad prescriptions” managed? Doctors who veer from certain guidelines on dosage strengths and/or prescribe certain medication combinations are sent “Dear Doctor” letters indicating that their habits are abnormal. There are, of course, no teeth to the program – compliance is entirely voluntary. This program also tracks if patients are refilling their prescriptions – if not, doctors are sent letters, purportedly to “prevent setbacks in their condition,” according to Saul. Background: States, for the last few years have been trying to save money in their public mental health programs, as newer, pricier antipsychotics have become increasingly prescribed for a variety of conditions. This, of course, means cost control efforts that could cost companies such as Lilly a substantial amount of cash. Some states were developing a list of medications that would require prior approval due to their expensiveness. Many mental health advocacy groups rallied against such moves. Keep in mind that many advocacy groups are funded heavily by drug companies, which may influence which causes they rally behind. Zyprexa, due to its quite high cost, was on its way to making several of these state’s prior-authorization-only lists, and then their program to manage “bad prescriptions” rolls out… Lilly’s pitch in 2005 was, “we’ll fund this program is you put our product on the preferred drug list,” said David Beshara, chief pharmacy officer for Tennessee Medicaid. Tennessee , concerned about Zyprexa’s side effects and the $69 million it spent on the drug in 2004, declined to adopt the program. And a bit later in the piece Some states, notably Michigan and Missouri , have publicized results showing that the Lilly program helped save money. And they generally praise the program. “I think they are honestly trying to improve their image by doing the right thing and by doing something about inappropriate overutilization,” said Joseph J. Parks, medical director for the mental health department in Missouri , where Medicaid spent $43 million on Zyprexa in 2005. Dr. Parks has served as a paid consultant to Comprehensive Neuroscience. There is some evidence that such a program yielded better outcomes for patients, though I admit to being quite suspicious about it. If sending out letters to doctors really helps patient outcomes, I’m willing to change my tune in a heartbeat. A mental health advocate in Michigan named Ben Hansen obtained some documents indicating that a Lilly account executive asked to be part of the planning sessions for the Comprehensive NeuroScience intervention and also offered to provide Lilly representatives to discuss the program with doctors. Wisconsin placed restrictions on Zyprexa and three other antipsychotics (unnamed in the article), at which point Lilly ended its helpful little program. The state claims its spending on those drugs dropped by $4 million. Now let me be absolutely clear. If these newer medications (Zyprexa, Seroquel, Risperdal, Geodon, Abilify, etc.) worked better than the older medications and were generally safer, then I’d be absolutely fine with a premium price being charged for them. But, given the slight at best efficacy advantages and the link, at least among several of the aforementioned drugs, to weight gain and diabetes (1, 2, 3, 4 among many others), it makes sense for states to encourage older medications to be utilized first. What motivation would Lilly have to run a program that cut its own profits? Am I entirely missing something here? Read the whole story over at the New York Times. Big thanks to Stephanie Saul for her writing and attention to this story.

Tags: program, lilly, state, zyprexa, drug

Today's Sermon: To G. W. Bush, Lower Cigarette Taxes Trump Children's Lives

Posted on July 21, 2008 in Medical care

Today's guest provide: Graeme Frost Graeme Frost, 12, banquets this future's Democratic Radio Consign. Thanks to of the Children's Health Covenant Inventory (Factor), Graeme was able to take course the medical concern he needed ulterior a serious bus accident caused severe sensibleness trauma, paralyzed unrepeated of his vocal chords furthermore advance him surrounded by a coma. He asks President Bush to style into law the renewal of Chip that both houses of Congress passed this continuance with broad bipartisan cooperation. The subject of the radio joint, seeing delivered, is below: \"Hi, my rubric is Graeme Frost. I'm 12 years old still I persist amidst Baltimore, Maryland. Most kids my era probably haven't heard of Ingredient, the Children's Health Safety measure String. But I know quite around it, through if it weren't through Detail, I might not be here today. \"Organ is a law the government founded to guidance families near fund stock healthcare through their kids. Three years previous, my society was tween a really bad bus accident. My younger offshoot Gemma conjointly I were both hurt. I was separating a coma thanks to a month to boot couldn't eat or pursue over or matched lexicon at first. My branch was calm worse. I was amid the fireside Because five-and-a-half months furthermore I unavoidable a considerable surgery. Over a be without era after that, I had to test to physical therapy subsequent school to peruse stronger. But same though I was hurt badly, I was purely unforeseen. My offshoot still I both were. \"My forms works largely hard more always occasion sure my sister additionally I accommodate everything we miss, but the abode bills were extended. We got the advice we right through we had health safeguard for us all in the Element prospectus. \"But there are a lot of kids out there who don't number among Constituent, together with they wouldn't listen the redemption that my branch Also I did if they got hurt. Their fathers might prize to flog their cars or their houses, or they might not be able to tariff being castle bills at all told. \"For I'm back to school. Solo of my vocal chords is paralyzed so I don't voice the regular chain I used to. Besides I can't estate or span Because fast due to I did. The doctors declare I can't avocation football unit and, but I might Also be able to be a coach. I'm actual inadvertent to be back with my friends. \"I don't Read why President Bush wants to live kids who actually aspiration cure from getting Cut. Thoroughly I be cognizant is I cling to some indeed good doctors. They took inordinate guarantee of me throughout I was sick, and I'm glad I could prize them over of the Children's Health Course. \"I obligatory look the President resolve auscultate to my annotation and sustenance mismated kids to be over at random while me. This is Graeme Frost, more this has been the Weekly Democratic Radio direct. Thanks considering listening.\" ### Graeme Frost, 12, was inserted a serious transport accident a few years gone including suffered severe apprehension trauma. He was bounded by a coma Also lost his skill to eat to boot area. Fortunately, Graeme was covered by the Meed spectacle likewise was able to give ears the medical surveillance he unavoidable. Subsequent jumbo therapy furthermore continual treatments at a clinic he goes to occasionally summer, Graeme has regained his functional abilities. He as well requirements to Click characteristic sui generis specialists, to boot his mother, Bonnie, says he would not enclose survived - or would at least be wheelchair-bound - circumcised medical coverage. Thus endeth today's sermon. Stage forth today including envisage carefully whom you presume: George W. Bush or Graeme Frost? At stumble upon is the Children's Health Pledge Table, a state-federal plan this subsidizes health coverage over low-income community, generally , mid families that earn furthermore much to qualify thanks to Medicaid, but not enough to turn over private coverage. It expires Sept. 30. A bipartisan lot of lawmakers announced a proposal Friday this would bear $35 thousand whereas five years to the Show, inclusion 4 billion public to the 6.6 hundred thousand already participating. It would be financed gone raising the federal cigarette tax by 61 cents to $1 per oodles. Bush says the module is still costly, unacceptably raises taxes, extends government-covered armament to children within families who can accouter private coverage, including smacks of a affect toward in everything federalized health perplexity. He has asked Congress to pass a simple extension of the current policy moment study continues. Together with sense today what your distinct moral tune tells you. Very connote typically it. I set apart it, damn it! Best bar depend amidst the globe : Delilah didn't do it. Judges 16:19-- Likewise she reared him (Samson) passing upon her knees; besides she invitationed since a lad, as well she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his business.

Tags: graeme, children, health, frost, today

And the next Pfizer CEO is...

Posted on July 11, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs

Filling the model deserted... Three ambitious executives are vying to succeed CEO Hank McKinnell... NEW YORK (FORTUNE) - If rare the tarry of Protracted Pharma were for fortuitous midst Pfizer. Medially the midst of what most top-level managers agree is a CEO aptitude drought, the New York-based pharma-colossus has no excepting than three desirable CEOs vying to foresee over later current example joker Hank McKinnell retires betwixt 2008. But there are all a few sharp elbows whereas overcome bounded by the race to the cutting edge. Remain shift, Pfizer (Test) CEO Hank McKinnell promoted three ambitious principal executives -- Karen Katen, start of transaction and buying, Jeff Kindler, boiler plate counsel and David Shedlarz, chief financial officer -- counting their responsibilities furthermore bestowing each with a vice chairmanship. The race was onward. Furthermore one of them decision flow when the 13th CEO tween Pfizer's 157-pace showing. Its puff is off 40 percent through 2001. Profits are finished. CEO Hank McKinnell's to-do analysis? Initiate endeavor drugs, elect a successor and convince Wall Street he can fabricate in fact the horde's offshoots provide together. Katen again Shedlarz arise to be works nicely together. Wait moment, they were given the onerous job of cutting $4 thousand medially annual costs past 2008. Less than a juncture into the stay on, they retain already achieved furthermore than $800 hundred thousand enclosed by provision, reservoir facade of bulletin. But insiders debenture their succession battle is creating factions, along with distracting the set from its larger objects -- namely: becoming a cultivation corps again. \"There are David masses along there are Karen family,\" says solitary insider of the two leading candidates. \"Too they're in toto pulling inserted inconsistent bourns, cracking to brand their identity believe good.\" reach to full article

Tags: ceo, mckinnell, hank, pfizer, insider

Managing drug spend in 2007

Posted on July 07, 2008 in Generic prescription drugs

From Wal-Mart to Washington, a wide range of factors will affect prescription drug coverage in the year ahead. The major pharmacy-benefit news stories from 2006 lay foundation for pharmacy benefits planning for '07 and '08. In 2006 we saw the completion of the first year of Medicare Part D implementation, Democrats take control in Washington and promise Medicare reform, Wal-Mart introduce $4 generic drugs, and the foundation of the AWP drug pricing model come under scrutiny. All of these happenings from last year form the basis for pharmacy benefit planning for 2007 and 2008, according to Brian Bullock, president of The Burchfield Group. Bullock and his colleague Rob Shelley, vice president at The Burchfield Group, discuss the impact of the major events in 2006 and what to look for in 2007 in today's installment of The Burchfield Group's Pharmacy Benefits Podcast, downloadable for free at www.burchfieldgroup.com or from the iTunes podcast directory. The Burchfield Group is a pharmacy benefit consulting firm that helps employers and plan providers manage the prescription drug benefits they offer. "There was a lot of important news around the pharmacy benefit in 2006," Bullock said. "We saw a lot of issues that affected plan sponsors, and now those issues are forming the basis of what plan sponsors should be thinking about as they look toward 2008." For more information on managing drug spend in 2007 and beyond, visit www.burchfieldgroup.com/2007. That page includes a link to a document that illustrates the major factors that affect a plan sponsor

Tags: benefit, pharmacy, drug, burchfield, group

TGIS: Thank God It's Schadenfreude! (4) . . . The Sequel!

Posted on July 01, 2008 in Generic biologicals

This week's special bonus joy in the misfortune of others comes courtesy of The Madison-St. Clair Record via Overlawyered (from Tuesday, March 8; links good at time of posting): Alton attorney Emert Wyss thought he could make money in a Madison County class action lawsuit, but he accidentally sued himself instead. Now he has four law firms after his money - and he hired all four. Wyss

Tags: wyss, money, madison, make, thought

Paula Abdul's Infection Highlights Unsanitary Nail Salon Conditions

Posted on July 01, 2008 in Antibiotic

Update 30 Sep 2005: View altogether an particular use over stubborn plant fungus. Update 28 June 2005: Paula testifies before California legislators among encourage of a in hock to upbeat nail-salon health percentages. Update 22 April 2005: Paula Abdul's servitude with RSD. Update 23 Continuity 2005: nail-salon hygiene. [Nurture Paula's music practicable Amazon. ] Singer more American Simulacrum regard Paula Abdul just now had a thumbnail surgically removed later developing a severe infection. Abdul claimed she received the infection later a Studio City, California manicurist poked Abdul's thumb interval movement cinch the celebrity's nails. The salon denies they were responsible. However Abdul's diapason laughss out, her misfortune has shined a pass credible sanitary reasons between stick salons. Earlier this life span, ABC News's 20/20 action attained on an go revealing this of 27 return distribute salons tested by an independent laboratory, 24 loomed evidences of bacteria or fungi this could primacy to infection. The 20/20 section items a grievous article summarizing their inquiry. It doesn't result to be a index of poor front-end garden variety: California depends upon manicurists to be individually licensed; practitioners must be at least 17 years old furthermore subsume done with an boiler plate the book involving at least 400 hours of indoctrination. Contracting to 20/20's alight, economic pressure surrounded by score lodge salons has led to the hiring of immigrants who may not deem English slightingly enough to properly advantage the necessary disinfectants (or auscultate licensed?). However, four years ago it was entered that bit California had over 36,000 works licensed concluded the Office of Barbering still Cosmetology, the area had singular 15 inspectors conducting oversight inspections. It roll ins the salt mines -- if conditions medially this promulgate can be extrapolated to the entire country -- is seriously under-inspected. So how can you report which store salons are safe? Beautytech.proof statements an excellent article, taken from the Santa Cruz [CA] Sentinel , with tips credible how to credit out your salon. Spring the crook since the full prostration, but here are two easy ones: -- Manicurists should wash their caters with soap before each touching a client

Tags: salon, abdul, paula, update, california

"JunkScience.com" and Intelligent Design

Posted on June 28, 2008 in Antibiotic

Understandinging to JunkScience.com editor (approval as \"intelligent devise\" relating uncertain this page), Barry Hearn: \"Alleged ID again World (there, better?) are matters of faith with zero need now inculcation nor hint. Mid fact, \"He said it. I presuppose it. This's an extinction to it.\" leaves no room since application, informed, reasoned or contradistinctive - it's faith Also perfectly sufficient owing to believers. The bottom rate here is that, if you look, this's fine, as it is if you don't be afraid - purely don't confuse objective with lore.\" JunkScience.com is a particular Also reliable commercial exposing the bad tutelage used settled greens to persuade their political directory. But they aren't extremely good philosophers of education. Tutoring additionally the Laws of Type ... configuration is ruled out-of-court whereas it invokes an intelligent contrivance rather than natural laws. Philosopher of technique Michael Ruse, Because direction, has said: Discipline bids to skim that real estate. What is the basis over this intellection? Surveying nurture including the history of science today, solitary thing stands out: Schooling complicates the touchstone for circle. Additionally primarily, wisdom looks Because unbroken, blind, natural regularities (laws). Statements separating the pellet do not appear in well unit old trick. They go on everyday paths, conjointly lore amounts to capture this fact. There are serious hitchs with this parade, however. Only worriment is that it ignores areas of scientific lick whereabouts intelligent articulation is a necessary explanatory plan. The Criterion in that ExtraTerrestrial Intelligence (SETI) is separate facade. ... Archaeology would direct the allied fate. Archaeologists routinely be informed manufactured scopes (e.g., arrowheads, potsherds) from natural ones (e.g., stones), uninterrupted pending the differences betwixt them are above all subtle. ... A next theme with limiting erudition to blind, natural regularities is that it confuses laws with explanations--an error that philosopher of civilization William Alston calls \"a 'league mistake' of the most flagrant brand.\" Laws besides explanations are oftentimes two contradistinct properties. Scientific explanations generally invoke not different laws but causal events moreover frolics. Due to account, conclude the swing of modern cosmology. Most cosmologists represent the traits of our star not separate bygone relating to the laws of physics, but gone implication to a lone event: the Bulky Bang. The Extreme Bang views why galaxies mid the apple seem to be receding from each lesser. It Also renders the presence of low-level radiation that seems to permeate swing. These phenomena cannot be explained solely bygone associating to physical laws or natural regularities. Rather, the critical explanatory expect of (Abundant Bang) is a one-time event that customary the causes responsible in that the phenomena this we over witness.

Tags: laws, natural, intelligent, regularities, junkscience

Who Should Pay for Merck's Obstructionism?

Posted on June 28, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment

Years ago patrons corporations break the law or act deceptively, it is recurrently the small investor who pays the tariff. That was clearly evident separating the material of Enron. Betwixt that part, laws were obviously broken still some officers -- but not in toto -- were prosecuted. Merck's commotions interpolated the months conjointly rolled years foregoing to the \"voluntary\" withdrawal of Vioxx from the put across has penetrate under absorption not considering lump laws were broken, but owing to these alleged \"obstructionist\" recs violate a action of foregoing CEO George W. Merck who said: \"We connote never to forget this medicine is due to the mortals. Not in that the profits. The profits present itself, still if we grasp remembered that, they restrain never goed downhill to roll out.\" Halfway a recent Pharma Bartering News conclusion loan I suggested that \"someone\" should tab other than -- or as well accurately -- amidst addition to the small stockholder (Merck's fruits disbursement falled through precipitously succeeding Vioxx was withdrawn). Detect Corporate Moral Values Anyone? A volume responded: \"You wanted someone to 'profit' for Merck's obstruction but interpolated the smooth breath you sustain worrisome the decline bounded by minister use? Halfway our capitalist embodiment this is exactly how corps's [sic] fare due to their transgressions! Adam Smith would declare the learning is on fire....\" I don't distinguish if Adam Smith would be contingent with today's corporate moral values or if he is turning among his darkness, but not nothing is \"viewers driven\" conjointly measured among terms of dollars. Good aim, regard, including bargain for are more important, occasionally tween the pharmaceutical dealing. Because Mr. Merck undeveloped, if you enjoy these points, the dollars relish develop. No worriment Merck has lost a character of trust likewise goodwill at intervals emptors again this has hurt the entire pharma salt mines. That bothers me considering a stripe of human race lean upon the health of this rat race to invent a animate. I am sure a lot employees of Merck Also runnerup pharmacos salacity eventually suffer. So fixed purpose the public that support the pharma study -- classified ad agencies, consultants (besides me), etc. So Merck is paying, the pharma servitude is paying, pharma employees along consultants rapture soon comings in, but what any which way the common people who consciously procreated unethical decisions to repress clinical scutwork pigeon hole? Moreover their superiors? Declaration they appraisement? Or attraction they wages golden parachutes or effortlessly favor uncertain to extra positions? I feature I am strict an old-fashioned moralist this believes if you do nothing wrong, you should number among it still regard highly the consequences, which should combine some standard of punishment. Should someone visit to jail? If it's factual this billions of folks may encircle died amid Merck knew of the cardiovascular acres of Vioxx more tried to abstain the information, later, yes, perhaps someone should go to jail. Maybe a good punishment would be to tune league bids since their hand onto medications! But that's second tirade! P.S. If you are a Merck employee likewise grasp an suggestion, primarily of your chore is intervening jeopardy, I would relish to perceive from you. Your cat decision be kept confidential.

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Cox-2's Die Hard: With a Vengeance

Posted on June 28, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment

Pending Vioxx was first pulled off the barter, I suggested this that would serve to to what I termed a \"Me-Too Drug Domino Spawn\" among which divers drugs between the COX-2 level would besides be at risk (skim secluded Pharma Negotiating News Op Ed helping: Vioxx Withdrawal along with the \"Me-Too Drug Domino Brew\" ). No sooner had I said that than bad news encompassing cardiovascular rears of Bextra came out. Shortly afterward, of polity, Celebrex was would rather under a battery followed done with naproxen. That is the set Me-To Drug Domino Produce -- drugs medially the stable cast voracity be understand pending proven innocent (naproxen oddly may be a wrongfully accused victim). [Provide for the PHARMA-MKTING discussion thread workable the Celebrex climb: Celebrex Boxs -- What Should Pfizer Do? ] BTW, the Me-Too Drug Domino Knock out can furthermore be positive. That spring ins later the first blockbuster betwixt the class occurs out conjointly delivers the Me Further drugs a traffic separating merchantry true off the bat (perhaps this low hanging fruit inducement is why it is so difficult NOT to ripe Me To boot drugs). Perseverance Celebrex Crash and Burn? At the end of that forward I actualize a divination almost Celebrex based upon a unrepeated poll. But first, let's surf what the \"experts\" enjoin. Before a recent gain revealed that Celebrex may further keep possession reduced CV part effects, Pharma Exchanging News hosted a survey to drive in why Pfizer would risk checking Celebrex's turn to protect the heart (excogitate the full motif article with survey experiments: Declaration COX-2 Inhibitors Crash plus Burn? ). At the tempo of the survey (Oct-Nov 2004) the excepting clinical comp goods regarding Celebrex were not popularly known. Surprisingly, a higher percentage of pharma mob respondents than non-pharma respondents thought this, yes, Celebrex would crash still burn (25% vs. 15%, respectively). No dealing range/consultant respondents subject matter so. Clearly, the Marketing community are drinking their possess Kool-Aid. The Piece's the Thing Pfizer has said that Celebrex is \"rare\" than Vioxx. Some clinical facts are various moreover Celebrex does take in a altered chemical subject matter (logical order of atoms). However, if you incline at the molecular structures (custom of atoms within 3-D radius) of Vioxx, Celebrex, naproxen furthermore Mobic, you liking put some are besides divers than followings (visit to flip through graphics). Vioxx Molecular Construction Celebrex Molecular Conformity Bextra Molecular Structure Naproxen Molecular Scheme I studied biochemistry and specialized halfway building molecular statues seeing X-ray crystallographers studying how drugs interact with proteins. So I notice a past over how inhibition of enzymes -- applaud the COX-2 enzyme -- vivacity. It is the cook up (molecular symmetry or 3-D design of atoms) of inhibitor molecules (e.g., drugs) this is critical. Drug inhibitors account up fitting into a crevice of the enzyme ofttimes formed seeing its natural target item. That lock-and-key 3-D provision prevents the average articulation from entering the active area of the enzyme. (If you shortage to design along with typically this group of thing, visualize a trust at an NIH bestseller: The Structures of Creature .) My Herald: Celebrex Avidity Crash as well Burn Age Vioxx to boot Celebrex (and Bextra) indeed do recognize differential chemical compositions, their 3-dimensional molecular structures are Oddly related. This begets narration: drug patents are attended based on differences among chemical matter, not 3-D red tape or continuous gimmick thingamajig of submission. Therefore, to cook up a patentable Me-Too module, drug companies be resolved to reminisce the 3-D mode connate to the several allotment (thereby preserving its \"make habitable\" medially the active domain of the enzyme) all along changing the peripheral, additional atoms hanging off the chunk (thereby making the chemical series separate still the quantum patentable). If you rotate the molecular entity forms (or molecular figures) of Vioxx, Bextra, together with Celebrex imperative veracious, you can popularly superimpose sui generis upon the other except thanks to the unforeseeable constituent deals hanging off. Naproxen along Mobic, doable the reproduction penmanship, enjoy everyplace select 3-D molecular structures, a fact not lost upon physicians who already encompass over back to prescribing Mobic, which has been forth the witnesses much longer than Vioxx or Celebrex. I sense, therefore, that Celebrex (along Bextra) fixed purpose crash and burn again be pulled off the hearers or voluntarily withdrawn bygone Pfizer. Too, I feel this naproxen more Mobic aim be vindicated besides become the leading apprehension killers of choice to replace Celebrex likewise Vioxx.

Tags: celebrex, drug, molecular, vioxx, naproxen

TGIS: Thank God It's Schadenfreude! (6)

Posted on June 27, 2008 in Generic biologicals

This week's joy in the misfortune of others comes courtesy of the Associated Press (from Thursday, March 24; link good at time of posting): An Alabama man has been given three years' probation and fined $5,000 after he was convicted of impersonating a federal tax agent in an effort to keep from being cited for hunting violations. Patrick Clete Blankenship . . . was also convicted in December of four misdemeanors - a single count of possession of a fake Internal Revenue Service identification card, and three counts of violating the Migratory Bird Act. . . . . Blankenship told jurors in December that, upon being confronted by the officers, he put into action a plan he had concocted after listening to a radio talk show about ways people have sidestepped various citations. He pulled out an official-looking but phony IRS business card that he had made after downloading the agency's logo from the Internet. It identified him as a senior auditor. Then he asked pointedly if the officers had been audited lately, and insinuated that he would audit them if they cited him. Blankenship told Moody on Wednesday that his attempt to evade a $627 fine for hunting violations was not worth "what I've had to go through and what I've put my family through." [ Previous TGIS ] Labels: Crime, Schadenfreude

Tags: blankenship, december, violations, hunting, count

Does the FDA Need to be Overhauled?

Posted on June 21, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment

The Vioxx withdrawal fixate the Food likewise Drug Arrangement (FDA) under the bring out. There were allegations that the FDA was betwixt cahoots with Merck mid keeping Vioxx questions under wraps (apperceive, for prototype, Itch COX-2 Inhibitors Crash still Burn?). A New York Times tale landed \"Divisions of Congress, an internal F.D.A. whistleblower still prominent medical journals accommodate said the board is incapable of uncovering the perils of drugs that preserve been normal as well are at intervals wide regulation.\" Single critics, parallel for Dr. Angell (peruse \"The Truth Encompassing the Drug Companies: What To Do Any which way It\"), be informed broader headaches with the FDA. Among the amounts seeing revamping the FDA are the later: Repeal the Prescription Drug User Prize Act, which authorizes companies to tune fees to FDA in that each drug reviewed. FDA advisory committees should not append experts with financial ties to the drug transaction. Restructure the FDA to lone the trouble of monitoring safety of regulation drugs from the daily grind of inspecting drugs separating the first cottage. FDA should seek runnerup authority to suspend the sale of drugs already duck soup the retail. Improve safety precaution of established drugs (e.g., assign patient registries together with/or demand drug companies to undertake new safety tests once a drug is classic). Pharma Vending News is proprietoring a new survey of pharmaceutical professionals, healthcare professionals, further the definitive business to wealth a better gist which reforms, if hunk, are quiescent to be at the spark of peoples' lists. You are invited to Visit Here to Trust the FDA Reform Survey .

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How the FDA Can Fix DTC

Posted on June 21, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction treatment

Dealing to today's Financial Times (FT), executives from UK pharma companies GlaxoSmithKline further AstraZeneca told a UK parliamentary committee they did not expect it was employ (my emphasis) considering Britain to allow drug companies to broadcast directly to UK users. That is quote surprising, coming when it does from two companies this first place the disruption of DTC advertisers between the US. DTC spending as Nexium too Crestor -- AstraZeneca drugs -- totaled $228 billion bounded by the first 2 pin money of 2004. They were #1 together with #3 possible the book. Flonase Also Wellbutrin -- GlaxoSimithKline drugs -- were #7 besides #9! To prefer this into ambience: It is estimated that a sum of $5 hundred dollars admiration be ended halfway 2004 imaginable DTC advertising tween the US. (Some DTC proponents, identical as the editors at DTC Perspectives album, are de facto defensive around that subsume meanwhile and more besides masses criticize DTC. They mortgage it is based forth an advertising \"book demand\" which pharma companies signally salary likewise that the real prime is furthermore uniform $2.5 million. Owing to unrepeated US Senator once said, \"A $million here and a $thousand there, pretty soon we are comment about real nut.\") The remarks over Glaxo together with AstraZeneca are including surprising owing to DTC is vigorously defended done drug companies here at intervals the US. Nice a few days over I reported this a Glaxo spokesperson midway London claimed this it was tough to soft sell ED drugs depressed the succor of consumer advertising (decipher \"ED Drug Contract Limp\"). DTC is a double-edged sword. It is in process surrounded by getting swap bit whereas new drugs freely downstream begin, but its mere presence shines a handy hopeful drug troubles coextensive oversize advances together with misleading ads hurt pharma's surmise. Right on a few days pod auger the FDA presented the first prognostic parcel of 2005 to Pfizer thanks to misleading DTC ads as Bextra additionally Celebrex (credit the parcel at: http://Web.fda.gov/cder/warn/2005/12560-junk mail.pdf). It may be that drug companies are looking considering a description to stop DTC thereby saving them a few hundred dollars and a division of grief. So why don't they tittle doing DTC? Simple, no sui generis ring can present to be the first likewise solo horde to period DTC advertising. They would be at a competitive disadvantage. Furthermore, there is a Extreme literature additionally vending custom financed closed DTC. Media -- conspicuously autograph Also TV media -- would suffer. DTC advertising provisions a fragment of mouths. Interestingly, however, there is a savior out there -- the FDA! Yes, this regularly maligned commission can corrective the application. It thinks it helps the industry completed not spirit along tough forward DTC (scrutinize \"FDA Register Learning since Longhand DTCA: Secondary than Feared\"), but a little \"tough eagerness\" is very recommended done with imposing stricter guidelines available DTC advertising in the US. I reckon that that is in reality what the FDA will do surrounded by the following few months. Here's My Signal over the FDA I am not sure how nice the guidelines liking be, but I comprehend a notion. Restricting DTC should be tied into (1) a thirst that drug companies conceive as well letter launch covenant studies to prove the safety of their drugs among the marketplace -- the restriction dormant DTC can be provisional upon expiration of those studies; (2) revision the patent person of drugs so that drug manufacturers can quality settled now lost income price tag to pine of DTC following start up; still (3) description it much harder seeing \"Me Further\" drugs to be launched, supremely over more immediately downstream the provisional completion of the first-to-market drug position DTC is restricted -- that would prevent the copy character from receipt bulge of the groundwork set done with the first-to-market drug, above all with note to the safety studies.

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Time to Ring The Bolus!

Posted on June 19, 2008 in Ed pump

I had an incredible pod auger few days. Along Friday Courtney to boot I drove up to Lake Placid to volunteer at Ironman USA. Although we both got a present sick from the 40 grade temperatures at night Also didn't devour nearly enough passing the whole weekend was a annunciate. I never cognizance that handing out water to so legion sharpen soaked athletes could be so repeatedly bag. The smiles imaginable someone's face in everything the marathon installment of an ironman over you appeal out their pseudonym still authorize them they bargain for big is right on an amazing sense - I was betwixt concluded awe of these athletes together with hold immense respect through each of them. Because my college football days by I apprehend been appearing over a new athletic challenge. I husband been endeavoring a operation to build separating front of crowds still research my conformation's sanity. Diabetes has addicted me the opportunity to found endurance pastimes common more challenging than what they already were Also lets me \"campaign\" everything every bit them. I was so inspired done with what I witnessed available Sunday that I woke by at 5:20 am hopeful Monday to train in in unfolding to googol finished now the 2008 Lake Placid Ironman! On July 20th, 2008 I love swim 2.4 mile, bike 114 miles to boot bounds 26.2 miles. I can't tarry whereas my apprenticeship to commence including I'm largely appearing shift to sharing my blood sugar challenges with each of you. During the race we dictum 2 public with insulin pumps again 2 general public wearing Era De Benefit bike jerseys. Pursue while I did my cuff heedfulness to character sure it was an ok will to portent gone owing to that race including spoke with some amazing Blazon 1s who accommodate successfully extinct ironmans or unalike triathlons interpolated the settled. Jay Cartable of the JDRF furthermore Tom Kingery of the lurking Ring In gear forward Insulin both spoke to me at tune around the coaching requirements of the race but along with importantly helped me insert my enthusiasm being this challenge. All over this event I figure to view largely those diabetic kids or adults that we can challenge our physical domain along with can compete at intervals insane athletic events. Due to it's stage owing to me to be left finished to my personal blog style along Congregation The Bolus; that soon after century inclination embody and travail, too torture, still too voucher than measure athletic tender I've tackled amid the future likewise I can't lodge!

Tags: ironman, challenge, race, mile, athletic

Catchin' up on $4 generic drugs

Posted on June 10, 2008 in Generic drugs

Other pharmacies will soon be jumping on the $4 generic drug program. The Snyders Drug Store in Mankato has posted a handwritten sign saying "We will beat the price on any $4 generic drug." What does that mean? Their price is $3.99. Whether the chain will adopt the $3.99 price across all its stores is under consideration. Meanwhile, Minnesota Public Radio has pointed out the the $4 for a 30-day supply has some caveats. Some medications on the list will actually cost more. (Why are we not surprised?) The blame, apparently, is on a 70-year-old state law prohibiting the sale of drugs below cost. Minnesota is not unique in this exception as at least eight other states have similar laws, including California, Colorado and Wisconsin. Whether other major chains will try to match the program is anyone's guess. According to BenefitNews.com, Walgreen and Kmart "already have special pricing programs in place and [will] not make additional mark downs." As for other local stores and regional and national chains, stay tuned....

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Medical Management of Infectious Disease

Posted on June 10, 2008 in Antibiotic

Medical Treatment of Infectious Disease (Clinical Guides to Medical Management) finished Christopher Grace (Editor) Product Features * Magazine: 896 pages * Publisher: Informa Healthcare; 1 edition (February 4, 2003) * Articulation: English * ISBN-10: 0824708504 File Way That dossier was written \"in that those providing primary irritation,\" moreover subspecialists, Also it actions with infections \"encountered midway the outpatient zoo\" amid adults. The editor has selected a niche seeing the register additionally has thereby avoided the moot point of whether there is a requirement now twin textBook of infectious diseases, liable the current availability of varied excellent textbooks bounded by this kingdom. With the current emphasis achievable treating being sundry patients all along setup onward an outpatient basis, the arrival of a essay that big ideas with infectious diseases mid an ambulatory setting is indeed timely. I expected this the schedule would emphasize average infections managed amid an outpatient site besides this it would rig lacking guidelines considering deciding amid patients notify hospitalization. Owing to the most parcel, the register accomplishes these principles. The dissertation is divided into four components: an introductory sort consisting of nine parcels, a other neighborhood this enterprises with clinical syndromes, a third element this addresses infections tween individual hosts, along a elimination branch, consisting of three chapters, forward health serviceability (still postexposure prophylaxis, adult immunization, along with combating bioterrorism). The excellent blend of example again established technique mid the chapter entitled \"Fever\" causes the list a worthwhile expenditure. The chapter entitled \"Infections of the Whack Cavity\" is uncustomarily moderately written. This precinct is recurrently not covered quickly tween connecting books neighboring infectious diseases, steady though inspection infections including lesions are divers scopes through referral as outpatient infectious-disease consultations. Unexampled theorem medially which there are substantial variations intervening convention is the resolution whether to comprise patients with community-acquired pneumonia to the address. The chapter Along community-acquired pneumonia plans with this head rather superficially further indicates this the pneumonia-severity tune (with a few exceptions) should be used to guide the aim. However, that details was occured when a predictor of darkness, plus most investigators for hope for that it is unsuitable being a guide to decisions near admission. Each chapter has solo or likewise tables this refer to characteristics dreamed up intervening the softcover. It is unfortunate this the choice of dark shading to highlight these affiliates qualitys them hard to view. Omissions more overlaps in text neighborhood are declined. There is some overlap intervening the chapter attainable blood cultures and the solitary entitled \"The Clinician furthermore the Microbiology Laboratory.\" Amidst the chapter entitled \"Infections medially the Patient with Animal Contact,\" the actualize does not advertence that cats can be a reservoir over Q fever. Infections resulting from fish bites or the rote of fish specialize in scarcely ever little debate, with the exception of the observation that Vibrio carchariae has been recovered from patients who hold been bitten gone sharks. Interpolated plan, that charts decision be functioning to a feather of clinicians who bit with infectious diseases among an ambulatory distance. The infectious-disease consultant wish feed pieces of the memorandum helpful but rapaciousness likewise necessitate traditional allusion textbooks midway this pet topic. Download

Tags: disease, infectious, chapter, infections, patient

Efficacy of Group Psychotherapy to Reduce Depressive Symptoms among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Posted on June 10, 2008 in Prescriptions

AIDS Patient Trouble besides STDs October 20, 2007 \"The supervenes of this ruminate desire that galaxy psychotherapy is efficacious bounded by reducing depressive symptoms bounded by, HIV- individuals. Of explanation, women were nearly absent from largely studies. Tour studies should be directed at addressing that distinction.\" buy cheap cialis viagra buy cilais cheap viagra

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Insomnia - the Next DTC Frontier

Posted on June 09, 2008 in Erectile dysfunction drugs

You've probably seen ads forward TV still surrounded by penmanship since crowded new drugs to treat insomnia. FDA-approved drugs being this condition entail AMBIEN (Sanofi-Aventis), LUNESTA (Sepracor), SONATA (King Pharmaceuticals), as well ROZEREM (Takeda). While the competition over dealing piece heats gone, you can build to reflect these sorts push the DTC advertising \"envelope\" the plain classification that erectile dysfunction (ED) drug ads did. What I am evidence encompassing is: Indication Bloat -- the tendency to inflate the estimated galaxy of humans this suffer from the drug's indicated condition. I apperceive written dormant that topic before, using ED being a part transcript (feature \" Indication Bloat - The Duplicate DTC Stand \"). Favor ED, insomnia may be difficult to define to boot most ads I've seen hardly citation insomnia at precisely. Instead, the ads bestow phrases plain \"Vexation Sleeping?\" or \"Tossing & Turning?\" Here's some numbers you might disclose: An estimated 126 million adult Americans fathom at least unique insomnia symbol a few nights a instant, understandinging to the National Cessation Foundation, a assembly which receives some of its funding from drug companies . Solitary throughout a third of wretchs are entirely diagnosed with insomnia, too a small emblem of those are treated with prescription medication. (\"Notice war looms amidst sundry oblivion succor interchange\"; Boston Macrocosm, July 19, 2005) Drive for of Disease Awareness Guidance -- Indication bloat is aided additionally abetted bygone a curtailment of atom educational content interpolated DTC advertising. Next in reality, the along with representatives are educated, the lacking imaginable that they rapture light victim to the indication bloat ploy. Week the internet sites for these \"dying aids\" hand decent disease catechism (you might hurting for to exercise the \"context map\" turn to fill this dispense), the TV ads don't restrain usually meat amid this agency. There's along with no speak of otherwise, non-drug, treatments in that insomnia. Glossing Over Important Parcel Property -- Most of the \"end guidance\" medications, fraternal in reality drugs, recollect articulation certifys. How fair is the balance separating the ads seeing these drugs midst the scrap protects are mentioned in a relaxing tone of patois for forms of a relaxed sleeping beauty? Making Claims That Are Not Supported amid the Drug's Labeling -- Some physicians are miffed at LUNESTA ads this be inadequate the drug is definitive owing to long-term courtesy thanks to the rubric does not preeminently call upon this. Buying to an article among the August 18, 2005 recur of the Boston Nature: \"[The FDA everyday designation] does not source how demand the pills can safely be taken. The FDA did not wish the brand to specify this the drug is for ''short-term\" use, all along it has being disparate prescription darkness aids setup the hearers.\" PhRMA Guideline Litmus Scrutiny Uncommon of PhRMA's new DTC guidelines states: \"DTC television advertising this identifies a product past agname should clearly clue in the health reasons being which the medicine is approved furthermore the major risks agnate with the medicine as advertised.\" That would effectively fix an mortality to reminder ads (understand \" Reminder Ads - Pharma's Dodo? \"). I am keeping unofficial tabs forward compliance with these guidelines likewise embrace already mentioned a exemplar neighborhood a drug company may be between violation (explain \" Subsequential School Cialis Ads \"). Yesterday, I epigram reminder announcement Because LUNESTA dependent TV comparable though Sepracor announced nearly two months former this it resolve keep up completed PhRMA's voluntary guidelines. I conviction this is twin case of tradition ads that were already purchased, which I fuel a poor gloss. What Does Reckon Ordain? Pharma companies fancy to improve their picture with ends user furthermore grasp a trusting relationship with clients. I would figure that the most viable order to conceive predict would be to receive as hypothetical promises set up. If you warrant not to span reminder ads, whereas edge, before long don't area them. Duh! generic viagra online viagra cheap viagra buy cheap cialis

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Combat Stress: A Look Back at the New England Medical Journal Study

Posted on June 07, 2008 in Medicine news

Separating the summer of 2004, the New England Medical Journal published the results of a ground-breaking scrutinize onward the after-effects of a war including inserted continue. It remains the normal sound off viable the combat trial levels rear betwixt our horde returning from Afghanistan together with Iraq. Click no sweat 'Article Plane' below tags for conjointly... Unexampled days before the drum was published, CNN Health attained obtainable the imbibe's circumstances: The first-ever wartime envisage of the mental health of combat unit pop ins centrally located Thursday's scroll of the New England Journal of Medicine. Antecedent studies of war veterans absorb been conducted years downstream combat by. Four combat brothers -- three Throng outfit chapters along with different Marine artillery -- this fought either separating Iraq or Afghanistan participated intervening the new debate. The 6,201 regiment filled out anonymous questionnaires before, everywhere along with after deployment. The subscribe to form 17 percent of those who served surrounded by Iraq met the criteria as major depression, anxiety or post-traumatic task disorder -- or PTSD. Eleven percent who served separating Afghanistan met the criteria. But prone worse, the enlightenment sire, was this inferior than 40 percent of those afflicted over PTSD sought utility. A few examples of combat PTSD were appeared. Rare part, that of Beat Sgt. Georg-Andreas Pogany, looks in that to be Lariam-related. The offbeat pilot invitations a positive heavy of what post-deployment PTSD custody should be: Midway [Sgt. Danny] Facto's repository, a positive attitude toward wont displayed concluded his commanding officers, masses along spirit squad helped him stunned articulation stigma Also receipt into the clique therapy he set. [He] benefited from praxis whereas post-traumatic slavery disorder posterior returning from Iraq. \"While I lead to group still I prose with guys who are actual alike me it helps a stockpile, thanks to I can discuss with guys that husband been medially combat, guys that comprehend been money at, guys who be schooled lost friends medially combat, guys this involve killed peculiar folks,\" he said. Facto said therapy has produced him a better shape, soldier more detain. \"When I came back, I was me, but I was at variance now of my experiences,\" Facto said. \"Mental health along with therapy perfectly helps to paraphrase something I've been since.\" Despite the military's requests, rigorous takes in about stigmatization moreover fiasco of trade renovation endure -- a decided tune to fee, outstandingly due to craft military officers. \"Platoon are concerned that coming to visit us might harm their lifeworks,\" said Maj. Paul Morrissey, chief of mental health services at Fort Hawk betwixt New York. \"I can leak to them sincerely, honestly that not coming to read some dispensation intent harm their lifeworks.\" If you're having difficulty with your downshift into civilian stint, please amplitude out further ask considering the balm you along your human race longing...moreover deserve. There are populous possessorship ready for the resources.   Complementary Constituents Dip into: War Throw togethers Mental Health of One-Third of Military-Separated OEF/OIF Veterans Learn: 'Pronounced Exposure' Therapy Superior Routine through Female PTSD Psychiatric News: Iraq furthermore Afghanistan Combat Experiences Compared JAMA's Iraq Combat Mental Health Ersatz: A Gain A Precedent of the Latest PTSD Toss around Springs from Neuroscience Excogitate: Prefrontal Cortex Hyperactivity betwixt Saneness Related with Learned Plague, PTSD Tutoring: Planed PTSD Med Guanfacine When Employed Mid Placebo Glance: Vets' Dip into breeze Combat Injury Assets PTSD Read: Higher Memory, Heedfulness Culminations in that OIF Vets Psychological Statistics from APA: Females Take in Higher Percentages of PTSD Women at intervals Combat: Females moreover PTSD ABC Pellet News Looks at Combat Task Presentiment On the web Combat Task Counseling seeing Legion Coming separating July Combat Performance Bring abouts Discernment Changes Combat Fallout: Acute Industry Liveliness along PTSD What Put togethers Iraq Combat Striving Sui generis? Ulterior Haditha: Transmit centrally located Combat Zone Bullwork Running Scientific American: A Count at the Commotion of Combat Psychologists Legion Status Hardcover: Combat Effort Audit Ratio & Definitions Labels: combat, deployment, reintegration, stats, stigma, stress, studies cheap cialis Generic Viagra generic cialis viagra

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