TrueFresco Financial News Reader (beta) » bizjournals.com - Health Care

Oakland foundation commits $10M for clinic emergency fund

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 6:58pm EDT

The California HealthCare Foundation said Tuesday it’s contributing $10 million to the state’s Emergency Working Capital Loan Fund, a low-interest loan pool to help safety-net health clinics stay open if Medi-Cal funding dries up due to the state budget impasse.

Pittsburgh City Council approves new Act 47

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 3:23pm EDT

Pittsburgh City Council on Tuesday voted 6-3 to adopt a new five-year Act 47 fiscal recovery plan for the city.

ViraCor, IBT Laboratories merge

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 2:56pm EDT

Two local laboratories have merged and created a company that will work with biopharmaceutical clients on research and development and clinical-trial testing.

Kensington Towers coming down

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 2:41pm EDT

Calling it a key milestone for Buffalo’s East Side, local leaders gathered to watch the early phases of the Kensington Towers project demolished, all to make way for a $100 million development that will focus on senior and elderly living.

Carrell Clinic computer hacker arrested

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 1:14pm EDT

An Arlington man has been arrested by federal authorities who accuse him of using his contract security guard post at The Carrell Clinic in Dallas to hack into the clinic’s computers, compromising various hospital systems while planning a larger attack on the system’s computers.

Novavax stock soars on license deal

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 12:39pm EDT

Novavax Inc. stock has soared on news that it’s negotiating a multimillion-dollar deal to license out its flu-vaccine-making technology to a Spanish pharmaceutical partner that plans to further test and produce seasonal and pandemic flu vaccines for several European countries. (NVAX)

Geron inks stem-cell deal with GE Healthcare

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 10:48am EDT

GE Healthcare and biotechnology firm Geron Corp. will work together to develop tests based on human embryonic stem cell lines that Geron licenses from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. (GE) (GERN)

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Catalyst collaborating on hemophilia drug

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 10:36am EDT

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals said Tuesday that it has formed an exclusive worldwide collaboration with Catalyst Biosciences Inc. to develop treatments for hemophilia and other bleeding conditions. (WYE)

ProCertus raises $2.1M more in financing

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:55am EDT

ProCertus BioPharm Inc., a Madison drug company, said it has closed on a $2.1 million financing round with current investors that will help fund clinical trials for its product.

AirStrip signs new partnership agreement

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:34am EDT

AirStrip Technologies LP, which delivers critical patient information via smartphones, is now partnering with Princeton, N.J.-based PeriGen Inc. to give obstetricians remote access to the firm’s risk reduction and quality improvement software.

GE Healthcare, Geron enter stem cell alliance

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:26am EDT

GE Healthcare and biotechnology firm Geron Corp. said Tuesday that the two companies have formed an alliance to develop testing and analysis products based on human embryonic stem cell lines that Geron licenses from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation. (GE) (GERN)

Maryland gets $12.3M in stimulus funds for community health centers

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:11am EDT

The White House has awarded nearly $12.3 million in federal stimulus grants to upgrade and expand 16 of Maryland’s community health centers.

BioSante to buy Cell Genesys for $38M in stock

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 9:09am EDT

BioSante Pharmaceuticals Inc. will buy troubled South San Francisco business Cell Genesys Inc. for $38 million in stock. (BPAX) (CEGE)

Hyperion Therapeutics raises $60M in 3rd round

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:59am EDT

Hyperion Therapeutics Inc., a pharmaceutical company focused on gastroenterology and hepatology, said Tuesday it closed a third round of funding with $60 million.

Jury awards Centocor $1.7B in patent case against Abbott

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:57am EDT

Centocor Ortho Biotech Inc. said late Monday that a federal jury in Texas has awarded the company $1.67 billion in a patent infringement case against Abbott Laboratories. (JNJ)

Geron, GE Healthcare in stem cell deal

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:50am EDT

Geron Corp. and GE Healthcare, a unit of General Electric Co., said Tuesday they will collaborate to develop and commercialize cellular assay products derived from human embryonic stem cells. (GE) (GERN)

Biopure 'accepts' Nasdaq delisting notice

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:32am EDT

Biopure Corp., a developer of blood-replacement technologies, has received — and will not challenge — a delisting notice from The Nasdaq Stock Market for falling below the exchange’s minimum equity-value requirement.

Catalyst to get $21M upfront in Wyeth deal

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:23am EDT

Catalyst Biosciences Inc. will be paid $21 million upfront in a deal with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. (WYE)

Advanced Home Care acquires Tenn. company

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 8:13am EDT

Advanced Home Care will purchase Takoma Regional Home Health Services, located in Greeneville, Tenn., effective Wednesday.

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St. Luke’s Hospital lauded for women’s care

Posted: June 30th, 2009, 12:01am EDT

St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield ranks among the top 5 percent of all hospitals nationwide for its health care for women, according to HealthGrades, an independent health-care ratings organization.

El Camino to reopen Los Gatos hospital on July 12

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 6:30pm EDT

El Camino Hospital Los Gatos will open on July 12.

Miami physician sentenced in Medicare fraud case

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 4:13pm EDT

Miami physician Roberto Rodriguez, 54, was sentenced Monday to eight years in prison and ordered to pay more than $9 million in restitution for his role in a Medicare fraud scheme involving HIV infusion services.

Stimulus adds nearly $17M to Colorado

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 4:05pm EDT

Colorado will get about $17 million to repair, renovate and otherwise improve community health centers.

Aura Biosciences adds directors, adviser

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 2:08pm EDT

Aura Biosciences Inc., a newly launched biotechnology company focused on novel drug-delivery methods, has added two board members and a corporate adviser to its leadership team. (BSX)

Gillings lab at UNC wins $8.5M for USAID clean water initiative

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 1:57pm EDT

A clean water program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has won a new award worth up to $8.5 million, the university announced Monday. The program traces its origins to a gift made by Quintiles founder Dennis Gillings and his wife, Joan.

Survey: Nonprofits combating financial stress

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 1:26pm EDT

Nonprofits are facing financial anxiety — but battling through it, according to a new survey released Monday by Johns Hopkins University.

Little sign of California budget compromise

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 1:07pm EDT

Days away from the state having to issue IOUs to pay its bills, California legislators are showing little sign of working out a compromise to head that off.

EMQ FamiliesFirst CEO Doyle retires

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 12:08pm EDT

Jerry Doyle, CEO of EMQ FamiliesFirst, will retire at the end of the month after 39 years at the agency's helm.

Juvaris, ADi in vaccine collaboration

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 11:59am EDT

Juvaris BioTherapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company developing adjuvanted vaccines for infectious diseases, on Monday announced a collaborative agreement with Antigen Discovery Inc.

Obama offers 7-year patent protection for biotech drugs

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:55am EDT

The Obama administration said biogeneric drugs should be protected from competition for seven years, calling it a “generous compromise” between competing plans.

Biogen shares drop on 10th Tysabri PML case

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:39am EDT

Shares of Biogen Idec sank Monday after the biotechnology giant confirmed that another patient taking the multiple sclerosis drug Tysabri has been diagnosed with a potentially fatal brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML. (ELN)

Giant Food makes nearly $1.3M donation to Johns Hopkins cancer center

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:32am EDT

Giant Food LLC has donated more than $1 million to the cancer center at Johns Hopkins University.

Catholic hospital chain backs out of joint venture with Centene

Posted: June 29th, 2009, 10:02am EDT

A Massachusetts Catholic hospital chain has backed out of a joint venture with a Centene Corp. subsidiary after facing criticism about a how the Catholic-affiliated venture would handle contraception, abortions and other family planning services that the Catholic Church is against. (CNC)

ViroPharma Inc.

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Headquarters: Exton.

Sex drug could transform TransTech

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

TransTech Pharma, the High Point-based drug discovery company with an array of potential therapies for central nervous system disorders, has stumbled into a new area and a new drug that could possibly treat female sexual dysfunction — a product that could dramatically lift the company’s profile and shape its economic future.

eResearch Technology Inc.

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Headquarters: Philadelphia.

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University of Tennessee Health Science Center plans to build $50 million research center

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

University of Tennessee Health Science Center officials will seek approval later this year to build a roughly $50 million research building close to the corner of Union and Manassas.

Bio companies come to grips with gift ban

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The American Academy of Dermatology’s summer meeting at the Hynes Convention Center next month will feature educational sessions including “Psoriasis: What’s Hot and What’s Not” to thousands of skin doctors from around the country. What exhibiting companies at the conference won’t be offering its pens or tote bags to doctors from Massachusetts.

Local biotechs search for partners to help them survive

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

It should come as no surprise that this story starts at a Starbucks.

Biomarkers gain ground in fight to rein in drug costs

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Pieter Muntendam says the old way of making drugs — go after an interesting target, find patients to take the medication and then locate payers to reimburse for it — is over. The CEO of BG Medicine says if life sciences companies want to survive downward pressure on drug costs from the government and insurers, they need to give the customers what they want.

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How do you think the local biotech market will look by the time the economy improves?

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

“Biotech relies on access to capital and if that window is not shut now, it is only slightly ajar. Two additional threats include a more stringent regulatory environment and a major effort to reduce health care spending, which means greater difficulty in getting drugs approved and lower prices if and when they are approved. On the positive side, biotechs are becoming the R&D departments for the larger manufacturers and a critical source for innovation. The industry has gained critical mass and the demand for there products will only increase.”

New kids emerge on the biotech block

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The region’s leading bioscience companies are holding their positions atop the industry like storied professional sports teams.

Health-data firms chase stimulus sales

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Several Minnesota companies expect a boost as the federal government promotes electronic health-records systems through its economic-stimulus package.

Cuddling Up to BDSI

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

RALEIGH – As BioDelivery Sciences International awaits approval of its first product, a New York hedge fund has gained control of enough BDSI shares to become its largest shareholder.

High-tech mail service raises $30M

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

An Atlanta company is said to have raised about $30 million in venture funding to expand a niche between the U.S. Postal Service and overnight delivery. (UPS)

UPMC moves to expand presence in Ireland with investment

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s offer to bail out a development group could give the health care giant a lead in a hospital construction boom taking shape in Ireland.

Bringing nurses back

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Sheila Hoff has noticed that people often ask her about her job lately.

Nonprofit wants everyone in Sacramento tested to prevent any new cases

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Sacramento’s largest HIV/AIDS nonprofit wants to rally the region to do something no other American city has tried: stop the spread of HIV.

HealthSouth gets credit rating upgrade; agency cites stability

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

HealthSouth Corp. stands to save $2 million a year after its credit rating was upgraded by Moody’s Investor Service.

James F. Amatruda

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

A recognized leader and innovator in pediatric germ cell research, Dr. James F. Amatruda is the head of the Germ Cell Tumor Biology Committee for the Children’s Oncology Group, a national organization that treats every pediatric patient in the Unites States affected by germ-cell tumors. Amatruda has earned recognition for his discovery of a gene mutation in zebrafish (small aquarium fish with human-like genes that allow scientists to identify triggers and observe how cancers grow and spread) that causes tumors in germ cells. Such tumors can be the source of testicular cancer, ovarian cancer and other pediatric tumors. The discovery of the gene mutation has been hailed as a significant breakthrough in pediatric cancer research because germ-cell tumors are unusual in their composition, and their understanding among the scientific community is still limited.

M. Alan Menter

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Dr. M. Alan Menter has practiced dermatology at Baylor University Medical Center for the last 34 years and has devoted most of his professional career to the study and treatment of psoriasis. His work has helped to elucidate the genetic and immunologic causes of this disease and the development of new and more effective therapy for people with this condition. He is currently overseeing 29 clinical investigations for the treatment of psoriasis, and in 2004, he founded the International Psoriasis Council. He has also served as a mentor and teacher to hundreds of residents and students and has volunteered countless hours evaluating and treating patients in Baylor’s indigent clinic.

Jacques Banchereau

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Dr. Jacques Banchereau leads one of the only institutes solely dedicated to the study of the human immune system and translating basic laboratory discoveries into effective treatments for patients. This interdisciplinary program focuses on developing new therapies to treat conditions that involve the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, infectious diseases and organ transplants. Using dendritic cell technology, Dr. Banchereau is seeking ways to manipulate the immune system to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and induce tolerance. He has been an inventor/co-inventor on 41 patents and patent applications in the field of biotechnology. He is an author of nearly 275 original publications as well as over 160 book chapters and reviews.

Kokua Nurses sold to Oahu care-home firm

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The owner of two nursing homes on Oahu has acquired an in home-care agency that will round out the company’s health care services.

Dina L. Dunn

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

WHY HEALTH CARE: I wanted to get involved in an industry where I could make a difference. It is my belief that Tenet’s corporate staff has a very important mission, which is supporting our hospitals. Our efforts allow our hospital staff to dedicate their time to taking care of patients, which makes what we do very important!

Nonprofits ask existing donors to shore up philanthropic work

Posted: June 28th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

It’s in with the old, out with the new for many Denver-area nonprofits these days.

Report: Gov. trying to sell State Fund assets for $1B without industry input

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 3:47pm EDT

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and staff are working behind the scenes to sell assets of the San Francisco-based State Compensation Insurance Fund for a reported $1 billion, and are intentionally keeping the state Department of Insurance and the state Attorney General’s office out of the picture, according to an exclusive report Tuesday by the Workers’ Comp Executive.

Spherix switches drug makers

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 3:28pm EDT

Spherix Inc. has switched manufacturers for its late-stage diabetes drug, ending its 12-year agreement with its first supplier in the process. (SPEX)

3M sues EnvisionWare for patent infringement

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 2:24pm EDT

3M Co. said Tuesday it has filed a patent infringement lawsuit in federal district court against EnvisionWare Inc. (MMM)

Dayton children's hospital relocating testing center

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 1:24pm EDT

Children’s Medical Center of Dayton is moving its outpatient testing center in Kettering across town to a location at the Arbor Shopping Center.

University of Maryland Institute for Genome Sciences wins $25M grant

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 12:10pm EDT

The University of Maryland School of Medicine’s Institute of Genome Sciences has won another round of grants from the National Institutes of Health, totaling $25 million.

Survey: Americans lack knowledge about generics

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 12:09pm EDT

Nearly 30 percent of Americans don’t know or don’t think that generic drugs have the same effectiveness as brand name drugs, a new survey finds.

Dendreon to spend $50M on N.J. plant

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 11:54am EDT

Seattle biotechnology company Dendreon Corp., which is developing a treatment for prostate cancer, must be feeling pretty good about its prospects following positive research around its Provenge product. In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Monday, the firm (NASDAQ: DNDN) said that it is spending up to $50.5 million to have its Morris Plains, N.J., biotechnology processing facility completed by April 2010. (DNDN)

Washington U. lands $19M from NIH

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 11:01am EDT

The National Institutes of Health has awarded scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis four grants totaling $19 million to explore the microbes that inhabit the human body.

Greater Cincinnati counties post single-digit jobless rates for May

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 10:37am EDT

The four counties that make up Greater Cincinnati all notched unemployment rates below the Ohio average for May, with the city of Hamilton as the sole exception.

CE approval for Kensey Nash device triggers milestone payment

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 9:32am EDT

Kensey Nash Corp. said Tuesday its ThromCat XT blood clot-removal catheter received CE Marking approval, which allows for the sale of the product throughout Europe. (KNSY)

Specter announces hearing on VA Medical Center

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 9:25am EDT

U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, D-Pa., plans to hold a field hearing in Philadelphia on June 29 to examine reports of “egregious errors” in the treatment of veterans in the prostate cancer unit at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center.

PharmaLinkFHI changes name to Novella Clinical

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 9:22am EDT

PharmaLinkFHI, a Durham-based clinical research organization, has changed its name to Novella Clinical.

LabCorp to buy Monogram Biosciences for $155M

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 8:45am EDT

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings will acquire Monogram Biosciences Inc. for $4.55 a share, or about $155 million, the companies said Tuesday. (LH) (MGRM)

LabCorp acquires Monogram Biosciences

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 8:25am EDT

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings said Tuesday it has agreed to purchase San Francisco-based Monogram Biosciences Inc. LabCorp, based in Burlington, will acquire all the outstanding shares of Monogram in a cash offer of $4.55 per share for a total equity value of about $106.7 million, or a total enterprise value of about $155 million, including net indebtedness.

Hanger Orthopedic gets credit rating upgrade

Posted: June 23rd, 2009, 7:35am EDT

Standard & Poor’s has taken a brighter view of the business at Hanger Orthopedic Group Inc., raising credit ratings on the provider of orthotics and prosthetics. (HGR)

Hawaii Healthcare starts remote monitoring

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 7:45pm EDT

Hawaii Healthcare Professionals Inc., a Honolulu-based home health-care company, will launch tele-home care services on Kauai, Oahu and Maui.

Hale Makua nurses ratify contract

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 3:14pm EDT

Nurses at Hale Makua Health Services have ratified a new contract.

Truman Medical Centers, foundation hire Colby as general counsel

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 2:54pm EDT

William Colby is the new general counsel for Truman Medical Centers and its charitable foundation, the hospital system said Monday.

Md. colleges given $11M to combat nursing shortage

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 1:40pm EDT

Leaders from Maryland’s health care industry Monday unveiled $11 million in grants to help state colleges close a widening shortage of nurses.

Kenmore Mercy pushes ahead with renovation

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 1:40pm EDT

Kenmore Mercy Hospital has completed a renovation project that includes a new outpatient services entrance.

Buckeye Ranch seeking new CEO

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 12:46pm EDT

The long-time CEO of the Buckeye Ranch has stepped down after 25 years with the nonprofit.

NYSE monitoring KV after annual report delay

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 11:23am EDT

The New York Stock Exchange is monitoring KV Pharmaceutical Co. and could delist its stocks after the company failed to file its annual report with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Biogen enrolls patients in new MS trial

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 10:45am EDT

Biogen Idec has enrolled its first patient in a phase 3 trial for a potential multiple sclerosis treatment that, when compared with existing therapies, would reduce the number of injections patients must receive. (BIIB)

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Survey: Heritage Valley Health System accounts for $776 million in spending in local economy

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 10:27am EDT

Beaver-based Heritage Valley Health System accounts for about $776 million in spending in the local economy, according to a recent survey by the Hospital & Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, a trade group headquartered in Harrisburg.

Lannett on preliminary Russell 2000 list

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 10:15am EDT

Generic pharmaceuticals maker Lannett Co. Inc. said Monday the company’s shares have been added to the preliminary list of a revamped Russell 2000 Index.

Colorado budget shortfall estimated at $384M

Posted: June 22nd, 2009, 10:09am EDT

The idea of raiding Pinnacol Assurance’s reserve accounts — or even selling the publicly owned workers’-compensation insurance provider to a private entity — is back on the table after Colorado budget forecasters Monday predicted a $384 million revenue shortfall for next year.

Companies prove to be potent players in vaccines

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Greater Philadelphia, which routinely ranks among the top life sciences clusters in the country, has distinguished itself as a leader in the vaccine industry.

A tonic for business

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The life sciences industry in Western New York is weathering the storm clouds of recession better than most others.

Bioinformatics: What is it?

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

What exactly is bioinformatics? And how will it affect Buffalo?

HMO membership trend is positive

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

HMO group membership is generally in decline, but individual coverage is on the rise and helping to drive revenue and overall membership higher for some Florida health insurers.

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Acquisition expands Triplefin’s access to drug firms

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Triplefin, the Blue Ash-based company that specializes in getting drugs and other products from manufacturers to their customers, has acquired a controlling interest in one of the industry’s largest online patient assistance providers.

Cancer Treatment Centers green lights Atlanta-area hospital

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

A new hospital specializing in advanced treatments for cancer will offer metro Atlanta both health-care and economic benefits, say supporters of a project more than two years in the making.

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French biotech bound for University of Maryland, Baltimore BioPark? Mais oui

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Leaders at the University of Maryland, Baltimore BioPark are courting French biotechnology executives looking for a spot along the East Coast to open a new U.S. office. Such a partnership could lead to new lease deals and research collaborations between UMB scientists and their counterparts in Europe.

Bay Area biotechs get a blast of cash

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

There’s a hint of hope among penny-pinching biotechs.

Attorney: Irondale preparing to sue Trinity Medical Center

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The city of Irondale is gearing up to sue Trinity Medical Center after several attempts to mediate a resolution to the ongoing multimillion-dollar relocation dispute failed and the city rejected a financial settlement.

Home health care business continues growing

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Aging baby boomers are making it clear they want to grow old at home and a growing number of entrepreneurs are stepping up to take their business.

Oxygen Biotherapeutics stands to gain $20M for its technology

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

DURHAM – For a patient with a traumatic brain injury, seconds count. The longer damaged tissue is starved of oxygen, the greater the risk of debilitating injury.

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Hawaii Medical Center: Hospitals are ‘not worth the money we owe’

Posted: June 21st, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The owners of Hawaii Medical Center have finally admitted what people were saying more than two years ago when they bought the St. Francis Medical Centers: they paid too much.

Insurance agent charged with embezzlement

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 6:53pm EDT

Prosecutors from the California Attorney General’s office announced Friday that they flied grand theft, embezzlement and burglary charges against a Sacramento life insurance agent who they say fleeced retirees to pay for her gambling activity.

Senate passes education budget

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 5:17pm EDT

The Oregon Senate has passed a public schools budget that would prevent schools from shutting early through 2011.

Workplace meetings bill could face legal fight

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 4:49pm EDT

A measure tightening employer rules on workplace meetings has passed the House and awaits Gov. Ted Kulongoski’s signature.

Austin cancer doc to get $40,000 from Hyundai

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 2:59pm EDT

Dr. Virginia Harrod will receive a check for $40,000 from Hyundai and its dealers to support her work with childhood cancer patients in Austin.

Park Nicollet CEO to retire

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 2:10pm EDT

David Wessner, Park Nicollet Health Services’ president and CEO, will retire at the end of the year.

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Catholic Life earns ‘A-Excellent’ financial rating

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 12:22pm EDT

Insurance industry analyst A.M. Best Co. has reaffirmed its “A-Excellent” rating of Catholic Life Insurance for the 26th consecutive year.

PBJ poll: Raising corporate tax wrong

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 11:32am EDT

More than two-thirds of the responders to last week’s Business Pulse survey do not support the Legislature's vote to raise taxes on corporations.

Diagnostic Imaging lands incentives

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 10:06am EDT

Calling it a major step forward in the diagnosis and research concerning breast cancer, the Amherst Industrial Development Agency has approved an incentive package that will help a local company acquire cutting-edge imaging machines that it claims are needed in the region.

Novartis drug Ilaris wins FDA approval

Posted: June 19th, 2009, 9:58am EDT

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new Novartis drug for adults and children suffering from a rare and life-long inflammatory disease. (NVS)

Nike adds board member

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 4:53pm EDT

Nike Inc. on Thursday said it has appointed the CEO of pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co. to its board of directors. (LLY) (NKE)

More weatherization dollars up for grabs

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 4:14pm EDT

The federal government has cleared Ohio to put a more than $100 million of economic stimulus funding toward weatherizing housing in the state.

BayBio to take former Novacea space

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 3:57pm EDT

BayBio has leased part of the former South San Francisco home of Novacea Inc. (TSPT)

Medtronic paid Army doctor $850k

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 2:30pm EDT

Medtronic Inc. said Thursday it paid $850,000 over nearly 10 years to a former Army surgeon accused of falsifying research about one of the medical device maker’s products. (MDT)

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$30M in workers’ comp fraud-fighting funds granted

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 2:18pm EDT

Steve Poizner, California’s insurance commissioner, said Thursday that $30 million in grants to fight workers’ compensation insurance fraud will go to local county district attorneys this year, up “almost $1 million” from last year.

No decision yet on Auxilium drug application

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 1:39pm EDT

Auxilium Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday the Food and Drug Administration is delaying a decision on the company’s new drug application for Xiaflex. (AUXL)

Scrushy ordered to pay $2.8B for HealthSouth fraud

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 1:33pm EDT

Richard Scrushy was ordered to pay $2.8 billion in damages by a civil court judge for his role in HealthSouth Corp.’s massive accounting fraud scandal.

FDA approves Allergan eye treatment

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 1:29pm EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Allergan Inc.'s Ozurdex treatment for the retinal disease macular edema. (AGN)

Lorillard to offer $750M in senior notes

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 12:32pm EDT

Greensboro tobacco company Lorillard Inc. said Thursday it will offer $750 million in senior notes.

Quail leaving Red Cross; Alvey named replacement

Posted: June 18th, 2009, 9:09am EDT

Brian Quail is leaving his post as CEO of the American Red Cross, Louisville Area Chapter, after a six-year tenure.

Magazine honors The Children's Hospital

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

U.S. News & World Report recognized The Children’s Hospital as one of the 10 best pediatric hospitals in the nation. The results, announced Wednesday, will appear in the August issue of U.S. News & World Report, which will hit newsstands on July 21.

Hawaii flu cases close to 300

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 7:15pm EDT

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza A, or swine flu, in Hawaii is nearing 300 as 100 new cases were confirmed this week.

Rex Healthcare, Johnston Health team up for radiation treatments

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 5:16pm EDT

Rex Healthcare and Johnston Health have partnered to expand radiation treatment in Johnston Health Medical Mall in Smithfield and the Johnston Medical Center-Clayton, which is under construction.

Local executive to lead GE's $6B health care initiative

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 5:12pm EDT

Michael Barber, the chief technology officer for GE Healthcare and graduate of the Milwaukee School of Engineering, has been named to lead General Electric Co.'s $6 billion health care initiative.

Zicam maker pulls products, but affirms safety

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 4:49pm EDT

Upset with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Zicam maker Matrixx Initiatives Inc. has withdrawn two of its cold remedy nasal products even though company officials maintain the products are safe.

Surgery center to take theater space

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 4:47pm EDT

The movie theater at Waterfront Plaza will become a surgery center.

PBA backs expanded River District renewal area

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 4:39pm EDT

The Portland Business Alliance has publicly supported the proposed expansion of the city’s River District Urban Renewal area.

Watters Creek adds seven tenants

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 1:44pm EDT

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farm, a 1 million-square-foot, 52-acre mixed-use development in Allen, has added seven tenants to its mix, for a total of 37,000 square feet in new leases.

Hyatt Regency hosts blood drive June 25

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 1:44pm EDT

The Hyatt Regency Albuquerque has scheduled its ninth annual summertime blood drive on June 25 in the Downtown hotel’s atrium.

Grand View, Penn Foundation closing their behavioral health unit

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 1:18pm EDT

Grand View Hospital said Wednesday it plans to close its behavioral health unit, which is directed and staffed by Penn Foundation psychiatrists, by August 28th.

UCSF Med School under fire from Sen. Grassley

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 1:16pm EDT

Sen. Charles Grassley, a high-ranking Republican senator with a keen interest in health-care oversight, has raised questions about possible mismanagement of federal funds at UC San Francisco’s medical school and the UC system, according to a report in Wednesday’s Los Angeles Times.

Parker Adventist Hospital launches $76M expansion

Posted: June 17th, 2009, 10:30am EDT

Parker Adventist Hospital announced plans Wednesday for a $76 million expansion and renovation project.

St. Francis, HMC fight over hospital deal

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 7:59pm EDT

Hawaii Medical Center LLC has missed $6.8 million in loan payments to St. Francis Healthcare System of Hawaii during its 10 months in bankruptcy and is planning to sue the sisters of St. Francis, claiming that the hospitals were over valued at the time of the sale in January 2007.

Matrixx must refile Zicam application, stock plummets 70 percent

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 4:57pm EDT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to Scottsdale-based Mattrixx Initiatives Inc. after receiving more than 130 complaints that the company’s Zicam cold remedy products are causing them to lose their sense of smell.

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BioMarin: Genzyme virus problem won’t hurt its drug

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 4:31pm EDT

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. said a virus at Genzyme Corp.’s Boston-area bulk manufacturing plant, which last made BioMarin’s drug Aldurazyme in September, won’t have an impact on the supply of its drug or the Novato company’s revenue. (GENZ) (BMRN)

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Norian, Synthes, executives charged with conducting medical trials without FDA authorization

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 4:14pm EDT

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Philadelphia filed charges Tuesday against Norian Corp., its parent company Synthes Inc., and four Synthes executives, charging them with conducting clinical trials of a medical device without authorization from the Food and Drug Administration.

CalPERS committee OKs health care rate increases

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 2:43pm EDT

The Health Benefits Committee gave a thumbs up Tuesday to the lowest health maintenance organization rate increase at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System in 14 years.

Pawlenty proposes $2.7B unallotment

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 2:42pm EDT

Cities, counties and health services took the biggest hits from Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s proposed cuts on Tuesday, as the governor followed through on promises to balance the state’s budget himself.

Sancilio and Co. gets $700,000 in incentives

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 1:42pm EDT

Sancilio and Co. (SCI), a Riviera Beach-based pharmaceutical company, will receive $700,000 to add up to 25 new jobs in the next 18 months.

Ex-Canisius H.S. worker charged with fraud

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 1:27pm EDT

The former director of facilities at Canisius High School was charged Tuesday with mail fraud in connection with the theft of more than $500,000 from the private school beginning in 1996.

Nanotechnology Institute announces $2M in grants

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 1:02pm EDT

The Nanotechnology Institute said Tuesday it has awarded more than $2 million in grants to 30 scientists from five Philadelphia-area universities and other research institutions.

Kaleida buys 3 parcels for new project

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 12:37pm EDT

In preparation for the construction of 300-bed skilled nursing facility in the heart of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, Kaleida Health has closed on three parcels needed for the development.

Stanford Medical School nets $6.9M in federal stimulus funding

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 11:45am EDT

Stanford University’s School of Medicine said Tuesday that funding for 18 projects held up by budget shortfalls at the National Institutes of Health are moving forward, thanks to $6.9 million in federal economic stimulus funding.

Tenet completes sale of senior notes

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 11:30am EDT

Hospital operator Tenet Healthcare Corp. has completed its offering of $925 million in senior secured notes due in 2019, the company said Monday. (THC)

Covidien, Nuvo partner on drug development

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 10:06am EDT

Covidien’s pharmaceutical products business unit has entered into a license and development collaboration agreement with Nuvo Research Inc., a Canadian drug development company.

Cary biotech CeNeRx lines up $9M

Posted: June 16th, 2009, 9:38am EDT

CeNeRx BioPharma, a drug company developing treatments for diseases of the central nervous system, has completed a $9 million round of financing, the company announced on Tuesday.

Ethics complaint against Hunt and Buckley dismissed

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 4:52pm EDT

A complaint charging two leading Oregon House Democrats with “trading public resources to influence votes” failed to hold water with the state’s governmental ethics commission.

Obama to talk health care on ABC

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 3:04pm EDT

President Barack Obama will take part in a moderated discussion with a live audience on health care that will be shown on ABC on June 24. (DIS)

UPMC ups interest in Ireland hospital

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 2:45pm EDT

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is preparing to increase its interest in an Ireland hospital to more than 66 percent from 25 percent, part of an investment that will cost around $95 million.

Australia court issues ruling favorable to KCI in patent fight

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 1:56pm EDT

The Federal Court of Australia issued a temporary injunction in Kinetic Concepts Inc.’s favor in the company’s ongoing global patent dispute with Smith & Nephew. (SNN) (KCI)

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Moody’s cuts rating on Ohio bonds

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 1:54pm EDT

Days after agency Fitch Ratings lowered its assessment of billions in Ohio bonds, Moody’s Investors Service has cut its own rating of the state’s debt.

Hamner, UNC launch Institute for Drug Safety Sciences

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 1:26pm EDT

Researchers at the Hamner Institutes for Health Sciences and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill are working to create a virtual model to test how new drugs will affect the liver.

Saint Agnes Hospital names Furniss CFO

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 1:22pm EDT

Saint Agnes Hospital has hired Scott Furniss as its chief financial officer for the 307-bed hospital in Southwest Baltimore.

Brown & Toland posts 2008 operating profit of $10.2M

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 12:06pm EDT

San Francisco’s 1,500-doctor Brown & Toland Medical Group, the city’s dominant IPA, said late Friday it posted $10.2 million in operating profit last year on revenue of $236.3 million, with profitability dipping from the prior year, but revenue staying steady.

Regions gets Level 1 pediatric trauma center status

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 11:48am EDT

Regions Hospital has been certified a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center by the American College of Surgeons, the highest level possible.

BDSI shares jump on FDA update

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 10:02am EDT

Shares of Raleigh drug development company BioDelivery Sciences International jumped Monday after the company announced approval of its drug Onsolis should be coming in several weeks.

GSK cancels Synta deal, teams with Dr. Reddy's

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 9:56am EDT

GlaxoSmithKline on Monday announced an end to its partnership with Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. to develop a cancer drug. But the U.K.-based pharmaceutical giant, with U.S. headquarters in Research Triangle Park, also announced a new collaboration – this one with Dr. Reddy's to develop drugs for emerging markets. (GSK)

4 named to Volusia hospital panel

Posted: June 15th, 2009, 8:47am EDT

Gov. Charlie Crist named four people to the Southeast Volusia Hospital District Board, a special taxing district that owns and operates Bert Fish Medical Center.

Medshare finds new uses for waste

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

MedShare fills a vital need that hospital administrators once thought was too expensive and inefficient to tackle — recycling still-usable medical waste.

Nonrofit servicing more uninsured patients than ever

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Catherine Amiot, executive director of Mission of Mercy, shudders when she thinks of the number of patients she has to send away because her volunteer staff can’t get to all of them.

Sunnyvale pharmaceutical company gains worldwide reach

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

SUNNYVALE — Pharmacyclics Inc. is making inroads into the global marketplace.

Early-stage biotech companies must get creative to survive

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

It can take as long as 12 years and $1.2 billion to bring a drug to market. In today’s economy, bioscience startups must develop creative business strategies to survive the arduous climb from concept to validation to sales.

BD Biosciences in San Jose looks to stem cell funding to boost business

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

SAN JOSE — BD Biosciences, a producer of high-end equipment used for stem cell research, is in position for growth next year with an influx of federal funds.

Searching for the cure

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Nearly one quarter of all deaths in the U.S. each year are caused by cancer. This week’s section focuses on research aimed at fighting the disease, the nation’s second leading killer behind heart disease.

Cancer researchers target $6 billion in federal budget

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Local cancer physicians and researchers already have submitted grant applications in hopes of grabbing a share of the $10.4 billion budget boost the National Institutes of Health received as part of the federal stimulus bill passed in February.

Finding answers in genes

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

When researchers at Washington University’s Genome Center decoded the complete DNA of a leukemia patient last fall, it was a first for medical science.

Hospitals, doctors preparing for expanded Medicare audits

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Excruciating, expensive and labor-intensive are three ways hospital administrators in Middle Tennessee have described a newly expanded federal program that puts Medicare auditing in the hands of private contractors.

VCs stay focused despite dip in biotech investing

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The bad news is that first-quarter venture investments in local biotechnology companies were down significantly. The good news is that the Bay State’s drop wasn’t nearly as severe as the industry’s national fallout.

Investors upset with American Kidney Stone over stock sale

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

A Columbus medical practice specializing in treating kidney stones allegedly lied to investors and squeezed out retired physicians in an effort to increase referrals and revenue, according to two lawsuits filed in Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

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Sutter Health’s critics charge medical redlining

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Critics of Sutter Health are reviving accusations that it’s engaging in “medical redlining” throughout the region as the health giant steps up efforts to gain approval for a new San Francisco hospital.

State vying for big biotech facility

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Georgia is said to be competing for a biotech development that could employ at least 1,000 in metro Atlanta, people familiar with the deal said.

Torax Med.gets $18M in venture cap

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Torax Medical Inc., which is developing a medical device to treat acid-reflux disease, has raised $18 million in venture capital as it prepares to break into a market that’s historically eluded med-tech giants such as Medtronic Inc. and Boston Scientific Corp.

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San Antonio’s bioscience industry gaining traction, leaders say

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

The Texas Healthcare & Bioscience Institute has issued a new report noting that the pace of growth for San Antonio’s life sciences industry lags the rate of acceleration statewide and nationally.

Home-health groups compete for foreign-language contract in Charlotte

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Two companies are vying to provide home-health services to Charlotte-area residents who speak languages other than English or Spanish.

Vet clinic tests dog epilepsy drug

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

A Houston-area veterinary clinic is participating in clinical trials for a canine epilepsy drug.

Is Maryland big enough for two biotech advocacy groups?

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

For years, a single organization has served as the rallying point for Maryland’s vast biotech community.

Party of Four

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Bernard A. Fox Chief, Laboratory of Molecular and Tumor Immunology, Providence Portland Medical Center Associate professor molecular microbiology and immunology environmental and biomolecular systems, OGI Oregon Health and Science University

Business, bio groups run eyebrow-raising ad

Posted: June 14th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Colorado bioscience organizations and two nonpartisan business groups that don’t endorse politicians gave Gov. Bill Ritter an uncharacteristic thumbs up in a June 8 advertisement that appeared in The Denver Post.

Kansas City insurance exec will lead insurance group

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 2:56pm EDT

Karen Schutter was named as the new executive director of the Interstate Insurance Product Regulation Commission on Friday.

Exact to raise $8.2M, signs MAYO deal

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 1:53pm EDT

Exact Sciences Corp. said Friday it plans to raise $8.2 million through a private stock sale and that it inked a licensing deal for exclusive rights to cancer-diagnostic technologies developed by the MAYO Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Vaughn Kailian joins Xanodyne board of directors

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 1:43pm EDT

Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. added Vaughn Kailian to its board of directors.

Duke Raleigh Hospital wins North Carolina Nurses Association award

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 1:27pm EDT

Duke Raleigh Hospital has received the Hallmarks of Healthy Workplaces award from North Carolina Nurses Association.

Mayo Clinic gets $48M to study abnormal heart rhythms

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 12:04pm EDT

Mayo Clinic received grants worth $48 million to study cardiac arrhythmia, the center announced Friday.

Missouri issues cease-and-desist order against Universal Casualty

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 10:54am EDT

The Missouri Department of Insurance issued a cease-and-desist Thursday order against a Chicago-based auto insurance company, citing consumer complaints and violations of state law.

West Penn Allegheny names Kelly Sorice VP of public relations

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 10:37am EDT

The West Penn Allegheny Health System will have a new voice starting next week.

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Children’s recognized for headache care

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 9:19am EDT

The Headache Center at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center has been named one of 10 clinical centers of excellence for headache, the only pediatric center in the United States to receive the designation.

PrognosDx gets patent rights to some UCLA technology

Posted: June 12th, 2009, 8:47am EDT

PrognosDx Health Inc. said Friday it was granted an exclusive, worldwide license to patent rights associated with technology from The University of California, Los Angeles, that has potential to help doctors better identify how certain patients will respond to cancer therapies.

Membership in VSP's individual plan rises

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 4:55pm EDT

VSP has signed up more than 25,000 members in the two years since the Rancho Cordova company launched the first fully insured individual vision plan in the nation.

Pair found guilty in insurance scheme

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 4:51pm EDT

A federal jury on Thursday convicted two Northern California residents in connection with a long-running money laundering and fraudulent insurance scheme.

Jessup adds discounted medical courses

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 3:27pm EDT

William Jessup University’s School of Professional Studies is adding, at a discount, some courses that are in high demand by students going into allied health programs or other medical-related jobs.

Human Genome Sciences shares jump on test results

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 1:52pm EDT

Human Genome Sciences Inc. shares jumped on new positive results from a longer-term second-stage study of its lupus drug, though a more stringent test for the Rockville company comes next month when late-stage results are expected to hit the wires. (HGSI)

Study: 'Minute clinics' fail to catch on in Mass.

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 12:08pm EDT

Retail clinics, or so-called minute health clinics, at CVS and other retailers are becoming an increasingly popular option for patients who want to avoid going to a doctor or an emergency room for routine illnesses like a cold.

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Pa. puts $11M toward expansion of Doylestown Hospital emergency department

Posted: June 11th, 2009, 9:02am EDT

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development is providing Doylestown Hospital with an $11.1 million grant for the $87 million relocation and expansion of its emergency department.

Dayton region's Swine Flu count climbs to 12

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 7:59pm EDT

The Swine Flu — or H1N1 virus — is now in 17 Ohio counties as it continues to spread, with the cases in the Dayton region growing to 12 on Wednesday.

Valley surgeon heads up test of aneurysm treatment

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 7:23pm EDT

Dr. Julio Rodriguez-Lopez, a vascular surgeon at the Arizona Heart Institute, this week treated the first U.S. patient in a new clinical trial to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms.

Waukesha County Museum overhauls board

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 5:10pm EDT

The Waukesha County Museum has announced the addition of seven new members to its board of trustees.

Love Funding secures $15M loan for Christian Care Home

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 2:15pm EDT

Mortgage-banking firm Love Funding said Wednesday that its St. Louis office secured a $15 million new construction loan for a proposed Christian Care Home in Ferguson, Mo.

Former Onyx boss Renton joins Affymax board

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:51pm EDT

Hollings Renton — the former boss of legendary biotech companies Cetus Corp. and Chiron Corp. as well as Emeryville’s Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. — has joined the board of Palo Alto’s Affymax Inc. (AFFY)

AssureRx names Burns president, CEO

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:21pm EDT

Biomedical company AssureRx announced Wednesday that James Burns will take over as its president and CEO.

Honolulu City Councilman Duke Bainum dies

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 1:20pm EDT

Honolulu City Councilman Duke Bainum suffered a fatal aneurysm Tuesday night.

Emergent BioSolutions anthrax vaccine gets boost

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 12:19pm EDT

Emergent BioSolutions will collect a big milestone payment after regulators have approved an extended shelf life for its anthrax vaccine. (EBS)

ThermoGenesis nabs NIH grant for stem cell delivery

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 12:05pm EDT

ThermoGenesis Corp. has received a $500,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health to study and build biomaterials that will deliver stem cells for use in regenerative medicine.

Aurora opening Summit clinic early

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 11:51am EDT

Aurora Health Care will open the clinic portion of its new medical center in Summit this fall, months ahead of schedule, the Milwaukee health care system announced Wednesday.

KV Pharmaceutical, Purdue Pharma settle painkiller patent dispute

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 10:03am EDT

KV Pharmaceutical Co. and Purdue Pharma have settled a patent dispute over a generic painkiller.

Hartland start-up wins Business Plan contest

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 9:18am EDT

Eso-Technologies, a Hartland start-up company that has developed a monitoring device to reduce the risk of heart attacks for people undergoing surgery, has won the Grand Prize in the 2009 Governor’s Business Plan Contest.

Bayhill could earn more than $350M in Genentech collaboration

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 8:23am EDT

Bayhill Therapeutics Inc. said it entered into an exclusive worldwide license agreement for the development and potential commercialization of BHT-3021 with Genentech Inc. that could be worth more than $350 million.

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Children’s Memorial Hermann buys advanced ambulances

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 8:00am EDT

Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital on Wednesday unveiled two new ambulances that will serve as mobile pediatric intensive care units.

Streamline jumps into black for 1Q

Posted: June 10th, 2009, 5:00am EDT

Streamline Health Solutions Inc. started off its fiscal year with a small profit, after posting a fourth-quarter loss of $146,000. (STRM)

Bunge completes $600 million note sale

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 5:42pm EDT

Bunge Ltd. Finance Corp., the finance subsidiary of Bunge Ltd., on Tuesday completed the sale and issuance of $600 million of 8.5 percent senior notes due 2019. (BG)

Lead Therapeutics gets money from N.C.

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 2:07pm EDT

Pappas Ventures of Durham, N.C., has pumped in money toward a targeted $7 million fundraiser for drug company Lead Therapeutics, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Maryland Department of Environment issues 80 enforcement actions

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:35pm EDT

The Maryland Department of Environment has fined more than two dozen Baltimore-area businesses for pollution violations.

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Dayton’s Brower Insurance buys Aspen Insurance of Westerville

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:33pm EDT

Dayton’s largest property and casualty insurance agency has made its way into Central Ohio with the acquisition of a Benchmark Insurance LLC subsidiary.

Humana running golf promotion

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 1:13pm EDT

Humana Inc. plans to provide free pedometers for spectators at this weekend’s St. Jude Classic in Memphis, Tenn., to promote the benefits of walking. (HUM)

Stanford, Canary Foundation plan $20M cancer center

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 12:40pm EDT

The Canary Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds research in early cancer detection, and Stanford University School of Medicine on Tuesday promised $20 million to create the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection.

S&P rates Virginia bonds AAA

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 11:58am EDT

Standard & Poor’s has assigned its highest “AAA” long-term credit rating and stable outlook to $133.89 million in new general obligation bonds being issued by Virginia.

Carolinas HealthCare reduces 1Q loss

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 11:47am EDT

Carolinas HealthCare System reports a net loss of nearly $64 million for the first quarter, driven by investment losses and higher interest expenses. In the same period last year, the health-care provider lost $104 million.

Savara Pharmaceuticals obtains Series A financing

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 10:10am EDT

Savara Pharmaceuticals Inc. has secured $833,000 of a $1.4 million Series A financing round, according to a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filing.

Dayton-area staffing expected to remain level

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 10:01am EDT

Employers in the Dayton area are not expected to hire many people in the third quarter, but the majority are expecting to maintain current staff levels, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey.

Durham pharma Pique gets funding

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 9:54am EDT

Pique Therapeutics, a drug development company researching cancer treatments, has closed on a Series A round of fundraising, the company announced Tuesday.

Washington (Pa.) Hospital expects to post loss

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 9:43am EDT

The Washington Hospital is expected to finish the fiscal year in the red, despite eliminating 110 positions, Executive Vice President Gary Weinstein said Tuesday.

Morphotek gets OK to test Morab in patients

Posted: June 9th, 2009, 9:29am EDT

The Food and Drug Administration accepted Morphotek Inc.’s investigational new drug application for Morab-004, an experimental treatment for solid tumors in cancer patients.

Green Township OKs Mercy hospital plan

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 6:51pm EDT

Green Township’s trustees have approved a land-use plan for a proposed new hospital by Mercy Health Partners.

Northstar Neuroscience sells assets for $2M

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 5:52pm EDT

Northstar Neuroscience Inc., which announced earlier this year it was shutting down, has sold “substantially” all of its noncash assets to St. Jude Medical Inc. (NSTR) (STJ)

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Arizona receives $23 million of promised stimulus funds for weatherization

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 5:42pm EDT

The state of Arizona received the second chunk of its stimulus funds for statewide weatherization programs, getting $23 million Monday from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Pappas puts new cash in Calif.'s Lead Therapeutics

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 3:50pm EDT

Pappas Ventures of Durham has pumped in money toward a targeted $7 million fundraiser for California drug company Lead Therapeutics, according to documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Roberts backs KU Cancer Center's push for NCI designation

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 2:59pm EDT

U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts said Monday that having the University of Kansas Cancer Center obtain National Cancer Institute designation could speed up bringing cancer drugs to market.

Torchmark responds to ratings downgrade

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 1:20pm EDT

Torchmark Corp. issued a statement Monday in response to Fitch Ratings' decision last week to move the life and health insurance provider's outlook to negative. (TMK)

Cephalon CEO Baldino rejoins ViroPharma board

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 10:36am EDT

ViroPharma Inc. said Monday that Cephalon CEO and Chairman Frank Baldino Jr. will join rejoin ViroPharma’s board of directors. (VPHM)

Micromet stock jumps on study results

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 9:49am EDT

Stock in Micromet Inc. surged Monday after the biotech company announced that one of its antibodies showed a high response rate in treating a type of leukemia in a study. (MITI)

UC Davis Med Center earns Level 1 designation

Posted: June 8th, 2009, 1:58am EDT

UC Davis Medical Center has been designated as a Level 1 trauma center for adults and children, a rare designation nationwide.

Doctors turn to electronic records

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Physician groups are moving forward with electronic medical records systems and online capabilities – helped along by state and federal funding for health information technology (HIT) reform efforts.

Report forced health-care changes

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Editors Note: Fifteenth in a series. Business First is celebrating its 25th anniversary by looking at the top stories of the past 25 years.

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With renewed National Institutes of Health contract in hand, Fisher BioServices expands

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

While many biotechs shrink their footprints during a severe funding drought, Fisher BioServices is doing the opposite.

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Biotech startups feast at ancestors’ expense

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

One biotech’s garbage is another biotech’s treasure.

Bay State biotech firms targeting the fat of the land

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Several Massachusetts companies are taking up arms in the battle of the bulge. Their battlefield is littered with drug failures, and potential treatments face increased regulatory scrutiny.

CHORI toils on new stem cell option

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Scientists at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute have found a way to isolate stem cells in the placenta, potentially helping to treat and cure more people with leukemia or sickle cell anemia.

BarnesCare closing its downtown, Fenton clinics

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

BarnesCare, the occupational medicine division of BJC HealthCare, is consolidating its operations and closing two local clinics.

RehabCare sells consulting division

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

RehabCare Group Inc. sold its health-care management consulting division to Premier Inc., a national health-care alliance based in Charlotte, N.C.

Area nurses face a tight job market

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Despite continuing reports in some parts of the country of RN shortages, the numbers in the Bay Area are heading in the opposite direction.

Memorial Hermann outsources equipment management work

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

Houston’s Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has tapped Universal Hospital Services Inc. to manage certain equipment across its 11-hospital network.

NIKY neurosurgeons acquire former AAA building

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

A locally based group of neurosurgeons has bought a downtown property that formerly housed the headquarters for AAA East Central, Kentucky Region.

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‘Next Gen’s RTP’

Posted: June 7th, 2009, 11:00pm EDT

APEX – Triangle developer Tom Hendrickson is aiming to turn a wooded, 1,000-acre swath in southwestern Wake County into an urban, sustainable development that blends residential and retail construction with technology and biotechnology operations employing 30,000 people.

Merck heart-failure drug rolofylline fails in phase III trial

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 1:54pm EDT

Pharmaceutical giant Merck & Co. will not seek U.S. approval to sell rolofylline this year after the experimental treatement for acute heart failure failed to perform better than placebo in a late stage clinical trial. (MRK)

Clinton Memorial mulls tough decisions

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 1:00pm EDT

Job cuts at the Wilmington Air Park are finally taking their toll on the community’s hospital, Clinton Memorial.

Harris buys air traffic control firm

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 12:52pm EDT

Harris Corp. has announced it has signed an agreement to purchase the air traffic control business unit of privately-held SolaCom Technologies Inc. in Ottawa, Canada, for an undisclosed sum. (HRS)

HealthPartners offers Microsoft online records service

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 12:24pm EDT

HealthPartners Inc. has started offering a service that allow its members to transfer their medical records into Microsoft HealthVault, an online health-records tool.

Reindl Bindery moves to Germantown

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 11:45am EDT

Publication and media bindery firm Reindl Bindery Co. Inc. has relocated to a 112,000-square-foot location in the Germantown Business Park from its site in Glendale.

Union extends deadline for new Safeway contract

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 11:09am EDT

Safeway and representatives for its workers have agreed again to a contract extension, this time pushing the expiration date back to June 26.

Stay tuned: WXXA starting 11 p.m. newscast

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 10:33am EDT

WXXA/Channel 23 is adding an 11 p.m. newscast to its line-up.

Children's Hospital named Colorado 'lead center' for brain-injury project

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 10:21am EDT

The Children's Hospital in Aurora said Friday it has been named as part of a national network of healthcare institutions and research centers to develop a system of care for children and young adults with brain injuries.

PBJ poll: Fuel economy worth the cost

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 10:20am EDT

More than half of the responder’s to last week’s Business Pulse Survey (54 percent) said that improved fuel economy and lowered tailpipe emissions are worth the added costs, while 37 percent said no and 7 percent were undecided.

PharMerica elects directors

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 10:13am EDT

Shareholders of pharmaceutical company PharMerica Corp. elected directors, approved changes to a company incentive plan and ratified the appointment of the company’s auditor during the company’s annual meeting in Louisville. (PMC)

Coventry Health Care sells unit for $110M

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 9:45am EDT

Coventry Health Care Inc., which has seen profits eroded by higher costs recently, has made a deal to sell a subsidiary for $110 million. (MGLN) (CVH)

Tobin resigns as BID executive director

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 8:34am EDT

Pamela Tobin, Downtown Albany Business Improvement District’s executive director, has resigned after 13 years.

Theragenics escapes delisting

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 7:47am EDT

Theragenics Corp. has avoided delisting from the New York Stock Exchange. (TGX)

Kaleida's GVI nearing start date

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 5:49am EDT

Having secured two key approvals, Kaleida Health expects to break ground on its downtown Buffalo Global Vascular Institute within the next 60 days.

Feeley back to run VA facilities

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 4:01am EDT

Western New York’s new director of Veterans Administration operations faces an uphill battle from veterans groups.

Buffalo Hearing & Speech adds new clinic

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 3:54am EDT

Buffalo Hearing and Speech Center Inc. is expanding into Niagara County with a new extension clinic.

Pupil-service provider ratios

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Western New York’s 98 school districts are ranked according to the ratio of pupils to student-service providers, including nurses, librarians and guidance counselors. The lowest ratios come first:

Honor Roll school districts: 10. Bemus Point

Posted: June 5th, 2009, 3:00am EDT

District name: Bemus Point Central School District.

Report: Workers' comp medical costs soar

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 7:08pm EDT

Medical costs within California’s workers’ compensation insurance system have risen significantly since 2005 and are increasing what employers pay for the coverage, a new study has found.

Bids opened on stimulus road projects in Fort Collins, Boulder

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 3:30pm EDT

Bids for two projects paid for through the federal economic stimulus package were opened Thursday at the Colorado Department of Transportation.

Biogen confirms Icahn ally is on board

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 3:21pm EDT

Biogen Idec today announced that preliminary voting at its shareholder meeting shows that the company has lost one and possibly two board seats to allies of activist investor Carl Icahn. (BIIB)

Nouri brothers ask court to make Smart Online pay for their legal fees

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 1:55pm EDT

Former Smart Online CEO Dennis Michael Nouri and his brother Reeza Eric Nouri, who also worked for the firm, have filed a legal complaint in Delaware that seeks to force the Durham-based software company to pay for the brothers’ legal fees in their upcoming stock manipulation trial.

Minnesota coalition debuts health info tool

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 12:11pm EDT

The Buyers Health Care Action Group, a Minnesota-based coalition of public and private employers, is rolling out a Web-based application to help people manage their health information.

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University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Memphis nab $1.1M in federal research funds

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:50am EDT

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and the University of Memphis have been awarded $1.1 million collectively in federal research funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Novavax surges on swine flu vaccine

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 11:16am EDT

Novavax stock surged nearly 50 percent Thursday after the Rockville company said it had succeeded in producing a swine flu vaccine and the government has agreed to test it. (NVAX)

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North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund grants $1.9M to improve dental care

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 10:20am EDT

The North Carolina Health and Wellness Trust Fund has granted more than $1.9 million to seven organizations to improve dental care and promote oral health.

Perficient ups stock repurchase plan

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 9:42am EDT

Perficient Inc.'s board has decided to increase the company's stock repurchase plan.

Clay Walker to play Freedom Over Texas

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 9:36am EDT

Country singer Clay Walker is headlining this year’s Freedom Over Texas celebration on July 4.

Xanodyne announces new president, equity financing

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 8:55am EDT

Xanodyne Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday it has hired Michael Valentino as its president and CEO and completed $38 million in equity financing.

WellCare execs promoted

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 8:27am EDT

Thomas O’Neill III was named vice chairman and Timothy Susanin was named senior vice president, general counsel and secretary of WellCare Health Plans Inc. (WCG)

Neuralstem wins patent for neurogenesis

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 8:10am EDT

Neuralstem Inc., which is developing ways to produce stem cells of the brain and spinal cord, has taken an important step toward one day profiting from it.

Meridian wins approval for foodborne bacteria test

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 5:00am EDT

Meridian Bioscience Inc. said the Food and Drug Administration has approved its rapid test for Campylobacter bacteria, which causes foodborne illness. (VIVO)

Top sports programs: 2. Orchard Park

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 3:00am EDT

School name: Orchard Park High School.

High schools in Buffalo

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Business First’s 2009 rankings of 131 Western New York high schools include the following Buffalo schools. Each is preceded by its rank in the overall standings:

High schools in Southern Erie

Posted: June 4th, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Business First’s 2009 rankings of 131 Western New York high schools include the following Southern Erie schools. Each is preceded by its rank in the overall standings:

Queen's pays $2.5M to settle Feds' claims

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 9:15pm EDT

The Queen’s Medical Center has paid $2.5 million to settle lawsuits that alleged Hawaii’s largest hospital overbilled government health care programs for prescription medications, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

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State’s taxing bodies look to consolidate

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 6:25pm EDT

California’s primary taxing agencies are considering consolidations as a way to save money for the state, said Betty Yee, chairwoman of the Board of Equalization.

Bexar County children required to take new vaccinations

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 6:15pm EDT

San Antonio Metropolitan Health District officials are urging parents to begin scheduling vaccinations for school-aged children in time for the 2009-2010 school year.

Martek Biosciences Corp. 2Q profit rises 20 percent

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 5:23pm EDT

Martek Biosciences Corp.’s profit rose 20 percent during the second quarter but the Columbia company warned that sales of its infant formula could drop by as much as $15 million this year. (MATK)

30-doctor GCAP group wants to leave Alliance

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 5:05pm EDT

The West Side’s GCAP medical practice is trying to withdraw from the Health Alliance.

Memphis auto dealers step up for St. Jude Classic

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:46pm EDT

Landers Motors, Keras Automotive, Bud Davis Cadillac and Enterprise Rent-a-Car have volunteered to provide courtesy vehicles to golfers playing in next week’s St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind.

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics licenses Brown Cancer Center discovery

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:42pm EDT

Advanced Cancer Therapeutics LLC has licensed a new discovery by a team of researchers at the University of Louisville’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center.

D.C. plans to buy Boys & Girls Clubs

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:35pm EDT

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, which has been hit hard by a drop in memberships and public and private donations, got good news on Wednesday: D.C. is proposing to buy three of its clubs for $20 million.

Synthetech reports a profit

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:33pm EDT

Synthetech Inc. on Wednesday reported significant boost in both fourth-quarter revenue and earnings.

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Children’s Hospital research arm wins $9.8M gift

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:27pm EDT

An East Bay family has donated $9.8 million to Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Center to fund research in therapies like bone marrow and cord blood transplantation.

Children’s Hospital research arm wins $9.8M gift

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 4:27pm EDT

An East Bay family has donated $9.8 million to Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Center to fund research in therapies like bone marrow and cord blood transplantation.

Boca Raton Community Hospital turns profitable

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 3:35pm EDT

After a round of cost cutting by a new management team, the parent corporation of Boca Raton Community Hospital has regained profitability.

Boca Raton Community Hospital turns profitable

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 3:35pm EDT

After a round of cost cutting by a new management team, the parent corporation of Boca Raton Community Hospital has regained profitability.

KV Pharmaceutical expects loss

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:59pm EDT

After halting drug production and shipments and recalling painkillers, KV Pharmaceutical Co. expects to report a loss for the fiscal year that ended March 31, according to a regulatory filing Tuesday.

Report: Icahn wins two Biogen Idec seats

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:58pm EDT

Investor Carl Icahn has claimed two seats on Biogen Idec Inc.’s board of directors, according to a preliminary count of votes during Wednesday’s shareholder meeting, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Biogen Idec: Icahn candidate wins board seat

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 2:58pm EDT

Biogen Idec said Thursday afternoon that one of two candidates nominated by insurgent investor Carl Icahn has won election to the biotech giant's board of directors.

Lemak Sports Medicine adds clinic in Shelby County

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 1:59pm EDT

Lemak Sports Medicine & Orthopedics is branching out with a new clinic at Shelby Baptist Medical Center.

CoreRx plans new jobs, major expansion

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 1:57pm EDT

CoreRx Inc. said it would create more than 55 jobs over the next three years as part of an expansion of its pharmaceutical development headquarters.

Memorial Hermann system receives health care quality award

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 1:36pm EDT

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has been awarded the 2009 National Quality Healthcare Award by the National Quality Forum.

Memorial Hermann system receives health care quality award

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 1:36pm EDT

Memorial Hermann Healthcare System has been awarded the 2009 National Quality Healthcare Award by the National Quality Forum.

N.C. lures Apple to build $1B data center

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 12:41pm EDT

Gov. Bev Perdue said Wednesday that Apple has selected North Carolina as the location for a new data center. The company is expected to invest more than $1 billion in the project over nine years.

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Workers’ comp rate roll back approved

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 10:26am EDT

Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty has approved a roll back in workers’ compensation rates as a result of a newly enacted law that caps plaintiffs’ attorney fees.

2009 WNY middle school rankings

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Business First has rated the academic performance of 211 public and private middle schools in the eight counties of Western New York, based on four years of test data from the New York State Education Department.

Middle schools in Western Niagara

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Business First’s 2009 rankings of 211 Western New York middle schools include the following Western Niagara schools. Each is preceded by its rank in the overall standings:

Middle schools in Eastern Niagara

Posted: June 3rd, 2009, 3:00am EDT

Business First’s 2009 rankings of 211 Western New York middle schools include the following Eastern Niagara schools. Each is preceded by its rank in the overall standings:

St. Louis men admit to mortgage fraud scheme

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 4:55pm EDT

Two St. Louis-area men pleaded guilty Tuesday to a mortgage fraud scheme involving the sale of residential real estate in Sikeston.

California moves to shut down 9 car washes

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 4:46pm EDT

California Labor Commissioner Angela Bradstreet Tuesday filed suits to shut down nine car wash businesses around the state for failing to register with the state's Labor Standards Enforcement division.

Congress approves funding for 8 Boeing C-17s

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 3:57pm EDT

The U.S. Senate appropriations committee included funding Tuesday for eight Boeing C-17 cargo planes in the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill.

Senate committee OKs funding for 8 Boeing C-17s

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 3:57pm EDT

The U.S. Senate appropriations committee included funding Tuesday for eight Boeing C-17 cargo planes in the 2009 supplemental appropriations bill.

University of Maryland School of Medicine awarded $20M from NIH

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 1:23pm EDT

The National Institutes of Health has awarded $20 million to the University of Maryland School of Medicine to create a new genome center that will conduct research to help fight infectious diseases.

AmerisourceBergen buys Innomar Strategies

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 12:51pm EDT

Drug distributor AmerisourceBergen Corp. bought Innomar Strategies Inc., a Canadian specialty pharmaceutical services company, for about $13.8 million in cash Tuesday. (ABC)

Northwest Hospital finishes $100M expansion, renovation

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 12:43pm EDT

Northwest Hospital has completed a $100 million expansion and renovation, including the opening of a new mammography center and outpatient lobby.

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Kindred’s Diaz scheduled to speak at ACG’s June meeting

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 12:34pm EDT

The Association for Corporate Growth Kentucky is scheduled to feature Kindred’s top officer at its June meeting.

LCA-Vision might close more surgery centers in '09

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 11:56am EDT

LCA-Vision Inc. warned shareholders at the company’s annual meeting Tuesday that the recession might force additional closures of laser-vision surgery centers this year. (LCAV)

Express Scripts launches offering to finance acquisition

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:43am EDT

Express Scripts Inc. launched a public offering of 23 million shares of common stock to raise at least $1.4 billion to help pay for its $4.67 billion acquisition of WellPoint Inc.’s drug benefits division.

KVET raises more than $400,000 in Radiothon for Kids

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:31am EDT

Austin country music radio station 98.1 KVET raised a record $400,693 during its 10th annual Radiothon for Kids.

Wisconsin cancer cases, deaths decline

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:13am EDT

The American Cancer Society estimates the number of cancer deaths in Wisconsin this year will be slightly lower than 2008.

CACI International wins $30M in Navy work

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:12am EDT

CACI International Inc. has won a contract extension from the Navy worth up to $30 million. (CACI)

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Medtronic’s payment to DePuy reduced by $87.7M in federal Circuit Court

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:04am EDT

Medtronic Inc. won’t have to pay $87.7 million to competitor DePuy Spine for damages related to a patent infringement verdict from a federal Circuit Court. (MDT)

Out-of-pocket costs rising for health insurance

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 10:00am EDT

The 161 million Americans with employer-sponsored health insurance are facing substantial increases in out-of-pocket costs, according to a study published today.

Fla. car insurance rates up slightly

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 9:09am EDT

Annual car insurance rates in Florida were up 4 percent in May, month-over-month, to an average of $1,772.27, according to a report from CarInsurance.com.

Kansas GDP increases

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 8:18am EDT

The Kansas economy grew in 2008 at one of the fastest paces in the country, according to data released Tuesday by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Concert Pharma in $1B deal with GSK

Posted: June 2nd, 2009, 8:16am EDT

Concert Pharmaceuticals and GlaxoSmithKline have announced a multidrug target collaboration that includes potential treatments for HIV and renal disease.

Community Health buys remaining shares of Ohio hospital

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 6:56pm EDT

A subsidiary of Community Health Systems has acquired the remainder of the shares of Affinity Medical Center, a 268-bed hospital in Massillon, Ohio, the company announced. (CYH)

Kansas Health Policy Authority will cut 14 jobs

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 5:29pm EDT

The Kansas Health Policy Authority said Monday that it’s eliminating 14 jobs, including an executive position, to reduce costs.

CB Richard Ellis Group to sell Owatonna Hospital

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 5:19pm EDT

The city of Owatonna has tapped CB Richard Ellis to help sell the Owatonna Hospital for a possible redevelopment. (CBG)

Stiefel sues KV Pharmaceutical over acne gel

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 4:47pm EDT

Stiefel Laboratories Inc., a Florida-based dermatology company, sued KV Pharmaceutical Co. last week, alleging an infringement of a patent for Duac topical gel, an acne medication.

Stiefel Laboratories sues KV Pharmaceutical over acne gel

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 4:47pm EDT

Stiefel Laboratories Inc., a Florida-based dermatology company, sued KV Pharmaceutical Co. last week, alleging an infringement of a patent for Duac topical gel, an acne medication.

Aegon to cut 138 positions in Louisville

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 4:28pm EDT

Aegon U.S., a subsidiary of Netherlands-based insurer Aegon N.V., will cut 138 positions from its Louisville offices at Aegon Tower.

Heart drug from Nuvelo buyer rejected

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 3:54pm EDT

A heart failure drug from a Colorado company that completed a reverse merger with Nuvelo Inc. of San Carlos was rejected by the Food and Drug Administration. (BMY) (ABIO)

Accentia's Biovest stock surges on cancer vaccine news

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 2:58pm EDT

Shares of Biovest International Inc. surged Monday following news that the company’s anti-cancer vaccine significantly prolongs disease-free survival in follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Microsoft buys Rosetta Biosoftware assets from Merck

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 1:36pm EDT

Microsoft agreed Monday to buy assets of Rosetta Biosoftware from pharmaceutical giant Merck, bolstering the Redmond company's push into life-sciences technology. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) says the deal will let it incorporate new biotech software into its Amalga Life Sciences system. (MSFT) (MRK)

Sarrah Cannon adds 2 clinical trial sites

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 1:14pm EDT

The Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI) has added two new medical facilities to the research firm’s network of strategic sites for clinical trials.

First Milwaukee County Super Walmart opens June 3

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 12:15pm EDT

Walmart said it will open its first Super Walmart store in Milwaukee County Wednesday, June 3, at its renovated and expanded south side Milwaukee location.

Anheuser-Busch to give mobile health clinic to Urban League

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 11:56am EDT

Anheuser-Busch plans to donate a health clinic on wheels Wednesday to the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

Active Power snags $3M via private placement

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 11:52am EDT

Active Power Inc. has sold 6 million shares of common stock via a private placement that closed on May 29.

Lee seeks 23% pay cut from Post-Dispatch union

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 11:48am EDT

Lee Enterprises, parent of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, is seeking a 23 percent wage cut from members of the newspaper’s union.

Raleigh firm pays $50M for unit of a Canadian company

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 10:12am EDT

INC Research is buying the late-stage drug trial operations of Toronto contract research organization MDS Inc. (NYSE: MDZ) for $50 million, the companies announced Monday. (MDZ)

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Biovest study backs non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma anti-cancer vaccine

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 9:07am EDT

Biovest International Inc. said a Phase III clinical study has shown that BiovaxID significantly prolonged disease-free survival in follicular non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

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Telethon raises millions for All Children’s Hospital construction

Posted: June 1st, 2009, 8:41am EDT

The 2009 All Children’s Hospital telethon and other special events over the past weekend raised $3,775,924 for the hospital.