News and views

Data support adding rituximab to methotrexate to slow joint damage in early rheumatoid arthritis

10 Jul 09 | 9.24 | EU

Rituximab (MabThera) in combination with methotrexate is more effective than methotrexate alone at slowing joint damage when taken at the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis, data presented at the European League Against Rheumatism conference last month (10–13 June 2009) reveal

Non-medical prescribers to get go ahead to prescribe unlicensed medicines

9 Jul 09 | 17.09 | England Scotland Wales

Pharmacist and nurse independent prescribers will be able to prescribe unlicensed medicines, in the same way as doctors and supplementary prescribers, by the end of 2009, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has announced (8 July 2009) more >

EC confirms that drug companies are using delaying tactics to hinder market entry of generics

9 Jul 09 | 17.01 | EU

Access to medicines is being hindered by the tactics drug companies use to delay generic medicines from reaching the market, the European Commission has concluded in a report published on 8 July 2009 more >

Pharmacologist accuses Department of Health of promoting quackery

9 Jul 09 | 17.01 | England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales

Quackery is being encouraged to flourish by the Department of Health and other UK health bodies by the approval of treatments that are not supported by scientific evidence, David Colquhoun, professor of pharmacology at University College London and a fellow of the Royal Society has argued more >

Norman Lamb MP visits community pharmacy

9 Jul 09 | 16.14 | England

Liberal Democrat shadow secretary of state for health Norman Lamb MP visited a community pharmacy located in Mundesley, in his constituency of North Norfolk, earlier this month more >

Invest today for tomorrow

9 Jul 09 | 16.08 | England Wales

Is there a problem with pharmacist recruitment? Our recent Special feature suggests there is — particularly in hospital departments

Product news (11 July 2009)

9 Jul 09 | 15.47 | England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales

New medicines / SPC changes / Discontinued products / Prescription products

Products reviewed are

Victoza; Deltacortril; Nu-Seals; Orencia; Velcade; Cutivate; Dermovate-NN; Neupro

Eligibility for Pharmacy Practice Research Trust bursaries widened

9 Jul 09 | 15.10 | England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales

Applications for research training bursaries from the Pharmacy Practice Research Trust will now be accepted from pharmacists employed by large multiples and by primary care trusts

Society-nominated CPP governors

9 Jul 09 | 15.07 | England

The College of Pharmacy Practice has approved a proposal to allow the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to nominate up to two governors of the college

CPD recording system updated

9 Jul 09 | 15.05 | England Scotland Wales

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has updated its continuing professional development recording system in response to feedback