Reuters - Health Report

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Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Smithfield makes move on market for pig-human transplants

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Smithfield Foods, the world's largest pork producer, has established a separate bioscience unit to expand its role in supplying pig parts for medical uses, with the ultimate goal of selling pig organs for transplantation into humans.

Toyota robot to keep elderly mobile, one step at a time

TOKYO (Reuters) - Toyota Motor Corp said it will commercialize rehabilitation robots later this year when it makes its robotic walk assist system available for rent, joining Honda Motor Co in marketing mobility devices for Japan's ageing population.

China's H7N9 bird flu death toll at 47 in March: government data

BEIJING (Reuters) - China reported 47 human fatalities from H7N9 bird flu in March, the national health authority said on Wednesday, compared with 61 deaths in February.

China live streaming: Would-be internet stars boost billion-dollar market

BEIJING (Reuters) - Jing Qi, a part-time presenter on the live streaming platform Huajiao, underwent cosmetic surgery in March to improve her chances of becoming an internet celebrity.

Maryland lawmakers approve bill to fight drug price-gouging

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Maryland lawmakers have passed a first-in-the-nation measure that lets the state attorney general sue generic drug makers that sharply raise prices in a move aimed at fighting what legislators call "price-gouging."

Trump says tax reform 'will be better' if Obamacare repeal passed first: Fox Business

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said tax reform "will be better" if legislation to dismantle Obamacare is passed first by Congress because of the tax savings from the Republican health plan.

FDA warns Mylan over quality concerns at India facility

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns over quality controls at a Mylan NV manufacturing plant in India, according to a warning letter from the agency dated April 3.

Risk factors for heart disease and stroke also tied to Alzheimer’s

(Reuters Health) - Middle-aged people with risk factors for heart attacks and stroke are also more likely to develop changes in the brain that can lead to Alzheimer's disease, a new study suggests.

Neurocrine Biosciences gets FDA's OK for movement disorder drug

(Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Neurocrine Biosciences Inc's drug to treat tardive dyskinesia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications characterized by uncontrolled movements of the face and body, the company said.

Physical inactivity linked to loss of independence

(Reuters Health) - - Being physically inactive raises the risk of losing the ability to perform activities of daily living - both before and after a stroke - according to results from a long-term U.S. study.