Reuters - Health Report

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Friday, February 2, 2018

Philippines says anti-dengue vaccine may be connected to three deaths

MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines said on Friday the anti-dengue vaccine Dengvaxia may be connected to three deaths in the country, according to a government-ordered inquiry, and that the drug is not ready for mass immunization.

New York accuses Insys of deceptively marketing opioid

(Reuters) - Insys Therapeutics Inc's legal woes deepened on Thursday as New York's attorney general filed a lawsuit seeking at least $75 million from the company, which he said deceptively promoted a fentanyl-based cancer pain medicine for unsafe uses.

India's 'Modicare' to cost about $1.7 billion a year: sources

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plan to provide health insurance for about half the country's population would require an estimated 110 billion rupees ($1.7 billion) in federal and state funding each year, sources familiar with the matter said.

U.S. government proposes 1.84 percent hike in 2019 payments to Medicare insurers

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The U.S. government on Thursday proposed an increase of 1.84 percent on average in its 2019 payments to the health insurers that manage Medicare Advantage insurance plans for more than 20 million elderly or disabled people.

Two U.S. lawmakers voice concerns over Philip Morris tobacco trials

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Two Democratic U.S. senators said they have fresh concerns over clinical trials conducted by Philip Morris International Inc as it seeks U.S. clearance to market its iQOS electronic tobacco product as less risky than cigarettes, according to statements both senators provided to Reuters.

AstraZeneca is sued by Array BioPharma over cancer drug royalties

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Array BioPharma Inc on Thursday sued AstraZeneca AB, accusing the pharmaceutical company of refusing to pay required royalties for a cancer drug after entering into an $8.5 billion collaboration with Merck & Co.

Low-sodium lunch meats often contain extra potassium

(Reuters Health) - People who need to avoid potassium in their diets because of kidney disease or other health issues may want to steer clear of reduced-sodium sandwich meats, researchers say.

Soaring demand for female genital surgery sparks debate in Brazil

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - In Brazil, a country famed for its obsession with the body beautiful, women are increasingly opting for surgery aimed at improving the appearance of their genitals, stirring a debate about sexual empowerment and the pressure for physical perfection.

Probiotic milk tied to lowered risk of some pregnancy complications

(Reuters Health) - Pregnant women who drink milk containing probiotic “friendly” bacteria are less likely to have premature births or pre-eclampsia, a serious complication of pregnancy, suggests a Scandinavian study.

Overactive bladder treatment may also lead to better sleep

(Reuters Health) - Women with overactive bladder who take medication to address the problem may feel the urge to urinate less often and also sleep better at night as a result, a U.S. study suggests.