Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Why Do Ex-Athletes Get Fat?

Why Do Ex-Athletes Get Fat?
Why Do Ex-athletes Get Fat? Did you play high school sports? Maybe you played in College. A few may have played pro. So, what is a common follow-up to extended vigorous athletic activities? When you quit, you get fat.

Innophos Holdings, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

Innophos Holdings, Inc. Declares Quarterly Dividend

CRANBURY, N.J., July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Innophos Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: "IPHS") today announced that its Board of Directors had declared a quarterly dividend of $0.35 per share of common stock.  The dividend will be payable on August 30, 2013 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on August 15, 2013.

About Innophos Holdings, Inc.

Innophos is a leading international producer of performance-critical and nutritional specialty ingredients, with applications in food, beverage, dietary supplements, pharmaceutical, oral care and industrial end markets.  Innophos combines more than a century of experience in specialty phosphate manufacturing with a growing capability in a broad range of other specialty ingredients to supply a product range produced to stringent regulatory manufacturing standards and the quality demanded by customers worldwide.  Innophos is continually developing new and innovative specialty ingredients addressing specific customer applications and supports these high-value products with industry-leading technical service.  Headquartered in Cranbury, New Jersey, Innophos has manufacturing operations in Nashville, TN; Chicago Heights, IL; Chicago (Waterway), IL; Geismar, LA; Ogden, UT; North Salt Lake, UT; Paterson, NJ; Green Pond, SC; Port Maitland, ON (Canada); Taicang (China); Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz and San Jose de Iturbide (Mission Hills), Guanajuato (Mexico). For more information please visit www.innophos.com. 'IPHS-G'

Contact Information:




Innophos Holdings, Inc.                    

FTI Consulting, Inc.



Investor Relations: (609) 366-1299        

Bryan Armstrong/Matt Steinberg

investor.relations@innophos.com            

212-850-5600

 

SOURCE Innophos Holdings, Inc.

RELATED LINKS
http://www.innophos.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com

#WTF is Kefir?

#WTF is Kefir?

#WTF is Kefir?

Greatist’s #WTFis series looks at new trends in health and fitness to explain what the heck they are, why people care, and if they live up to the hype.

Kefir_FL_604

Photo: Food Loves Writing

Smooth and creamy. Filled with the "good" kind of bacteria. Drinkable or spoonable. Available in flavors such as strawberry, blueberry, and peach.

Yogurt, right? Nope, it’s kefir (that’s KEE-fer), yogurt’s  less widely known relative that may have already arrived at a grocery store near you. Some health experts say kefir boasts many of the same health benefits as yogurt, such as boosting immunity, reducing inflammation, and easing symptoms of lactose intolerance ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). A cup of kefir also typically packs even more active cultures (the bacteria that promote digestion) than the same amount of yogurt. It may be a while before kefir is standard snack-time fare in the U.S., but in the meantime manufacturers are trying to make the product more like yogurt — tasty and easy to eat — hoping that kefir will achieve some of yogurt’s huge and growing popularity.

What’s the Deal?

Like yogurt, kefir has been around for centuries. It was originally eaten by Muslim tribes in the Northern Caucasus mountain region, who believed it was a gift from Allah ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). For years, families passed down kefir “grains” (a combination of yeast and bacteria from which kefir is made — not an actual grain at all) as a source of wealth, and even back then, some said the food had special healing powers ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)).

Kefir milk (the stuff typically found in the dairy aisle at the grocery store) comes to life when kefir grains are added to milk and incubated for about 22 hours ((Review: functional properties of kefir. Guzel-Seydim, Z.B., Kok-Tas, T., Greene, A.K., et al. Department of Food Engineering, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2011 Mar;51(3):261-8.)). The kefir is edible once that cultured milk is filtered, and the resulting product has a slightly sour taste similar to yogurt’s ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). The difference is that there’s no such thing as “yogurt grains” —  to make yogurt, we just add certain bacteria to milk. Kefir’s also incubated for a little longer than yogurt is, meaning that it's slightly higher in probiotics that can aid digestion and ease symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Another option is water kefir, a slightly sour, fermented beverage, that’s produced when kefir grains are added to water. It’s also a good source of probiotics, though it’s slightly less concentrated than milk kefir.

A bowl of kefir grains may no longer be something we leave in our safe deposit box, but there may be science behind some of those special “healing powers.” The variety of bacteria in a cup of kefir may be able to fight off some types of problem-causing bacteria in the body, such as Enterobacteriaceae and clostridia ((Dietary influence of kefir on microbial activities in the mouse bowl. Marquina, D., Santos, A., Corpas, I., et al. Department of Microbiology III, Biology Faculty, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain. Letters in Applied Microbiology, 2002;35(2):136-40.)) ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). Those probiotics also stimulate the emptying of the digestive system, the opposite of what milk and cheese typically do. And while kefir is a dairy product, it can sometimes ease symptoms of lactose intolerance as well as other digestive issues such as irritable bowl syndrome and celiac disease ((Kefir improves lactose digestion and tolerance in adults with lactose maldigestion. Hertzler, S.R., Clancy, S.M. Medical Dietetics Division, School of Allied Medical Professions, The Ohio State University, Columbus, USA. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 2003 May;103(5):582-7.)) ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). That’s because the probiotics in kefir help break down the sugars in milk so our stomachs don’t have to. Other research suggests kefir can boost immunity, reduce inflammation, and even reduce the risk of cancer ((The effect of kefir consumption on human immune system: a cytokine study. Adiloglu, A.K., Gonulates, N., Isler, M., et al. Department of Medical Microbiology, Ankara Education and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. Mikrobiyoloji Bulletin, 2013 Apr;47(2):273-81.)) ((Anti-inflammatory properties of kefir and its polysaccharide extract. Rodrigues, K.L., Carvalho, J.C., Schneedorf, J.M. Laboratrio de Fitofarmacos, Unifenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Inflammopharmacology, 2005;13(5-6):485-92.)) ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). Some studies have found that mice who consumed fermented milk showed lower cholesterol levels, but there's some debate over whether the same findings apply to humans ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)).

Is It Legit?

EvolveKefir_sqMaybe. It’s worth noting that when it comes to kefir, research on humans is still limited. (Most studies have been conducted on rodents.) Moreover, the kind of kefir that’s used in laboratory trials may differ from the kind we find on store shelves. As of now there’s no standard protocol for making kefir, either for use in clinical trials or for companies to sell ((Kefir: a symbiotic yeasts-bacteria community with alleged healthy capabilities. Lopitz-Otsoa, F., Rementeria, A., Elquezabal, N., et al. Departamento de Immunologia, Microbiologia y Parasitologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad del Pais Vasco-Euskal Herriko, Univertsitatea, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. Revista Iberoamericano de Micologia, 2006 Jun;23(2):67-74.)). That means the amount and variety of probiotics may differ between different brands of kefir.     

For a long time, kefir wasn’t available in most supermarkets and only came in drinkable form. Now the product comes in a number of different styles (frozen and spoonable, for example) and it’s making an appearance at more and more traditional grocery stores. Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway, attributes kefir’s growing popularity to increasing rates of gastrointestinal issues and people looking for holistic remedies.

Lately kefir manufacturers have been trying to come up with products more similar to yogurt, specifically Greek yogurt, to keep up with consumers’ growing demand for high-protein foods. Lifeway, the biggest U.S. manufacturer of kefir products, released a Greek-style drinkable kefir in 2006. Evolve has just come out with six-ounce cartons of “spoonable” Greek kefir, available in grocery stores around New York City. Cyrus Schwartz, CEO of Evolve, says he’s hoping to target more health-savvy consumers, who know what probiotics are and appreciate kefir’s high probiotic count.

Want to try it for yourself? Now that kefir comes in single-serving containers, similar to yogurt packaging, it’s easier to control how much we eat. But the same concerns about excess sugar in flavored yogurt apply to kefir. In general, says Greatist Expert and dietitian Jessica Redmond, one serving of kefir or yogurt should contain more grams of protein than sugar.

Special thanks to Lisa Moskovitz and Jessica Redmond for their contributions to this article.

Have you tried kefir? Did you like it as much as yogurt? Let us know in the comments below or find the author at @ShanaDLebowitz.


Poor kids more likely to smoke

Poor kids more likely to smoke
Poor children are more likely than their wealthier counterparts to smoke cigarettes, but less likely to binge drink and no more likely to use marijuana.

We're Slackin' On The Exercise

We're Slackin' On The Exercise

Aeterna Zentaris: First Patient Dosed for Phase 3 Registration Trial in Endometrial Cancer with Zoptarelin Doxorubicin (AEZS-108)

Aeterna Zentaris: First Patient Dosed for Phase 3 Registration Trial in Endometrial Cancer with Zoptarelin Doxorubicin (AEZS-108)

All amounts are in U.S. dollars (unless otherwise noted)

QUÉBEC CITY, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ - Aeterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS) (TSX: AEZ) (the "Company") today announced that the first patient has been recruited and dosed for the Phase 3 ZoptEC (Zoptarelin doxorubicin in Endometrial Cancer) trial in women with endometrial cancer resistant to platinum/taxane-based chemotherapy.

"We have reached another important milestone in the final clinical development stage for zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108) in treating endometrial cancer. Efforts are now focused on pursuing patient recruitment as swiftly as possible", stated David Dodd, President and CEO of Aeterna Zentaris. "This compound's innovative targeted approach potentially offers a much needed novel treatment option for women with endometrial cancer and it provides the Company with a significant market opportunity."

The Study

This is an open-label, randomized, multicenter Phase 3 trial to be conducted in over 120 sites in North America, Europe, Israel and other countries under a Special Protocol Assessment, comparing zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108) with doxorubicin as second line therapy for locally-advanced, recurrent or metastatic endometrial cancer. Lead investigators are David Scott Miller, MD, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, in Dallas, Texas, and Hani Gabra, MD, from the Imperial College London Hammersmith Campus in London, England. The trial will involve approximately 500 patients and the primary efficacy endpoint is improvement in median Overall Survival.

Selected as the contract clinical development organization, Ergomed will also assume 30% (up to $10 million) of the clinical and regulatory costs for this trial.

Details for this trial are available at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT01767155).

About Zoptarelin Doxorubicin (AEZS-108)

Zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108) represents a new targeting concept in oncology using a hybrid molecule composed of a synthetic peptide carrier and a well-known chemotherapy agent, doxorubicin. Zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108) is the first intravenous drug in advanced clinical development that directs the chemotherapy agent specifically to LHRH-receptor expressing tumors, resulting in a more targeted treatment with less damage to healthy tissue. The Company is currently conducting a Phase 3 trial in endometrial cancer under a Special Protocol Assessment, while zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108) is also in Phase 2 trials for triple-negative breast cancer, prostate cancer and bladder cancer. Aeterna Zentaris owns the worldwide rights to zoptarelin doxorubicin (AEZS-108).

About Endometrial Cancer

Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic malignancy and develops when abnormal cells amass to form a tumor in the lining of the uterus. It largely affects women over the age of 50 with a higher prevalence in Caucasians and a higher mortality rate among African Americans. Approximately one in 30 women is diagnosed with endometrial cancer every year. According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 49,560 new cases of endometrial cancer in the U.S., and 35,600 in Europe, are expected during 2013, with about 20% of recurring disease.

About Aeterna Zentaris

Aeterna Zentaris is a specialty biopharmaceutical company engaged in developing novel treatments in oncology and endocrinology. The Company's pipeline encompasses compounds from drug discovery to regulatory approval. For more information, visit www.aezsinc.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the U.S. Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, among others, the availability of funds and resources to pursue R&D projects, the successful and timely completion of clinical studies, the risk that safety and efficacy data from any of our Phase 3 trials may not coincide with the data analyses from previously reported Phase 1 and/or Phase 2 clinical trials, the ability of the Company to take advantage of business opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry, uncertainties related to the regulatory process and general changes in economic conditions. Investors should consult the Company's quarterly and annual filings with the Canadian and U.S. securities commissions for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake to update these forward-looking statements. We disclaim any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, unless required to do so by a governmental authority or by applicable law.

SOURCE Aeterna Zentaris Inc.


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Pfizer earnings top estimates, reiterates forecast

People walk past the Pfizer Inc. headquarters in New York, January 31, 2013.(Reuters) - Pfizer Inc reported second-quarter earnings slightly ahead of estimates on Tuesday as the largest U.S. drugmaker lines up a business split that could lead to the spinoff of its generics division. The company, hit by falling sales of its now off-patent cholesterol fighter Lipitor, reaffirmed its financial outlook for the year. For the second quarter, adjusted income fell 10 percent to $4.00 billion, or 56 cents a share, from $4.45 billion, or 59 cents a share, a year earlier. Revenue dropped 7 percent to $12.97 billion. ...


For complete story, click here.

Pigs are 'emotionally complex'

Animal-welfare advocates are launching a campaign to highlight pigs, chickens, cows and other farm animals as more intelligent and emotionally complex than commonly believed. Read more...

Festival Pump-Up Playlist: 2013 Lollapalooza Artists

Lollapalooza, one of the biggest music festivals of the Summer, is happening in Chicago this weekend! Even if you can't jet set to the Windy City for a weekend full of moving and shaking with some of the most popular artists today, you can bring the spirit and music of the festival to your next workout with this upbeat mix. Subscribe to the Spotify playlist and keep reading for the full list of songs. For complete story, click here.

Kimberly Jordan Allen: Summer Drinks To Cool The Body And Calm The Mind

Kimberly Jordan Allen: Summer Drinks To Cool The Body And Calm The Mind

Researchers aim to create virtual speech therapist

Researchers aim to create virtual speech therapist

In this Thursday, July 18, 2013 photo, Nadine Martin, a communication sciences professor speaks in view of an avatar on a television screen during an interview with the Associated Press at Temple University in Philadelphia. Martin and other researchers are working to develop a virtual speech therapist to help those trying to overcoming the language disorder known as aphasia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Debi Green is trying to book a vacation, but she's having a hard time getting the words out. Even though it's been nearly nine years since she suffered a stroke, language sometimes fails her.



Monday, July 29, 2013

Panel backs lung cancer screening for some smokers

FILE - In a June 3, 2010, file photo, Dr. Steven Birnbaum works with a patient in a CT scanner at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center in Nashua, N.H. For the first time, government advisers are recommending screening for lung cancer, saying certain current and former smokers should get annual scans to cut their chances of dying of the disease. Reports on the screening were published Monday, July 29, 2013, in Annals of Internal Medicine. (AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)For the first time, government advisers are recommending screening for lung cancer, saying certain current and former heavy smokers should get annual scans to cut their chances of dying of the disease.


You can get the whole story here.

11 Nutrition Myths That Cause Weight Gain

11 Nutrition Myths That Cause Weight Gain

Losing weight is a journey, a confusing one at that. End the confusion with these myth-busting tips from Shape!

1. Going vegan is a healthy way to lose weight.

"While various research shows that vegetarians and vegans, on average, consume fewer calories and less fat than omnivores (a 2009 Oxford study found that vegetarians weigh 3 to 20 percent less than their meat-eating counterparts, and a National Cancer Institute study found that subjects who consumed four ounces or more of red meat weekly were 30 percent more likely to die of any cause than those who ate less), these numbers may be misleading," says Rania Batayneh, MPH, a certified nutritionist and owner of Essential Nutrition for You.

Going vegan solely for weight loss can backfire, big time. If you aren't vigilant with a vegan diet, it's easy to lack in vital nutrients, vitamins, and proteins, which give you energy and help keep your metabolism stoked. Many first-time vegans may also find themselves reaching for more processed foods like vegan cookies, chips, or even 'ice cream' more often with such a restricted diet, and many end up packing on the pounds instead.

If you do decide to adopt a vegan diet, be sure to keep the 'treats' to a minimum and plan balanced meals. "Aim to get about 10 to 20 percent of your calories from protein (or about 1 gram per kilogram of body weight), replacing animal protein with healthy plant proteins, like those found in beans, legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds, low-fat dairy, and soy products," Batayneh says. "And, whether you are vegan or not, eating more green, leafy vegetables is great for your health and your waistline."

2. Cut all carbs to shed pounds.
Your body needs 'carbs' for energy, and many carbohydrate foods are rich in essential vitamins, nutrients, and dietary fiber that help you stay full and fuel your workouts. "Eliminating carbohydrates not only reduces whole grains, B vitamins, and a good source of fiber, but it also reduces your body's feel-good capacity (it's no wonder that most comfort foods are carbohydrate based)," Batayneh says.

Plus, cutting out food groups may only make you crave them more, and you may find yourself finishing off an entire bag of chips in a moment of weakness. "Starches and carbs are actually an important tool in weight management," Batayneh says. "They provide belly-filling fiber, complex carbohydrates to keep your engine running all day, and they stimulate the production of serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter that regulates mood."

Stay healthy, full, and happy while dropping the lbs. by swapping out processed carbs for fiber- and nutrition-filled foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

3. Diet drinks are a good way to cut calories.
You may think you're doing yourself a favor by sipping artificially sweetened drinks, but recent research says you may just be setting yourself up to crave sweets even more. 'Fake' sugar can trick our bodies, since we aren't actually providing it with any calories to back up the sweetness, causing a vicious cycle of cravings. "Artificial sweeteners tend to trigger your appetite, making you want more and more sugar, but without actually satisfying a desire for sweets like normal sugar does," Batayneh says. "Diet soda-drinkers may end up eating tons of sugary and fatty snacks in order to satisfy their cravings."

Case in point: One University of Texas study found that people who drink diet soda regularly (more than two per day) had a 70 percent greater waist circumference than those that don't. Not to mention, diet sodas are also often loaded with additives, including caramel coloring, which is made by reacting sugars with ammonia and sulfites, resulting in two compounds that have been found to cause lung, liver, and thyroid cancers in mice, Batayneh says.

4. Fat-free snacks are better for your waistline.
"Reduced-fat versions of snacks typically have been stripped of one quarter of their original healthy monounsaturated fats, and to replace that flavor, the brand adds in fillings, additives, and sugar - all for the same amount of calories," Batayneh says. "Picking reduced-fat products may even end up hurting your waistline: in one study, average-weight participants ate 22 percent more calories if the food was labeled 'low fat' and overweight participants ate up to 50 percent more."

Your body needs fat to absorb vitamins, and it may also help you shed pounds - a recent Stanford University study found that people on a moderate-fat diet lost twice as much weight as subjects eating a low fat diet.

So skip the highly processed, fat-free snacks that are basically empty calories and fill up on healthy, whole foods that will help you stay satisfied on a lower-calorie diet such as avocados, nuts, and coconuts.

See seven more weight-loss tips after the break!

Increase in Americans with irregular heartbeat

Increase in Americans with irregular heartbeat
A new study suggests that the number of Americans who experience atrial fibrillation will double in the next 16 years.

Key Industry Experts Share Their Insights on How Inhalation Drug Delivery Systems Are Gathering Momentum

Key Industry Experts Share Their Insights on How Inhalation Drug Delivery Systems Are Gathering Momentum

LONDON, July 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

With the global market for asthma and COPD drugs set to reach $47bn in 2017, inhalation drug delivery systems are gathering momentum as pharmaceutical companies develop faster acting and more effective orally inhaled products. It is crucial for market players to keep abreast of the latest advances in inhaled therapy, in order to successfully grow the business and stay ahead of the competition.

According to Donovan Yates, Chief Executive Officer of KAER Biotherapeutics and one of the distinguished speakers at the upcoming CPhI Inhalation Drug Delivery Conference"The search for proven healthcare solutions that change patient outcomes while reducing treatment costs is eternal.  The pharmaceutical industry is struggling in advancing its own solutions because of the complex and expensive drug development process.  The trending in pharmacoeconomics and patent cliffs have also added to the significant cost pressures for Pharma, as the industry is constantly looking for new technologies to resolve these issues."

CPhI Worldwide's Inhalation Drug Delivery Conference is an excellent opportunity to explore various solutions, as well as gain important insights into every essential aspect of pulmonary drug delivery. From formulation of MDIs and DPIs, particle engineering and establishing bioavailability and bioequivalence, to regulatory compliance, innovative filling techniques and device development - this inaugural CPhI two-day conference will provide delegates from all over the world with a step-by step guide on how to achieve commercial success.

"It will be useful in concentrating pharmaceutical scientists' minds on the issues involved and providing them with an understanding of how to progress an idea.  It also allows scientists and academia from various parts of the world to come together and discuss in-depth this specific area of research," says Brian Jones, Scientific Adviser for Qualicaps Europe.

David Harris, Head of Respiratory Drug Delivery of Team Consulting refers to the upcoming conference as "a good way to raise awareness of companies' offerings, meet new and existing clients, share knowledge and find out about the latest research."

Whether your business is focused on pharmaceutical, clinical and formulation science or you operate in inhalation device development, the conference programme is uniquely tailored to the industry's current, specific needs, providing practical knowledge, new learning opportunities and unprecedented topical content.

For full programme including a list of the expert speakers and to register please visit http://www.cphi-drugdelivery.com

About CPhI Conferences:

CPhI Conferences deliver the latest pharma market insight, in-depth case studies and exceptional networking opportunities through a programme of high-level conferences. The worldwide series of events, spanning four continents, provides the optimum forum for you to learn, make new business connections and identify the latest growth opportunities. Delivered by expert teams in each region, every conference is extensively researched with leading professionals, ensuring that CPhI Conferences tackle the most business critical issues facing the pharma industry today.

http://www.cphiconferences.com/

SOURCE CPhI Conferences


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Theresa May diagnosed with diabetes

Theresa May diagnosed with diabetes
Home Secretary Theresa May reveals she has been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, but insists it will not affect her political career.

Calorie Scorcher: 10-Minute Jump Rope Workout

The jump rope is more than child's play; we consider it to be the ultimate fitness tool. And after trying this jump rope workout, we're convinced you will too. This 10-minute workout will burn a ton of calories while toning your gams. If you don't have a rope but are ready to get your sweat on, fake it and jump along with us.

Continue reading...

EU Should Better Prevent Citizens From Hepatitis, Says Liver Patients Organisation ELPA

EU Should Better Prevent Citizens From Hepatitis, Says Liver Patients Organisation ELPA

BRUSSELS, July 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

There are still startling differences in hepatitis prevention and access to treatment across the different EU Member States. Almost one year after the publication of the Euro Hepatitis Care Index by the European Liver Patients Association (ELPA), the situation has not improved much. "Even the EU Member States ranking high on the Index do not perform consistently well, but rather on specific aspects and are lagging behind on others", says Tatjana Reic, President of ELPA on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day (WHD) on 28 July.

Germany for example is strong in prevention and medical treatment but lags behind in early detection. Most startling remains the overall inadequacy in governmental actions on holistic strategic level. These and more detailed findings about the situation in the EU Member States, Switzerland and Norway can be found in the "Euro Hepatitis Care Index", conducted by ELPA and the Swedish think tank Health Consumer Powerhouse.

"Encouraging Member States to develop national hepatitis plans addressing the alarming differences in prevention, detection and access to treatment of viral hepatitis is an important step forward," says Mrs Reic.

Founded in 2004, today ELPA represents 30 liver patients' organisations from 24 countries and participates in the campaign to promote the WHD annually. Coinciding with this year's celebrations, the World Health Organization (WHO) will announce the Viral Hepatitis: Global Policy Report. The Report shows government policies of each World Health Organization Member State on viral hepatitis.

"The efforts and dedication of the WHO to raise the awareness of viral hepatitis and address the issues is applaudable. As a patient organization we at ELPA fully support this initiative and will continue our fruitful collaboration with the WHO by complimenting the Report and sharing the patients' perspective", says Mrs Reic.

Hepatitis means inflammation of the liver, most commonly caused by a viral infection. Across Europe, 23 million citizens are infected with the hepatitis virus, with many new infections annually and 125,000 fatal casualties due to hepatitis-related diseases annually, a figure that is increasing. The WHO estimates that two billion people worldwide have been infected with the hepatitis B virus, about 150 million people suffer from a chronic hepatitis C and more than 350 million have chronic liver infections. Without treatment, both types can lead to cirrhosis and cancer and can cause serious secondary damages such as cardio vascular diseases or diabetes.

http://www.elpa-info.org

SOURCE European Liver Patients Association (ELPA)


Source: www.prnewswire.com

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Dr. Colby Stewart Releases Documentary Video

Dr. Colby Stewart Releases Documentary Video

Voted "Doctor of the Year" in 2012, Dr. Colby Stewart releases a new documentary on the Houston Eye Foundation and changing a man's life in a matter of minutes.

(PRWeb July 27, 2013)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Eye-doctor/Laser-eye-surgery/prweb10969355.htm




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Dr. Kevin Sadati's Discusses Types of Activities After a...

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As a board certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Kevin Sadati feels that medical professionals have a responsibility to educate patients about the cosmetic surgery experience. Recently, Dr. Sadati...

(PRWeb July 26, 2013)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/7/prweb10963415.htm




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Friday, July 26, 2013

Samara Foisy: Debunking the Myths Around Margarine

Samara Foisy: Debunking the Myths Around Margarine

Full moon affects sleep

New research suggests that sound sleep may be harder to come by when the moon is full. Here is the full post.

Recipe: No-Bake Pecan Blueberry Cobbler

Recipe: No-Bake Pecan Blueberry Cobbler

Christal SczebelThis recipe and photo were created by contributor Christal Sczebel of Nutritionist in the Kitch. Learn more about Christal and this recipe by checking out her accompanying post.
 
 
It's National Blueberry Month! And to celebrate, we decided to enlist one of our recipe contributors to create a warm weather-friendly classic blueberry cobbler — because, really, who want's to bake when it's 90 degrees outside? Here, dates give the cumbly oat, buckwheat, and pecan crumble topping some sweetness and replace some of the fat (one of our favorite healthy baking substitutions). The filling's made simply of fresh berries and  a bit of sweetener. Feel free to sub in any other type of fruit you like, too! 
 

Recipe: No-Bake Pecan Blueberry Cobbler

No-Bake Blueberry CobblerServes 4 
 
What You'll Need:
 
1/2 cup raw pecan halves 
1/4 cup buckwheat groats 
1/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup chopped dates 
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil (chilled) (or chilled butter)
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
8 packets stevia (or 3 tablespoons plus 2 tablespoons raw honey) 
 
What to Do: 
  1. In a food processor pulse pecans, buckwheat groats, and rolled oats until the pieces are uniform in size and have a rough but even texture.
  2. Add in chopped dates and process until the dates are blended well into the mixture (you may have small chunks of date, which is fine) 
  3. Add in six packets of stevia (or 3 tablespoons raw honey), cinnamon, and salt and pulse until combined. 
  4. Transfer mixture to a bowl and add in the chilled coconut oil (or butter) and 'cut' it into the mixture with a knife or pastry cutter to create large crumbles. (Basically, you want to combine the dry mix with the cold fat — coconut oil or butter — until the texture is well mixed and crumbly.) 
  5. Place mixture in fridge for 30 minutes. 
  6. Meanwhile, heat a small pot or pan over medium to high heat on the stovetop. 
  7. Add in blueberries and two packets of stevia (or 2 tablespoons raw honey) and bring blueberries to a slow boil. 
  8. Mash the blueberries with a fork while heating. 
  9. Once blueberry mixture is bubbling reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture thickens and reduces slightly. Transfer blueberry sauce to a bowl and chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. 
  10. Once both the pecan mixture and the blueberry sauce have chilled, it's time to serve!: In four small bowls or jars (or one large serving dish) layer the pecan mixture, then the blueberry mixture, then more pecan mixture, and another dollop of blueberry mixture to top. Chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. 
  11. After the cobbler has chilled, serve alone or with some regular or vegan ice cream! 

What's your favorite way to enjoy blueberries in season? Share with us in the comments below! 

Read the full article.

Current Treatments for Post-Amputation Pain

Current Treatments for Post-Amputation Pain
In the US, surgeons perform about 185,000 limb amputations each year, and the majority of these individuals are left with some sort of post-amputation pain. Unfortunately, post-amputation pain syndromes have proven very difficult to treat. A variety of treatments are available, but most of these have not had high quality clinical trials, and only appear [...]

In the US, surgeons perform about 185,000 limb amputations each year, and the majority of these individuals are left with some sort of post-amputation pain. Unfortunately, post-amputation pain syndromes have proven very difficult to treat. A variety of treatments are available, but most of these have not had high quality clinical trials, and only appear beneficial in some cases.

Post-amputation pain falls into two distinct categories: phantom limb pain and residual limb pain. Phantom limb pain refers to unpleasant and painful sensations that seem to the patient to originate from the lost limb, even though the individual consciously understands that the limb is no longer there. One study found that the incidence of phantom limb pain might be as high as 85%. The pain can vary from sharp and shooting sensations to dull, squeezing, or cramping sensations.

An amputee may also perceive residual limb pain (sometimes called “stump” pain) in the part of the body that remains after amputation. It is typically a sharp, burning pain, with a reported incidence of up to 74%. Often, an individual experiences both types of pain syndromes. These pain syndromes are separate from other types of pain an amputee might experience, such as those arising from an incorrectly fitted prosthetic device.

Multiple mechanisms appear to play a role in the development of post-amputation pain, though not all mechanisms may be present in every individual patient. For example, in the brain itself, reorganization in the somatosensory cortex is thought to play a role (this brain area is partly responsible for “mapping” sensations onto the relevant body part). Evidence also points to a role for the spinal cord in post-amputation pain, specifically in a region known as the dorsal horn, which normally receives the incoming sensory information. In some cases, the nerves which were severed in the amputation also appear to contribute to the condition.

Local injection therapy is one of the current mainstays of treatment for individuals with post-amputation pain; for example, injection of the local pain blocker lidocaine at the amputation site. This is more effectual for residual limb pain than for phantom limb pain, and even then the effect is usually temporary. 

Drug treatment is another option. NMDA antagonists like ketamine, opioid drugs like morphine, calcitonin, and anticonvulsant drugs have all shown mixed results in studies. Various types of surgical treatment are sometimes attempted, such as peripheral nerve stimulation, motor cortex stimulation, and deep brain stimulation. These treatments are still experimental, but motor cortex stimulation in particular looks like it may prove beneficial. One study found 53% of phantom limb patients were successfully treated with this method.

Mirror therapy provides another intriguing and cost-effective mode of treatment. In this approach, a mirror is placed adjacent to an intact limb, providing the illusion that the amputated limb is present. Some subjects report immediate lessening or elimination of pain, and multiple studies have demonstrated at least short-term pain reduction using this simple technique. It is believed that this feedback can help somatosensory pathways reorganize, thus reducing pain.

Future developments may involve better classifying patients into subgroups, which may show different response levels to different treatments. Many patients will continue to need multimodal, individualized treatment. Researchers hope to develop better and more proven treatments, partially through a more complete understanding of the multiple potential causes of the condition. New drugs, such as anti-nerve growth factor antibodies, are currently under early development, and may one day provide a new class of medications for the physician’s toolkit.

References

Chan BL, Witt R, Charrow AP, Magee A, Howard R, Pasquina PF, Heilman KM, & Tsao JW (2007). Mirror therapy for phantom limb pain. The New England journal of medicine, 357 (21), 2206-7 PMID: 18032777

Hsu E, & Cohen SP (2013). Postamputation pain: epidemiology, mechanisms, and treatment. Journal of pain research, 6, 121-36 PMID: 23426608

Image via Alan C. Heison / Shutterstock.

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Thursday, July 25, 2013

Natural diet pills for weight loss and additional health benefits

Natural diet pills for weight loss and additional health benefits
Weight loss supplements are used by many people to regulate their weight and enjoy better health and fitness. Many people who have used such supplements or prescription pills have benefited vastly from these, and stopped using them once the requisite decrement in weight was achieved. If a person chooses to go for such a supplement for himself, a large number of options are available in markets, an TAGS: Natural weight loss supplements , raspberry ketones

Smoking during pregnancy affects kids' behaviour

Children whose mothers smoked during pregnancy may be at increased risk for behavioural problems, according to a large-scale review. For complete story, click here.

Skip the Crunches: 3 Ways to Work Your Abs Standing

Skip the Crunches: 3 Ways to Work Your Abs Standing

You can tone your abs without ever doing do a crunch again. And the good news gets even better! Standing ab exercises tone your middle while working your entire body, increasing your caloric burn. Try these three full-body exercises; since they're functional moves, they will make you stronger for activities outside the gym, too.

Overhead Circles With Medicine Ball
Stabilizing your torso against the weight of the moving medicine ball not only works your abs, but your arms will feel the burn, too. This is great exercise for your entire core.

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart with a slight bend in your knees. Keeping your spine in neutral, lift a five- to eight-pound medicine ball overhead.
  • Begin to circle the ball to the right, in the largest circles you can make, while maintaining a still and stable torso.
  • Circle eight times to the right; then repeat, circling eight times to the left. Do three sets.

Side Bend With Dumbbells

Great for toning the waist and stretching the sides of the body, side bends are a simple move to add to your fitness routine. Don't speed through your reps; doing this exercise slowly and methodically is considerably harder and much more effective.

  • Stand with your feet hip-width apart holding five- to 10-pound dumbbells at your sides.
  • Bend sideways to the right, squeezing your waist on the right side. Keep your neck as neutral as possible, looking forward not down.
  • Pull the left ribs down to return to standing upright. This focuses the work on the left obliques.
  • Repeat for a total of 12 bends to the right, then switch sides. Do three sets.

Twisting Wood Chop With Medicine Ball

The wood chop works the entire body with a strong focus on the core. This move will also raise your heart rate for an added cardio component. Use a five- to eight-pound medicine ball for this move.

  • Start with the feet a little wider than hip distance apart. Twist to the left raising the ball over to your left shoulder.
  • On an exhale pull your abs toward your spine and "chop" the ball down diagonally across your body toward the outside of your right knee. Imagine you're chopping some wood at this angle and the ball is your axe - the move is a bit percussive.
  • Focus the on the rotation initiating in your torso.
  • Control the ball back up to the starting position. This completes one rep.
  • Remember you are moving with force but also control. Don't give into the momentum of swinging the ball around. Do three sets of 15 reps on each side.

Owners and Employees of Golden Meadows Kennels Give Blood to Benefit...

In tandem with a fundraising raffle for Hazel, a local girl diagnosed with high-risk nueroblastoma, the charitable owners and employees of Golden Meadows Kennels recently gave blood at the Los Angeles...

(PRWeb July 25, 2013)

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/Golden-Meadows/helps/prweb10952409.htm

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PYRAMID Laboratories Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Expands Capabilities

PYRAMID Laboratories Inc. Celebrates 25th Anniversary and Expands Capabilities

COSTA MESA, Calif., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc. a premier clinical and commercial contract aseptic drug product developer and manufacturer is proud to announce it is celebrating  25 years of providing cGMP services to the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industries during July 2013. 

PYRAMID's President & CEO, Medhat Gorgy states "I am very proud of the high quality services we have provided the past 25 years and wish to thank our employees and Clients for making it possible. PYRAMID has grown tremendously since our modest beginnings in 1988 to having over 70,000 square feet of GMP facilities with state of the art equipment today."

PYRAMID also announces that it has expanded its portfolio of services with the addition of a new state-of-the-art Warehouse, Storage and Distribution Facility. The new facility includes cGMP labeling, approximately 27,600 cubic feet of monitored and alarmed validated controlled temperature storage, and distribution service capabilities for parenteral drug products. PYRAMID's Warehouse, Storage and Distribution Center is located adjacent to PYRAMID's clinical and commercial manufacturing sites that include aseptic fill/finish for vials and syringes in addition to lyophilization services.  PYRAMID also provides full service formulation and process development as well as analytical support for all phases of drug development and manufacturing.

Yvonne Verburgt; Senior Director of Business Development states "The addition of these services is in response to our client's request for a West Coast strategic location for warehousing and distribution for their parenteral products. The focus on labeling, controlled temperature storage and distribution fulfills a demand within the industry." 

Meet Mr. Gorgy and PYRAMID's team by visiting PYRAMID at booth 219 during the 2013 AAPS Annual Meeting and Exposition November 11-13 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio Texas or contact PYRAMID at 714-435-9800.

About PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc.

PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc. (http://www.pyramidlabs.com) is an independent professional service organization specializing in contract aseptic manufacturing, product development, formulation development, fill/finish, lyophilization, and  analytical laboratory services. PYRAMID provides ICH stability testing and storage compliant with GLP and cGMP guidelines plus controlled temperature storage and distribution services.  PYRAMID's manufacturing services include formulation development, process development,  filling and lyophilization  for vials in addition to syringe filling applications. PYRAMID has extensive experience working with proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides in addition to small molecules.  PYRAMID serves the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device industries. PYRAMID was founded in 1988 by Medhat Gorgy.

Media Contact: Yvonne Verburgt, PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc, 714-435-9800, yvonne@pyramidlabs.com

News distributed by PR Newswire iReach: https://ireach.prnewswire.com

SOURCE PYRAMID Laboratories, Inc.

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http://www.pyramidlabs.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com

What Is The Best Protein Bar That Tastes Good?

Protein bars can be tricky, because as we discuss in the article How to Choose A Protein Bar That Isn’t Candy, it can be easy to pick up a protein bar that isn’t really a health food at all due to loads of sugar and other questionable ingredients. That said, it is a quick and [...]

The post What Is The Best Protein Bar That Tastes Good? appeared first on BuiltLean.com.

best-protein-bar

Protein bars can be tricky, because as we discuss in the article How to Choose A Protein Bar That Isn’t Candy, it can be easy to pick up a protein bar that isn’t really a health food at all due to loads of sugar and other questionable ingredients.

That said, it is a quick and easy option, and as we’re all dealing with busy schedules, it can be unavoidable to want to grab one and go. So, we asked our experts what their favorite healthy protein bar is, why they prefer it, and what the tastiest choices are – hopefully, the next time you need a quick fuel, these suggestions will help you find the healthiest and best tasting choice for you.

Best Protein Bar #1 – Almond Honey RiseBar

I prefer a piece of fruit, or a handful of nuts, or trail mix to a protein bar, but the most natural protein bar with very few ingredients that I’ve come across is the Almond Rise Protein Bar. It’s basically just honey and nuts, yet boasts an impressive 20 grams of protein. You can also consider making your own protein bar, which is probably the best bet…which reminds me, we need to add some protein bar recipes to BuiltLean!

- Marc Perry, CSCS, CPT

Best Protein Bar #2 – Larabars

I don’t usually eat protein bars. For the most part, I try to opt for whole foods. However, when you’re in a bind and don’t have access to healthy food, a protein bar can help you stay away from less healthy options. They’re also useful when traveling if you don’t want to pack your own meals. Larabars are great because they’re made using only dried fruits and nuts. Most have only 2-5 ingredients so you know what you’re putting into your body. Core Bars are also made with whole foods and recognizable ingredients. They use whey protein in their Warrior Meals, however their Defender Meals are vegan. Both contain organic grains, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds to provide healthy carbs and essential fats. When it comes to protein bars, opt for ones with whole foods, short ingredients lists, and ingredients you recognize.

- Kristin Rooke

Best Protein Bar #3 – Almond Honey RiseBar

I’m a huge fan of Rise Protein Bars. They contain just 3 ingredients with about a serving of almonds, 1 tbsp of honey and whey protein isolate per bar, making it one of the (if not the) most natural protein bar on the market. Other bars with artificial sweeteners or sugar alcohols really upset my stomach, but this is one of the few bars that I have been able, with both myself and clients, without anyone feeling any stomach distress. It also has enough protein to be considered a protein bar and not simply a meal replacement bar.

- John Levya, CSCS, CPT

Best Protein Bar #4 – Quest Protein Bars

Hands down, that has to be the Quest protein bars. Unlike most protein bars with ingredients that you can’t pronounce, Quest only uses high quality whole food ingredients. Not only that, there are flavors like apple pie, coconut cashew, and cinnamon roll that taste as good as they sound. Finding a protein bar like these is definitely rare, as most that taste halfway decent are full of fillers and sometimes even high fructose corn syrup. I highly recommend giving these a try!

- Stephen Bergeron, CSCS, CPT

Best Protein Bar #5 – Quest Protein Bars

Although different protein bars are better for certain situations, I think the best all-around option is from the Quest line. The calories are low (between 160 and about 200) and they all contain about 20 grams of quality protein, high fiber content (around 17 grams) and, depending on the flavor, have minimal to no sugar alcohol. Many flavors are all-natural and even the ones that aren’t boast a short ingredient list. One common piece of negative feedback is that older bars can be very hard, but this can be easily remedied by microwaving for 10 seconds. My flavor picks are chocolate chip cookie dough and banana nut muffin.

- Charlie Seltzer, MD

Hope this helps you find a protein bar you enjoy & can be sure you’re really eating something that isn’t going to cause serious bloating, or taste like chalk.

What your favorite protein bar?

The post What Is The Best Protein Bar That Tastes Good? appeared first on BuiltLean.com.

Read the full article.

How to Fade Liver Spots and What Causes Them in the First Place

Before you learn how to fade liver spots, you need to learn about what causes them. Regardless of what kind of treatment you get, even if you choose expensive cryosurgery, they will come back, if you don't make efforts to address the causes. Read the full article.


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United Therapeutics Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

United Therapeutics Corporation Reports Second Quarter 2013 Financial Results

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --  

  • Total Revenues of $280.6 million
  • Earnings per Share of $1.60 per Basic Share or $1.52 per Diluted Share
  • Earnings Before Non-Cash Charges of $3.29 per Basic Share, or $3.11 per Diluted Share

United Therapeutics Corporation (NASDAQ: UTHR) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2013.

"I am very pleased with our second quarter results and the continued strong growth of our core business," said Martine Rothblatt, Ph.D., United Therapeutics' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We continue to assist more patients than ever to manage pulmonary arterial hypertension while we also continue to develop new possibilities for the future, such as the implantable Remodulin pump."

Total revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 were $280.6 million, up from $225.6 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. Net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 was $79.9 million or $1.60 per basic share, compared to $72.3 million or $1.37 per basic share for the same quarter in 2012. Gross margin from sales was $245.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to $192.2 million for the same quarter last year. Earnings before non-cash charges(1) for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 were $163.7 million, compared to $127.7 million for the same quarter in 2012.












(1)

See definition of earnings before non-cash charges, a non-GAAP financial measure, and a reconciliation of net income to earnings before non-cash charges below.

Financial Results for the Three Months Ended June 30, 2013

Revenues

The table below summarizes the components of net revenues (dollars in thousands):


Three Months Ended 

June 30,


Percentage

Change


2013


2012


Cardiopulmonary products:






Remodulin

$

124,311



$

110,398



12.6

%

Tyvaso

109,458



81,210



34.8

%

Adcirca

43,726



30,224



44.7

%

Other

3,111



3,745



(16.9)

%

Total net revenues

$

280,606



$

225,577



24.4

%

Revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 increased by $55.0 million, compared to the same quarter in 2012. The growth in product revenues reflects the continuing increase in the number of patients being treated with our products.

Expenses

The table below summarizes research and development expense by major project and non-project components (dollars in thousands):


Three Months Ended

June 30,


Percentage

Change


2013


2012


Project and non-project component:






Cardiopulmonary

$

28,537



$

22,058



29.4

%

Share-based compensation expense

14,158



4,221



235.4

%

Other

11,922



10,820



10.2

%

   Total research and development expense

$

54,617



$

37,099



47.2

%

Cardiopulmonary. The $6.5 million increase in cardiopulmonary program expense for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to the same quarter in 2012, resulted from increases in expenses incurred related to the development of oral treprostinil and our TransCon once-daily injectable prostacyclin analogues.

Share-based compensation. The increase in share-based compensation of $9.9 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to the same quarter in 2012, resulted from the appreciation in the price of our common stock.

The table below summarizes selling, general and administrative expense by major categories (dollars in thousands):


Three Months Ended

June 30,


Percentage

Change


2013


2012


Category:






General and administrative

$

35,445



$

31,233



13.5

%

Sales and marketing

17,344



17,136



1.2

%

Share-based compensation expense

18,576



4,889



280.0

%

   Total selling, general and administrative expense

$

71,365



$

53,258



34.0

%

General and administrative. The increase in general and administrative expense of $4.2 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013 compared to the same quarter in 2012 was driven by increases in (1) salaries and operating expenses associated with the expansion of our business, (2) professional fees and (3) grants to non-affiliated, non-profit organizations that provide financial assistance to patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. These increases were offset in part by a $6.8 million impairment charge on an acquired contract-based intangible we recognized during three months ended June 30, 2012.

Share-based compensation. The increase in share-based compensation of $13.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to the same quarter in 2012, resulted from the appreciation in the price of our common stock.

Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes was $38.7 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2013, compared to $31.0 million for the same quarter in 2012. The estimated annual effective tax rate was 33 percent and 32 percent as of June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

2013 Revenue Guidance

We reaffirm our 2013 full-year revenue guidance for our three commercial products (Remodulin®, Tyvaso® and Adcirca®), as we continue to expect related revenues to fall within a range of 5% above or below $1.0 billion for 2013.

Earnings Before Non-Cash Charges

Earnings before non-cash charges is defined as net income, adjusted for the following non-cash charges, as applicable: (1) interest; (2) income taxes; (3) license fees; (4) depreciation and amortization; (5) impairment charges; and (6) share-based compensation (stock option, share tracking award and employee stock purchase plan expense).

A reconciliation of net income to earnings before non-cash charges is presented below (in thousands, except per share data):


Three Months Ended June 30,




2013


2012



Net income, as reported

$

79,864



$

72,316



Adjust for non-cash charges:





Interest expense

4,520



3,879



Income tax expense

38,655



30,974



License fees





Depreciation and amortization

7,680



6,292



Impairment charges



4,839

(1)


Share-based compensation expense (benefit)

32,986



9,447



Earnings before non-cash charges

$

163,705



$

127,747








Earnings before non-cash charges per share:





Basic

$

3.29



$

2.42



Diluted

$

3.11



$

2.37








Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:





Basic

49,800



52,747



Diluted

52,648



53,942





















(1)

Consists of a $6.8 million impairment loss relating to a contract-based intangible asset, upon the termination of the underlying license agreement during the three months ending June 30, 2012, net of the $2.0 million of deferred revenue we recognized as a result of the terminated license agreement and the termination of our obligation to perform future services.

Conference Call

We will host a half-hour teleconference on Thursday, July 25, 2013, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. The teleconference is accessible by dialing 1-877-351-5881, with international callers dialing 1-970-315-0533. A rebroadcast of the teleconference will be available for one week by dialing 1-855-859-2056, with international callers dialing 1-404-537-3406 and using access code 9978344.

This teleconference is also being webcast and can be accessed via our website at http://ir.unither.com/events.cfm.

About United Therapeutics

United Therapeutics Corporation is a biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of unique products to address the unmet medical needs of patients with chronic and life-threatening conditions.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains a financial measure, earnings before non-cash charges, that does not comply with United States generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). This measure supplements our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP as reported below.

We use earnings before non-cash charges to assist us in: (1) planning, including the preparation of our annual operating budget; (2) allocating resources in an effort to enhance the financial performance of our business; (3) evaluating the effectiveness of our operational strategies; and (4) assessing our capacity to fund capital expenditures and expand our business. We believe this non-GAAP financial measure improves investors' understanding of our financial results by excluding certain expenses that we do not consider when evaluating and comparing the performance of our core operations and making operating decisions. In addition, we have historically reported earnings before non-cash charges to investors, and believe the inclusion of this non-GAAP financial measure provides investors with a consistent method of comparison to historical periods. However, there are limitations in the use of this non-GAAP financial measure in that it excludes certain operating expenses that are recurring in nature. In addition, our calculation of this non-GAAP financial measure may differ in methodology used by other companies. The presentation of this non-GAAP financial measure should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for our financial results prepared in accordance with GAAP.  A reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, to earnings before non-cash charges can be found in the table above under the heading, Earnings Before Non-Cash Charges.

Forward-looking Statements

Statements included in this press release that are not historical in nature are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, among others, our expectations about future operating results, revenue guidance for 2013 and the efforts to develop an implantable pump for Remodulin and other possible future therapies. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, such as those described in our periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. Consequently, such forward-looking statements are qualified by the cautionary statements, cautionary language and risk factors set forth in our periodic reports and documents filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K. We claim the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for forward-looking statements. We are providing this information as of the date of this press release, and assume no obligation to update or revise the information contained in this press release whether as a result of new information, future events or any other reason. [uthr-g]

Remodulin and Tyvaso are registered trademarks of United Therapeutics Corporation.

Adcirca is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company.




UNITED THERAPEUTICS CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)






Three Months Ended 

June 30,


Six Months Ended 

June 30,


2013


2012


2013


2012


(Unaudited)


(Unaudited)

Revenues:








Net product sales

$

277,495



$

221,832



$

520,641



$

424,775


Other

3,111



3,745



5,101



5,016


  Total revenues

280,606



225,577



525,742



429,791


Operating expenses:








Research and development

54,617



37,099



105,047



70,756


Selling, general and administrative

71,365



53,258



142,721



93,047


Cost of product sales

32,320



29,633



61,633



53,664


  Total operating expenses

158,302



119,990



309,401



217,467


Operating income

122,304



105,587



216,341



212,324


Other (expense) income:








Interest income

869



1,055



1,848



2,087


Interest expense

(4,520)



(3,879)



(8,956)



(7,765)


Equity loss in affiliate

(72)



(42)



(119)



(62)


Other, net

(62)



569



240



642


  Total other (expense) income, net

(3,785)



(2,297)



(6,987)



(5,098)


Income before income taxes

118,519



103,290



209,354



207,226


Income tax expense

(38,655)



(30,974)



(67,165)



(64,150)


Net income

$

79,864



$

72,316



$

142,189



$

143,076


Net income per common share:








Basic

$

1.60



$

1.37



$

2.84



$

2.69


Diluted

$

1.52



$

1.34



$

2.71



$

2.63


Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:








Basic

49,800



52,747



50,003



53,189


Diluted

52,648



53,942



52,386



54,416


 

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET DATA

June 30, 2013

(Unaudited, in thousands)





Cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities (excluding restricted amounts of $5.4 million)

$

894,668


Total assets

1,777,673


Total liabilities and temporary equity

612,250


Total stockholders' equity

1,165,423


 

SOURCE United Therapeutics Corporation

RELATED LINKS
http://www.unither.com


Source: www.prnewswire.com