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January 28, 2013

Top Stories

Nordion files new statement of claim involving MAPLE project
Nordion is now seeking damages worth $242 million from Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. -- an amount 85% less than the company originally sought from AECL for damages involving the cancellation of the MAPLE nuclear reactor project. Nordion lost its previous arbitration battle with the agency in September, and this new filing is anticipated to go to trial in 2014. Ottawa Business Journal (Ontario) (1/21)

Mexico adopts medtech technovigilance, manufacturing standards
The Ministry of Health in Mexico has endorsed good manufacturing practice standards for medical devices marketed in the country as well as a technovigilance program involving the postmarket oversight of such products. Both programs are set to be implemented in April. MassDevice.com (Boston) (1/22)

Medical Focus

Study: Cardiac CT not reliable in diagnosing myocardial ischemia
Resting cardiac 64-slice CT was not reliable in identifying myocardial ischemia when compared with radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging, according to a study in the American Journal of Roentgenology. The CT method was not able to depict differential perfusion by visual or semiautomated evaluation, the study found. Other studies using 256- and 320-slice scanners with stress protocols or dual-energy CT may show improved accuracy, researchers said. MolecularImaging.net (1/25)

Peginesatide may raise heart risks without dialysis
Peginesatide, an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, was determined to be as safe and effective as epoetin in treating patients with advanced kidney disease and anemia receiving hemodialysis, according to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine. A second study in the same journal found that peginesatide without dialysis was as effective as darbepoetin for patients with advanced chronic kidney disease and anemia, but peginesatide was linked to higher rates of cardiovascular events and death. DoctorsLounge.com/HealthDay News (1/23)

Regulatory & Policy

CMS proposes higher cost-sharing for Medicaid
The Obama administration proposed allowing state Medicaid officials to charge higher premiums and copayments for prescription drugs, doctors' services and some hospital care. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (1/22)

Senator urges action on final Sunshine Act regulations
Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has asked the Obama administration to issue the long-awaited final rules on the Sunshine Act, saying the delays "are disrupting the considerable efforts of the pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers that are already investing in systems to comply with the law." The law requires device and drug firms to report financial ties with doctors. MassDevice.com (Boston) (1/24)

ASNC News

NC Today -- Bringing Value to Your Nuclear Cardiology Lab
Early-bird registration is now available for ASNC's popular program, Nuclear Cardiology Today -- Bringing Value to Your Nuclear Cardiology Lab. This program will be held April 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for physicians and technologists. It offers the most up-to-date protocols in imaging procedures, so physicians and technologists practicing nuclear cardiology should plan to attend! New procedures that reduce radiation dose and cutting-edge technologies will also be highlights this year. Register today by going to asnc.org/nctoday.

Nuclear Cardiology for the Technologist
The Nuclear Cardiology for the Technologist program is developed with technologists in mind and offers an overview of topics such as radiation reduction, quality control requirements and protocol selection for SPECT and PET. Expert faculty will discuss new developments in the field and review cases that put guidelines into practice. This program will be held April 26-28 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Now is a good time to make your hotel reservation, book your travel and register!

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