The Truth about Botox

Is Botox really that dangerous?

This is a question that many could answer so differently.

Recently there have been reports of the dangers of Botox. A large number of women are concerned about Botox treatment and Women’s Health.

Botox is used for many reasons and is prescribed for several muscle disorders. This medication is very helpful in those patients and often improvement in muscle spasms and muscle twitching can be seen.

Botox suppresses symptoms for 3 months then another treatment or dosing is required.

Other uses for Botox are for Cosmetic and wrinkles and this is the more well known casual use for Botox injections. Almost One million Americans are currently using Botox at a cost of almost $400 million is spent per year. Over 4 million Botox treatments are performed annually.

Botox is a toxin from a bacteria that produces botulinum toxin that is processed and purified. The result is a paralyzation of the injected muscles. When this toxin is injected a localized affect is anticipated and expected.

But it is not uncommon to have a response to the toxin at a different location in the body. The toxin may travel through nerve roots as argued. In addition, it can be transported to other parts of the body.

Often Botox should be administered by someone who has a medical license and is familiar with Botox injections. But more and more we are seeing unlicensed and unsafe concentrations of Botox being injected.

Botulism is a serious consequence to the bacteria Clostridium botulinum and some overdoses and side effects of

Symptoms of adverse effects of Botox injections include:

-  Voice change [hoarseness]
-  Muscle weakness or strength
-  Loss of bladder control
-  Vision changes
-  Drooping eyelids
-  Difficulty swallowing
-  and others.

Botox addiction is the newest concern for treatment.  Dr. Martin Kelley, a plastic surgeon at London Plastic Surgery Associates, and Dr. Carter Singh, a psychologist at Britain’s Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, recently presented a study to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons claiming that BOTOX® has addictive qualities for some people. In that study almost 40% studied wanted additional treatment and felt compelled to maintain treatment even before their symptoms returned.

Others argue that some people will never be satisfied with their physical image and that an psychological attachment o addiction is not what is being observed.

Botox Linked to Deaths

In a paper back in 2005 in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reports that 28 deaths from 1989 to 2003 were linked to Botox injections though none of the deaths were by patients or individuals using Botox for Cosmetic use.

In February of 2008, the FDA reported that they had found some link with adverse reactions including death and respiratory failure by those using a wide variety of concentrations and dosages of Botox.

There appears to be little risk with Botox if it is used appropriately and when administered by a licensed and competent medical provider. When steps are taken to increase dosing and concentration then the risk of abnormal outcomes appears to increase dramatically.

Though any adverse media or news articles on Botox does not appear to have limited or decreased it’s use, more concern is being noticed by the main stream public. Addiction or no addiction, Botox has helped many improve their own physical looks. It depends on what you are willing to do to look several years younger.

The following link is a video showing Botox Injection for Spasmodic Dysphonia – link

18 main points of Breast Cancer

1.) Women #1 fear is Breast Cancer

2.) Breast exams are as important as a Mammogram

3.) Don’t fret for being called back for a “redo” mammogram

4.) Being overweight is a risk – after menopause your risk even increases

5.) Being Active reduces your risk of breast cancer

6.) A nodule found in your breast is rarely breast cancer – read more about breast fibroadenoma

7.) Lumpy breasts are not increased risk for cancer

8.) The lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 8 for women.
-   Starting at age 40 – a 1 in 69 risk to age 70 – a 1 in 27 risk.

9.) First mammogram at age 40 – then every 1-2 years after

10.) Folate or Folic Acid is essential in the diet

11.) Estrogen is often a contributing factor

12.) Alcohol is a risk factor – over 2 drinks a day increases your risk almost 20%

13.) Never having been pregnant may increase your risk

14.) Learn about BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations – can be related to breast cancer

15.) When seen and found early – In the U.S. your chances of survival are at 90% or above

16.) 190,000 women per year are diagnosed while 1,800 men (2005)

17.) 41,116 women died and 375 men (2005 numbers)

18.) Is one of the top ten causes of death for women (#7)

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/

http://www.healthcentral.com/breast-cancer/c/78/55720/cancer-numbers/2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breast_cancer

Breast Cancer Awareness is in October of every year – check out the following blog: Awareness of Breast Cancer 2009

What is more essential: Carbohydrates or Proteins?

Here is a recent question that was placed on out blog:

“I just recently was told that I need to loose some weight…
but I am not sure how to modify my diet.
Are carbohydrates or proteins more important to watch???”

Carbohydrates vs. Proteins

This is an interesting argument and every few years a change in stance appears to take place.

Let’s take a closer look!!!

Both Carbohydrates and Proteins are used for energy and are essential in good health. In addition to protein and carbohydrates, fats is an important source of energy. For many years, loss of weight and good health have been viewed as joined together. Diets have tried to find the right balance of both carbohydrates and proteins. But nutritionally – what occurs if we load up on one or the other?

Is there one that is specifically more healthy and benefical then the others ????

Carbohydrates

Are not an essential food source for survival but organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys are dependant on this food source for energy. Without this food source for quick breakdown, certain organs are unable to function to their capacity. Muscle mass will decrease and brain function will slow, along with an increase risk and often occurence of infection. These results are related to a decrease of carbohydrate as a food source.

When carbohydrates are absent from from the diet, then the body must find energy from another source. Carbohydrates are found in muscles, organs, and other tissues as proteins. These carbohydrates or glucose molecules will be taken out for energy use.

“The food source for the brain outweighs the need of other organs and tissues.”

Therefore, the breakdown of tissue and muscle when carbohydrates are withheld or unavailable can cause serious harm and strain on many organs.

Good vs Bad Carbohydrates: Certain carbohydrates in simple sugars such as chips and cookies and candies are a type of carbohydrates that can cause weight gain when eating in excess and sometimes even in moderation. But other carbohydrates such as grain products, brown rice, vegetables and some fruits are better sources of carbohydrates.

Proteins

Are compounds that are comprised of amino acids that are metabolised from breakdown.

The “pieces” or chains of amino acids become the building blocks for muscles, organs, tissues such as skin, and other areas.

Proteins, through a complicated process, are broken down into carbohydrates and essential amino acids.

There are 20 standard amino acids and in most plants all 20 can be made within the plant. Animals and humans are unable to make all the 20 and therefore must get some from their diet.

Once the protein has been digested it can be broken down in the liver by a process called gluconeogenesis. The protein through this process is broken down to glucose. This is the same end product of breakdown of carbohydrates.

Dietary sources of protein include: meats, fish, seeds, nuts, vegetables, eggs, milk, cheese, and some grains.

Weight-loss

“The key to weight loss is calories in and calories out.”

The body does not care if those calories come from carbs or proteins.

When you eat more calories through protein and/or carbs then you burn during the day – the result is weight gain.

High-Carb diets and High-protein diets are options and their opportunity to allow for a larger amount of weight loss has been argued.

Several keys to weight loss include:

1.) Eating good carbs in moderation: 40%-60%

2.) Eat protein in moderation

3.) Replacement of bad fats with good carbs or proteins

4.) Exercise

End result of Protein vs. Carbohydrates

Obviously both are quite important and essential. The question to answer regarding which one is more important is quite difficult. The obvious answer is both.

But more specifically:

- Children: Protein is essential for muscle growth and should be consumed in greater quanities during this period

- Pregnancy: Increased amounts of protein is also consumed during pregnancy

- Recovering from injury: Increase amounts of protein

- High exercise diet: may require increase Carbohydrates during that period and to replenish calories lost or used

- Percentage of Carbohydrates is often greater in the average person than is protein

*** Remember fats are another energy source – when consumed they are ready for use….when not used though, they will then be stored in adipose tissues. Again there is a good source and a bad source of fats!!!!

Often if you are truly seeking to loose weight, you need to meet with a proper nutritionist and an exercise trainer that can tailor a menu and an exercise schedule to meet your needs!!!

Health Care Spending

Health care is an area of demanding and controversial health care programs, insurance and spending.  

Medicaid and Medicare are government run programs that account for a large portion of health care cost.

Insurance overall is a funny business – there is insurance for almost anything including pets, fire, medical, vehicle, and others. Insurance has become so essential that many either overspend for insurance or work in terrible jobs, just to get insurance.

But then there is the large portion of individuals, for whatever reason, are unable to get insurance at all.

Private insurance is even more difficult to understand. These programs are allowed by employers or private individuals and vary from company to company and policy to policy. It is believed that over the last 7-10 years, employee-sponsored health insurance premiums have increase over 100%. This is almost 5 times the amount of inflation over the same period of time.

This is markedly more difficult for individuals and employers. Less and less companies are able to afford these important programs. And this will continue to get worse and worse.

It is believed that by 2020 or so – it will cost a family of 4 more than $25,000 per year to cover health insurance. Currently it is almost $13,000 per year for health care.

Cost for employers will continue to rise as well. Currently the cost to employers for insurance is just over $300 billion dollars. Within 10 years that number may jump to the mid $800 billion dollar range.

Don’t be fooled either – the coverage will not improve as time continues. Increasing costs, number of sick, and rising average age will continue to worsen the actual coverage by each individual.

Increasing Health Concerns

1.) Health Care Spending

- United States is leading all countries in the percent of GDP that is spent on Health Care.

- United States currently spends 16.2% as of 2007 and was around 15% in 2006

- Switzerland and France follow at around 11%

- Other countries above 10% are: Canada, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and Austria

- most of these values are from 2006

2.) Cost

- as the cost per person rises – the burden increases for employers and individuals to get enough coverage and the correct coverage

- $2.2 trillion dollars were spent in the United States in 2007 on health care costs

- $700 billion in 1990

- $250 billion in 1980

3.) Bankruptcy and Foreclosures

- Over 50% of bankruptcy are linked to lingering health or medical expenses

- 1.3 plus million people loose their homes because they also have medical expenses that can’t be meet

- Many families with the above mentioned health care costs do have insurance – over 75% on average

4.) Aging

- It is believed in the United States that by 2030 the number of individuals over the age 65 will double

- Over 70 million Americans will be over 65 at that point

- This will comprise around 20% of the population

- The cost of an older individual is 5 times greater for someone over 65 than under 65 [on average]

- The overall projected spending is believed to increase by 25%

“The aging of the U.S. population is one of the major public health challenges we face in the 21st century. One of CDC’s highest priorities as the nation’s protection agency is to increase the number of older adults who liver longer, high-quality, productive, and independent lives.” Julie Louise Gerberding, Md, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – 2007

5.) Smoking, Poor diet, and physical inactivity

- It is believed that these 3 items result in 35-35% of deaths each year

- These are preventable conditions

- Are quite costly to individuals, companies, governments, and tax payers

- Are risk factors for serious medical conditions of: Diabetes, Stroke, Cancers, and Heart Disease among others

6.) The Uninsured

- Some do not qualify for government-provided health insurance

- Some do not qualify for private health insurance

- Not provided insurance by employer

- Some are unable to afford health insurance

- Some choose not to have health insurance

- As of 2007 – 15% of population or 45 million individuals were without health insurance

- 2008 numbers are expected to be statistically similar to 2007 despite the recession, but a rise to 46 million is anticipated

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2007:

Of the 45 million uninsured:

. 37 million between ages 18 and 65
. 27 million worked at least part time
. 38% had household income of greater than $50,000
. 36 million are legal U.S. Citizens
. 10 million are non-citizens (This may or may not include illegal immigrants)
. 20% could afford insurance
. 25% are eligible for public coverage
. 55% need financial assistance to cover health insurance

7.) Fraud

- It occurs daily and helps “almost” no one

- Occurs on many levels and by many individuals

- Health Care is often about profit

- The most visible areas are Medicaid and Medicaid

- However, fraud occurs in all health care areas

- It is believed to occur on 5-10% of all health care expenditures

- Your increased health cost is, at least in part, to health care fraud

8.) Disparities

Defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration as …”population-specific differences in the presence of disease, health outcomes, or access to health care.“

Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Medicare and Medicaid spending is often quite different from state to state

- Sometimes the spending amount is double in one state when compared to another
. Example [Medicare in Miami in 2006 - $16,351 and in San Francisco $8,331]

- Access to health care and insurance is often a cause point, but not always

- The cost for such disparities may directly impact social and economic status

- Race, ethnicity, socioeconomic, sex, age, medical conditions, sexual orientation, and more are all linked to disparity

All is not loss

We are doing several things well – probably not perfectly but well

1.) Improved overall medical quality and treatment allow for a larger number of patients to live longer

2.) Improved Mammogram screening

3.) Improved Cholesterol screening

4.) Overall awareness for preventative care increasing, it still must increase in importance to not only improve care, quality of life, and overall balance health care costs.

5.) Disparities have begun to be looked at more closely and continue monitoring and goal setting to manage specifically targeted areas have been put in place.

Post originally seen at InterActive Health: Health Care Spending

For further information take a look at the following

- http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml

- http://www.cdc.gov/aging/pdf/saha_exec_summary_2007.pdf

- http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5813a5.htm

- Goldberg, J., Hayes, W., and Huntly, J. “Understanding Health Disparities.” Health Policy Institute of Ohio (Nov 2004) page 3

- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Merck Company Foundation. The State of Aging and Health in America 2007. Whitehouse Station, NJ: The Merck Company Foundation; 2007.

Let Human Testing Begin!!!

August 10th, 2009

Swine flu vaccines are now beginning the trial stages. It is time for volunteers to step into line.

The Swine flu Swine flu also referred to as H1N1 has been classified as a pandemic situation. Several bio-pharmaceutical companies have been creating a vaccine . Emory University’s Hope Clinic appears to be starting human testing today.

Approximately 25 volunteers will be seen and evaluated today. Each will receive an injection of the vaccine. This will continue for the next 5 days. Another 25 volunteers will be seen each of the additional 5 days.

The goal is to test the safety of this vaccine. They will also be concerned regarding the number of doses needed. Full immunity is the goal of this trial.

Many researchers and medical providers are concerned that the Swine flu will return this fall with increased resistance and swiftness of illness. This alarming concern has many willing to be ready to accept the Swine flu vaccine.

Sanofi Pasteur and others

French drug maker Sanofi Pasteur will begin testing on 2,000 individuals this week in the United States. This will make them the third company initiating testing.

Novartis AGwill be starting their testing this week as well in Great Britain, Germany and in the United States. They will be testing around 6,000 volunteers

CSL from Australia stared testing its vaccine last month

Adjuvants will be added to dosing from Sanofi Pasteur and Novartis

Aethlon Medical

Is a medical company that will be initiating testing on a medical device called the Hemopurifer
This device will apparently absorb viruses and toxins from the blood stream. Currently this device has been used capturing a reconstructed Spanish Flu virus and the avian influenza virus (Bird flu)

CDC guidelines

Last week – the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning or
guideline for school closures and cleaning

It appears that the CDC would like to focus on cleaning and prevention of the Swine flu rather then complete school closures. An although this may be an option for some schools it appear that it will not be the standard. But when a child does become sick they should miss school and they should be allowed to return to class as early as 24 hours following the absence of a fever.

August 7th numbers

In the United States – at least 6500 hospitalizations from Swine flu

436 deaths attributed to the Swine flu

Over 1 million Americans have been affected with the disease

The Future

Many believe that a large amount of new cases will be seen starting this fall. The hopes are that a new mutation won’t be seen but it appears to early to tell.

Medical providers and such appear to be in line for the first available approved vaccine.

Originally posted at InterActive Health

Recent questions regarding Vitamin D

Blog Question #1:   Is there a way to get vitamin D through out diet???

Answer:

The skin is the primary mode of synthesis of Vitamin D a form of cholesterol is in the skin and it is affected by UV light – therefore sun light acts as a catalyst for this reaction. Dietary intake is also a form of attaining this vitamin. In many countries certain foods are fortified in vitamin D:

Such food as: milk, yogurt, breakfast cereals, some breads and oils  Other natural sources include: Fish (Fatty fish), cod liver oil, egg, and beef liver.

Another problem – fortified milk does not have enough of the recommended daily dose

Blog Question #2:  Does sunscreen help or not????

Answer

Sunscreen typically helps protect the skin against UV light – therefore it prevents production of vitamin D.    Typical need for sunlight is around 20 minutes – place sunscreen after 20 minutes – just don’t forget. Too much sun can be quite a problem as well

Questions originally posted on Vitamin D blog

Where is the Vitamin D?

An alarming increase of a deficiency of Vitamin D is being seen in children, adolescents and young adults. Recently a study was released showing the low levels of this important vitamin.

Vitamin D has an essential role in the health of many organs. In addition, this vitamin helps with the absorption of other nutrients such as calcium and phosphorus. The immune system is also boosted by the presences of this and other vitamins

Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to serious consequences such as Rickets, Osteomalacia and Osteoporosis.

Rickets is a condition that affects children and is often seen in developing countries. Symptoms of this condition includes bow-legged problems, growth changes, and bone pain.

Osteomalacia is a similar condition to rickets but is seen in the adult population.

Osteoporosis is when the density of the bones decreases substantially. Often seen in women following menopause – but can be seen in men due to age as well as the Vitamin D deficiency.

The Numbers

Almost 8 million children, adolescents and young adults have Vitamin D levels low enough to be considered deficiency

Another 51 million are insufficient in the amount of Vitamin D.

Girls appear affected more commonly than boys. Darker skin also appears to be more commonly affected.

Potential reasons for low Vitamin D levels

1.) More time watching TV by children

2.) Increase amount of sunscreen use

3.) Playing inside rather than outside

4.) Increased amount of “soda consumption”

5.) Less consumption of Milk and other foods fortified by Vitamin D

6.) More sedentary lifestyles

What is so concerning?

In addition to the findings regarding low levels of Vitamin D – other increased risk factors are seen as well.

An association was found between low levels of Vitamin D and increased risk for disease such as Hypertension [High Blood Pressure], High blood sugar, Diabetes, Metabolic syndrome and increased risk for heart disease.

This means that increased number of children and young adults are becoming more at risk for several serious diseases.

Are we overreacting

This may be a possibility – Several additional studies are currently being conducted to further understand these findings as well as some additional guidelines. Daily consumption of Vitamin D still seems to be in debate. Many believe that milk with fortified vitamin D and 20 minutes of sunshine should be adequate. This is being heavily researched

Others believe that we don’t have enough data to adequately determine the risks that low Vitamin D may be associated with further risk factors.

It is certain that several issues and risks are surfacing again and again that points to a worsening nutrition value and overall physical health for those with unhealthy lifestyles that include junk food and sedentary lifestyles.

Additional information:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32265598/ns/health-more_health_news/

Original post at health blog

Vicodin and Percocet could be on the way out

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) met last week to discuss the concern of two powerful medications used for pain control. The two painkillers are Percocet and Vicodin. A panel was put together to vote on these medications and possibly determine if they should be pulled from the market.

The real concern is the drug Acetaminophen [Tylenol] which is found in high doses in both Vicodin and Percocet. Acetaminophenis a widely used medication and under normal doses it rarely may cause serious concern. But when this medication is taken in high doses – severe liver damage and acute liver failure could be the result.

According to the FDA more than 200 million drugs combined with Tylenol were prescribe last year alone.

The panel voted 20 – 17 that medications such as painkillers that are combined with acetaminophen should be taken of the market. This panel was to help determine the outcome of the medications in concern, but no absolute decision has been made.

Many panelists were concerned about an outright removal from the market and a separate vote took place regarding a black box warning placed on the medications combine with acetaminophen. This vote took in the assumption that these medications will be allowed to stay on the market. A 36 – 1 vote in affirmation for a black box warning.

Several additional issues regarding acetaminophen were discussed including:

1.) Lower the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen
- it is currently at 4 grams per day
- 4 grams = 8 x 500mg extra strength Tylenol
- another recommendation amount was not discussed

2.) 1,000 mg tablets should only be available by prescription

3.) Maximum single dose to be 650mg

4.) Tylenol cough and cold will not be pulled from the market

***An important final note is that the FDA organized the group of panelists but that the decision to pull medications combined with acetaminophen has not yet been finalized. More often than not the FDA will agree with its panel for the changes in Acetaminophen overall.

***  This blog was first posted on Interactive Health website

To have a C-section or not to have a C-section? – That is the question!!

Recently I spoke with a women who was not very far along in her Pregnancy. We discussed several issues such as:  how long she had been trying, what she was giving up, her “planned pregnancy”,  her worries, her symptoms,  and other concerns. Then she threw me for a loop by saying that she was planning on having a C-section rather than vaginal delivery because she didn’t want to go through the pains of childbirth.

I wasn’t even sure that was an option. Is elective C-section so planned that one may decide to have a C-section for non medical reasons? A very interesting concept and can be a great argument starter at family parties. My personal jury is still out deciding on a verdict…. but what do you think?

Background

Giving birth by Cesarean section or also called Caesarean section and C-section can be a difficult choice. For many it becomes a life saving measure during an emergency while giving birth. It is another option other than vaginal delivery

The raise in number of C-sections is astounding. Consider that in 1970 only 6 percent of all births were by C-section. Back in 2005 that number had increased 5 times to over 30% of pregnancies.

C-section is a abdominal surgery then through the uterus to allow for the birth of a child. It is often considered riskier than vaginal birth but both procedures cause a risk for mortality of both the baby and the mother.

The following are several reasons to have a C-section planned:

1.) A previous C-section – although not must – having a previous C-section does not prohibit you from ever having a vaginal delivery again

2.) Your baby is breech [Bottom first]

3.) Your baby is transverse [sideways]

4.) More than one baby – C-section may be an option

5.) You develop a conditon known as Placenta previa

6.) Mother having HIV and a high viral load [HIV isn't passed through the placenta but can be transferred

during vaginal delivery

7.) Complication to baby that otherwise would worsen with vaginal delivery

8.) A very large baby

9.) Others

Unplanned C-sections1.) Difficulty during birth

2.) Distress of baby during birth

3.) Umbilical cord concerns

4.) Placenta abruption [placenta unattaches from uterine wall - loss of oxygen to baby]

5.) Others

*** – remember that over 90% of preterm deliveries are done by C-section http://www.marchofdimes.com/aboutus/22684_30185.asp

 

Elective C-section

- Some doctors endorse c-sections for medical reasons

- Some OBGYN clinics in Italy have a 80-90% C-section rate to prevent lawsuits

- In Brazil – hospitals are allowing 80% of births to be done by C-section

- Increase number of C-sections are being done for non medical reasons

My recent conversation isn’t unheard of and is increasing in value for many women. Some women report watching family members with difficult deliveries and others want an uncomplicated delivery. A reported increase in the number of women waiting to become pregnant until later in their lives may also be a factor. This is just one of many areas that women and physicians alike have drawn lines and have begun to debate the idea of non medical elective C-sections.

Swine Flu Vaccine Awarded First Contract

Immunization for the swine flu is big money.. Just ask Protein Science, a biopharmaceutical company who was apparently awarded 35 million dollars for bringing out the first 100,000 doses of the Swine flu vaccine.

But are state health sites or the government ready to open a neighborhood clinics to start giving out a swine flu shot today. Of course not, they are at least a few months from that point. The current doses in circulation have not yet been tested and are only in the development stages. Clinical trials await in the extremely near future.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced last week the contract with Protein Sciences. The contract includes this year and may include an additional 5 years. The total contract may be worth 147 million dollars.

Caterpillar cells were infected by Protein Science with a virus that had been enhanced with a specific gene called a “hemagluttinin“. This gene is often found on the surface of the influenza virus. This new technology is comparatively different than the traditional mode of vaccine development.

Protein Science’s ability to make this vaccine quicker results from insect use, rather than the traditional route of a “seed strain“. Seed strains are typically done by creating a Hybrid virus. In the case of the Swine flu, the hybrid contains the H1 and N1 aspects of the influenza virus. The incubator is chicken eggs. Typically the process is highly involved with seven rounds of engineering the virus into an egg for harvesting.

Creation of a vaccine for H1n1 – Swine flu will not fall only on Protein Science. Another company Sanofi-Pasteurwhich has received a seed strain and has also begun development. Sanofi is the largest producer of the flu vaccine currently. Several other companies continue in the development of H1N1 vaccine that will enter into the testing stages. The race is not over yet.

Qld uni from Australia has reported its initial 1,000 doses that will only be used for research with the expectation that a working drug may be ready by the end of the year.

Are we moving too fast??

It is expected that the clinical stage may test the vaccine with to shots with 2 or 3 or even 4 week cycle. This will allow a subject to be monitored and their immune system enough time to develop immunity. It will be necessary to determine the human safety involved, the immunological response of antibodies, and the side effects of the vaccine. Even at the 4 weeks we may be pushing too hard.

But what would happen if the pandemic suddenly becomes worse. Would a company or government be inclined to speed up the process. Maybe wait only 1 week or less. It could reasonably take weeks to months to adequately test the vaccine in a manner relatively safe.

Several major questions:

1.)    Who should be the first to get the vaccine? [hospital workers or extremely sick patients]

2.)   Which states first?

3.)   Do we base it on population size or ratio of Swine flu cases??

4.)   Should we plan on vaccinating all 300 million Americans

5.)   What is the groundwork plan in states and counties?

6.)   Which countries should be included?

7.)   Cost?

8.)   What’s the effectiveness of the vaccine?

9.)   Should adjuvants be used?

10.)   Will there be another wave of swine flu?

Adjuvants

Are immune potentiators or immunomodulators that are added to vaccines with the hope to improve the immune response. It has been argued that these products can improve, enhance, accelerate, and even prolong the response of the vaccine.

The severity and amount of the vaccine may force many pharmaceutical companies to adding an adjuvant to the vaccine. This would allow the vaccine to be shared with several other countries.

Examples of adjuvants include: salts, oils, lipids, microbial derivatives, human immunomodulators (cytokines), gold particles and others.

Adjuvants have been seen to act along with the vaccine to allow and improve the desired effect.

Ajuvants may be used in the Swine flu. GlaxoSmithKline Inc. which has received Canada’s pandemic vaccine contract has indicated that they will strongly consider using an adjuvant in their vaccines. In addition to the action of the vaccine it may also speed up the time it takes for the company to produce enough vaccine for the entire county.

However – some argue that once the process has begun the adjuvants may become essential – but the time for the initial production of the vaccine might double or more.

Bankruptcy a possibility??

In concerning news regarding Protein Sciences – just a day prior to receiving the contract – Creditors for Protein Sciences Corporation filed a petition to force them into bankruptcy and liquidation. This calls into concern the stability of the company that has been given the company who has been awarded the contract for production of the Swine flu vaccine.

It does appear that the government has done several internal audits into the company and it was determine that Protein Sciences are financially stable enough to continue in the development of the vaccine.

Originally seen at: Swine Flu Vaccine Awarded First Contract

Several additional stories:

http://www.proteinsciences.com/aboutus/aboutus_news.htm

http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/29/2611426.htm

http://www.tehrantimes.com/index_View.asp?code=197637

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/business/24vaccine.html

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/tall-hurdles-in-race-for-a-swine-flu-vaccine/article1197368