
Statins may reduce the risk of blood clots in the vein
A study published by Dr Setor Kunutsor of the Musculoskeletal Research Unit in the University of Bristol’s School of Clinical Sciences, with colleagues from the University of Leicester, has confirmed that statins could play an important role in reducing the risk of venous thromboembolism (University of Bristol, 2017). Statins are groups of medications that reduce … Continue reading Statins may reduce the risk of blood clots in the vein

Heart attack risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients almost halved by biologic drugs
A biologic drug which treats rheumatoid arthritis has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attacks in arthritis patients by up to 40% (University of Manchester, 2017). Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have a 60% higher risk of heart attacks than the general public, which is thought to be linked to the inflammation caused by … Continue reading Heart attack risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients almost halved by biologic drugs

140 jobs under threat at Elanco site in Merseyside
Elanco, the animal health division of Eli Lilly and Company, has outlined plans to cut costs at its facility in Speke, Merseyside through proposed redundancies of approximately one hundred and forty staff (Insider Media, 2017). Elanco is proposing to embark upon a non-contractual voluntary redundancy programme for permanent employees and a review of contractors’ current … Continue reading 140 jobs under threat at Elanco site in Merseyside

Frontier Medical expands its sharps disposal range
Frontier Medical Group has launched of a new 1.8L drug tariff container designed for the safe disposal of insulin and needle pens, as part of its Sharpsafe range (MediWales, 2017). The Sharpsafe range starts at 0.2L boxes, going up to 30L protected access units. The new 1.8L container can hold twenty five needle pens vertically … Continue reading Frontier Medical expands its sharps disposal range

New research on how bacteria resists last-resort antibiotic
A team of University of Bristol-led researchers has provided the first clues to understand how the mcr-1 gene protects bacteria from colistin, a last resort antibiotic used to treat life-threatening bacterial infections that do not respond to other treatment options (University of Bristol, 2017). Last year, members of the team, led by Dr Jim Spencer … Continue reading New research on how bacteria resists last-resort antibiotic

Aberystwyth University submits planning application for new Innovation Campus
A planning application has been submitted for a new £40.5m Innovation and Enterprise Campus at Aberystwyth University (WalesOnline, 2017). Based on the University’s Gogerddan campus, the Aberystwyth Innovation and Enterprise Campus (AIEC) development will feature a bio-refining centre, future food centre, analytical science laboratories and a seed processing and biobank facility. The campus is planned … Continue reading Aberystwyth University submits planning application for new Innovation Campus

Swansea University study looking at delaying the onset of dementia
Dr Claire Hanley, a psychologist from Swansea University’s College of Human and Health Sciences is recruiting for a study using transcranial direct current stimulation, a technology which could ultimately delay the onset of dementia (Swansea University, 2017). Dementia costs £1.4bn per year in Wales. Dr Hanley specialises in cognitive neuroscience, specifically what happens to the … Continue reading Swansea University study looking at delaying the onset of dementia

ConvaTec acquires EuroTec Beheer
ConvaTec has bought EuroTec Beheer, a Netherlands-based manufacturer of ostomy appliances, for €25m (£21.2m), its first acquisition since floating last year (Insider Media, 2017). Eurotec Beheer manufactures one and two piece ostomy systems and accessories and distributes them through its own distribution channels in the Netherlands and Belgium, and through partners in other markets. The … Continue reading ConvaTec acquires EuroTec Beheer

Premaitha Health to buy Yougene Bioscience
Premaitha Health has agreed to buy Taiwanese company Yourgene Bioscience (Manchester Evening News, 2016). Premaitha, based at Manchester Science Park, uses the latest technology in DNA analysis to develop safer, faster non-invasive screening tests for pregnant women. The company said the acquisition of Yourgene Bioscience will enable it expand in Asia, offering cross-selling opportunities and … Continue reading Premaitha Health to buy Yougene Bioscience

Welsh researchers have made a major breakthrough in diagnosing bowel cancer
A simple blood test developed by Welsh experts could lead to bowel cancer patients being diagnosed much earlier and significantly improve their chances of survival (WalesOnline, 2016). Initial signs are so promising the test could become used throughout the NHS within the next few years, with a clinical trial starting in GP practices across Abertawe … Continue reading Welsh researchers have made a major breakthrough in diagnosing bowel cancer