The development of the Taxane family of cancer drugs started in the 1960’s with the United States’ discovery of a molecule from the Pacific Yew Tree. This tree possessed a molecule which prevented the division of cancer cells by freezing the cell division process. From this point stemmed the development of a chemotherapy drug called…
DetailsCardiovascular diseases and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States. The Heart and Stroke Ball is a major fund raising event for the American Heart and Stroke Association, whose mission is to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. That single purpose drives all they do. The…
DetailsThe move to take a more aggressive posture in reporting potential risks with medical devices follows several high profile lawsuits involving the safety and risks of medical products. Among them a hip implant, a defibrillator that stopped working, and a mesh implant to prevent incontinence in women, which has been reported to erode. The FDA…
DetailsU.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade on Tuesday, reduced the verdict in the second bellwether trial over Johnson & Johnson’s Pinnacle hip implant from $497.6 million to approximately $151 million. The judge was compelled to reduce the verdict under a Texas state law limiting punitive damages according to a specific formula. The verdict included roughly $360…
DetailsA recent article posted in Forbes, informs readers that bringing new products to market can take years and require so much data proving product safety, that years can go by before consumers have the ability to purchase them. To circumvent this the FDA has provided a “fast-track” for companies that promise to continue collecting market evidence of consumer…
DetailsJohnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Pinnacle hip prosthetics, has asked that pending bellwether trials be put on hold while it appeals the recent $497.6 million verdict awarded in March of this year. J&J’s attorneys filed post-trial motions and have indicated that depending on the outcome of those motions an appeal may be filed in…
DetailsSocial media has become an integral part of the way we communicate with individuals and other businesses. It’s a platform where we can promote ourselves as well as access information on almost anything. However, social media is a double-edged sword. Though it may be fun and useful, it can be incredibly dangerous. There are plenty of…
DetailsThis year marks the 10th anniversary of Showard Law Firm. After 18 years of practice, and a prior ten-year partnership, Sarah Showard and her longtime assistant, Maria De La Rosa, opened the doors of Showard Law Firm in October 2006. Sarah and everyone at Showard Law Firm is proud to serve Southern Arizona as the…
DetailsThe FDA, last week strengthened warnings over four diabetes drugs that may cause life-threatening kidney damage. The four medications are: -Farxiga -Xigduo XR -Invokana, and -Invokamet The new labels will have more information about acute kidney injuries and recommendations about how to minimize risk. The FDA says that they have received 101 reports of acute…
DetailsThe FDA has issued a warning to doctors and patients that a common over the counter anti-diarrhea drug can cause deadly heart rhythms when taken at higher than recommended doses. The drug loperamide is sold over the counter or by prescription and is available in generic, store-brand and brand-name (Immodium A-D) versions. The use of…
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