BioTrends Research Group, Inc. has released a syndicated report focused on the management and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the US. ChartTrends®: Multiple Sclerosis is an annual publication based on patient level data collected on 1,000 MS patients being treated with disease modifying agents (DMAs).

In addition to helping to define the DMA-treated MS patient (demographics, co-morbidities, concomitant medications, prevalence of symptoms and symptomatic treatment), the report provides insight into the factors that drive decisions to initiate treatment and factors that drive DMA brand selection for both first line and switch patients. Profiles for patients treated with each DMA brand (Avonex, Betaseron, Copaxone, Rebif and Tysabri) are provided. There are a number of differences between patients treated with the various DMAs including MRI status, functioning, disease progression, clinical response and likelihood of switching to a pipeline DMA in the future. The most likely patient types for newly approved Gilenya and late-stage DMAs in development (e.g. Movectro, alemtuzumab, daclizumab) are identified. A number of patient characteristics, including disease classification and current DMA brand, influence the likelihood of a potential switch to Gilenya.

Since initiating on their most current DMA, one-third of patients have experienced an exacerbation with the most common symptoms including muscle weakness and gait/coordination issues. While most exacerbations are treated with short steroid pulses, the use of chronic pharmacological treatment is common for management of spasticity, pain syndromes, bladder/bowel dysfunction, depression/apathy and fatigue. The patient types being selected for treatment with Ampyra, the first FDA-approved symptomatic agent for MS launched in March 2010, are identified in the report.

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Electricity customers in Pennsylvania deserve fair rates and full choice in selecting an electric power provider, according to the newly-established Energy Consumers First coalition, which today outlined a detailed Energy Consumers Bill of Rights that it seeks to have adopted by state regulators.

The new coalition seeks to give Pennsylvania’s energy consumers a stronger voice in utility issues, including how the upcoming expiration of rate caps is handled in Western Pennsylvania for customers of Allegheny Power, Met-Ed and Penelec.

The new Energy Consumers First coalition has already been endorsed by former state Treasurer and Auditor General Barbara Hafer, who has been named Honorary Chairwoman of the effort. The coalition is a citizen-driven initiative whose goals are to ensure that energy consumers’ rights are defended and that they are provided with accurate, timely and unbiased information about choosing an electric supplier once rate caps are terminated on January 1, 2011. The coalition believes that consumers should experience the full benefits of electricity competition as was envisioned when the Act was passed.

“The Energy Consumers First coalition is primarily a consumer protection effort that focuses upon public education and awareness,” said Barbara Hafer during a formal launch press conference held in downtown Pittsburgh today. “Our goals are to ensure that energy consumers are paying a fair price for the power we use, and that we have full electric choice once the rate caps do expire.”

Hafer said the genesis of the new coalition was the pending merger of energy giant First Energy with Allegheny Power, and First Energy’s efforts to have it designated as the “dominant supplier” for electric customers in the Allegheny Power and other Western Pennsylvania service areas. The merger request is currently being considered by the state Public Utility Commission, which is expected to conclusively rule on the matter early next year.

One of the alternatives to the First Energy “dominant supplier” plan is to have all of the electric customers in the affected area be entered into a pool of customers that would be bid upon in a consumer-friendly public auction, with auction proceeds then returned to the individual residents and businesses in amounts ranging from $150 to $500, a significant benefit in today’s economy. This proposal will foster true competition among electricity suppliers for the affected customer accounts. The rebate idea is also being considered by the PUC as part of the merger request in spite of First Energy’s adamant opposition to it.

Hafer noted that another key aspect of the coalition’s mission is ensuring that the rates consumers pay are true and accurate, and reflects what the actual costs are to the utility. Many electric utilities are locking in their customers’ energy supply at higher than market rates for extended periods of time, even though the costs of buying that power have decreased over time. Without competitive options, customers could be locked-in to higher rates, rather than being allowed to receive the rebate and potentially lower rates.

“This is an unacceptable situation and our regulators and legislators in Harrisburg should be taking steps to prevent this unfair and inequitable practice,” noted Hafer. “Pennsylvania residents continue to struggle in this economic downturn, and certainly every extra dollar that they can get or avoid having to pay will be well-used and appreciated.”

The Energy Consumers First coalition is urging consumers from across the state to sign its online petition urging the adoption of the Energy Consumers Bill of Rights, as well as contact the PA Office of the Consumer Advocate to express support for it. Letters, emails, and calls to local utilities and legislators are also being solicited. More information on the Energy Consumers First coalition can be obtained from the organization’s website at www.energyconsumersfirst.com, or by calling 1-866-885-3438.

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BioTrends Research Group, Inc. recently published its TreatmentTrends®: Renal Anemia in China report. This report is based on survey results from 150 nephrologists in clinical practice in China and qualitative interviews conducted with ten thought leaders in nephrology.  The report examines the demographics of nephrology practice in China and focuses specifically on the management of renal anemia amongst dialysis and later stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Earlier diagnosis of renal insufficiency is leading to a rapid increase in the number of patients being seen by nephrologists, however there were numerous mentions about the disparity of care across regions.  Although the majority of nephrologists suggested that economics were not an impediment to treatment with erythropoietin (EPO) products, only about one-third of those surveyed felt that renal anemia management was optimal in China.  Further, 86 percent of those surveyed agreed that the treatment of anemia should begin earlier in CKD than it does in current clinical practice.  The current EPO market is dominated by short acting EPO agents manufactured by local companies, but more than 70 percent report that an EPO agent with a longer dose interval would be highly desirable in a new EPO product. In fact, 44 percent of the surveyed nephrologists reported that there is a high need for new EPO products and that this need is greater than the unmet need for other therapies such as agents for acute renal failure, hyperphosphatemia and lupus nephritis.

The use of intravenous iron products is also prevalent amongst hemodialysis patients, although the use of oral iron (alone or in combination with i.v. iron) is higher in China as compared to other markets.  Similar to the US and EU markets, surveyed nephrologists report prescribing a low dose, consistent maintenance course of iron in hemodialysis patients as opposed to high dose, infrequent repletion therapy.  Iron sucrose (brand name: Venofer) was noted as the market share leader in both the dialysis and CKD (non-dialysis) settings and the respondents reported very high satisfaction with this agent compared to other brands.  The perceived need for new i.v. iron products was rated significantly lower than the need for new EPO agents.

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XL Insurance, the global insurance operations of XL Group plc (NYSE: XL), today announced changes in its Chicago-based Environmental Underwriting team with the appointment of Mike LaRocca to Central Region Underwriting Manager. Previously, Mr. LaRocca was XL Insurance’s North-Central Region Business Development Manager. Mr. LaRocca now assumes environmental underwriting management duties in XL Insurance’s 19-state Central Region.

According to Tricia Norquist, Senior Vice President and North American Field Operations Manager of XL Insurance’s Environmental group, “We’re delighted Mike is joining our environmental underwriting team. Mike brings extensive industry experience, a strong legal background and a unique skill in building specialty producer relationships. A very collaborative team player, Mike’s experience with working across all XL Insurance product lines will prove valuable as we work with our XL colleagues to assure our clients are well protected.”

“Pollution incidents make headlines everyday and continue to remind businesses of their need to manage environmental liability,” Ms. Norquist added. “Over the last 25 years, XL Insurance’s pollution coverages have evolved as the needs of our clients change. Mike and his team bring together multi-disciplinary experience, environmental knowledge and enthusiasm that I know our brokers and clients will find valuable and instrumental when addressing their ever-changing environmental liabilities.”

Prior to his most recent Business Development position in Chicago, Mr. LaRocca worked within XL Insurance’s Marine and Offshore Energy unit in New York. Before his tenure at XL Insurance, he held regional management positions with Aon in the Midwest/East, Willis in the Southeast and Beecher Carlson in the West. Mr. LaRocca began his career practicing insurance defense litigation and maritime law.

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Physiotherapy Associates, the nation’s foremost provider of outpatient rehabilitation services, today announced that its more than 600 clinics will offer a free, 15-minute consultation with a licensed clinician to celebrate October as “National Physical Therapy Month,” as designated by the American Physical Therapy Association.

“‘National Physical Therapy Month’ offers anyone living with pain the opportunity to learn more about the tremendous benefits of physical therapy,” said Dan Connors, Chief Executive Officer, Physiotherapy Associates. “During the month of October, anyone who has pain from a chronic condition, from surgery, or from general use can stop in to any of our more than 600 clinics across the U.S. and quickly learn what’s needed to get back to a healthy lifestyle. In just 15 minutes with one of our more than 1,300 licensed clinicians, patients will experience our outstanding one-on-one care, which can lead to a successful treatment program.”

Every year, “National Physical Therapy Month” highlights the health benefits of physical therapy, the partnership between patient and therapist, and a number of conditions that are treatable with physical therapy, including common ailments such as back and neck pain, sports injuries and other conditions from trauma, overuse or age.

Physiotherapy Associates’ COO Pete Grabaskas, PT, stated, “Our physical therapists continue to help millions of our patients return to their pre-injury, pre-surgery, or pre-pain lifestyles. We know that physical therapy is still an unknown to many people, and these consultations provide a quick view into how patients can get better – quicker. As a physical therapist for 25 years, I know that our clinicians are well-suited to give our patients the care they need and provide the outcomes they deserve.”

Anyone interested in a free, 15-minute consultation offered during the month of October should locate their nearest Physiotherapy Associates clinic on the company’s website: www.physiocorp.com. Appointments will be taken during regular clinic hours. During the consultation, patients can expect a high-quality, licensed physical therapist to listen to their concerns, conduct a brief physical screen, and explain how physical therapy can improve their daily lives. Potential patients should call the most conveniently-located clinic to determine if a physician’s prescription for services is required by law prior to their consultation appointment.

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Could you imagine walking through an old, abandoned mental institution – as a haunted house? One man is trying to make that a reality, however he has faced some opposition. Luckily, we’ve got judges to handle these things!

A Chester County historical society filed a request to stop the opening of a haunted house at the old Pennhurst State Hospital in East Vincent Township. The society says the developers of the house have violated zoning rules.

Chester County Judge Robert Shenkin didn’t see it that way. He denied their request, and the opening will go forth as planned.

The infamous asylum was shut down in 1987 amid revelations of abuse.

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