COVID-19 has dominated headlines for over a year now and that doesn’t look likely to change in 2021. Health economic and epidemiological modelling has played a key and well-publicised role in informing policymaking decisions across the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These models and pro

Premature birth may increase the risk for serious mental illness in adolescence and young adulthood, a recent study reports.Researchers reviewed birth and hospital admissions records of more than 1.3 million Swedes born from 1973 to 1985. They found that compared with those born at term, young adult

Taking an eighth of a developing embryo during IVF treatment to test for genetic diseases is “completely safe”, according to the largest study of babies born following the technique.Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) can help doctors spot diseases like cystic fibrosis before deciding whether to

The Food and Drug Administration has agreed to give priority status to its review of three new uses for the anticlotting drug Xarelto, Johnson & Johnson announced Monday.The company is asking the agency to approve the drug to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, and to prevent recu

(Reuters) – At an ill-fated press conference in 1984, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Margaret Heckler boldly predicted an effective AIDS vaccine would be available within just two years.But a string of failed attempts – punctuated by a 2007 trial in which a Merck vaccine appeared to make p

“polypill” combining a statin with blood pressure drugs could prevent thousands of heart attacks and strokes every year, according to researchers.A UK study of 84 over-50s, published in the journal PLoS One, showed the pill could cut blood pressure and levels of “bad” cholesterol.They called for the

Following an assessment1 of the core strategies of HITAP carried out by a team of Thai and UK investigators in 2007-2008, at the request of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, HITAP has initiated a second evaluation, in 2011, this time bringing together a team of UK, Thai and Korean assessors. These recommendations were the result of data analysi

(Reuters) – The World Health Organization has endorsed using HIV medicines among people who do not have the infection but are at high risk of getting it and suggested that poor and wealthy countries alike set up pilot projects to better understand the benefits.The United Nations agency made its sugg

PMAC 2016 Side Event (SE 014): Advanced Workshop in Methods for HTAThe methods of HTA have developed rapidly in the last decade. This is particularly the case in assessing the cost-effectiveness of interventions using modelling methods and in undertaking uncertainty analysis to guide decisions. Deci

PrePex, a bloodless circumcision device for adults, will be tested in at least nine African countries in the next year, according to the backers of the tests.The device, above, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in January, and World Health Organization approval is expected soon. No su