MDRNA, Inc. has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted tentative approval of MDRNA’s Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for generic calcitonin-salmon nasal spray for the treatment of osteoporosis. Full FDA approval would follow the completion of Apotex’s 180-day exclusivity period, or June 2009. MDRNA’s generic calcitonin-salmon nasal spray, a legacy product developed by MDRNA in the early 2000s, is the generic equivalent of Miacalcin® marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. U.S. sales of Miacalcin® were approximately $147 million in 2007.

InterCure Ltd. has announced the U.S. release of its next generation hypertension treatment device, RESPeRATE Ultra. The RESPeRATE Ultra was designed with input from thousands of RESPeRATE users. Featuring a large, enhanced display, fewer buttons and simple menus, the unit was crafted to not only provide the same blood pressure reduction results as its predecessor, but also provide an enhanced, pleasurable device-guided breathing experience. The RESPeRATE Ultra also includes a first-of-its-kind interactive tutorial that guides the user to quickly learn to use the device to most effectively lower his or her blood pressure.

Research conducted at University of Exeter, shows for the first time that a group-based psychological treatment, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), could be a viable alternative to prescription drugs for people suffering from long-term depression. In a study, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, MBCT proved as effective as maintenance anti-depressants in preventing a relapse and more effective in enhancing peoples’ quality of life. The study also showed MBCT to be as cost-effective as prescription drugs in helping people with a history of depression stay well in the longer-term.