The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pulmonary-Allergy Drugs Advisory Committee voted 11 to 1 that clinical data included in a supplemental new drug application (sNDA) provide substantial and convincing evidence to support the claim that SPIRIVA® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide inhalation powder) reduces exacerbations (worsening of symptoms) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

"Breaking a cigarette addiction may be one of the toughest commitments anyone can make. It takes a lot of support. But if you're a smoker, today you'll have the support of millions of other soon-to-be ex-smokers, if you join them in the Great American Smokeout. "Saying no to cigarettes is one of the most important commitments you can make to your health.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced the availability of up to $10 million in grants to help reach American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) children who qualify for, but are not yet enrolled, in Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These new grants are part of a broader effort to find and enroll uninsured children who are eligible for Medicaid or CHIP but not enrolled.

"With recent news that adult smoking rates have remained unchanged since 2004, and research showing that a clear majority of smokers want to quit, we urge smokers to mark today's 34th Great American Smokeout by making a quit plan and finding out about free resources that help them quit successfully. Research shows that advance planning and preparation greatly increase the likelihood of succeeding.

Scientists at Johns Hopkins and their colleagues have developed sugar-coated polymer strands that selectively kill off cells involved in triggering aggressive allergy and asthma attacks. Their advance is a significant step toward crafting pharmaceuticals to fight these often life-endangering conditions in a new way. For more than a decade, a team led by Bruce S. Bochner, M.D.

MICHAEL RALPH WORLEY, 43, of Camano Island, Washington, and DONALD ALAN PEPIN, 55, of Jupiter, Florida, were charged late yesterday by a federal grand jury in Seattle, Washington, with Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud and Engage in Interstate Transportation of Stolen Property and six counts of Wire Fraud. WORLEY is also charged with two counts of Interstate Transportation of Stolen Goods, while PEPIN is charged with two counts of Receipt of Stolen Goods. The conspiracy involved the theft of diabetic supplies, including insulin, from an Everett, Washington, Pharmacy. The insulin and other supplies were then sold to PEPIN for distribution to the public. Both men will be summoned to appear in federal court in Seattle for arraignment.

The U.S. Department of Justice, on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has filed a complaint for permanent injunction against William F. Nickle of North East, Md., for allegedly selling veal calves for human consumption that contained illegal drug residues in edible tissues.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today completed a coordinated, weeklong, international effort, called the International Internet Week of Action (IIWA), intended to curb illegal actions involving medical products.

On Nov. 16, 2009, Judge Marvin J. Garbis of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland entered a Consent Decree of Permanent Injunction (Decree) against Old Carolina Farm and its owner, Francis Roderick, of Ijamsville, Md. The Decree prohibits the defendants from selling animals for slaughter for human consumption until they have implemented record keeping systems that will identify and track animals that have been treated with drugs.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Everyday Health today announced a collaboration that will expand the delivery of the agency’s vital consumer health information to the 30 million unique users who visit Everyday Health each month. This joint effort reflects FDA's emphasis on using innovative, technology-based strategies to carry out its mission of protecting and promoting the public health.