Editorial
Don't overlook opportunities to repurpose existing drugsSubscription
More needs to be done to incentivise research into new indications for existing medicines.
Feature
Repositioning existing drugs for cancer treatmentSubscription
Scientists are using systematic approaches to identify non-oncology drugs that can be used to treat cancer, but access to drugs and commercial challenges are hindering progress.
Comment
Stop funding treatments with insufficient evidence of efficacySubscription
Local NHS health bodies around the UK should follow Liverpool Clinical Commissioning Group’s decision to review spending on homeopathy, a treatment that lacks any reasonable supporting evidence of effectiveness.
Learning article
Warts and verrucas: assessment and treatmentSubscription
Lesions caused by human papilloma virus often do not require treatment, but need to be assessed to rule out more serious conditions.
Careers
Pharmacy franchises and buying groups: advantages and drawbacksSubscription
The first franchise of a multiple in the UK, Lloydspharmacy, recently opened in Gloucester. But what are the advantages of joining a franchise or buying group — and do they differ from one another?
News
Proton pump inhibitors are associated with increased risk of heart attack
Data mining research shows common heartburn drugs are linked to cardiovascular events.
Injection of modified cells reduces inflammation in arthritis sufferersSubscription
A single injection of a patient’s own modified dendritic cells appears to be safe and to have anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory effects in rheumatoid arthritis.
Honesty to be considered in fitness to practise assessmentsSubscription
Recovering heart attack patients fail to adhere to prescribed medicationsSubscription
Rheumatoid arthritis patients should be offered intensive treatment when first diagnosedSubscription
Lack of medicines in Ukraine a ‘major problem’, says UNSubscription
News in Brief
NHS England announces ‘huge investment’ for new hepatitis C treatmentsSubscription
Patients with systemic sclerosis have higher levels of inflammatory gut bacteriaSubscription
RPS in Wales backs e-cigarette ban in public placesSubscription
MERS-CoV health advice issued for Hajj pilgrimsSubscription
How pharmacy contracts are granted set to change in WalesSubscription
Scotland moves to restrict sale of e-cigarettesSubscription
Boots announces 700 job lossesSubscription
Research briefing
Studies linking statins and memory loss may be flawedSubscription
Asthma treatment failure linked to older age but not genderSubscription
Failure to restart ARB therapy after surgery linked to higher mortalitySubscription
Pharmacist prescribers improve blood pressure in hypertensive patientsSubscription
Newborn pulmonary hypertension data provide reassurance to pregnant women taking SSRIsSubscription