President Barack Obama

Barack Obama once again made history when yesterday he recited the presidential oath of office, and became the first African American President of the United States. Now, on January 21st, President Obama will begin to face the serious challenges plaguing our country head on. Read the rest of this entry »

Former Senator Tom Daschle

Former Senator Tom Daschle, President Elect Obama’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, had a chance to sit down with his ex-colleagues on Thursday. Daschle moved one step closer to the new president’s cabinet after completing his first Senate confirmation hearing. Read the rest of this entry »

Although US health care spending grew more slowly in 2007, its rate still outpaced general economic growth.  Total health care costs in 2007 reached $2.2 trillion or $7,421 for every American.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a report from the CMS Office of the Actuary on Tuesday that showed overall health care spending grew at a 6.1 percent rate in 2007, down from 6.7 in 2006 and the slowest rate of growth since 1998.  Overall economic growth was 4.8 percent.

Health care spending’s share of the Gross Domestic Product continued to increase, reaching 16.2 percent, an increase of 0.2 percent over 2006. Read the rest of this entry »

The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Oncology Drug Advisory Committee (ODAC) is meeting today to discuss whether the labels for Erbitux (cetuximab) and Vectibix (panitumumab) should include a mention of KRAS testing. The discussion at the meeting will have implications for future development of companion diagnostics. C3 President Carlea Bauman will be testifying during the public comment section: Read the rest of this entry »

Former Senator Tom Daschle (D-SD)

President Elect Barack Obama formally announced former Senator Tom Daschle as his pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Thursday. Daschle is also expected to serve as the Director of the White House Office of Health Reform. Read the rest of this entry »