FDA appoval
Novartis announces that the FDA has approved Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) tablets for patients with idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD) who experience signs and symptoms
of end-of-dose “wearing off.” Stalevo contains levodopa, the most widely used agent for Parkinson’s disease, plus carbidopa and entacapone. While carbidopa reduces the side effects of levodopa, entacapone extends its benefits, permitting Parkinson’s disease patients to have an improved ability to perform everyday tasks and a reduction in symptoms associated with the disease.
Levodopa is recognized as the cornerstone of Parkinson’s disease therapy, but its long-term use is limited by its reduced ability to fully control Parkinson’s disease symptoms. By blocking the enzymatic breakdown of levodopa, Stalevo provides more levodopa to the brain for a longer period of time. Potential patient benefits include more “on” time during which Parkinson’s symptoms are well-controlled and daily activities are improved, and simpler, more convenient dosing.
FDA approves DBS
The Federal Food and Drug Administration approves deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s disease (PD). According to NIH National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke:
DBS is a surgical procedure used to treat disabling motor symptoms of PD, such as tremor, rigidity, stiffness, slowed movement and walking problems. The DBS system consists of the lead, the extension, and the IPG. The lead—a thin, insulated wire also called an electrode—is inserted through a small opening in the skull and implanted in the brain. The tip of the electrode is positioned within a specific brain area. The implantable pulse generator (IPG)—similar to a heart pacemaker—delivers electrical stimulation to specific areas in the brain that control movement. Once the system is in place, electrical impulses are sent from the IPG up along the extension wire and the lead and into the brain. These impulses block abnormal electrical signals and alleviate PD motor symptoms.
Gold Bull Run to begin
In the Winter issue of the Trends Journal, Celente, gives reasons why gold is a safer investment than world currencies.
Unlike investments made in virtual companies like e-Pets and e-Toys or real companies like Lucent or Enron, whose share prices hit the stratosphere, fell sharply or completely evaporated, gold will always be worth something
Forecasts The Great Recession
Celente issues a press release predicting the start of a great recession for the US and World economies.
How can anyone deny the facts proving that the scales of financial balance are so lopsided that they will not only sink the U.S. economy but also drag down the World economies with it?
I’m A Slave 4 U performance
Spears performs I’m A Slave 4 U during the MTV Video Music Awards to promote her album Britney.
$60m Kozmo.com investment
Amazon invests sixty million dollars in Kozmo.com. The investment will allow Amazon to ship products such as books and compact discs in one hour to residents living in select cities, such as New York and San Francisco. Joe Galli, president and chief operating officer of Amazon reports:
Kozmo.com has developed a strong track record for meeting a unique customer need, and this agreement provides us a one-hour delivery option for the types of products that customers may want immediately.
Forcasts Technotribalism
Celente issues a press release stating social media and the internet will be on the rise in coming years, and consumers of it will “think globally” but act locally and become more isolated.
The techno-tribalism trend will echo the sentiment of the new, growing isolation trend. People, concerned about their own welfare, are increasingly embracing a view that they shouldn’t have to solve other regions crises.
Charles & Diana split
British Prime Minister John Major announces the formal separation of Charles and Diana. He issued a directive from Buckingham Palace making it clear that
Their Royal Highnesses are not seeking a divorce, The royal couple are separating amicably.
Record takeover deal
The Club is sold for £20m in the biggest takeover deal in the history of British football. The new owner is Isle of Man-based property tycoon and former footballer, Michael Knighton. Manchester United chairman Martin Edwards is to receive more than £10m for his majority share in the club and will stay on as chief executive. There had been rumours for some time that Mr Edwards was planning to sell his stake but the deal was shrouded in secrecy.
Charles, Diana engagement
Charles and Diana announce their engagement. The couple have been courting for 6 months. Charles says:
I feel positively delighted and frankly amazed that Di is prepared take me on
Quits Liverpool
The manager of Liverpool football club is retires from his post. Shankly, 58, has been in charge at Anfield for nearly 15 years. He made the decision to leave five weeks ago, but club directors have been trying to persuade him to stay.
Air Disaster
Seven Manchester United footballers are among 21 dead after an air crash in Munich. The British European Airways (BEA) plane caught fire shortly after take off this afternoon with 38 passengers and six crew on board.
Windsor Castle burial
King George VI is buried at St George’s Chapel on his Windsor Castle estate.