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	<title>Health Plan News</title>
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	<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com</link>
	<description>Timely Health Plan News and Commmentary.</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:38:33 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>New Study Shows Uninsured Crisis Wildly Overestimated</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/new-study-shows-uninsured-crisis-wildly-overestimated/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/new-study-shows-uninsured-crisis-wildly-overestimated/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:34:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=693</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Employment Policies Institute (EPI) has released the results of a new study. that shows that the &#8220;widely employed estimate of 47 million uninsured Americans is a misleading representation of the problem.&#8221;

The study, authored by Drs. June and David O&#8217;Neill of Baruch College and City University of New York, shows that more than 43 percent [...]


Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/more-than-2-million-children-with-insured-parents-are-uninsured/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: More Than 2 Million Children With Insured Parents Are Uninsured'>More Than 2 Million Children With Insured Parents Are Uninsured</a> <small>According to a new study supported by HHS&#8217; Agency for...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/study-shows-doctors-and-nurses-both-take-and-recommend-dietary-supplements/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Study Shows Doctors and Nurses Both Take and Recommend Dietary Supplements'>Study Shows Doctors and Nurses Both Take and Recommend Dietary Supplements</a> <small>A new study out today found that both doctors and...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/university-of-chicago-study-shows-correlation-between-loneliness-and-blood-pressure-which-cause-heart-disease/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: University of Chicago Study Shows Correlation Between Loneliness and Blood Pressure Which Cause Heart Disease'>University of Chicago Study Shows Correlation Between Loneliness and Blood Pressure Which Cause Heart Disease</a> <small>Seniors who stay busy with a lot of social interaction...</small></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <a href="http://epionline.org/">Employment Policies Institute (EPI)</a> has released the results of a new <a href="http://epionline.org/studies/oneill_06-2009.pdf ">study</a>. that shows that the &#8220;widely employed estimate of 47 million uninsured Americans is a misleading representation of the problem.&#8221;</p>
<p><img src="http://www.health-plan-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/epi-uninsured.jpg" alt="epi-uninsured" title="epi-uninsured" width="350" height="208" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-696" /></p>
<p>The study, authored by Drs. June and David O&#8217;Neill of Baruch College and City University of New York, shows that more than 43 percent of uninsured Americans ages 18-64 could likely afford health coverage and are actually &#8220;voluntarily uninsured.&#8221;</p>
<p>Using data from a number of surveys to determine what percentage of uninsured Americans are actually unable to afford it, the study finds that at least 43 percent of Americans in the 18-64 year-old age group have incomes at least 2.5 times the poverty level and are &#8220;voluntarily&#8221; uninsured. </p>
<p>The study finds that 79 percent of people with incomes between 2.5 and 3.75 times the poverty level currently purchase private health insurance. In view of the large percentages covered at this level, the authors consider this uninsured group as having enough disposable income to purchase health insurance.</p>
<p>The uninsured population also varies dramatically from state to state. For example, thirty percent of Texas residents are uninsured, compared to 18 percent of New York and 13 percent of D.C. residents. Three states (Texas, Florida and California) make up a third of the uninsured population.</p>


<p>Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/more-than-2-million-children-with-insured-parents-are-uninsured/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: More Than 2 Million Children With Insured Parents Are Uninsured'>More Than 2 Million Children With Insured Parents Are Uninsured</a> <small>According to a new study supported by HHS&#8217; Agency for...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/study-shows-doctors-and-nurses-both-take-and-recommend-dietary-supplements/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Study Shows Doctors and Nurses Both Take and Recommend Dietary Supplements'>Study Shows Doctors and Nurses Both Take and Recommend Dietary Supplements</a> <small>A new study out today found that both doctors and...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/university-of-chicago-study-shows-correlation-between-loneliness-and-blood-pressure-which-cause-heart-disease/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: University of Chicago Study Shows Correlation Between Loneliness and Blood Pressure Which Cause Heart Disease'>University of Chicago Study Shows Correlation Between Loneliness and Blood Pressure Which Cause Heart Disease</a> <small>Seniors who stay busy with a lot of social interaction...</small></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Anthem Blue Cross Provides Access to Comprehensive Transparency Tool</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/anthem-blue-cross-provides-access-to-comprehensive-transparency-tool/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/anthem-blue-cross-provides-access-to-comprehensive-transparency-tool/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Jun 2009 02:37:39 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=691</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Anthem Blue Cross has announced that its industry-leading transparency initiative will be available to members in the following counties in the state of California: Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Sacramento/Placer and Yolo counties, San Diego, Imperial County, Orange County, San Joaquin/Valley, North Coast/North state, South Bay/South Coast, San Bernardino and Riverside.
These 7.3 million [...]


Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/saint-marys-regional-medical-center-and-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-join-to-enhance-access-and-greater-choice-in-northern-nevada/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Join to Enhance Access and Greater Choice in Northern Nevada'>Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Join to Enhance Access and Greater Choice in Northern Nevada</a> <small>RENO, Nev., March 31 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-launches-rightplan-ppo-40/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40'>Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40</a> <small>Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has launched RightPlan PPO...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-massachusetts/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts'>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts</a> <small>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bcbsma.com) offers personal...</small></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Anthem Blue Cross has announced that its industry-leading transparency initiative will be available to members in the following counties in the state of California: Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Kern, Sacramento/Placer and Yolo counties, San Diego, Imperial County, Orange County, San Joaquin/Valley, North Coast/North state, South Bay/South Coast, San Bernardino and Riverside.</p>
<p>These 7.3 million new members join about 1 million members in new york and the Bay Area in having access, since the program was launched in 2008. Anthem Care Comparison is an online instrument that provides information about costs of  40 specific medical procedures performed at local area hospitals, outpatient surgery centers and freestanding radiology facilities. Members can also find cost and quality information on over 160 inpatient procedures. Currently, about 15.3 million members nationwide can go online to visit the transparency instrument.</p>
<p>In addition, the cost information is facility specific, so members can compare the differences in cost among hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and/or free standing imaging centers, and get information on how frequently facilities perform each procedure. All of these factors combined can assist the member in carefully assessing the care they seek.</p>
<p>Anthem Care Comparison is a primary feature of the company&#8217;s 360 degree Health(R) program, six of the most robust benefits programs in the health benefits industry to comprehensively address preventive care, health improvement and care coordination. It provides health information collected from physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to members through a single point of contact. It integrates all care management programs and tools in to a centralized, consumer-friendly resource that assists members in navigating the health care process, using their health benefits and providing information to help them access comprehensive and appropriate care. 360 degree Health helps members access a wide range of services including online wellness and lifestyle programs, discounts on health-related products and alternative medicine therapies, and 24-hour access to health care professionals who can provide health information.</p>
<p>Members in new york also have access to the Zagat Health Survey instrument, an online survey instrument that will permit consumers to share their physician experiences with others throughout the state.</p>
<p>Anthem&#8217;s parent company is taking the Care Comparison instrument to unaffiliated Blue Plan members nationwide. Last December, it announced designs to collaboratively partner with six Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield designs across the country to provide access to this consumer-friendly health care cost information. Through similar partnerships, the company is heading toward establishing the Care Comparison instrument as a national Blue standard.</p>


<p>Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/saint-marys-regional-medical-center-and-anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-join-to-enhance-access-and-greater-choice-in-northern-nevada/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Join to Enhance Access and Greater Choice in Northern Nevada'>Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical Center and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Join to Enhance Access and Greater Choice in Northern Nevada</a> <small>RENO, Nev., March 31 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Saint Mary&#8217;s Regional Medical...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-launches-rightplan-ppo-40/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40'>Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40</a> <small>Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has launched RightPlan PPO...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-massachusetts/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts'>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts</a> <small>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bcbsma.com) offers personal...</small></li></ol></p>]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>BlueCross Makes Coverage Available for South Carolina Graduates Lacking Health Insurance</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/bluecross-makes-coverage-available-for-south-carolina-graduates-lacking-health-insurance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/bluecross-makes-coverage-available-for-south-carolina-graduates-lacking-health-insurance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:44:46 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=685</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers will hire twenty two percent fewer college graduates in 2009 than they did last year. What does that mean? Recent college grads will not have health insurance. They&#8217;ll either go without health insurance or they will need to purchase their own health insurance coverage.

BlueCross [...]


Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/medical-mutual-of-ohio-acquires-carolina-care-plan/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Medical Mutual of Ohio Acquires Carolina Care Plan'>Medical Mutual of Ohio Acquires Carolina Care Plan</a> <small>Medical Mutual of Ohio has reached an agreement in principle...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/capital-bluecross-comments-on-ibc-takeover/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Capital BlueCross Comments on IBC Takeover'>Capital BlueCross Comments on IBC Takeover</a> <small>Capital BlueCross has issued the following statement in response to...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/blue-cross-american-health-insurance-offer-new-small-group-insurance-plans/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross &#038; American Health Insurance Offer New Small Group Insurance Plans'>Blue Cross &#038; American Health Insurance Offer New Small Group Insurance Plans</a> <small>In the past year, the Blue Cross Small Group BeneFits...</small></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img src="http://www.health-plan-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/bcbs-s-carolina.jpg" alt="blue cross blue shield south carolina" title="blue cross blue shield south carolina" width="312" height="80" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-686" /></p>
<p>According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers will hire twenty two percent fewer college graduates in 2009 than they did last year. What does that mean? Recent college grads will not have health insurance. They&#8217;ll either go without health insurance or they will need to purchase their own health insurance coverage.</p>
<p><img src="http://www.health-plan-news.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/insure-my-grad.jpg" alt="insure-my-grad" title="insure-my-grad" width="350" height="237" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-688" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.southcarolinablues.com/">BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina</a> is going to attempt to help those graduates fill the gap in their health insurance coverage while they continue to try to land employment or wait to start a job.</p>
<p>BlueCross&#8217; Personal Blue(SM) Plans start at $44.66 a month - that&#8217;s $1.48 a day. They can be purchased for as long or short a duration as needed, and can be configured in a variety of ways, such as offering comprehensive coverage, covering hospital admissions only, or offering high-deductible plans that have lower premiums. BlueCross members also benefit by having worldwide coverage and access to discount programs, such as hearing, vision, gym memberships, chiropractic services and more.</p>
<p>Details can be obtained by going to <a href="http://www.insuremygrad.com">www.insuremygrad.com</a> or calling 800-991-3501.</p>
<p>NACE&#8217;s 2009 Employer Survey also showed that more than 46 percent are unsure about their hiring plans for fall 2009, and 17 percent expect to trim further their college hiring. Its 2009 Student Survey showed that just 19.7 percent of 2009 graduates who applied for a job actually have one. In comparison, 51 percent of those graduating in 2007 and 26 percent of those graduating in 2008 who had applied for a job had one in hand by the time of graduation. Information about these surveys can be found at <a href="http://www.naceweb.org">www.naceweb.org</a>.</p>
<p>Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina (www.SouthCarolinaBlues.com) is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina and its family of companies include more than 20 subsidiaries involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, and other insurance and employee benefits services.</p>


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		<title>Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Donates to ASCO Cancer Foundation</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/wyeth-pharmaceuticals-donates-to-asco-cancer-foundation/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/wyeth-pharmaceuticals-donates-to-asco-cancer-foundation/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 30 May 2009 15:01:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=683</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), has donated $100,000 to The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer Foundation to help support its efforts to advance cancer research, provide patients with important health information and conduct physician education programs. The donation was presented today during the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of [...]


Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/positive-promotions-contributes-to-breast-cancer-research-and-american-cancer-society/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Positive Promotions Contributes to Breast Cancer Research and American Cancer Society'>Positive Promotions Contributes to Breast Cancer Research and American Cancer Society</a> <small>As you know, I&#8217;ve always been a fan of contributing...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-foundation-wins-five-national-awards-for-communications-excellence/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Wins Five National Awards for Communications Excellence'>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Wins Five National Awards for Communications Excellence</a> <small>The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation has won...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/access-pharmaceuticals-to-acquire-somanta-pharmaceuticals/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Access Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Somanta Pharmaceuticals'>Access Pharmaceuticals to Acquire Somanta Pharmaceuticals</a> <small>Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BULLETIN BOARD: ACCP) and Somanta Pharmaceuticals, Inc....</small></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (NYSE:WYE), has donated $100,000 to The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Cancer Foundation to help support its efforts to advance cancer research, provide patients with important health information and conduct physician education programs. The donation was presented today during the 45th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in Orlando, Florida.</p>
<p>The American Cancer Society projected that more than 1.4 million people in the United States would be diagnosed with cancer in 2008. While the overall incidence of cancer has declined in the past several years, these statistics vary greatly by type of cancer and stage at diagnosis.</p>
<p>The ASCO Cancer Foundation supports educational programs of the highest quality in cancer care and prevention; facilitates the dissemination of information about cancer and cancer treatment to patients and their families; and, through its grant program, supports, encourages and recognizes excellence in clinical research in the field of oncology.</p>


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		<title>Top Blue Cross and Blue Shield-Branded Managed Care Organizations Lost More Than One Million Members in the First Half of 2008</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/top-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-branded-managed-care-organizations-lost-more-than-one-million-members-in-the-first-half-of-2008/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/top-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-branded-managed-care-organizations-lost-more-than-one-million-members-in-the-first-half-of-2008/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 May 2009 12:32:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Blue Cross Blue Shield]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Blue Cross Foundation Board]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Blue Cross of California]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Blue Shield of California]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=681</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[HealthLeaders-InterStudy&#8217;s Managed Market Surveyor-Rx Evaluates How Medical and Pharmacy Lives are Covered at National, State and MSA Levels
NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 11 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; HealthLeaders-InterStudy, the leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that the 15 largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-branded managed care organizations collectively lost more than one million members between January 2008 [...]


Related Health News:<ol><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/blue-cross-blue-shield-of-michigan-foundation-wins-five-national-awards-for-communications-excellence/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Wins Five National Awards for Communications Excellence'>Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation Wins Five National Awards for Communications Excellence</a> <small>The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation has won...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/anthem-blue-cross-and-blue-shield-launches-rightplan-ppo-40/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40'>Anthem Blue Cross And Blue Shield Launches RightPlan PPO 40</a> <small>Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield has launched RightPlan PPO...</small></li><li><a href='http://www.health-plan-news.com/blue-cross-and-blue-shield-of-massachusetts/' rel='bookmark' title='Permanent Link: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts'>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts</a> <small>Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts (www.bcbsma.com) offers personal...</small></li></ol>]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>HealthLeaders-InterStudy&#8217;s Managed Market Surveyor-Rx Evaluates How Medical and Pharmacy Lives are Covered at National, State and MSA Levels</strong></p>
<p>NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 11 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; HealthLeaders-InterStudy, the leading provider of managed care market intelligence, reports that the 15 largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-branded managed care organizations collectively lost more than one million members between January 2008 and July 2008. According to data available in Managed Market Surveyor-Rx, of the largest 15 managed care organizations that carry the Blue brand, eight organizations reported a decline in total medical enrollment. Blue Shield of California and Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey were among the Blue Shield-branded plans posting a medical enrollment loss over the first half of 2008.</p>
<p>&#8220;Blue Cross and Blue Shield-branded plans typically dominate the markets in which they operate, and have traditionally shown the most solid enrollment growth compared to non-Blue plans. However, we&#8217;re seeing that Blue plans have been losing members to aggressive pricing from national insurers. In addition, national insurers have worked to expand their provider networks, making them more competitive,&#8221; said Jane DuBose, director of Health Plan Analysis for HealthLeaders-InterStudy. &#8220;In light of the recession, we anticipate enrollment shifts will continue.&#8221;</p>
<p>Enrollment data in Managed Market Surveyor-Rx describes plan and funding type including commercial lives (HMO, PPO, consumer-driven), Medicaid/Medicare and fully/self-insured.</p>
<p>Why Pharmaceutical Companies Need Managed Market Surveyor-Rx</p>
<p>Managed Market Surveyor-Rx delivers medical and pharmacy benefit enrollment data by managed care organization and geography (national, state, MSA) to better inform strategic planning and resource allocation. Relying on primary research and HealthLeaders-InterStudy&#8217;s proprietary validation methodology, Managed Market Surveyor-Rx provides the most accurate managed care database available.</p>
<p>About HealthLeaders-InterStudy</p>
<p>HealthLeaders-InterStudy, a Decision Resources, Inc. company, is the authoritative source for managed care data, analysis and news. For more information, please visit www.HL-ISY.com.</p>
<p>About Decision Resources, Inc.<br />
Decision Resources, Inc. is a cohesive portfolio of companies that offers best-in-class, high-value information and insights on important sectors of the healthcare industry. Clients rely on this analysis and data to make informed decisions. Please visit Decision Resources, Inc. at www.DecisionResourcesInc.com.</p>
<p>All company, brand or product names contained in this document may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.</p>
<p>Source: HealthLeaders-InterStudy </p>


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		<title>Decho Doubles Number of Mozy Healthcare Customers</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/decho-doubles-number-of-mozy-healthcare-customers/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/decho-doubles-number-of-mozy-healthcare-customers/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 13:45:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=679</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cost Savings, Compliance and Protection of Patient Information Drives Healthcare Organizations to Adopt Mozy

SEATTLE, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Decho Corporation, an EMC Company (NYSE:EMC) , today announced the number of healthcare organizations using its industry-leading MozyPro(R) online backup solution to protect patient information has more than doubled in the past year. Mozy(TM) is the most [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Cost Savings, Compliance and Protection of Patient Information Drives Healthcare Organizations to Adopt Mozy<br />
</strong><br />
SEATTLE, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Decho Corporation, an EMC Company (NYSE:EMC) , today announced the number of healthcare organizations using its industry-leading MozyPro(R) online backup solution to protect patient information has more than doubled in the past year. Mozy(TM) is the most trusted online backup solution for consumers and businesses.</p>
<p>Digitization of health records has become a top priority for healthcare organizations, driven by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act that made electronic health care records (EHRs) a federal government priority. As a result, online capabilities can be leveraged to back up Protected Health Information (PHI) at ambulatory care and physician care practices to leverage upcoming reimbursement funding coming as part of stimulus initiatives. Thousands of healthcare organizations &#8212; including nationwide ambulatory surgery centers, medical, and dental offices &#8212; use MozyPro to securely back up digitized files over the internet to an offsite location, helping to drastically reduce the cost of backing up patient data.</p>
<p>Physicians Endoscopy, a nationally recognized healthcare development and management company that operates 17 freestanding ambulatory surgery centers across the U.S., realized a 90 percent savings in backup costs and greater confidence that their records and important documents are secure and available in the event of a disaster. &#8220;My team manages IT operations for remote facilities that house important patient and business documents,&#8221; said Gene Goroschko, vice president of information systems at Physicians Endoscopy. &#8220;The reasonable price and ease of use of MozyPro has not only helped us cut our backup times in half, we&#8217;ve actually been able to extend our emergency recovery plan to include other aspects of our business that will help keep us going in the event of a hardware failure.&#8221;</p>
<p>Dr. Wayne T. Faber of Tenafly Dental Associates in Tenafly, New Jersey realized a 97 percent backup cost savings for his paper-free office after switching to MozyPro. &#8220;This is a major initiative that will make patient records safer and enable them to be transferred more easily,&#8221; Dr. Faber said. &#8220;MozyPro makes it easier for us to ensure that our medical records are accurate, accessible and indestructible.&#8221;</p>
<p>MozyPro is a simple, automatic and secure solution for healthcare organizations to back up patient X-rays, account information and other health records, ensuring the protection of vital information in the event of theft, disaster or hardware failure. MozyPro is an especially cost-effective solution for healthcare providers within the small to medium size business market looking to ensure compliance and protection of patient data. In addition, online backup helps organizations enable compliance with HIPAA requirements for encrypted copies of files kept in a secure off-site location. Mozy&#8217;s military-grade encryption and world-class data centers help Mozy customers have confidence that their PHI is safe and secure.</p>
<p>&#8220;Healthcare organizations are accumulating unprecedented amounts of digital information that require a new approach to the management and protection of information,&#8221; said Dave Robinson, vice president of Mozy marketing at Decho Corp. &#8220;Now more than ever, healthcare organizations are searching for secure yet affordable ways to back up patient information. Our rapid growth in this sector reflects our unique ability to reduce backup costs while securely protecting vital patient information against catastrophic data loss.&#8221;</p>
<p>Further information about how Mozy protects the valuable digital files of healthcare providers while reducing backup costs can be found at www.mozy.com/healthcare. Mozy, the most trusted online backup solution for consumers and businesses, serves more than 30,000 business customers and more than 1 million users. Mozy customers back up more than 15 petabytes of data to Decho&#8217;s professionally managed world-class data centers.</p>
<p>About Decho<br />
Decho is dedicated to helping people protect, manage and enrich their &#8220;digital echo&#8221; &#8212; the valuable and ever-growing body of personal, digital information that reverberates through their lives. Mozy, the company&#8217;s flagship offering, is the leading online backup service for both consumers and businesses, and Decho is actively developing other services. Decho is headquartered in Seattle and is an EMC company. For more information, please go to www.decho.com.</p>
<p>MozyPro is a registered trademark, and Mozy is a trademark of Decho Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.</p>
<p>Source: EMC Corporation </p>


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		<title>Corgenix, Tulane Announce Award of NIH Grant Extending Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Product Development Program</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/corgenix-tulane-announce-award-of-nih-grant-extending-hemorrhagic-fever-virus-product-development-program/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/corgenix-tulane-announce-award-of-nih-grant-extending-hemorrhagic-fever-virus-product-development-program/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 13:44:26 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=677</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recent Lassa fever outbreaks in Africa show vital need for new products that can be processed in any clinical or field lab
DENVER and NEW ORLEANS, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Corgenix Medical Corporation (OTC:CONX) (BULLETIN BOARD: CONX) , a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, has announced an extension of the collaborative effort for [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Recent Lassa fever outbreaks in Africa show vital need for new products that can be processed in any clinical or field lab</strong></p>
<p>DENVER and NEW ORLEANS, May 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Corgenix Medical Corporation (OTC:CONX) (BULLETIN BOARD: CONX) , a worldwide developer and marketer of diagnostic test kits, has announced an extension of the collaborative effort for developing test kits for the detection of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF).</p>
<p>The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded a five-year grant to Tulane University for further development of the VHF kits. Collaborating with Corgenix and Tulane in this grant are Autoimmune Technologies, LLC, Vybion, Inc. and various partners in West Africa.</p>
<p>&#8220;We are extremely pleased to be part of this collaboration and to have received the NIH grant,&#8221; said Douglass Simpson, Corgenix President and CEO. &#8220;We have made major strides in the development and clinical study phases and this will enable us to further develop the assays, complete the clinical studies and achieve full commercialization.&#8221;</p>
<p>This is the second grant awarded to Tulane for Lassa virus products. Under the original grant awarded in 2005, the group developed and patented new recombinant proteins for Lassa virus and developed several viral detection products which were deployed in Africa for clinical testing. Under the new grant, Corgenix and the other partners will move the prototype Lassa products into full commercialization. Current tests typically require the culture of live Lassa virus in a high-containment laboratory to produce reagents. These tests are expensive, laborious to produce, and not commercially available, leaving no adequate options for laboratory diagnosis of VHFs in sub-Saharan Africa where most VHFs are endemic.</p>
<p>Joseph Fair, Ph.D., MPH, Director, Global Field Operations, Global Viral Forecasting Initiative, San Francisco, a consultant to the Lassa group, noted, &#8220;these recombinant-based serological assays designed for field deployment offer the public health and scientific communities a powerful tool to accurately assess the true disease burden and risks posed by Lassa and other especially dangerous pathogens, while collaterally improving upon their treatment and ultimately prevention.&#8221;</p>
<p>Lassa fever, a serious viral disease spread by contact with infected rodents, is estimated to infect 300,000 to 500,000 people per year across West Africa, with approximately 5,000 deaths. In some areas of Sierra Leone and Liberia, up to 16 percent of people admitted to hospitals have Lassa fever. Lassa fever is also associated with occasional epidemics, during which the case-fatality rate can reach 50 percent.</p>
<p>New outbreaks of the Lassa fever have been reported recently, including in Nigeria. Daniel Bausch, M.D., MPH&#038;TM, Director of Tulane&#8217;s Research and Training Program in West Africa, observed, &#8220;We are now seeing much broader presence of this disease in Africa. Within the past year alone we have seen a significant increase in the number of cases in Nigeria, with increased fatalities. It is critical that the assays we have already developed and are using in Africa, as well as others still in our development pipeline, become fully deployed to aid in this vital effort.&#8221;</p>
<p>Under the NIH grant, Tulane will conduct a five-year study designed to complete the tests for VHFs, some of which are potential bioterrorism agents due to their high fatality rate and ease of transmission from person-to-person.</p>
<p>Robert Garry, Ph.D., Professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the Tulane University School of Medicine and Principle Investigator of the program, added, &#8220;We have been very pleased with the results of our development effort. The products have shown to be remarkably effective in clinical settings in Africa and will have a meaningful impact on the health care in that part of the world, but will also fill a critical gap in bioterrorism defense. Now, under the new NIH award, we will complete the development and move to commercialization of the Lassa fever detection products and expand our efforts across Africa.&#8221;</p>
<p>Dr. Garry stated that the group intends to expand this program to address other important infectious agents&#8211;such as Ebola, Marburg and other hemorrhagic fever viruses&#8211;that are of concern to the public health and bioterrorism preparedness communities.</p>
<p>About Corgenix Medical Corporation<br />
Corgenix (Denver, Colo.) is a leader in the development and manufacturing of specialized diagnostic kits for immunology disorders, vascular diseases, bone and joint disorders. Corgenix diagnostic products are commercialized for use in clinical laboratories throughout the world. The company currently sells over 50 diagnostic products through a global distribution network. More information is available at www.corgenix.com.</p>
<p>About Tulane University<br />
Tulane University (New Orleans, La.) was founded in 1834. Tulane is one of the most highly regarded and selective research universities in the United States, and is a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities. Tulane&#8217;s schools and colleges offer undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees in the liberal arts, science and engineering, architecture, business, law, social work, medicine and public health and tropical medicine.</p>
<p>About Autoimmune Technologies, LLC<br />
Autoimmune Technologies (New Orleans, La.) is a privately held biomedical company. It has licensed several breakthrough research discoveries from Tulane University School of Medicine and has made exciting discoveries of its own. Autoimmune is working to offer new diagnostic tests and new anti-viral therapeutics to the medical community based on this proprietary research.</p>
<p>About Vybion, Inc.<br />
Vybion (Ithaca, N.Y.) is an emerging biotechnology company with a proprietary biopharmaceutical drug pipeline and platform technology for human monoclonal antibody selection and affinity maturation. The company&#8217;s contract division has developed over 150 recombinant proteins in multiple expression systems including 12 biologic drugs in various phases of clinical development.</p>
<p>Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical facts are &#8220;forward looking&#8221; statements (identified by the words &#8220;believe&#8221;, &#8220;estimate&#8221;, &#8220;project&#8221;, &#8220;expect&#8221; or similar expressions) within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, continued acceptance of the Company&#8217;s products and services in the marketplace, competitive factors, changes in the regulatory environment, and other risks detailed in the Company&#8217;s periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The statements in this press release are made as of today, based upon information currently known to management, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.</p>
<p>The information contained in this press release does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government and no official endorsement should be inferred.</p>
<p>Source: Corgenix Medical Corporation </p>


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		<title>United Concordia Provides $100,000 in Free Dental Services</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/united-concordia-provides-100000-in-free-dental-services/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/united-concordia-provides-100000-in-free-dental-services/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 13:43:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=675</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Elevated Community Outreach Efforts Evident in First Quarter Results

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; National dental insurer, United Concordia, today announced that its 2009 community outreach program has provided more than $100,000 in free dental care to the underserved in the first quarter of 2009.
&#8220;The tough economic climate has made it even more difficult for [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong>Elevated Community Outreach Efforts Evident in First Quarter Results<br />
</strong><br />
HARRISBURG, Pa., May 7 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; National dental insurer, United Concordia, today announced that its 2009 community outreach program has provided more than $100,000 in free dental care to the underserved in the first quarter of 2009.</p>
<p>&#8220;The tough economic climate has made it even more difficult for the uninsured community to seek the proper dental treatment,&#8221; said Harlon Robinson, United Concordia&#8217;s vice president of human resources and administration. &#8220;We decided we needed to respond to the need, and set a goal to double the number of clinics we sponsored in 2008, to 60 in 2009.&#8221;</p>
<p>United Concordia has already sponsored 14 clinics this year in cities such as Philadelphia; Phoenix; Arlington, Texas; San Dimas, Calif.; Charleston, W.Va.; and Harrisburg, Pa.; providing a range of dental health services from dental health screenings to full restorative clinics, in which dentists administered treatment such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, x-rays and fillings.</p>
<p>Careful planning is necessary to tailor each clinic to meet the needs of the community in the surrounding area, including key decisions such as whether the clinic is held at a school, non-profit organization or other venue, and ensuring enough volunteer dentists and dental students are on hand to see all of the clinic participants.</p>
<p>Al Mason, chief executive officer of the McKinley Children&#8217;s Center in San Dimas, Calif., said of a February clinic held at the Center, &#8220;Many of the children in McKinley&#8217;s programs have never before visited a dentist. They are understandably apprehensive, but having dentists visit them in a familiar location helps relieve some of the stress associated with visiting the dentist. The screenings should help detect obvious dental problems and perhaps direct students to treatment before things get worse.&#8221;</p>
<p>Supporting the community has always been a top priority for United Concordia. In addition to sponsoring 30 free dental clinics last year, United Concordia and its employees also supported military service members through contributions and providing school supplies for soldiers to give to Iraqi children, United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Toys for Tots, Second Mile, Breast Cancer Walk, and numerous other non-profit organizations.</p>
<p>&#8220;By the action taken in participating with various groups around the country, United Concordia is at the top of a short list of truly community-minded corporations that looks at the big picture of service to others and to the greater good,&#8221; said Rex Law, DDS, a volunteer dentist at an Arlington, Texas clinic in February and Chair of the Texas Oral Health Coalition.</p>
<p>About United Concordia Dental<br />
United Concordia Dental, headquartered in Harrisburg, Pa., is one of the nation&#8217;s largest dental insurers, with approximately 7.9 million members worldwide and 2008 revenues of $1.4 billion. United Concordia Dental has a company-wide dedication and commitment to superior customer service which is evident in the design, implementation, administration and servicing of its dental benefits programs. For more information about United Concordia Dental products, visit www.unitedconcordia.com.</p>
<p>Source: United Concordia </p>


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		<title>Health ingredients Europe Shortlisted for AEO&#8217;s Best Trade Show Over 2000m2 Award</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/health-ingredients-europe-shortlisted-for-aeos-best-trade-show-over-2000m2-award/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/health-ingredients-europe-shortlisted-for-aeos-best-trade-show-over-2000m2-award/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 07 May 2009 13:42:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=673</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[MAARSSEN, Netherlands, May 7 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Health ingredients Europe (HiE), the leading nutraceutical and functional food &#038; beverage trade show, has been shortlisted for the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Best Trade Show Over 2000m2 Award, announced UBM International Media (UBM-IM).
Held in Paris on 4-6 November 2008, HiE brought together 7328 attendees with 450 exhibitors. [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>MAARSSEN, Netherlands, May 7 /PRNewswire/ &#8212; Health ingredients Europe (HiE), the leading nutraceutical and functional food &#038; beverage trade show, has been shortlisted for the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) Best Trade Show Over 2000m2 Award, announced UBM International Media (UBM-IM).</p>
<p>Held in Paris on 4-6 November 2008, HiE brought together 7328 attendees with 450 exhibitors. 20.2% larger than its previous edition in 2006, the HiE experienced unprecedented success in the exhibitions industry amid one of the worst global slowdowns ever felt by both the trade show and health ingredients markets.</p>
<p>&#8220;Health ingredients Europe continues to deliver no matter what happens outside of the show floor,&#8221; comments UBM-IM CEO Simon Foster. &#8220;The credit rests on the shoulders of the team. From the directors through to the sales, marketing and operations teams, the show was truly a team effort and it is gratifying to be recognised by the industry for their hard work.&#8221;</p>
<p>Since its inception in 2000, HiE has grown from a small start-up exhibition to a major global meeting point for industry power brokers. &#8220;It was not an easy year,&#8221; comments Group Director Nik Rudge. &#8220;Notwithstanding the economic climate, the third day of the show fell victim to a Parisian train strike. Despite this, our visitor numbers were up and feedback from exhibitors was by and large positive and the record breaking rebooking was the final proof.&#8221;</p>
<p>Health ingredients Europe returns in 2010 on 16-18 November in Madrid, Spain. Hundreds of nutraceutical, functional ingredient and healthy extract suppliers have secured their stand space already, an indication of HiE&#8217;s strong market position. &#8220;Being shortlisted amongst some strong exhibitions is an honour in itself,&#8221; continues Foster. &#8220;We&#8217;ll be in London for the ceremony on June 19th and may the best show win.&#8221;</p>
<p>For more information visit http://hieurope.ingredientsnetwork.com/, or email hi@ubm.com.</p>
<p>About UBM International Media<br />
Headquartered in the Netherlands and eHeadquatered in Maarssen, the NeterhlandsHoperating throughout Europe, Asia the US and Brazil, UBM International Media has the number one exhibition brands in a number of global markets. These include food and pharmaceutical ingredients, fine chemicals, cruise shipping, and health &#038; beauty packaging. These events are recognised as the pre-eminent event in their respective market and bring together suppliers and marketers to view the latest products and services available in the market.</p>
<p>These international communities are serviced by UBM&#8217;s exhibitions and websites and now UBM International Media provides thought leadership to these markets through a growing conference programme.</p>
<p>For more information, visit www.ubm.com.</p>
<p>Source: UBM International </p>


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		<title>Aethlon Medical Discloses New HIV AIDS Treatment Data</title>
		<link>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/aethlon-medical-discloses-new-hiv-aids-treatment-data/</link>
		<comments>http://www.health-plan-news.com/health-plans/aethlon-medical-discloses-new-hiv-aids-treatment-data/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 05 May 2009 13:21:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>health</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Healthcare Plan News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.health-plan-news.com/?p=671</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SAN DIEGO, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Aethlon Medical, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AEMD) today disclosed new data resulting from its recent &#8220;first-in-human&#8221; application of the Aethlon Hemopurifier(R) to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the disease that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Aethlon announced that an HIV-infected individual, who received twelve Hemopurifier(R) treatments during the [...]


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			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>SAN DIEGO, May 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ &#8212; Aethlon Medical, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: AEMD) today disclosed new data resulting from its recent &#8220;first-in-human&#8221; application of the Aethlon Hemopurifier(R) to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the disease that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Aethlon announced that an HIV-infected individual, who received twelve Hemopurifier(R) treatments during the span of one month, had an average viral load reduction of 55% during each four-hour Hemopurifier(R) treatment. The study was conducted in the absence of any antiviral drug therapy. Based on this data, mathematical treatment models of approximately 1.5 days of continuous Hemopurifier(R) treatment would reduce patient viral load to undetectable levels. The study, which was conducted at the Sigma New Life Hospital in Punjab, India, was designed to provide insight that will define future clinical programs and commercialization pathways for the Aethlon Hemopurifier(R).<span id="more-671"></span></p>
<p>&#8220;Our initial observations from the HIV study validated that our Hemopurifier(R) could inhibit and reverse HIV disease progression in the absence of antiviral drugs,&#8221; stated Aethlon Chairman and CEO, Jim Joyce. &#8220;We now have additional insight that suggests we could quickly reset viral loads to undetectable levels, which supports our belief that the Hemopurifier(R) could significantly enhance and extend the efficacy of both established and candidate drug regimens,&#8221; concluded Joyce.</p>
<p>The Hemopurifier(R) is a first-in-class medical technology that assists the immune response in combating infectious disease through the selective adsorption of circulating viruses and immunosuppressive proteins. In HIV care, the Hemopurifier(R) targets the clearance of all circulating strains of infectious HIV, including varieties that cause patients to fail antiviral drug regimens. Additionally, the device assists to preserve the immune response through the removal of gp120 and other toxic proteins that shed from HIV to kill-off immune cells, the hallmark of AIDS. Since the beginning of 2009, the Hemopurifier(R) has been demonstrated safe and effective in reducing patient viral load in both Hepatitis-C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. As a result, Aethlon believes the Hemopurifier(R) is the first therapeutic candidate to demonstrate viral reduction benefit against two different viral species in human studies.</p>
<p>Aethlon previously reported that viral load was reduced by 92% in the HIV-infected individual treated in the Hemopurifier(R) based on initial viral load of 102,759 iu/ml being reduced to 7,960 iu/ml at the conclusion of the study. The subject patient had end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and was clinically defined as having AIDS based on a CD4+ T-cell percentage of total lymphocytes of 13.5% at the outset of Hemopurifier(R) therapy. A percentage below 14% is a defining event that indicates HIV infection has progressed to AIDS. By the end of the Hemopurifier(R) study, CD4+ T-cell percentage of total lymphocytes increased to 18.09%. Corresponding CD4 lymphocyte counts decreased from 215 cells/uL to 168 cells/uL. Post study follow-on testing indicated that HIV viral load was 57% lower (43,398 iu/ml) than initial study values when measured 14-days after administration of the last Hemopurifier(R) treatment. The principal investigator of the study reported the patient felt an improved sense of well being, including increased energy and appetite during the study. There were no observed adverse events reported by the principal investigator. All viral load measurements were performed with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), with treatment samples being measured in duplicate.</p>
<p>The outcome of the study fulfilled the challenge underlying a recent grant submission to the Bill &#038; Melinda Gates Foundation to demonstrate that an artificial adjunct to the immune system can reduce viral load and improve immune function in an HIV infected individual. Aethlon has been advised by the Gates Foundation that it not a recipient of a Grand Challenges II grant but has been encouraged to refine its proposal and resubmit for a Gates Foundation Grand Challenges III Global Health grant.</p>
<p>According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 33 million people worldwide are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, and last year 2.2 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses. While there is no cure, HIV antiviral drug regimens have allowed people to live longer with HIV infection. Over time, resistance to these medications can evolve to eliminate the benefit of antiviral drugs, thus leaving infected individuals without further treatment options.</p>
<p>About Aethlon Medical</p>
<p>Aethlon Medical creates diagnostic and therapeutic filtration devices to improve the health of individuals afflicted with infectious disease and cancer. Aethlon&#8217;s lead product, the Hemopurifier(R), is a first-in-class artificial adjunct to the immune system proven to capture infectious viruses and immunosuppressive particles from the human circulatory system. The device targets to inhibit disease progression of Hepatitis-C Virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and serves as a broad-spectrum treatment countermeasure against bioterror and emerging pandemic threats. The Hemopurifier(R) also holds promise in cancer care, as research studies verify the Hemopurifier(R) effectively captures immunosuppressive exosomes that are secreted by tumors to kill-off immune cells. At present, over sixty-five (65) Hemopurifier(R) treatments (representing approximately 260 hours of treatment time) have been conducted in multi-site studies at the Apollo Hospital, Fortis Hospital, and Sigma New-Life Hospital in India. The studies enrolled end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients infected with either HCV or HIV. In addition to establishing treatment safety, robust viral load reductions have been reported in both HCV and HIV infected individuals.</p>
<p>Research studies have also demonstrated the Hemopurifier(R) is effective in capturing a broad-spectrum of viruses untreatable with drug therapy, including several of world&#8217;s deadliest bioterror and pandemic threats. These include: Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), Lassa hemorrhagic fever (LHF), H5N1 avian influenza (Bird Flu), the reconstructed 1918 influenza virus (r1918), West Nile virus (WNV), and Vaccinia and Monkeypox (MPV), which both serve as models for human smallpox infection. The studies were conducted with the assistance of researchers representing: The U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID); The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); The National Institute of Virology (NIV); The Battelle Biomedical Research Center (BBRC); and The Southwest Foundation for Biomedical Research (SFBR).</p>
<p>Beyond therapeutic market opportunities, Aethlon is leveraging principles underlying the Hemopurifier(R) technology platform to establish a pipeline of clinical and research diagnostic products and services. Additional information regarding Aethlon Medical can be accessed online at www.aethlonmedical.com.</p>


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