Gene findings: Disease-by-disease
A team of UK researchers have identified several genes and regions of the genome involved in seven common diseases - but what are the implications for people suffering from the conditions?
10 Jun 2007
A team of UK researchers have identified several genes and regions of the genome involved in seven common diseases - but what are the implications for people suffering from the conditions?
A major advance in understanding the genetics behind several of the world's most common diseases has been reported.
United Response, the charity creating opportunities with people with learning disabilities or mental health needs, is launching a campaign today to make the democratic process more accessible to the thousands of people with learning disabilities in England who are missing out on the opportunity to vote. The campaign will be funded by the Electoral Commission, under its programme to encourage greater participation among disabled people.
Urgent safety studies are needed for newer anti-epilepsy drugs that are being increasingly prescribed for children, say UK researchers. The British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology report says prescriptions have risen five-fold in 13 years. Yet the drugs' long-term safety has not been established, say the researchers.
Providing disabled people with the skills to compete in the job market could deliver significant economic growth, according to a new report. The Social Market Foundation (SMF) says that this could amount to a £35bn boost over 30 years. The foundation's chief economist, Stephen Evans, says the gains are potentially massive and the cost of inaction is "mounting by the day".
The NHS treatment watchdog has agreed to review its guidance on the use of three drugs for rheumatoid arthritis. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) will look again at Humira, Enbrel and Remicade. Last year it ruled if a patient did not respond to one of the drugs - from a class known as anti-TNF medicines - they should not get another. But various charities, manufacturers and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) appealed against that decision. The drugs will now undergo a further review of their NHS use.