While ensuring the nation's public health was primarily the responsibility of the government during the past century, the endeavor now relies heavily on partnerships with industry, said Craig Vanderwagen, assistant secretary for preparedness and response for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (BioWorld Today)

WASHINGTON - Market competition is preferable for holding down costs of medications to that of opening up the U.S. borders to importation of drugs from Canada and other foreign nations or imposing price controls, like is done in Europe, said Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.). (BioWorld Today)

The anemia drug epoetin alfa has been linked to 42 deaths in patients participating in a German clinical trial testing the drug's use as a therapy for acute ischemic stroke, Ortho Biotech Products LP reported. (BioWorld Today)