Nonin Medical partners with Medixine to co-develop remote digital monitoring services for more patient-centric diagnoses of chronic conditions. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: Nonin Medical has partnered with Medixine to integrate remote patient monitoring capabilities into its pulse oximetry devices, aiming to enhance care for chronic conditions. The collaboration addresses the increasing demand for digital health solutions, particularly in the United States, by streamlining data accessibility for clinicians and optimizing diagnosis and treatment processes. By combining Medixine’s software platfor ..read more

Awardees will be formally recognized for their contributions to the field at the ATS 2024 International Conference. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  The American Thoracic Society’s 2024 Respiratory Health Awards recognize outstanding contributions in various aspects of respiratory health, including research, diagnosis, education, and advocacy.  Fifteen professionals from various geographical locations and medical specialties have been selected as recipients of the awards. The awardees will be formally recognized at the ATS 2024 International Conference, set to take place in San Diego. Th ..read more

Future parents were more likely to get an RSV vaccine when pregnant if they were aware that RSV can be a serious illness in infants. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: A nationwide survey revealed that 54% of individuals who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are interested in the RSV vaccine. Those who view RSV as a serious threat are more likely to seek vaccination, especially among parents with another child. The study, published in Pediatrics, supports the vaccine’s role in preventing hospitalizations due to the virus, which almost all US children contract by age 2. Effective education on R ..read more

The American Lung Association’s 2024 “State of the Air” report highlights record spikes in particle pollution. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: The “State of the Air” 2024 report by the American Lung Association finds that people in the United States experienced the most days with “very unhealthy” and “hazardous” air quality due to particle pollution in the past 25 years. The report reveals that 131 million people, or 39% of the US population, live in areas with unhealthy levels of air pollution, according to data from 2020-2022. Nearly 4 in 10 people in the US live in an area that received a failin ..read more

The nasal spray, available at pharmacies without a prescription, is designed to counteract opioid overdoses. RT’s Three Key Takeaways: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Inc has received FDA approval for its over-the-counter naloxone hydrochloride nasal spray, a generic equivalent to Narcan. The nasal spray is intended to help treat drug overdoses from opioids, including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications, by providing emergency intervention. Amneal plans to increase its production capacity to up to 4 million two-packs by the end of 2024 and up to 10 million by the end of 2025. Amneal ..read more

A new study found that youth with no prior tobacco use who used social media daily were 67% more likely to begin smoking after one year. RT’s Three Key Takeaways:  Youth with no prior tobacco use who engaged daily with social media were found to be 67% more likely to start using tobacco products within a year compared to those who used these platforms less frequently. Young people who actively liked or followed tobacco-related content on social media platforms showed an even greater likelihood of initiating tobacco use, highlighting the potent role of direct engagement with tobacco brand ..read more

Christine Lind assumed the role of CEO of Bactiguard AB on April 12, 2024, according to the company’s board. Bactiguard manufactures of airway management products, including the BIP Endotracheal Tube and the BIP Endotracheal Tube Evac, which feature a beveled tip, Murphy Eye, high volume-low pressure cuff, and subglottic secretion drainage. “It feels fantastic having Christine assuming the role as our new CEO already today. Bactiguard has sharpened its strategy and implemented tough but necessary changes in the work towards becoming a specialist and knowledge organization. Christine’s experien ..read more

The popularity of Zyn nicotine pouches has skyrocketed among teens and young adults, driven primarily by social media. The oral nicotine pouches, also known as snus, have shown utility as a smoking cessation aid for adults, but are pouches “packed with problems” for youth. RT’s Three Key Takeaways Zyn and other oral nicotine pouch use increased more than six-fold from 2019 to 2022.2 The nicotine pouches may help adult smokers quit but they may encourage youth to start using nicotine.3 Social media “zynfluencers” are promoting daily use of the products on TikTok, demonstrating how th ..read more

Scientists at UC San Francisco have identified cells in the throat that sense when fluid is aspirated or acid is regurgitated. The work could one day help prevent pneumonia and treat chronic cough. RT’s Three Key Takeaways UC San Francisco scientists have identified a rare type of cell that is crucial for initiating the coughing reflex when water or acid mistakenly enters the airways instead of the gut. These cells detect the presence of these irritants and release chemical messengers that activate nerves leading to the brain, triggering a cough reflex to protect the lungs. Researchers say th ..read more

Baxter International Inc has expanded its US pharmaceuticals portfolio by launching five injectable drugs, including Vancomycin to treat methicillin-resistant staphylococci. Baxter US Pharmaceutical Launches Norepinephrine Bitartrate in 5% Dextrose Injection in a new 16 mg/250 mL strength, which is indicated to raise blood pressure in adult patients with severe, acute hypotension. Baxter offers the first and only FDA-approved ready-to-use Norepinephrine in Dextrose, and now provides Norepinephrine in 4 mg/250 mL, 8 mg/250 mL and 16 mg/250 mL strengths. Vasopressin in 0.9% Sodium Chloride Inje ..read more