Chemist & Druggist articles from November 2007

Chemist & Druggist archives from November 2007

Comment from the Editor.(Editorial)
November 3, 2007... The news from Dawn Primarolo that pharmacy is to be more involved in sexual health services is a good thing and about time. It was called for by PSNC at its annual dinner in March (C+D, March 31, p6), and there have been no end of pilots up and...

Verdict on the white paper delay.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... "Pharmacy doesn't operate in a vacuum and it makes sense that the wider health policy framework is taken into account when drawing up legislation. Nevertheless, prolonged uncertainty about the policy and contractual framework within which...

White paper this year?(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Profession must wait until 2008 for paper on pharmacy services, minister hints Colin Brown The white paper on the development of pharmacy services is likely to be delayed until next year, pharmacy minister Dawn Primarolo has hinted....

Cat M cuts could happen again.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The reduction in generics purchase profits was the right thing to do and could happen again if necessary, the pharmacy minister has said. Dawn Primarolo MP defended the widely criticised category M cuts at PSNC's community pharmacy...

Row over Scottish electronic records access.(management of electronic medical records)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... A public row has broken out over pharmacists' access to electronic patient records after Community Pharmacy Scotland's manifesto demanded that right. CPS chairman Martin Green said access was "essential". But an opinion leader in Scottish...

IN BRIEF: Fee decision due.
November 3, 2007... Pharmacists will find out this Thursday if they must fork out 50 per cent extra for retention fees in 2008. The final rates will be available on www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk immediately after they are announced by the Royal Pharmaceutical...

IN BRIEF: PSNC conference.
November 3, 2007... Pharmacists were urged to ensure they had planning procedures in place to cope with emergencies, at the PSNC conference in Birmingham. For more conference news and views from a blogger see www.chemistanddruggist.co.uk/bloggists. Copyright:...

IN BRIEF: Controlled drugs advice.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Advice on requisitions for controlled drugs has been issued by the DH, to inform and support healthcare professionals implementing changes to the requirements for supply of schedule 1, 2 and 3 CDs. The changes will come into place on January 1....

IN BRIEF: Scottish oxygen changes.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The Scottish government is considering changes to home oxygen arrangements, with health ministers expecting to receive an internal report on the current service by the end of the month. A spokesperson said the issues being reviewed included the...

IN BRIEF: Cash for co-operative.(Day Lewis providing finance to Cooperatives for helping pharmacies)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The Day Lewis pharmacy chain is prepared to spend up to #100,000 to start a not-for-profit co-operative to help pharmacies recoup their losses from category M. The company's chief executive Kirit Patel said he envisaged a "virtual co-operative"...

Top GP's olive branch.(need for good relation between general practitioners and pharmacists)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... BMA leader to meet with PSNC to "unite and fight" James Clegg The British Medical Association's top GP representative delivered a conciliatory message at an all-party pharmacy group meeting at Westminster last week. Laurence...

Buckman: ignore the `elephants'.(Laurence Buckmans opinion on plans of department of health )(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Dispensing doctors and independent pharmacy prescribers are the `elephants in the room' that could sour relations between the professions, Laurence Buckman has warned. He called on both sides to try and look beyond these obviously contentious...

Boycott EHC, demands Pope.(emergency hormonal contraception)
November 3, 2007... The Pope has urged Catholic pharmacists to avoid providing emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) and preach the ethical implications of the drugs, in a possible breach of Royal Pharmaceutical Society guidelines. Speaking at the...

Pharmacist on Darzi NHS advisory board.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... But appointment of Lloyds chief criticised as `unrepresentative' of all pharmacy Jennifer Richardson The Department of Health has named a pharmacist member on the advisory board to the Lord Darzi NHS review and intends to appoint a...

Should prescription fees be abolished in England and Northern Ireland?
November 3, 2007... "No, I think that there should be a small charge for everyone because there's so much wastage. I don't think that patients take enough responsibility to make sure that they have the right things." Fiona Burns, Weldricks Pharmacy, Rotherham...

More out-of-hours options needed.(recommendations of report on pharmacists)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Pharmacists must be more closely involved in out-of-hours care to stop hospitals being "swamped" by patients, the author of an NHS report has warned. Professor Bryan Williams, head of the Royal College of Physicians report committee, said:...

PCTs need screening help.(laws and rules of United Kingdom. Department of Health)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The time is right for pharmacists to get involved in chlamydia testing to help PCTs meet screening targets, experts urged at the PSNC conference in Birmingham this week. The DH wants PCTs to screen 15 per cent of their populations aged 16...

Interview: Dawn of a brave new world.(Interview)
November 3, 2007... Building bridges with PCTs and learning to live with category M. Four months into the pharmacy minister job, Dawn Primarolo reveals her manifesto in an exclusive interview with Colin Brown C+D: How do you see community pharmacy developing?...

IN BRIEF: Clarke Inquiry opens.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... An independent inquiry to find out what pharmacists want from a future royal college-style professional body has launched. Chairman Nigel Clarke said: "The point is we receive the maximum feedback from pharmacists. Our job is to find what...

IN BRIEF: Co-op acquisition.(Co-operative Group (CWS) Ltd.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The Co-operative Group is negotiating to buy 51 of PCT Healthcare's 90 pharmacy branches in the north of England and is expected to make a further announcement shortly. PCT Healthcare was unavailable for comment. Copyright: CMP Information...

IN BRIEF: More than minor success.(pharmacists service for treatment of minor ailments)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Nearly 39,000 people in the Forth Valley have signed up to the minor ailments service, part of the Scottish contract that allows pharmacists to provide free treatment for minor illnesses to patients exempt from prescription charges. ...

IN BRIEF: Drugs in sport.(meeting on drugs used by athletes)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Professor David Mottram, professor of pharmacy practice at Liverpool John Moores University, will speak on drugs in sport at the RPSGB Weald of Kent branch meeting at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Pembury, on November 8. Copyright: CMP...

Off the register.(disciplinary action taken against pharmacists Andrew Graham Shepherd)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Pharmacist was `serious potential risk to patients' A pharmacist who repeatedly turned up for work smelling of alcohol and sometimes "unshaven, and slurring his speech" has been struck off by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society. A...

Gidley: get closer to PCTs and public.(primary care trusts)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Community pharmacists need to do more to sell themselves and their pharmacies to local health commissioners and the public, a Liberal Democrat health spokesperson has warned. The imminent government white paper on pharmacy services could...

Xrayser: Scary talk that keeps me awake at nights.(Viewpoint essay)
November 3, 2007... Why am I not jumping with joy at my potential promotion to a `responsible pharmacist'? This could release me from the dispensary bench, allowing me to carry out all sorts of additional roles that will enhance my job satisfaction and boost my...

Xrayser: The green, green grass of home.(Viewpoint essay)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The grass is always greener on the other side. The other side of the Atlantic, that is. Film director Michael Moore thinks the NHS is brilliant and, compared to the US healthcare system, it certainly has a lot of plus points (C+D, October...

Your views: Kent Woods - Beware the growing trade in fake medicines.(cases of growth in drugs counterfeiting)
November 3, 2007... Following the biggest ever investigation undertaken by the MHRA, four of the defendants in a global `fake drugs' conspiracy trial were sentenced to a total of 14 and a half years at Kingston Crown Court, in September. A fifth defendant (a...

Clinical News: HPV vaccination for all girls.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... A vaccine against the human papillomavirus is to be added to the UK immunisation programme. The Department of Health announced last week that girls aged 12 and 13 will receive the HPV vaccine, starting next autumn. A year later, girls aged...

Clinical News: Third choice for RA patients.(care and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Adalimumab (Humira) has been added to the list of drugs Nice recommends for treating rheumatoid arthritis. Alongside the other anti-TNF agents etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab may now be considered for RA patients...

Clinical News: Androgen deprivation linked to heart disease.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Men given androgen deprivation therapy as treatment for prostate cancer may be up to 2.6 times more likely to suffer cardiovascular morbidity than patients not given ADT, according to a new study. Publishing in the Journal of the National...

Clinical News: Neuron mismatch may cause fibromyalgia pain.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The unexplained pain experienced by patients with fibromyalgia may be due to a mismatch between the sensory and motor nerve systems, say University of Bath researchers. Writing in the journal Rheumatology, they described a study in which...

Clinical Matters: Oral prednisolone-IV hydrocortisone equivalence.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Prednisolone 5mg orally is equivalent to 20mg of intravenous hydrocortisone, but perioperative doses may be higher than the prednisolone equivalent, according to a question and answer document published by the Welsh Medicines Information...

Pharmacy Update - Lung cancer: making an impact.
November 3, 2007... November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. This article shows how early diagnosis can improve prognosis Key points * Survival rates from lung cancer are poor, mainly because the disease is often not diagnosed until a late stage. *...

Aspirin study shows gender variations.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Variations in results from trials of aspirin may be caused by the relative numbers of male and female subjects, and by aspirin's greater effectiveness in preventing MI in men compared with women, suggests a systematic review of trials published...

Clinical Matters: Green Book updated.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The DH has amended the information on hepatitis B in its publication Immunisation Against Infectious Disease, also known as The Green Book. http://tinyurl.com/34t36f Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical Matters: DH quest to cut superbugs.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... A new regulator is being set up to tackle superbugs such as MRSA. The Care Quality Commission will be able to carry out infection control inspections, close down hospital wards if necessary, and issue early warning notices when problems arise....

Clinical Matters: DH alcohol leaflets.(report about influence of alcohol on human health)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Two leaflets warning about the perils of excess alcohol consumption have been published by the Department of Health. As well as outlining the detrimental effects of alcohol, the booklets list advice and contacts for those wanting to cut down or...

Clinical Matters: Arnica tincture.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... October 6's A Practical Approach stated that it was no longer possible to obtain arnica tincture. Bioforce has asked C+D to clarify its herbal medicine Atrogel Arnica Gel is a tincture-based product. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Clinical Matters: Dysphagia DVD.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Rosemont Pharmaceuticals has launched a training DVD about medicines management and dysphagia. For more information, see www.rosemontpharma.com or tel: 0113 244 1999. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Exubera's failure not a surprise.(usage of exubera for care and treatment of diabetes)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Says Jenny Hirst, co-chairman of the Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust People with diabetes who are dependent on insulin hope that one day there will be a non-invasive way of administering insulin, but Exubera never seemed to be the answer....

Clinical Matters: Amonafide granted orphan status.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The experimental acute myeloid leukaemia treatment amonafide (Xanafide, Xanthus Pharmaceuticals) has been granted orphan drug status by the European Commission. The drug is currently in phase III trials. www.xanthus.com Copyright: CMP...

Clinical News: Diabetes services failing patients.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Many patients with diabetes are not achieving the target glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, the National Diabetes Audit has warned. Analysis of over 650,000 records from patients with diabetes in primary and secondary care in 2005-06...

Clinical News: EMEA warns on epoetins.(European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The benefits of epoetins used in anaemia in both chronic renal failure and in patients on chemotherapy outweigh their risks, has concluded a European Medicines Agency safety review. However, the Agency has recommended changes to the...

Clinical News: Healthy living support from Nice.(National Institute for Clinical Excellence)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Nice has published guidance to help people adopt healthier behaviour. The public health guidance is based on strategies and approaches that have been proved effective at bringing about health benefits for the population as a whole. Nice...

Pharmacy Champion: A Scottish MoT.
November 3, 2007... Kelly Mooney, of Lloydspharmacy in Kilwinning, Ayrshire, is involved in a health MOT project for deprived areas We're part of a three-year project called `Healthy North Ayrshire', which involves 18 pharmacies providing health MOTs to...

Product News: Three-pronged assault on dry eyes.(medicine for care and treatment of dry eyes)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Clinitas is a new eyecare range from Altacor. Said to address conditions experienced by dry eye sufferers such as grittiness, itching and burning, the range comprises three variants. Clinitas Hydrate is a liquid gel drop that boosts the...

Product News: Size matters to Tubigrip.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The sizing guide on packs of Tubigrip products has been updated. Since the product launched more than 50 years ago, the size of the population has changed considerably and this has prompted the sizing review, says manufacturer Molnlycke. ...

Product News: Tea tree offers green clean solution.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Australian Tea Tree is a new range of antiseptic skin, hair and oralcare products from Optima Health. All are free from parabens, sodium lauryl sulphate and perfume. Included in the range are a soothing lip balm with SPF18 protection;...

Product News: Low power, low profile locks.(low-powered cabinet to be introduced by Servocell)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... A range of self-contained cabinet latch systems will be launched this month by Servocell. The electronic locking mechanism is unobtrusive, measuring less than 12mm in thickness and can be fitted to cabinet floors or drawers. They are suitable...

Product News: Bodyform, now in a tin.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Women's hygiene brand Bodyform is midway through a short #1.5 million TV campaign supporting its on-pack protective tin promotion. The ads, running for three weeks, are said to take a humorous stance, depicting a young woman with a pet dog in...

Product News: Kleenex movie moment.(product enhancement of tissue papers of Kimberly-Clark Corp.)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Kimberly-Clark has updated its Kleenex range of children's tissues with a collection featuring characters from the Disney/Pixar film Ratatouille, in cinemas now. The brand teamed up with Cineworld to include pocket packs of the tissues in...

Product News: Head lice beware.(Kent Pharmaceuticals new product for treatment of head lice)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... Lythrin is a new treatment for head lice available from Kent Pharmaceuticals. The permethrin-based creme rinse works in 10 minutes and can be used to fill generic prescriptions or sold OTC, says Kent. A comb is included in the pack. Single...

Product News: Tixylix releases vapour trail.(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... The Tixylix brand is stepping into new territory with the launch of a vapour fan. The battery operated device releases menthol and eucalyptus vapours to ease congestion and aid clearer breathing. Each vapour pad lasts for eight hours while the...

Product News: Try me, says Voltarol.(Voltarol Pain-eze Emulgel)(Brief article)
November 3, 2007... A trial size pack of Voltarol Pain-eze Emulgel launches this month. Designed to attract new users, the 10g pack is presented on a clip- strip of 12, intended for display in the OTC self-selection area and at the till. The packs will be...

Elderly Customers: How to be elderly friendly.(customer relations of pharmacies)
November 3, 2007... Older customers are a crucial sector for your business. Adrienne de Mont discovers how to keep them onside Older people are important customers to pharmacies and their numbers are increasing. But are you truly aware of their needs, other...

Comment from the Editor.(Editorial)
November 10, 2007... So now we know. From January, pharmacists will pay an eye-watering #395 for the privilege of working in their chosen profession. Whether you work a few hours a week, a few days a month or full time, you will pay the same fee. Perhaps we should...

Practising fee up 40 per cent.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Partial climb-down as RPSGB shelves plans for 50 per cent hike in retention fees for practising pharmacists Jennifer Richardson The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has announced a 40 per cent increase in the practising pharmacist...

Fears of pharmacists quitting.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... A number of RPSGB Council members expressed concerns over the revised 2008 fees, despite the proposals being passed by an overwhelming majority vote. Four members voted against the proposals to increase the practising pharmacist retention...

Consultation reveals `deep dissatisfaction' with RPSGB.(Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain)
November 10, 2007... An independent analysis of 1,145 responses to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's 2008 fees consultation has revealed "deep dissatisfaction" with the organisation as a whole. Independent analyst Anthony Harrison said the number of responses...

Discount fails to ease anger over price hike.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Pharmacists remain fiercely opposed to the Royal Pharmaceutical Society's revised retention fees structure, according to a C+D straw poll. The RPSGB's move to drop the increase in retention fees from 50 to 40 per cent had failed to win...

Grassroots Verdict: Is the revised retention fee value for money?(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The C+D news team took to the streets of London this week and conducted a straw poll of 12 pharmacists, all of whom gave the same answer "It's outrageous. It's unjustifiable. It's a sledgehammer to crack a nut. I think it shows imprudence...

Multiples count the cost.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The 40 per cent hike in the practising pharmacist retention fee could cost the largest pharmacy companies as much as #450,000 extra next year. Most multiple chains pay Royal Pharmaceutical Society registration fees for their employees....

PSNC pension costs double.(reports of pension costs of health care industry)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... One-off #250,000 payment made to ensure scheme is `properly funded' Pension costs at PSNC doubled in 2007 as the contract negotiator made a one-off #250,000 payment to steady the scheme's shortfall. PSNC's annual report revealed this...

Dispensary talk.(pope asking pharmacists not to sell EHC)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The Pope has asked Catholic pharmacists not to dispense EHC. Do you agree? "The ethical guidelines of the Society say it's OK as long as you direct them to the next nearest place. But it should definitely remain a professional rather than...

Draft GPhC legislation heads for parliament.(bill of pharmaceutical industry in the parliament for approval)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Draft legislation on a new pharmacy regulator could reach parliament as early as this month. England's chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge said the timescale for this landmark in the establishment of a General Pharmaceutical Council...

University of Hertfordshire's mock pharmacy.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... England's chief pharmaceutical officer Keith Ridge opened the University of Hertfordshire's mock pharmacy, which is home to a robotic dispensary, on Monday. Professor Soraya Dhillon, head of the School of Pharmacy, said: "Students being exposed...

Pharmacy lessons for primary schools.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... A pharmacist and NPA staff faced a classroom of primary school children this week to mark 2007's Ask About Medicines Week. Steve Brill, a community pharmacist from St Albans, led a lesson on the safe and effective use of medicines, which...

IN BRIEF: Nucare offer extended.(investment of Phoenix in securities of Nucare )(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Phoenix requires just a further 6 per cent of Nucare shares for its bid for the symbol group to be formally accepted. Phoenix's cash offer was recommended by the Nucare board, and had received valid acceptance for almost 84 per cent of shares....

IN BRIEF: OFT Christmas gift.(research of Office of fair trading on pharmaceuticals industry)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The Office of Fair Trading will publish its study into NHS drugs distribution before Christmas, C+D has learnt. The competition watchdog is due to report on the impact of the Pfizer DTP deal and other manufacturer-led supply changes by the end...

IN BRIEF: Diabetes hot spot.(research of diabetes)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... People in Slough have the highest risk of developing diabetes in the country, according to research by Lloydspharmacy. According to the study, one in 40 adults in the town has a `very high' blood sugar reading, in contrast with the national...

IN BRIEF: NPA bid on hold.(NPA purchasing renewal rights of the Pharmacy Mutual Insurance Company )(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The NPA's #6.4 million purchase of the renewal rights of the Pharmacy Mutual Insurance Company has suffered a setback, C+D understands. The NPA failed to secure the support of 95 per cent of attendees it needed at a meeting this week. ...

IN BRIEF: Pseudoephedrine info.(new law for drugs containing pseudoephedrine)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... UniChem has published a guide to highlighting changes to the regulation of medicines containing pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. The guide is published in a Q&A format and is available via the UniChem customer- facing and commercial teams. ...

IN BRIEF: Security awareness.(influence of services of security services on pharmacists)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Pharmacists have been urged to find out about local security management services in their PCT, and learn how to report any assaults at their pharmacies, as part of NHS Security Awareness Month this November. www.cfsms.nhs.uk ...

IN BRIEF: GP salaries rise.(growth in salalaries of general practitioners)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The average salary of family doctors has risen to #110,000, representing a 50 per cent increase since 2004. The figures come from the Information Centre for Health and Social Care. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Electronic clinical data eyed with suspicion.(surveys of pharmacists on the usage of electronic clinical data)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Pharmacists double-checking alerts against printed references Max Gosney Many pharmacists refuse to trust electronic clinical data and check PMR alerts against paper references before challenging a prescription, a survey has revealed....

Striker pose.(Gary Lineker at the launch of Lung Cancer Awareness month )(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Former Spurs and England football star Gary Lineker tried out a spirometer at the launch of Lung Cancer Awareness month last week. Events are taking place throughout November with the campaign message that "early diagnosis saves lives". The...

Scope to embrace PBC, despite slow start.(surveys of general practitioners)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Just one third of GP practices in England have commissioned services through practice-based commissioning, according to an independent survey commissioned by the Department of Health. And while 57 per cent of GPs say they are supportive of...

Interview: Show me the money.(pharmacy minister Dawn Primarolo)
November 10, 2007... In the second part of an exclusive interview with C+D, pharmacy minister Dawn Primarolo tells Colin Brown how Whitehall plans to pay for extra pharmacy services C+D: The government's Comprehensive Spending Review pledged to raise NHS...

Clinical Alerts: MHRA advice.(Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... The latest Drug Safety Update bulletin from the MHRA includes prescribing advice on the benefit-risk balance of fibrates, and on possible interactions between St John's wort and antiepileptic treatments. The Agency has also called for...

Clinical Alerts: MHRA recalls.(Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recalling drugs because of defects)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Ibuprofen 200mg, 400mg and 600mg tablets 84s (Karib Kemi Pharma livery) Batches bearing the prefix LI and suffix K recalled by LPC Medical due to manufacturing failures. Return to supplier for credit. Call 020 8680 5557 for more information....

Clinical Alerts: SPC changes.(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Humira 40mg solution for injection (adalimumab) Pancreatitis added to side effect profile. Avelox 400mg tablets (moxifloxacin) Fulminant hepatitis, pseudomembranous colitis and bullous skin reactions added to side effect profile. ...

Clinical Alerts: New products.(product introduction of pharmaceutical industry)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Tamiflu 30mg and 45mg capsules (oseltamivir) New strengths. Mezavant XL 1,200mg prolonged-release tablets (mesalazine) Once-daily product for mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis. www.emc.medicines.org.uk Copyright: CMP...

Clinical News: Fenofibrate may cut retinopathy in diabetes.(usage of fenofibrate in care and treatment of diabetic retinopathy)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Study showed patients less likely to require treatment Gavin Atkin Fenofibrate reduces the need for laser treatment of retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to a controlled trial published early online by The Lancet....

Clinical News: Sorafenib now for liver cancer.(drug introduced for treatment of liver cancer)(Brief article)
November 10, 2007... Sorafenib (Nexavar) has been launched for the treatment of the common liver cancer hepatocellular carcinoma, which accounts for 80 to 90 per cent of primary liver cancers. The treatment has been licensed for use in treating kidney cancer...