In his practice, Sunil V. Rao, MD, uses the transradial approach for interventional cath procedures for about 85 percent of his patientswhich is everyone who can safely undergo the technique. But Rao is an anomaly in the U.S., and even within his own institution.

In response to feedback from the Recovery Audit Contractors (RACs), providers/suppliers and their associations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has modified the additional documentation request limits for diagnosis-related group (DRG) validation purposes in the RAC program for FY2010.

Novartis is seeking to acquire biopharmaceutical company Corthera, along with its promising drug candidate relaxin, a naturally occurring human peptide used in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure, for up to $620 million.

Via Pharmaceuticals, a developer of biotechnology compounds for the treatment of cardiovascular and metabolic disease, received a written notice on Dec. 29, 2009, from the listing qualifications staff of the Nasdaq Stock Market, stating that trading of its common stock would be suspended prior to the open of business on Jan. 4, 2010. Nasdaq is initiating procedures to delist Vias common stock.

The Medicines Company has gained exclusive global licensing to Pfizers ApoA-I Milano, which is a naturally occurring variant of a protein found in high-density lipoprotein that has the potential to reverse atherosclerotic plaque development and reduce the risk of coronary events in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

A survey conducted by market research company Decision Resources found that 70 percent of physicians believe that additional diabetes drugs with novel mechanisms of action are needed, while 15 percent urged that additional DPP-IV inhibitors need to be developed.

AstraZeneca has partnered with the University of Virginia (UVa) to develop new treatments to fend off coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease.

Merck has secured a deal with contract manufacturing company Avecia to acquire its biologics business. The financial aspects of the transaction have not been disclosed.