Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Offers Heart-Smart Advice For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Your Heart: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts Offers Heart-Smart Advice

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts reports on the latest findings on the causes of rheumatoid arthritis, and how it can affect your heart, leading to increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and thus decreased life expectancy.

New York, NY  - March 18, 2008 -- In a recent issue of The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Bulletin, Johns Hopkins specialists reported on the latest research regarding the link between rheumatoid arthritis and heart health.

With rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation that damages joints also takes a toll on the heart. Johns Hopkins specialists offer bottom line advice on how to adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle to combat the effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its accompanying inflammation.

BEING HEART-SMART WITH RA
People with rheumatoid arthritis understandably focus on caring for their joints. But their most serious health risk involves their heart.

Compared to the general population, rheumatoid arthritis patients have a significantly increased risk of heart attack and stroke, and a shorter life expectancy.

RA AND YOUR HEART: THE RISKS
Here are some of the findings from recent studies about the link between rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease:

* Heart attacks are twice as common among women with rheumatoid arthritis as among those without the disease.
* Atherosclerosis ("hardening of the arteries") starts early and progresses more rapidly in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
* Carotid artery blockages (a risk factor for stroke) are three times more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis than in people without the disease (44% vs. 15%).
* Cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, occur about 10 years earlier in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
* Mortality is higher among rheumatoid arthritis patients after a first heart attack.
* Blood vessel damage is often already apparent at the time of rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.
* Heart attacks in rheumatoid arthritis patients are more likely to be silent or to occur without the typical symptoms, and they more often result in sudden cardiac death.
* Congestive heart failure (weakening of the heart's pumping ability) is more common among people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers have identified several links between rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is believed to be the most important of these.

THE ROLE OF INFLAMMATION IN ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Cardiologists now understand that inflammation plays a crucial role in the onset of atherosclerosis. They believe that an injury to the inner lining of the arteries (the endothelium) triggers an immune response, sending immune system cells rushing to repair the damage.

THE EFFECTS OF CHRONIC INFLAMMATION ON YOUR ARTERIES
But in chronic inflammatory states such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune response doesn't shut off after the injury heals. The accumulating immune system cells attract deposits of cholesterol, blood platelets, cellular debris, and calcium, which clump together to form plaque.

As plaque deposits grow, they restrict blood flow through the artery. If the plaque ruptures, clots can break away and travel to the heart or brain, where they may cause a heart attack or a stroke.

BOTTOM LINE ADVICE: WHAT CAN YOU DO TO STAY HEART-SMART EVEN IF YOU HAVE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
The relationship between rheumatoid arthritis and the heart is complex, and rheumatologists still have a great deal to learn about how to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among people who have rheumatoid arthritis.

For now, it's important to do everything possible to reduce the traditional risk factors for heart disease and stroke:
smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

Getting regular exercise and losing extra pounds (even a 5-10% weight reduction is beneficial) will help your joints as well as your heart. Monitor your blood pressure and have your cholesterol levels checked regularly.

Also, ask your physician about the possibility of taking a low-dose aspirin each day to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

In addition, the cholesterol-lowering medications known as statins--atorvastatin (Lipitor) and others--not only help the heart, but also have modest beneficial effects on rheumatoid arthritis-related inflammation. If your doctor hasn't already suggested a statin drug for your heart health, you might ask about it.

This information is exceprted from The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Bulletin:
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Bulletin

Johns Hopkins Health Alerts publishes free email newsletters on arthritis at:
Johns Hopkins Arthritis Health Alerts

And on heart health at:
Johns Hopkins Heart Health Alerts

For the latest research on Heart Health and Heart Attack Prevention, see the new 2008 Johns Hopkins White Paper: Heart Attack Prevention at: Johns Hopkins White Paper Heart Attack Prevention

To get a copy of the free special report "Johns Hopkins 7 Keys to Reduce Cholesterol," please visit:
Johns Hopkins 7 Keys to Reduce Cholesterol

Press Contact: JOAN MULLALLY
Company Name: Johns Hopkins Health Alerts
Phone: 917-640-4362
Website: http://www.johnshopkinshealthalerts.com

Center to Assist All Victims of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma Victims Center to Assist All Victims of Mesothelioma

Americas Watchdog has created the Mesothelioma Victims Center as a free service to victims or family members of victims, of a rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma. Americas Watchdog has initiated this very complete free service because there was literally nothing close to this type of service in the United States and because this type of service is sorely needed by Mesothelioma victims and their families. The Mesothelioma Victims Center was created to assist victims & their families in every way possible.

April 16, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog has just opened its Mesothelioma Victims Center, as a way to assist and protect victims of a rare form of cancer called Mesothelioma. The service is free to Mesothelioma victims or their families.

Until a family member was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Americas Watchdog had never heard of this disease or knew much about it. Mesothelioma is a rare and lethal form of cancer. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. The group never realized that there was no safety net for victims, to get help from the government. They did not know how difficult it might be to get veterans benefits or social security benefits. Americas Watchdog also discovered that it is critical for victims of this lethal disease to get proper legal representation. They have designed the Mesothelioma Victims Center to be the national advocacy center for the victims and family members of Mesothelioma.Their service is free.

Their services include:
* Assisting the victims obtain Social Security permanent disability payments
* If the victim is a veteran and was exposed to asbestos during military duty, we will work with the victim and his/her family in obtaining veterans disability and health care benefits.
* We will assist the family in getting the best possible health care options
* We will assist the victim in getting legal representation.
* We will assist the victim and their family in getting counseling on a wide variety of topics that arise from this disease. A victim of Mesothelioma or their family can call the group any time at 866-714-6466.

Who Can Get Mesothelioma?

* Individuals who served in the US Navy. Especially Navy personnel who served in or around naval ship engine rooms.
* Members of the US Army, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard.
* Naval shop yard workers
* Ship yard workers
* Automotive repair specialists
* Construction workers
* Plumbers
* Demolition contractors

Because no other group is providing this full range of services and because victims and their families need assistance in these areas, Americas Watchdog is doing this at no charge because its the right thing to do. Americas Watchdog's Mesothelioma Victims Center web site is located at Http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com . Any one wishing more information can call the Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 866-714-6466.

Americas Watchdog and its Mesothelioma Victims Center are all about taking care of precious souls in need and corporate responsibility.

Press Contact: THOMAS MARTIN
Company Name: Americas Watchdog
Phone: 866-714-6466
Website: http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Oral Cancer Now Covered under Specialty Benefits Dental Plans

`Early Warning' for Oral Cancer Now Covered under UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits Dental Plans

Coverage Applies to New Screening Test Used by Dentists

GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn.-- May 13, 2008 --UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits now provides coverage under all of its insured dental plans for a new oral cancer screening test for potential abnormalities inside the mouth, including premalignant lesions and oral cancer.

The test, which uses light-contrast technology, can improve a dentist's ability to identify, evaluate and monitor lesions that are difficult to see using visual inspection under conventional lighting.

"Evidence shows that dentists can serve as a valuable 'early warning' system for patients who have signs of oral cancer," said Dr. Michael Weitzner, vice president of clinical product development for UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental unit.

More than 34,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral or pharyngeal cancer this year. The death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high - not because it is hard to discover or diagnose, but due to the cancer being routinely discovered late in its development. Studies confirm that survival does correlate with stage, making early diagnosis and treatment optimal for this disease and may have a positive impact on an individual's medical costs (Journal of the American Dental Association, Vol. 132, Nov. 2001).

By covering this type of oral cancer screening, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental unit is renewing its longstanding commitment to early detection of oral cancer. In addition to oral cancer screening, UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits dental plans have covered brush biopsies since 2005 when the American Dental Association first introduced a current dental terminology (CDT) code for the procedure. Screening is covered once a year for individuals, starting at age 30. UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits' focus on wellness continues to build programs and plan enhancements that promote individuals' ability to better manage their overall health as well as their future medical and dental costs.

About UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits

UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits offers a broad array of specialty benefits, including vision, dental, group and voluntary insurance, worksite individual insurance and non-insurance programs. UnitedHealthcare Specialty Benefits is a business unit of OptumHealth, the health and wellness unit of UnitedHealth Group, Inc. (NYSE:UNH). More information about OptumHealth can be found at www.optumhealth.com/.

Contacts

OptumHealth
Ann Fleischauer, Director, External Communications
763-797-2652

Practice-Changing Clinical Data Anticipated By Medtronic

Medtronic Anticipates 'Practice-Changing' Clinical Data for Interventional Cardiologists at EuroPCR

ENDEAVOR II Four-Year Results, Updated ENDEAVOR Pooled Safety Analysis, One-Year Results from E-Five Registry and TAPAS Trial - All Feature on Meeting's Scientific Program

MINNEAPOLIS-- May 12, 2008 --Medtronic, Inc. (NYSE:MDT), today announced plans for the release of new clinical data on the Endeavor® Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent System and the Export® Aspiration Catheter at EuroPCR in Barcelona this week, May 13-16.

"New data from the ENDEAVOR clinical program and the TAPAS trial have the potential to be practice-changing for interventional cardiology," said Prof. Anthony Gershlick of University Hospitals of Leicester in the UK. "As the evidence from this clinical research continues to build, it shows more and more definitively the advantages of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent for a broad range of patients with coronary artery disease and of thrombus aspiration with the Export Aspiration Catheter for a specific group of patients suffering myocardial infarction."

A summary of the data presentations related to Medtronic's product portfolio for interventional cardiology at EuroPCR follows:

    * On Tuesday, May 13, the late-breaking clinical trials session from 15:30 - 18:30 in Room 1 includes presentations by:

- Dr. Jean Fajadet (at approximately 15:45) of the four-year results from ENDEAVOR II, a prospective, randomized, multicenter, controlled trial that compared the Endeavor drug-eluting stent to the Driver bare-metal stent.
                                                        
- Prof. Bart de Smet (at approximately 16:30) of one-year results from TAPAS, a single-center trial designed to evaluate the effect of thrombus aspiration preceding percutaneous coronary intervention by using the Export Aspiration Catheter in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

    * On Thursday, May 15, the Medtronic-sponsored symposium titled "Patients and Stents: Learning and Progress," 5:00 - 6:30 pm in Room 1, features presentations by:

- Prof. Martin Rothman on the one-year results of 8,300 patients in E-Five, an international registry that investigated the performance of the Endeavor drug-eluting stent in routine clinical practice.
                                                        
- Prof. Ian Meredith on the updated ENDEAVOR pooled safety analysis, which includes 2,132 Endeavor patients (from ENDEAVOR I, II, II continued access, III and IV) - 678 of whom have now been followed for four years, 1,271 for three years, 1,290 for two and 2,093 patients for one year.

All times are local to Barcelona. Room numbers are for The Forum CCIB Convention Center, the venue for EuroPCR.

"The data we're presenting this week at EuroPCR illustrate the depth of innovation within the CardioVascular business at Medtronic and the growing breadth of our offering to interventional cardiologists," said Scott Ward, senior vice president of Medtronic and president of the CardioVascular business. "We are particularly excited to share the long-term results from the ENDEAVOR clinical program, which continue to illustrate significant performance advantages for patients and physicians, positioning Medtronic for market leadership in coronary stents."

In addition to attending these data presentations and other educational and scientific sessions, EuroPCR participants are encouraged to visit the Medtronic exhibit (booth #D04), which will feature highlights of the company's current and future cardiovascular innovations, including the:

    * Endeavor and Endeavor Resolute Zotarolimus-Eluting Coronary Stent Systems
    * Sprinter Legend Balloon Catheter
    * Export XT Aspiration Catheter
    * Defender Embolic Protection Filter
    * Complete SE (Self-Expanding) Peripheral Stent
    * Assurant Cobalt Balloon-Expandable Iliac Stent
    * Melody Transcatheter Pulmonic Heart Valve

Information on Medtronic's programs designed to foster "Innovation through Collaboration" in the fields of educational development (Academia) and clinical science (Scientia) will also be available at EuroPCR.

"As the trend of closer collaboration across medical specialties continues, our CardioVascular business is uniquely positioned to forge the partnerships necessary to find novel solutions to unmet patient needs," Ward added. "As the theme of our EuroPCR exhibit, 'Better Together,' suggests, we know from decades of experience the profound power of collaboration with the clinical community in the service of patients with chronic diseases."

About Medtronic

Medtronic, Inc. (www.medtronic.com), headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended April 27, 2007. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts

Medtronic, Inc.
Joe McGrath, 707-591-7367 (Public Relations)
Jeff Warren, 763-505-2696 (Investor Relations)

Anti-counterfeit Drug Analyzer Provides Real-time Analysis

Briefcase-sized Portable Anti-counterfeit Drug Analyzer Provides Real-time Analysis Anywhere, Anytime

ASD Inc. introduces the RxSpec® 700Z -- a powerful new weapon in the Pharmaceutical Industry's war on counterfeit drugs. User-friendly system provides non-destructive, on-the-spot lab quality analysis for field agents from industry, government, and law enforcement world-wide.

Boulder, CO - May 1, 2008 --- ASD Inc. introduces the RxSpec® 700Z anti-counterfeit drug analyzer (http://www.asdi.com/products-rxspec700z.asp), a lightweight fully-portable lab-quality system contained in a rugged aluminum briefcase. For the first time in history, field agents from industry, government, and law enforcement have the ability to test drugs on the spot, anywhere, anytime, to determine whether the actual pill, rather than the packaging, is authentic or counterfeit. With a much wider spectral range than other market offerings, the system simultaneously analyzes, in mere seconds, all components of the pharmaceutical in question, rather than the active ingredient only -- and because the test is non-destructive, the sample is unaltered and preserved. The system operates on either battery or wall power, and weighs a little less than 23 pounds (10.4 kg). The RxSpec 700Z is the realization of several years of extensive research and development, eight patents, and ASD's solid track record of building drug identification technology.

Counterfeiting and theft within the pharmaceutical industry supply chain range from conservative estimates of $30 billion to more than $50 billion in annual losses to corporations, according to market studies by organizations such as IMS Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, while the extent of pharmaceutical counterfeiting varies among different regions in the world, there is consensus among regulatory bodies that the problem is an extremely dangerous and escalating threat to the health and safety of the world's population. In 2003 the FDA established the Counterfeit Drug Task Force as a new initiative to combat this growing problem. ASD has answered this call to action with the RxSpec® 700Z anti-counterfeit drug analyzer.

"Field agents will find the easy-to-use interface of the RxSpec 700Z quick and intuitive," said Tom Brown, ASD Vice President of Sales and Channel Management. "And because the test takes only a few seconds, the agents will now be able to act more quickly when they have discovered a counterfeit."

ASD will be showing the RxSpec 700Z at the following 2008 events: The Fourth Global Forum on Pharmaceutical AntiCounterfeiting (http://www.pharma-anticounterfeiting.info/) in Washington DC, June 4-6; Combating Counterfeit Medicines Symposium (http://www.jpag.org/Programme0608.pdf) in London, UK, June 12; Bio International Convention (http://www.bio2008.org/) in San Diego, California, June 17-20; 2008 AAPS National Biotechnology Conference (http://www.aapspharmaceutica.com/meetings/biotec/bt08/index.asp) in Toronto, Canada, June 22-25.

About ASD

ASD Inc. is unsurpassed in solving some of the world's most challenging materials measurement problems. We collaborate with industrial professionals, analytical researchers, and remote sensing scientists to provide the most reliable, high-performance analytical instrumentation solutions for real-world applications. Established in 1990 and based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, ASD Inc. has customers world-wide.

For more information, please contact Amanda Griffin, ASD Marketing Communications Manager, 2555 55th Street, Suite 100, Boulder, CO, 80301 USA; 303/444-6522, 303/444-6825 (fax); mktg @ asdi.com; www.asdi.com.

Contact Information
Amanda Griffin
ASD Inc
http://www.asdi.com
303.444.6522 +129

Infectious Disease Research Institute Collaborates With 3M On Vaccine Adjuvants

3M Collaborates with Infectious Disease Research Institute on Vaccine Adjuvants

ST. PAUL, Minn.-- May 01, 2008 --3M Drug Delivery Systems announces the signing of a non-exclusive license agreement with the Infectious Disease Research Institute (IDRI) in support of vaccine research for humanitarian efforts in developing countries. Under the agreement, 3M will donate its patented toll-like receptor (TLR) immune response modifier compounds.

3M's patented TLR immune response modifier compounds, which may be useful as vaccine adjuvants, will be used by IDRI to research new vaccines. Vaccine adjuvants are known to help boost the effectiveness of a vaccine.

"IDRI's vaccine platform has the potential to prevent and treat a number of important diseases in the developing world. By providing our vaccine adjuvant compounds to their vaccines, we are providing a cost-effective way for IDRI to conduct vaccine research," said Dr. Mark Tomai, PhD, Vaccine Business Development, 3M Drug Delivery Systems. "This will help them and us learn more about the potential effectiveness of our vaccine adjuvants. We anticipate this collaboration with IDRI to be the first in many deals around our TLR vaccine adjuvant portfolio."

3M's TLR compounds, also called TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, are small organically synthesized molecules that offer flexibility in formulating and route of delivery, and ease in manufacturing, unlike most other TLR agonists, which are much larger and not as easy to manufacture.

"IDRI's access to a 3M compound provides us with a very important tool for our efforts to develop adjuvants to be used in vaccines for diseases of global impact," says Steve Reed, IDRI's Founder and Head of Research. "We are very pleased that 3M has demonstrated this confidence in our organization-and are confident that IDRI's access to the 3M technology will improve our vaccine research and development."

"Our toll-like receptor agonist platform is a major part of our vaccine offering that also includes our Microstructured Transdermal System(a) for needle-free delivery of vaccines. We are at the start of a positive relationship that pairs our unique technology with a critical global need. We look forward to working with IDRI on its vaccine research," said Dr. Steven Wick, Technical Director, 3M Drug Delivery Systems.

About 3M Drug Delivery Systems Immune Response Modifiers

3M Drug Delivery Systems has a portfolio of patent protected toll-like receptor TLR7 and TLR8 agonists that have shown promise as vaccine adjuvants. There are a variety of assets in the portfolio that can be used topically, admixed or in conjugatable form. The lead candidate, resiquimod (TLR7/8 agonist) has shown promising results in a number of animal models and has an extensive toxicology and clinical data package to support further development as a vaccine adjuvant. In addition, 3M offers other TLR7 and TLR8 agonists, some of which can be attached to various proteins that enhance vaccine efficacy in a number of models. As small molecules, 3M's TLR7 and TLR8 agonists offer unique advantages over other TLR agonists with regards to delivery and manufacturing. 3M is actively seeking partners to license these assets on a non-exclusive basis. For more information, or to contact Dr. Tomai, go to www.3m.com/dds.

In addition, 3M Drug Delivery Systems has a variety of immune response modifier compounds that may be useful in oncology and dermatology.

About 3M

A recognized leader in research and development, 3M produces thousands of innovative products for dozens of diverse markets. 3M's core strength is applying its more than 40 distinct technology platforms - often in combination - to a wide array of customer needs. With $24 billion in sales, 3M employs 75,000 people worldwide and has operations in more than 60 countries.

About IDRI

IDRI is a non-profit organization committed to developing technologies to treat "neglected" diseases that place a significant burden on those living in the developing world. IDRI achieves its mission by working closely with industry, universities, and hospitals in developed and developing countries, government and private funding agencies, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation as well as the World Health Organization. For more information, go to www.idri.org.

(a)3M Microstructured Transdermal System (MTS) is a state-of-the-art solid microneedle system for transcutaneous or intra-dermal drug delivery. MTS bypasses the barrier properties of the stratum corneum and provides a means to deliver a wide variety of molecules that ordinarily would not penetrate the skin, including vaccines. MTS enhances the efficacy of vaccines by targeting the antigen presenting cells within the skin, thereby improving delivery efficiency and reducing dose requirements. MTS is a painless, easy-to-use system with the potential to greatly improve the delivery of vaccines.
Contacts

3M
Stephanie Sanderson, 651-733-8588
sjsanderson@mmm.com

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