Promising data from early stage human trials of HIV vaccine
Vaccinating against HIV is the “Holy Grail” of scientific research. However, due to the complex nature of the virus, which is among the most genetically diverse known viruses, many have considered it impossible to vaccinate against. The latest research however, reveals that a new vaccine for HIV AIDS may be closer than we think. Developed…
Australia’s youth mental illness rate continuing to rise
The number of Australians exhibiting symptoms of a serious psychological issue between the age of 15 to 19 has risen by 4.1 per cent in six years, according to new Mission Australia data. Speaking with the Adelaide Advertiser [July 15, 2017], Catherine Yeomans, Mission Australia CEO, said the outcome of the analysis was concerning. “We’re…
VIVA! Communications celebrates 15th birthday
Yesterday (July 20, 2017), leading Australian health + wellness PR agency, VIVA! Communications celebrated its 15th birthday, armed with news of completing a record financial year, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to excellence and innovation in the healthcare arena. Established in 2002, by Principal, Fellow of the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA) and healthcare PR…
Australians with asthma urged to exercise vigilance this winter
The National Asthma Council Australia has issued a warning to Australians living with asthma, urging them to protect their health and to be prepared as the cold and flu season kicks in. According to the Council, around 40,000 Australians are hospitalised and 400 die from asthma each year, with winter being a particularly difficult season…
A potential vaccine for cancer: new data
After nearly half a century of trying to identify a vaccine that might wipe out cancers, similarly to the way vaccine targets influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia, scientists might have made a breakthrough in this arena. According to an article published in The Australian (July 7, 2017), scientists from a German biotechnology company, Biontech, as well as…
Apotex launches Oviit a new range of vitamins and minerals
Apotex announced the launch of its new premium value, Pharmacy Only range of vitamin and mineral supplements (VMS), Oviit today (July 3, 2017). Expansion into this high growth VMS category signals further diversification of Apotex’s over-the-counter (OTC) portfolio, and a strategy for the generic drug manufacturer to restore value to the VMS category for pharmacy.…
Aussie biotech appoints American royalty to its Board of Directors
VIVA! Communications are thrilled to be working with Australian medical technology company Medibio as they today (June 4, 2017) announce the appointment of mental health advocate and former U.S. congressman, Patrick J. Kennedy, to their Board of Directors. Patrick J. Kennedy is a former member of the U.S. House of Representatives and America’s leading political…
Government adds $142 million in medicines to PBS
As of July 1, 2017, the Federal Government has made AUD$142 million in new medicine listings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), in a bid to make more medicines affordable to all Australians. Among the new listings, the PBS will fund access to vorinostat to treat patients living a subtype of blood cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma called…
Scientific breakthrough on objective diagnosis of PTSD
Findings from an Emory University, USA research study* released this week demonstrate a non-invasive protocol involving heart rate data and machine learning algorithms can accurately diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Classification of post-traumatic stress disorder from heart rate variability metrics with heart rate-based window segmentation study, involving technology developed by Emory University and licensed…
PROFILE: Annarosa tells us about living with osteoporosis
In September 2010, published author, wife and keen walker, Annarosa, 54, Sydney, was on an early Sunday morning walk in Balmain, when she tripped over her bootlaces and landed heavily on her wrist. Soon after, she visited hospital emergency, where she underwent an X-ray that confirmed a fractured wrist. A few days later, Annarosa returned…