ProNAi uses gene silencing focused on DNA to attack a gene that helps tumor cells survive. In September the company launched a Phase I study on its treatment PNT2258, which will run through next year. The funding is likely to pay for this trial and others. ProNAi Chief Operating Officer Robert Forgey said in September the company had raised nearly $1 million to pay for the trial.

The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, which was part of 2009′s Stimulus bill, stipulated that healthcare providers can receive up to $44,000 through Medicare or as much as $63,750 through Medicaid if they implement and prove so-called “meaningful use” of an EHR system. Under both Medicare and Medicaid, hospitals are eligible for millions of dollars if they complete the EHR programs’ requirements.

As you’ve probably read, Steven Burrill’s predictions regarding the biotech industry go over at MedCity News the way former Detroit Lions President Matt Millen’s football forecasts go over in Michigan. Nonetheless, it’s notable when the renowned biotech specialist, venture capitalist, author and keynote speaker offers his thoughts on currents events in life sciences and the future of the industry next year (even if it is to promote his upcoming book: Biotech 2011-Life Sciences: Looking Back to See Ahead).

Among today’s current medical news: Some (finally) predictions for 2011, the coolest medical gadgets from 2010, the worst of medical public relations and some of the last deals of 2010.

A team of researchers in England recently identified a genetic link for the disorder. The study, published in The Lancet, found that children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were more likely to have small segments of their DNA duplicated or missing than other children that don’t have the disorder.

Hawkins won’t be required to report to work, but instead make himself available to advise on everything from litigation and community affairs to talent retention and industry leadership, according to the separation letter, dated Dec. 28. He will receive on top of his current annual salary of $1.25 million an expected $3.8 million in separation pay.

MedCity Media’s expanded but still industry-centric media model creates timely, relevant, high quality content for those with a vested interest in healthcare. It also provides other outlets with syndicated content already being generated by MedCity News. In 2010 the market for content creation reached $35 billion in North America, with healthcare alone accounting for up to $4 billion.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration in late October granted a 510(k) marketing clearance for NeuWave’s Certus 140TM 2.45 GHz Ablation System. The device attacks tumors with microwave energy in a way that cuts treatment times.

Hygieia’s glucose monitoring system would allow diabetics to adjust the amount of glucose they inject without visiting a doctor. The device provides dose-by-dose insulin recommendations based on their body chemistry as well as a blood sample. The product is called the Diabetes Insulin Guidance System, but is often described as a GPS for diabetes, adjusting someone’s diabetes goals the way a GPS guides drivers on the road.

Meditrina, which is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is using patents from AstraZeneca to treat women’s health issues including endometriosis and uterine fibroids, which are abnormal growths or tumors that can cause pain and infertility. The company has completed Phase II trials on its two drugs – MPI-676 and MPI-674 – which treat endometriosis and abnormal uterine bleeding, respectively.