Highlights of the important and interesting in the world of healthcare:
Why is healthcare so expensive? Stephen Hemsley, CEO of UnitedHealth Group, topped Modern Healthcare’s list of highest-paid executives at $106 million — $7.5 million in salary and benefits and $98.5 million in stock options in 2009. Hemsley is not alone, says an editorial in St. Louis Today. The CEOs at insurance giants Cigna, Humana, Aetna, Coventry Health Systems and WellPoint all took home between $10 million and about $18 million.
Get with the program. French drug maker Sanofi-Aventis disclosed its $18.5 billion bid for Genzyme on Sunday, intensifying pressure on the American biotechnology company to engage in discussions about a sale,
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Embryonic stem cell tests coming. As supporters of human embryonic stem cell research reel from last week’s sudden cutoff of federal funding, another portentous landmark is quietly approaching: the world’s first attempt to test the cells in people, writes the Boston Globe.
FDA pauses on Avastin. Avastin is a class of drug that attacks cancer by attacking its blood supply. But using it to treat metastatic breast cancer has given the Food and Drug Administration pause, reports the Science-Based Medicine blog.
Stem cells treat heart failure. The largest clinical trial so far of transplanting patients’ own stem cells into their failing hearts has shown several functional benefits as well as reduced mortality, according to The Heart.
