Current medical news from today

Current medical news and unique business news for anyone who cares about healthcare.

J&J company responds to FDA warning Johnson & Johnson’s (NYSE: JNJ) subsidiary DePuy Orthopaedics received a warning letter from U.S. regulators not to sell joint replacement products without proper approval. The Dec. 8 letter said a federal investigation at DePuy’s Warsaw, Indiana facilities revealed the company was selling 14 products without proper approval. It prompted DePuy to stop making some devices rather than face regulatory action. The company is facing lawsuits by hip implant recipients after the implants were found to shed tiny metal particles into the bloodstream. Separately, Johnson & Johnson agreed to a $158 million settlement with Texas over claims by state officials that the drugmaker fraudulently marketed its anti-psychotic drug. The settlement will resolve claims it defrauded the state’s Medicaid program by promoting Risperdal for uses not approved by U.S. regulators, including for children with psychiatric disorders, the company said today.

Revised definition of autism gets mixed reviews A narrower definition of autism that could sharply reduce the number of people classified as autistic or having an autism spectrum disorder is receiving mixed reviews. The new definition is to be included in the fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. More than 1 million children and adults are diagnosed with autism or a related disorder, like Asperger syndrome or pervasive developmental disorder. Some psychiatrists believe the change could provide a more accurate diagnosis, but it’s being met with concern by parents who worry they will lose social services for their children.

Mental illness widespread, report finds A new government survey, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, has found that one in five Americans suffers from a serious mental illness. Although 14 percent receive some form of care, only 60 percent of those with a disabling mental illness get treatment each year.

Genzyme and Veracyte collaborate on thyroid treatment Sanofi (NYSE: SNY) biotechnology company Genzyme and Veracyte, a molecular diagnostics company, have formed a partnership to promote treatment for thyroid patients. Under the agreement, Genzyme will market and promote Veracyte’s Afirma Thyroid FNA Analysis, a thyroid nodule diagnostic solution in the United States and later expand it to global markets.