Masitinib for mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: results from a randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 3, clinical trial.

Background: Masitinib is an orally administered tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets activated cells of the neuroimmune system (mast cells and microglia). Study AB09004 evaluated masitinib as an adjunct to cholinesterase inhibitor and/or memantine in patients with mild-to-moderate dementia due to probable Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Methods: Study AB09004 was a randomized, double-blind, two parallel-group (four-arm), placebo-controlled trial.

Screening mammography with special reference to guidelines in South Africa.

Screening mammography is known to reduce mortality from breast cancer. Controversy regarding screening has led to much confusion in the medical fraternity. The purpose of this review is to point out the 'pros and cons' of screening.

Efficacy and Safety of ABT-126 in Subjects with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer's Disease on Stable Doses of Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Background: ABT-126 is a potent, selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist with putative procognitive effects as a monotherapy in treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled multicenter study (NCT01549834) investigated the efficacy and safety of ABT-126 in subjects with mild-to-moderate AD who were taking stable doses of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs).

Methods: Subjects received 25 mg ABT-126 (n = 143), 75 mg ABT-126 (n = 145), or placebo (n = 146) once daily for 24 weeks.

The safety of osteoporosis medication.

Osteoporosis is a common, costly and serious disease, which is still too often regarded as an inevitable part of the normal ageing process and therefore sub-optimally treated, especially in the elderly--in fact, only two out of every 10 patients who sustain a hip fracture receive any form of assessment or prophylactic therapy for osteoporosis. One out of five patients die within 1 year after a hip fracture, and < 50% are capable of leading an independent life. Yet very effective anti-fracture therapy, capable of reducing fracture risk by 35 - 60%, is available.