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While faith is a source of hope for some, for others it may be a catalyst for guilt over their depression. (iStockphoto) By LAUREN CAHOON
ABC News Medical Unit
March 19, 2008 Font Size

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“It was then that I carried you.”

Some may recognize this line from the widely popular “Footprints in the Sand,” the poem that describes how, during the hardest parts of life, God carried the author through hard times.

Content ABC News On Call+ Mind & Mood Center: Top Experts Answer Your Questions

Believers like Laverne Williams, a one-time depression patient and deaconess at Union Baptist Church in Montclair, N.J., identify with this parable. She says her religion was an invaluable resource during her depression.

“My faith really got me through because I knew it would pass,” she said.

However, some people with mental illness have found their faith causes more pain than peace.

“I had no idea what was happening to me, I had all the signs of major depression,” said Susan Gregg-Schroeder, a United Methodist minister and coordinator of Mental Health Ministries. “There is a huge stigma against mental health in our faith communities.”

Religion, it seems, can act as a double-edged sword when it comes to mental health.

“Religion can amplify things, both positively and negatively,” said Brother Larry Whitney, university chaplain for community life at Boston University. “It’s not religion; it’s the misuse of religion that creates a negative reaction.”

Belief vs. Relief

“You might be shocked to find out there are some denominations that do harm to people,” said Patricia Murphy, chaplain and assistant professor of psychiatry at Rush University. “Some congregations teach that depression is a sin … that’s the reaction they get when they turn to their pastor.”

Being punished by your religious leader for an unavoidable disorder sounds bad enough — yet it’s often compounded with tacit warnings against leaving the condemning sect.

“Some religious groups are taught that the only way you get to heaven are if you are in that denomination,” says Murphy. “There are some people who are wounded by that, it adds to their depression, God becomes a problem, religion becomes a problem.”

Gregg-Schroeder faced first-hand the difficulties of depression when she was in seminary.

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Cenix BioScience Signs Framework Research Agreement with AstraZeneca for RNAi-Based Drug Discovery

DRESDEN, Germany–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Mar 19, 2008 - Cenix BioScience GmbH (Dresden), the leading specialist in advanced RNA interference (RNAi)-based research services, today announced that it has signed a framework research agreement with AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, to advance the latter’s efforts in the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic drug targets.

Cenix will apply its well-established expertise in combining high throughput (HT) applications of RNAi-based gene silencing, the technology behind the 2006 Nobel Prize for Medicine, with high content phenotypic analyses in cultured human cells. The initial project will involve a HT-RNAi screen using an assay strategy co-designed with AstraZeneca scientists to discover and validate novel oncology targets. Cenix will adapt and implement multi-parametric microscopy-based assays using the Cellenger image analysis platform from Munich-based Definiens, to generate detailed insights into the cellular functions and loss-of-function phenotypes of analyzed genes. Such RNAi datasets, now widely favored throughout the industry, offer a highly predictive and cost-effective basis for discovering and prioritizing targets for therapeutic drug development in a wide range of disease fields.

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“We are very excited to begin working with AstraZeneca scientists to help advance their discovery pipeline with this powerful and well-proven technology,” said Dr. Christophe Echeverri, CEO/CSO of Cenix. “We look forward to driving this relationship beyond the initial pilot through to multiple projects, as we have successfully done with other major pharma partners: by exceeding expectations on scientific and strategic excellence, and delivering the most detailed and professional reporting available in this field.”

About Cenix BioScience GmbH

Cenix BioScience GmbH is a pioneer and global leader in the convergence of high throughput (HT), genomics-driven applications of RNA interference (RNAi) with high content, multi-parametric cell-based assays. Founded in 1999 as the first biotechnology company specializing exclusively in HT-RNAi, Cenix has accumulated unparalleled depth and breadth of experience in this field, using human and rodent cell models to drive the discovery and validation of novel therapeutic drug targets and the analysis of drug mechanisms of action in a wide range of disease indications, including oncology, atherosclerosis, diabetes, obesity, neurodegenerative disorders and infectious diseases such as malaria. Cenix offers its unique expertise to industry and academic researchers through fully customizable research and consulting services. Please contact Cenix or visit the company’s web site www.cenix-bioscience.com for more information.

About AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in research, development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription pharmaceuticals and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of US $29.55 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infection product sales. AstraZeneca is listed in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (Global) as well as the FTSE4Good Index.

Cenix and the Cenix BioScience logo are registered trademarks owned by Cenix BioScience GmbH in the US and other countries.

Cellenger and Definiens are registered trademarks owned by Definiens GmbH.

Contact

Cenix BioScience GmbH
Birte SÃ

nnichsen, COO, +49 (0) 351 4173-0
soennichsen@cenix-bioscience.com
www.cenix-bioscience.com

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In a recent episode of the A&E reality show “Intervention”, 34-year-old Lawrence died from cirrhosis brought about by his alcoholism. (A and E) By DAN CHILDS
ABC News Medical Unit
March 19, 2008 Font Size

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Drunken driving accidents. Alcohol poisoning. Blackouts. Hangovers.

Such drawbacks of heavy alcohol consumption are familiar to young drinkers who overconsume. But a recent episode of a popular reality show may add one more potential risk to the list. And it is one that many alcoholics in their 20s and 30s may not expect: cirrhosis.

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On Monday, A&E’s “Intervention” showcased the story of Lawrence Ryan, a 34-year-old entrepreneur with severe alcoholism.

According to the show, Ryan — who was also a cancer survivor — would often drink a liter of vodka a day. And along with his heavy dependence came the usual set of problems associated with alcohol addiction.

But in the end, it was cirrhosis — a gradual encroachment of scar tissue within the liver, blocking blood flow through the organ — that cost Ryan his life. He died Feb. 22.

While the risks of cirrhosis are usually far from the minds of alcoholics who are Ryan’s age, alcoholism experts say the disease is not unheard of among younger patients.

“It is not unusual to see an alcoholic in the last stages of alcoholism develop cirrhosis, and Lawrence died the way most cirrhotic patients die, from ruptured esophageal varices,” says Dr. Nicholas Pace, clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Medical Center who is on the board of directors of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.

“This is not very common, but it does occur,” agrees Dr. Fred Berger, Medical Director of the Scripps McDonald Center and clinical professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. Berger says he has treated many patients whose alcohol addiction has led to cirrhosis. And not all of them have been in their 50s and 60s.

“Major life problems from alcohol often start showing up in patients’ 30s,” he says. “Fatty infiltration of the liver from obesity also can lead to cirrhosis in young people.”

A Silent Problem?

Though some of the more dramatic impacts of alcohol abuse may get more attention, cirrhosis is actually the 12th leading cause of death by disease, responsible for killing about 26,000 Americans each year, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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The blood-thinning drug Heparin, made by Baxter, is at the center of safety concerns. (Baxter International ) By BRIAN HARTMAN and KATE BARRETT
March 19, 2008 Font Size

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Investigators believe they have discovered what’s contaminating the blood-thinning medication heparin and are trying to determine whether it was put in the drug intentionally, the Food and Drug Administration announced today.

An altered version of a dietary supplement made from animal cartilage is now at the center of the worldwide drug safety investigation.

FDA officials said the man-made chemical compound known as over-sulfated chondroitin sulfate is cheap and abundant. It mimics heparin when tested, but is not naturally occurring and not something that would be part of the normal production chain for heparin.

Heparin’s raw ingredients come from pig intestines, but today, Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said the contaminant “didn’t come straight from the pig.”

Still, investigators “cannot rule in or out” whether the contaminant was accidentally or deliberately put into the product, Woodcock said.

The FDA also emphasized it is not yet certain whether the contaminant is the root cause of the recent spike in severe allergic reactions and as many as 19 deaths that may have been associated with the blood thinner.

“Right now, people should not be alarmed,” Woodcock said. “We have not received any more reports of fatalities of this type since the recall on Feb. 28.”

Today’s announcement is the latest in a heparin scare that has prompted the FDA, overseas officials and heparin maker Baxter Healthcare Corp. to take action. After Baxter issued a massive heparin recall, FDA regulators traveled to China to inspect a plant from which the manufacturer receives the drug. Investigators then announced they’d found a contaminant in heparin whose ingredients came from China.

Germany also recently informed the FDA that people were getting sick from heparin there as well, but from a different brand of the medication.

To determine the scope of the problem and head off more bad reactions, FDA investigators have partnered with universities to study the contaminant and have ramped up their efforts to test heparin shipments coming from overseas to find out whether they’re safe.

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Merck Serono Launches Cyanokit in Japan

• Cyanokit® is an antidote for the treatment of known or suspected cyanide poisoning

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 19, 2008 – Merck Serono, a division of Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, announced today that Cyanokit® (active substance: hydroxocobalamin) is commercially available in Japan as of March 18, 2008, through its local affiliate Merck Serono Co., Ltd. Cyanokit® was approved by the Japanese
Ministry of Health in November 2007, for the treatment of cyanide intoxication caused by hydrocyanic acid and its derivatives in both adults and the pediatric population. Cyanokit® will be mainly distributed to hospitals and healthcare emergency services.

“The availability of Cyanokit® is a key milestone for emergency healthcare professionals in Japan as they can now rely on an effective product, with an excellent safety profile, to treat people who need immediate, life-saving care,” said Franck Latrille, Head of Merck Serono’s International Operations. “We believe that Cyanokit® will make a difference on the survival and prevention of irreversible neurological injury of those who have been poisoned, even heavily, by cyanide.”

Cyanide poisoning is primarily caused by smoke inhalation during closed-space structural fires. Additional causes may include accidental or intentional ingestion, inhalation, dermal exposure during industrial accidents or a terrorist attack involving cyanide.

The unique mechanism of action of Cyanokit® is based on its ability to tightly bind cyanide ions. It may be used in a hospital setting or on-site at an emergency situation.

Cyanokit® is to be administered in conjunction with appropriate decontamination and supportive measures.

The most common side effects associated with Cyanokit® are red coloration of the skin, mucous membranes and urine, all of which are reversible.

Cyanokit® is also commercially available in the United States of America and has recently been approved in the European Union.

About Cyanokit®
The active ingredient in Cyanokit®, hydroxocobalamin, is a precursor of vitamin B12. Hydroxocobalamin works by binding directly to the cyanide ions, creating cyanocobalamin, a natural form of vitamin B12, a stable, non-toxic compound that is excreted in the urine.

Advantages of this approach are that methemoglobin is not produced and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the victim’s blood is not lowered. Therefore, Cyanokit® is suitable for use in smoke inhalation victims. The most common adverse reactions seen in clinical trials of hydroxocobalamin with human subjects are transient and include: reddish discoloration of the skin, mucous membranes and urine, rash, increased blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, decreased white blood cell count and injection site reactions. Allergic reactions have been observed. Usage may interfere with some clinical laboratory evaluations.

The initial dose of Cyanokit® for adults is 5 g, administered by intravenous infusion. Depending upon the severity of the poisoning and the clinical response, a second dose of 5 g may be administered up to a total dose of 10 g. In pediatric patients, the initial dose of Cyanokit® is 70 mg/kg body weight not exceeding 5 g and the subsequent dose is 70 mg/kg body weight not exceeding 5 g.

About Merck Serono Co., Ltd
Merck Serono Co., Ltd. is the Japanese arm of Merck Serono (Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland) which was established in January 2007 as Merck’s division specializing in prescription medicine following the acquisition of Serono S.A. by Merck. Merck Serono launched operations in Japan on October 1, 2007 with a focus on two areas of therapeutic strength, oncology and fertility.

About Merck Serono
Merck Serono is the division for innovative prescription pharmaceuticals of Merck, a global pharmaceutical and chemical group. Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, Merck Serono discovers, develops, manufactures and markets innovative small molecules and biopharmaceuticals to help patients with unmet medical needs. Its North American business operates in the United States and Canada as EMD Serono. Merck Serono has leading brands serving patients with cancer (Erbitux®), multiple sclerosis (Rebif®), infertility (Gonal-f®), endocrine and cardiometabolic disorders (Glucophage®, Concor®, Saizen®, Serostim®), as well as psoriasis (Raptiva®).

With an annual R&D investment of around € 1bn, Merck Serono is committed to growing its business in specialist-focused therapeutic areas including neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, fertility and endocrinology, as well as new areas potentially arising out of research and development in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

About Merck
Merck is a global pharmaceutical and chemical company with total revenues of EUR 7.1 billion in 2007, a history that began in 1668, and a future shaped by 30,968 employees in 60 countries. Its success is characterized by innovations from entrepreneurial employees. Merck’s operating activities come under the umbrella of Merck KGaA, in which the Merck family holds an approximately 70% interest and free shareholders own the remaining approximately 30%. In 1917 the U.S. subsidiary Merck & Co. was expropriated and has been an independent company ever since.

For more information, please visit www.merckserono.net or www.merck.de

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As the province begins a much-anticipated public inquiry into faulty hormone receptor tests Wednesday, Newfoundland and Labrador’s NDP Leader Lorraine Michael says she was shocked by the latest patient figures from the government.

Health Minister Ross Wiseman released new numbers Tuesday showing that 108 cancer patients whose tests were done inaccurately have since died. The province retested 1,013 patients’ samples in 2007 and found that 383 of them had the tests done incorrectly.

“To understand these numbers, it is essential to remember that a changed [test result] does not necessarily mean that appropriate cancer treatment was delayed,” Wiseman said in a news release Tuesday. “Nor do these numbers indicate that there is a relationship between an inaccurate [test] and progression of the disease or death.”

Michael said she finds the latest numbers and the health minister’s response difficult to accept.

“To think that it could be 108, it does make my blood run cold, I have to say,” Michael said Tuesday after the numbers were released. “And I don’t want to hear the government — Mr. Wiseman, or anyone else — making light of it. Light in the sense of saying that ‘Oh, maybe they didn’t die because of not getting the treatment.’ “

The public judicial inquiry into the faulty hormone receptor tests begins Wednesday morning in St. John’s.

Wiseman confirmed to CBC that he’ll appear to face questions at some point during the public inquiry.

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Alkermes Announces Restructuring

Company Realigns Cost Structure Following Termination of Inhaled Insulin Program

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–March 19, 2008–Alkermes, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALKS) announced that it is restructuring its operations following the termination by Eli Lilly and Company (Lilly) of the AIR(R) Insulin program, as announced March 7, 2008. With this restructuring, Alkermes is reducing its workforce by approximately 150 employees and closing its AIR commercial manufacturing facility in Chelsea, MA. The company is taking these actions based on its current expectations of the financial impact of Lilly’s termination of the AIR Insulin program.

“We are implementing a new operational cost structure to align our expenses with near-term revenues, which we anticipate will be lower than expected due to Lilly’s termination of the inhaled insulin program,” stated David Broecker, president and CEO of Alkermes. “The flexibility of our business model allows us to adapt our cost structure while maintaining our ability to develop innovative products of our own.”

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The reduction in workforce, effective this week, represents approximately 18% of the company’s total workforce. Employees affected by the restructuring will be eligible for a severance package that includes severance pay, continuation of benefits and outplacement services.

“Alkermes’ financial foundation remains strong, and we are focused on maintaining this strength moving forward,” commented David Broecker. “Lilly’s termination of the program forced us to make difficult choices about the optimal size of the organization. We acknowledge the outstanding contributions that these employees have made, and I wish to express my sincere thanks for their hard work.”

Alkermes does not anticipate any expense savings as a result of the restructuring in fiscal 2008, ending March 31, 2008. The company expects to take a restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 in the range of $5 million to $10 million associated with the reduction in workforce and facility-related expenses. In addition, the company expects to take an impairment charge of up to $15 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 related to fixed assets at the Chelsea facility. Alkermes expects cost savings from the restructuring in the range of $15 million to $20 million in fiscal 2009 and will provide more detailed financial expectations for fiscal 2009 in May. As of December 31, 2007, Alkermes reported cash and total investments of $516.6 million.

About Alkermes

Alkermes, Inc., a biotechnology company committed to developing innovative medicines to improve patients’ lives, manufactures RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) for schizophrenia and developed and manufactures VIVITROL(R) for alcohol dependence. Alkermes’ robust pipeline includes extended-release injectable, pulmonary and oral products for the treatment of prevalent, chronic diseases, such as central nervous system disorders, addiction and diabetes. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Alkermes has research and manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts and Ohio.

Certain statements set forth above may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including but not limited to, statements relating to the company’s expectations of the financial impact of Eli Lilly and Company’s termination of the AIR Insulin program and the financial and clinical implications of the company’s restructuring of its operations. Although Alkermes believes that such statements are based on reasonable assumptions within the bounds of its knowledge, the forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and Alkermes’ business is subject to significant risk and uncertainties. As such, there can be no assurance that Alkermes’ actual results will not differ materially from its expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, whether the company can achieve the anticipated expense savings, and will incur the anticipated restructuring costs and impairment charge, from the reduction in workforce and closure of the manufacturing facility in Chelsea, MA; whether the company, as restructured, will meet the demands of its product programs and its financial objectives; and whether the company can apply its technology and development expertise to build its pipeline. For further information with respect to factors that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from expectations, reference is made to the reports the company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The company disclaims any intention or responsibility for updating forward-looking statements made in this release.

AIR(R) is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc; VIVITROL(R) is a registered trademark of Cephalon, Inc.; and, RISPERDAL(R) CONSTA(R) is a registered trademark of Johnson & Johnson Corporation.

 CONTACT: Alkermes, Inc. Investors: Rebecca Peterson, 617-583-6378 or Media: Jennifer Viera, 617-583-6166  SOURCE: Alkermes, Inc. 

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Kosan Restructures Workforce to Focus Resources on Lead Clinical Programs

HAYWARD, Calif., March 18, 2008 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Kosan Biosciences Incorporated today announced that the company will reduce its workforce by approximately 37% in order to focus resources on supporting advancement of its lead clinical programs, tanespimycin in multiple myeloma and in metastatic breast cancer, and epothilone KOS-1584 in non-small lung cancer. The restructuring will primarily affect the company’s research and administrative functions. As a result of the restructuring, most research programs will be placed on hold. The company may seek to partner these assets with companies looking for early-stage programs.

“Restructuring our workforce to focus resources on development of our lead clinical programs completes the strategic reprioritization of Kosan’s development portfolio that we recently announced. This represents an important step in Kosan’s evolution to a product-oriented company,” said Helen S. Kim, Kosan’s Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate the efforts of all our employees as their contributions have helped to build our company’s reputation as a leader in polyketide technology as well as Hsp90 and epothilone drug discovery. We believe that this restructuring will strengthen our ability to effectively manage our resources, execute on our development goals and advance our high-value, near-term commercial opportunities.”

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Kosan anticipates incurring restructuring charges of approximately $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2008, primarily associated with personnel-related termination costs. As a result of the restructuring, Kosan is reducing its 2008 guidance for cash used in operating activities by $3.0 million, from $40-$50 million to $37-$47 million.

About Kosan

Kosan Biosciences is a biotechnology company advancing two new classes of anticancer agents through clinical development — a Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) inhibitor and an epothilone. Hsp90 inhibitors have a novel mechanism of action targeting multiple pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Tanespimycin (KOS-953) is being tested in combination with Velcade(R) (bortezomib) in patients with multiple myeloma in a clinical program called TIME. Tanespimycin is also being studied in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer in combination with Herceptin(R) (trastuzumab). Epothilones inhibit cell division with a mechanism of action similar to taxanes, one of the most successful classes of anti-tumor agents. KOS-1584 is in Phase trials in solid tumors. Kosan’s motilin agonist compound, KOS-2187, licensed to Pfizer, is in a Phase 1 trial in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For additional information on Kosan Biosciences, please visit the company’s website at http://www.kosan.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Act”). Such forward-looking statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the further development and potential safety, efficacy, regulatory status, commercial potential and other characteristics of Kosan’s product candidates; the continuation of current clinical trials; the initiation of additional clinical trials and the timing thereof and the use of Kosan’s financial resources. Words such as “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “may,” “intend,” “plan,” “potential” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Any statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon Kosan’s current expectations. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Kosan’s actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the uncertain progress and results of Kosan’s preclinical and clinical testing, including the risks that studies and trials may not demonstrate safety and efficacy sufficient to initiate clinical trials on the timing currently anticipated, or at all, continue clinical development, obtain the requisite regulatory approvals or result in a marketable product; the conduct of clinical trials; manufacturing; regulatory approval requirements and process; the effort and expense necessary for further development of Kosan’s product candidates, including the costs of bortezomib; intellectual property matters, including Kosan’s ability to obtain valid and enforceable patents covering its product candidates; Kosan’s dependence on its collaboration with Pfizer for development of its motilin agonist product candidate; Kosan’s need for additional financing and Kosan’s strategy to enter into partnering or licensing arrangements. These and other risk factors are discussed under “Risk Factors” in Kosan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 and other periodic filings with the SEC. Kosan expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Velcade(R) (bortezomib) is a registered trademark of Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Herceptin(R) (trastuzumab) is a registered trademark of Genentech, Inc.

CONTACT: Jane Green, VP, Corporate Communications, +1-510-731-5335, cell,+1-415-652-4819, , or Helen S. Kim, Chief Executive Officer,+1-510-731-5270, cell, +1-510-853-1314, , both of KosanBiosciences Incorporated green@kosan.com kim@kosan.com

Web site: http://www.kosan.com/

Ticker Symbol: (NASDAQ-NMS:KOSN)

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A United Business Media Company

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Sgt. Bill Campbell practices his photography skills as his service dog, Pax, watches his back. Since his return from Iraq in 2005, Campbell has feared an attack from behind.  (Courtesy of Domenica Campbell) More Photos By EMILY FRIEDMAN
March 19, 2008 Font Size

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Until recently, Sgt. Bill Campbell’s horrifying memories from his tour of duty in Iraq left him unable to leave his house.

Constantly fearing he would be attacked from behind — a paranoia stemming from his violent tour of duty — Campbell says his post traumatic stress disorder symptoms made everyday life virtually unbearable.

Photos Iraq Vet Gets Dog, New Chance at Life

That is, until he met Pax, a now 17-month-old yellow Labrador, specially trained to help him cope with PTSD, doing everything from reminding him to take his medication to coaxing him out of his house.

“Pax forces me to go out,” Campbell told ABCNEWS.com. “He has to go for walks.”

Pax was donated to Campbell by the N.Y.-based non-profit organization Puppies Behind Bars, an organization that has provided service dogs to individuals with disabilities since 1997, but just recently expanded their program to include war veterans, too.

And when Campbell, 46, returned from Iraq in 2005, help was exactly what he needed. In addition to being diagnosed with PTSD, car bombs had sprayed shrapnel in his hand and head, causing nerve damage and traumatic brain injury.

“I have anxiety, depression and really exaggerated start response,” said Campbell, who spent several weeks in a veteran’s hospital near his hometown in Shelton, Wash., about 60 miles west of Seattle. “And memory problems.”

Story Injured Vets Struggle to Get Disability Help

Man’s Best Friend

Pax, who is the first dog to be deployed by Puppies Behind Bar’s new initiative “Dog Tags: Service Dogs for Those Who’ve Served Us,” knows more than 50 different commands. He warns Campbell of strangers or possible dangers, clears crowded areas and provides a reality check when Campbell gets lost in hallucinations or nightmares.

“It does help that he can protect my back,” said Campbell, of Pax’s training to always keep an eye on his back. “If I go places and tell him to sit, he faces the opposite direction and it’s comforting.”

“Pax will lie down, and if someone is coming up from behind me, he’ll sit up and warn me,” said Campbell. “Then I’ll know someone’s coming.”

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Levonelle is one example of the class of birth-control drugs commonly referred to as morning-after pills. (AP Photo) The Associated Press By JOHN O’CONNOR Associated Press Writer
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. Mar 18, 2008 (AP) Font Size

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A group of pharmacists asked the Illinois Supreme Court on Tuesday to throw out a rule that forces them to dispense emergency contraception despite moral objections, claiming it amounts to illegal coercion.

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Gov. Rod Blagojevich issued the rule in 2005, prohibiting pharmacies from turning away women seeking emergency contraception. The medicine is a higher dosage of typical hormonal contraception, and if taken within three days of having sex it greatly reduces the chance of pregnancy.

Pharmacists who do not want to dispense the drug say it is tantamount to abortion. The closely watched case mirrors concerns raised in other states.

The druggists argued that Illinois law protects them from choosing between violating their consciences and losing their licenses, and that they shouldn’t have to wait until they’re out of jobs to seek justice.

A lawyer for Blagojevich argued that the pharmacies in the lawsuit don’t have standing to sue because they have suffered no repercussions. Laura Wunder, an assistant state attorney general, also said those pharmacies don’t even stock so-called “morning-after” medication, so it’s unlikely they would violate the rule.

In oral arguments, however, justices bluntly pointed out to Wunder that the pharmacies must get the drug if requested — and that their licenses would be at risk if they failed to comply.

Wunder countered that the pharmacies have been unable to show that they’re in jeopardy of state penalties because it’s unlikely that a customer would ask a drug store to order a medicine that is needed right away.

The pharmacists’ lawyer, Mark Rienzi, said his clients should be able to sue even if they haven’t suffered repercussions.

Rienzi argued they are protected by two state laws: one that prohibits forcing health care decisions over moral objections, and one insulating citizens from religious interference.

“They are designed to protect people from coercion and burden,” Rienzi said. “They are not only designed to protect people after the ax has fallen, after your license is taken away, after your career is ruined.”

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