HEALTH

WORCESTER, Mass. — An interdisciplinary research team at Worcester Polytechnic Institute is slated to develop a smartphone application that will help patients with advanced diabetes and foot ulcers.

WASHINGTON — The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board on Tuesday announced a push to inform patients with practical solutions on how to best utilize remaining 2011 flexible spending account funds.

CHICAGO — A hike in blood pressure during middle age significantly raises the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke, according to new Northwestern Medicine research released Monday. The study offers a new understanding on the importance of maintaining low blood pressure early in middle age to prevent heart disease later in life.

AUGUSTA, Ga. — According to new research released Tuesday, Georgia Health Sciences University researchers have identified one of the internal bodily functions of vitamin E: The antioxidant found in most foods helps repair tears in the plasma membranes that protect cells from outside forces and screen what enters and exits.

WASHINGTON — The Council for Responsible Nutrition and VIRGO on Tuesday announced details for an industrywide webinar to examine key elements of good manufacturing practices for dietary supplements and offer advice as to what the industry can do to improve its record of inspections. 

Moderated by Duffy MacKay, CRN VP scientific and regulatory affairs, the webinar will help companies better understand the intricacies of GMPs and will offer tips and best practices for passing Food and Drug Administration inspections.

IRVINGTON, N.Y. — Prestige on Tuesday acquired 17 over-the-counter brands from GlaxoSmithKline for a total of $660 million in cash. Among the brands Prestige acquired are the pain relievers BC, Goody's and Ecotrin brands; digestive brands Beano, Gaviscon, Phazyme, Tagamet and Fiber Choice; and the Sominex sleep aid brand.

NEW YORK — Israeli drug maker Teva Pharmaceutical Industries is developing a protein that could offer a new way to treat Type 1 diabetes, according to published reports.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the pancreas's beta cells, but the drug, DiaPep277, stops that from happening, according to Bloomberg.

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores on Monday named Paul White to the position of EVP and chief merchandising officer. White will report to Mike Bloom, president and COO.

“Through Paul’s leadership and strategic vision, Family Dollar has created a compelling mix of discretionary merchandise, which has led to a more fun place to shop for our customers,” Bloom said. “Paul’s promotion will help us continue to broaden our appeal and deliver greater value to our customers.”