INSIGHTS AND PERSPECTIVES

NEW YORK — AstraZeneca and Targacept released results of the first of four phase-3 clinical trials that investigated the efficacy and tolerability of a drug that could serve as an adjunct therapy to major depressive disorder patients that had an inadequate response to initial antidepressant therapies.

NEW YORK — Teenagers that consume a fiber-rich diet are less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, according to a new study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Nearly two-thirds of Americans believe flu shots prevent the flu, but only half plan to get the shot this year, according to the "Safeway Seasonal Wellness Survey," conducted by Kelton Research.

This is especially surprising, given that 89% said getting a flu shot is “as important” (50%) or “more important” (39%) than it was five years ago.

EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Clif Kid on Tuesday released the results of a national survey that found that consumers are confused about nutrition labels; specifically, appropriate quantities of nutrients and nutrition terminology causes frustration among parents when it comes to feeding their kids.

SAN DIEGO — The majority of Hispanics in the United States believe that more information about good oral health habits, access to affordable oral health care, and more Hispanic and Spanish-speaking dentists and dental hygienists in their communities would help them "a lot" in achieving better oral health. That’s according to the findings of a national survey led by the Hispanic Dental Association and sponsored by Procter & Gamble brands Crest and Oral-B.

CHICAGO — The first study to report the effects vitamin D has on the immune system of people with lupus was unveiled Saturday at the American College of Rheumatology Annual Scientific Meeting here.

The small sample study determined that vitamin D supplementation helped improve cell level counts associated with the disease.

ABBOTT PARK, Ill. — A large number of patients with a serious form of arthritis experienced improvement in their condition after taking a drug made by Abbott Labs for three months, according to results of a late-stage clinical trial announced Monday.

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — One very quiet bit of news worthy of a bit more attention: MinuteClinic is up to 645 clinics. Clinic revenues were up more than 15% during the quarter, and the company expects MinuteClinic will break even as planned by the end of the year. That's important because the third quarter isn't exactly a big cold-and-flu month, which means that patients are starting to use clinics for more than just sick care. Third quarter is back to school, which suggests the clinics likely were busier doing other things, such as vaccinations and physicals.