| Schering-Plough Cites Today's Anacor Agreement As Latest in Series of Deals
KENILWORTH, N.J., Feb. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As recently announced, Schering-Plough Corporation has entered into an exclusive, worldwide agreement for the development and commercialization of AN2690, a topical antifungal therapy, with Anacor Pharmaceuticals, a privately held pharmaceutical company. The drug is currently in Phase II clinical trials for onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nail and nail bed that affects 7 to 10 percent of the U.S. population. "The addition of AN2690 builds on our growing strength in anti-infective treatment and brings another important innovation into our pipeline of treatments responding to the needs of physicians and their patients," said Fred Hassan, chairman and chief executive officer, Schering-Plough Corporation. "This announcement is another step in our strategy of accessing external innovations that extend our existing areas of strength in R&D and in customer relationships.
Another birthday milestone
Almost one full year ago I was looking back on my 62 years of life - not counting, of course, my 9 month gestation period. Strange as it may seem, here we are a year later and my 63rd birthday is about to happen. I was prophetic in thinking that no one would be arranging a surprise birthday party last year. This year is not likely to be any different. So, no big event notices, no heavy drinking, no loud music will occur. The neighbors will be relieved. Entering my 64th year I have decided, instead of looking back on my life, to ponder the future. Realistically, although in good health, a future career as a professional athlete doesn't seem to be in the cards. Let's face it, I have probably lost a step or too. I am too old to enter the "American Idol" competition (despite my melodious singing voice) and too nice to try out for "Survivor." Perhaps there is an opening for a senior superhero? I think I will stick to photography and writing.
Sleep cheaters in for rude awakening
You know those go-getters who say, "I'll sleep when I'm dead?" Well, if they continue to put off sleep, they may reach the grave sooner than they think. Just like not flossing your teeth or refusing to exercise, depriving yourself of sleep can lead to serious health consequences. The latter includes obesity, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes -- not to mention quality-of-life issues, such as migraines, depression, irritability, memory problems and poor work performance. Staying up all night to surf the Internet and then driving is as irresponsible as downing several beers before getting into your car. The government estimates that sleepy drivers cause up to 1,550 crash-related deaths a year. Like drunken drivers, sleepy drivers are distracted, have poor reaction times and tend to react more aggressively.
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