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The article discusses the joint position paper released by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and the American College of Endocrinology and 11 other professional organizations, about diabetes management in hospitals in the U.S. The position paper listed the barriers for proper treatment of diabetes patients and patients who may become diabetic while hospitalized. It also discussed specific recommendations to overcome the barriers including: the identification of elevated blood glucose in all hospitalized patients and the establishment of a multidisciplinary team approach to diabetes management in all hospitals.

This article reports that in 1997, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a regulation "Rule 21 CFR Part 11," that provides criteria for the acceptance of electronic records, electronic signatures, and handwritten signatures. FDA issued the guidance in response to requests from the industry. With this regulation, electronic records can be equivalent to paper records and handwritten signatures. The rule applies to all industry segments regulated by FDA that include good laboratory practice, good clinical practice, and current good manufacturing practice.

The article reports on the clinical outcomes of trabeculectomy in the U.S. A systematic, evidence-based review of prior randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of aqueous shunts have found no clear evidence that long-term clinical outcomes of trabeculectomy differ substantially from those of aqueous shunts in similar patients with complicated glaucoma over similar follow-up.

The article offers information on new molecular entities and biologics approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2008, including Alvimopan, Bendamustine and Desvenlafaxine. The Alvimopan, which is considered the first approved treatment for post-operative ileus, can shorten the signs and symptoms of impaired gastrointestinal motility that occur after certain surgeries. The Bendamustine offers a new chemotherapeutic options for the first-line treatment of adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Moreover, the Desvenlafaxine can be used as treatment of hypertension and reduces mean arterial blood pressure by decreasing systemic vascular resistance.

Reports on the delay of the effective date for paper-based drug pedigree requirements which emanates from the Prescription Drug Marketing Act by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Rationale behind the delay; Foreseen significant adverse impact of the system on secondary wholesale retailers.