— After years of singling out single nucleotide polymorphisms — small variations in DNA — we might not be much closer to singling out those at risk for breast cancer. A new study involving nearly 12,000 women found that testing for SNPs only slightly improved risk assessment when compared to a standard test that relies on patient and family history (LATimes). Nonetheless, the US National Institutes of Health is still banking on genetics-based personalized medicine. The agency today announced a new ‘genetic testing registry’ for those who might be interested in such an analysis.

— A ban on pay-to-delay has been delayed yet again in the US. Congress was set to outlaw the maneuver, used by pharmaceutical companies to keep generic manufacturers from producing their off-patent products, but the battle over health care reform now has another victim. Senators said they’ll pursue the issue again after the current bill is passed. (Pharmalot)

— Clinical trials might be unnecessarily excluding gays and lesbians, according to a study published today in The New England Journal of Medicine. In looking at studies on ClinicalTrials.gov, researchers found that 15% of trials related to erectile dysfunction or hypoactive sexual disorder excluded patients who were homosexual. Many studies also required that patients be in a heterosexual relationship, which excludes many bachelors irrespective of their sexual orientation. (ScienceDaily)

— Several non-profit groups and pharmaceutical companies are partnering to accelerate the development of treatments for tuberculosis. Researchers plan to test several novel TB drugs and come up with new regimens in just six years. The US Food and Drug Administration also announced plans to devise new regulations that would speed up the approval process for multi-drug regimens treating TB, HIV/AIDS, and cancer. (WSJ)

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