Letter from the Editor:Social Media and the Drug Companies

Our patients often use the internet to learn more about the conditions we diagnose and the medications and procedures we use to treat them. Often they come to us with good information and seem to have become "specialists" at their own condition. At times this can make it easier for us to discuss aggressive treatment. However with the growth of social media outlets such as Twitter and Facebook, our patients can be getting information that is not correct or balanced and the FDA is now taking a look at that.

According to a recent piece on National Public Radio, the agency has sent its first warning letter about Facebook to drugmaker Novartis for the way it's been using the popular social networking site to promote a cancer drug. Novartis's sin, the FDA says, was the misuse of a widget that didn't give people information about the downside of the drug used to treat certain kinds of leukemia. It doesn't include the litany of side-effects and warnings that you'd see on a drug ad on TV. The widget allows the sender to endorse the drug to others. Expect the FDA to issue rules on the use of social media by the end of the year.

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The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Physical Activity for Competitive Athletes and People with Diabetes Alike is this week's feature from Sheri Colberg, PhD. She looks at the value of activity vs. supplements, giving more evidence that getting off the couch is of great benefit.

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During the AADE meeting I had an opportunity to read some research about a new combination product for weight loss. Contrave (naltrexone SR/bupropion SR), an investigational product from Orexigen, showed significant weight loss in Phase 3 clinical trials and the company has applied for FDA approval. Our current intern from the University of Florida, Isaak Smith, took a look at the research and he found some very interesting facts to share with you. Read what he has to say in, "New Weight Loss Combination Ready for FDA Approval."
 

Announcements:

TCOYD Conference and Health Fair, Saturday, September 11, 2010, Providence, Rhode Island 
The TCOYD team will be at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI, on Saturday, September 11, for a full day of panel discussions, health exhibits, workshops, physical acitivies and hands-on sessions. Special Guests include: Charlie Kimball (Indy Lights Race Car driver) and Kim Lyons (Fitness Expert, Professional Trainer and Certified Nutritionist). For more 2010 upcoming conference details, please go to TCOYD.org.

dLife.com: August 8, 7PM ET on CNBC
Topics: dLife demystifies sweeteners and sugar substitutes. Plus, how one woman got past denial to take control of her health. And, a heroic mother fighting diabetes in her son’s memory shares her difficult and emotional story. Special Guest: Michelle Alswager. Sundays on CNBC at 7 PM ET, 6 PM CT, and 4 PM PT. Catch up on dLife.com.

Please answer this week's Poll question (in the right-hand column):

If approved by the ADA, would you recommend a once-a-day long-acting insulin for a newly diagnosed diabetic patient with an A1c of 6.5 to 7%?

Check out this week's "Test Your Diabetes Knowledge" question!

Dave Joffe, Editor-in-chief