Covidien, a US-based provider of healthcare products, and Nuvo Research, a Canadian drug development company, have received the FDA’s approval of its new drug application for Pennsaid topical solution 1.5% w/w. Pennsaid topical solution is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. Covidien is responsible for all US commercialization activities, and is responsible for the clinical development of Pennsaid Plus.

Eurand N.V., a specialty pharmaceutical company, has announced U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of its New Drug Application (NDA) for Zenpep (pancrelipase) Delayed-Release Capsules for the treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) or other conditions. Zenpep is the only FDA-approved pancreatic enzyme product (PEP) that has been evaluated in clinical studies in adults and children.

According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research suggests practicing tai chi can help seniors suffering from OA reduce their pain and improve their physical function. Treating arthritis pain may be possible with a relaxing alternative therapy. The ancient Chinese martial art known as tai chi may be effective in reducing knee pain in older people with osteoarthritis (OA).

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and KOKEN Co.,Ltd., announced that Alnylam has granted KOKEN a non-exclusive worldwide license to manufacture and provide RNAi research products and services under the Kreutzer-Limmer patent family. This patent family, owned exclusively by Alnylam, covers fundamental aspects of the structure and uses of RNAi products, including small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and their use to mediate RNAi in mammalian cells, and of RNAi-related mechanisms.