Hypertension, drug research

The feasibility of online SPE LC/MS/MS has been tested since the introduction of thermospray ionization. In an early research paper by Lant and Oxford (1987), a prototype online SPE LC/MS system was set up and successfully applied for the measurement of labetalol, a hypertension drug and a- and /J-adrenergic receptor, in plasma. This system was set up by coupling an advanced automated sample processor (AASP, Varian, Walton-on-Thames, UK) with a reversed-phase column, a ten-port switching valve, and an MS equipped with thermospray interface (Vestec, Houston, Texas) (Blakley et al. 1980, Blakley and Vestal 1983). 

SHEP Cooperative Research Group. 1991. Prevention of stroke by hypertensive drugs treatment in old persons with isolated systolic hypertension final results of the Systolic Hypertension in the Elderly Program (SHEP) . J. Am. Med. Assoc. 265 3255-3264. 

In the treatment of chronic diseases, a long term zero order release dosage form is highly desirable as it reduces fluctuations of drug levels, reduces toxicity and increases patient compliance. Problems in the treatment of both hypertension, a lifetime disorder, and opiate addiction are associated with compliance. The goal of this research is to develop a subcutaneously injectable system which can release drug at constant rates over a long period of time. 

SHEP Cooperative Research Group. Kostis JB, Davis BR, Cutler J. Prevention of heart failure by antihypertensive drug treatment in older persons with isolated systolic hypertension. JAMA 1997 278 212-6. 

For pharmacologic research, - and K2-adrenoceptor antagonist drugs have been very useful in the experimental exploration of autonomic nervous system function. In clinical therapeutics, nonselective antagonists are used in the treatment of pheochromocytoma (tumors that secrete catecholamines), and -selective antagonists are used in primary hypertension and... 

The major current successes of the industry - blockbuster drugs for hypertension, cholesterol, depression, ulcers, and so on - are the results of research done decades ago, under the "old" binary Industry structure (Cockburn 2004). Thus, today s new drugs are the product of yesterday s R D spending and today s R D spending will contribute to output far in the future. 

Researchers John Baer, Karl Beyer (1914—1996), James Sprague (1916- ), and Frederick Novello formulate the drug chlorothiazide, the first of the thiazide diuretics. This groundbreaking discovery marked a new era in medicine as the first safe and effective long-term treatment for chronic hypertension and heart failure. 

The pharmacists of Care-Rite Pharmacy also developed patient educational tools to be used during the patient assessment and patient education components of the Pharmacy Check-up Service. Because many of the targeted patients have similar medical conditions, education materials were developed for specific disease states, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc. Also, educational materials were developed for certain therapeutic classes of medications. The Care-Rite pharmacists also determined that many patients needed individualized education materials, so they implemented a drug information/educational service as part of the MTM service. With this service, patients can ask questions regarding their medical conditions and/or drug therapies. The pharmacists will research and provide an individualized written response for each patient. 

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