Global Health Progress Fact Sheet Projects China Will Become One of World’s Major Biopharmaceutical Players

Data revealed in Global Health Progress’ (GHP) new fact sheet shows that China is projected to become one of the world’s major biopharmaceutical players, along with the U.S., Europe, and Japan, in the next fifteen years. This projection is based on China’s commitment to improving access to healthcare by expanding its biotechnology sector, increasing its exportation of biopharmaceuticals and investing in pharmaceutical research and development (R&D).

China has one of the fastest growing economies in the world with a gross domestic product of more than $8 trillion. Its biotechnology sector has become a bright spot in the Asia Pacific region and the world markets, with an impressive average annual growth rate of 19.4% between 2000 and 2005, and is anticipated to become the world’s third-largest pharmaceutical market in 2011, a major increase over its #8 rank in 2000

Part of China’s successful growth is due to its decision to improve access to healthcare by increasing exports of biopharmaceuticals. For example, in 2006 China exported a total of US $890 million in biopharmaceuticals – a 30.61% increase compared with the previous year. China has also become the largest vaccine manufacturing country in the world, capable of producing 41 vaccines to prevent 26 viral diseases, and has become the third country to succeed in large-scale production of genetically engineered insulin.

Additionally, China’s pharmaceutical R&D expenditures are expected to reach US $10 billion or 2% of global spending by the end of 2010. The country is expected to contribute an additional $40+ billion in annual sales by 2013, comparable to the level of increased sales forecast for the US market in the same period.

China’s investment in the biotechnology sector has translated into improvements regarding access to healthcare and the country’s economic growth through creating high-quality, highly skilled jobs. Currently, there are more than 500 biotechnology companies in China with the biopharmaceutical sector employing approximately 50,000 people. Additionally, pharmaceutical R&D is taking the form of multinational biopharmaceutical companies setting up research facilities in biotechnology parks in China, which can drive highly-skilled, high wage job growth and encourage better access to healthcare.

Please view full PDF for additional information and list of sources.

Via EPR Network
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New Study Shows Cortisol Level A Possible Contributor To Alcohol Abuse

New discoveries are giving more hope for those battling addiction to alcohol. A recently published study indicates a correlation between alcohol abuse and the hormone cortisone.

A study published in England by the University of Liverpool indicates that alcoholics may have a higher incidence of elevated cortisol levels than levels present in the general population. Cortisol, a hormone released under stress, seems to not only affect alcoholics but has also been shown to be elevated in individuals suffering from any type of substance abuse addiction.

“Studies like this demonstrate that addiction isn’t just a social and emotional disease but a physiological one as well that requires the help of addiction treatment professionals,” begins a spokesperson for Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center . “Within the treatment field, it is important to understand the epidemiology of addiction so that all aspects of the addiction are treated. If we focus only on the social and emotional aspects of addiction, the chances for recovery are diminished greatly. That’s why discoveries such as these are significant and are important to consider in the treatment of addiction to ensure long-term sobriety. Furthermore, studies such as this encourage more research in the hope of finding the right treatment modalities that can reverse the physiological aspects of addiction and bring so many more onto the road to recovery.”

Not only is cortisol a stress hormone, but it is also responsible for helping to metabolize food through a series of insulin releases. In addition, cortisol is closely connected to insulin resistance, another suspected factor in the list of physiological aspects of addiction.

Since its inception, Mountainside Drug Rehab and Alcohol Treatment Center has been committed to creating ways that will help individuals get and remain sober.

The compassionate, caring treatment team at Mountainside is comprised of licensed and certified counselors and social workers as well as an on-staff Nurse Practitioner and a Registered Nurse, both of whom have specializations and extensive experience in drug addiction and alcohol treatment. For clients who may have psychiatric issues and/or a dual diagnosis, Mountainside provides the services of a Psychiatrist who also has specialization in addictions. As a result of their unique, innovative approaches to addiction treatment over the past 12 years, Mountainside has become the model for the addiction treatment field.

Via EPR Network
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