All about France's milk scandal, Physician burnout taking center stage

Aurora Cannabis Inc said on Tuesday it had not partnered with any beverage company, responding to a media report that Coca-Cola Co was in talks with the Canadian weed producer to make marijuana infused drinks.

Aurora says no deal with beverage makers for weed-based drinks

Aurora Cannabis Inc said on Tuesday it had not partnered with any beverage company, responding to a media report that Coca-Cola Co was in talks with the Canadian weed producer to make marijuana infused drinks. Aurora said while it often engages in "exploratory discussions with industry participants," there was "no agreement, understanding or arrangement with respect to any partnership with a beverage company."

Clovis Oncology, execs to pay $20 million to settle SEC charges

U.S. biotechnology company Clovis Oncology Inc and its Chief Executive Patrick Mahaffy and former CFO Erle Mast will pay more than $20 million to settle charges of misleading investors about the efficacy of a cancer drug, the top U.S. securities regulator said on Tuesday. The Securities and Exchange Commission said they agreed to the settlement without admitting or denying the allegations, and that the settlements are subject to court approval.

France's Lactalis gets the go-ahead to reopen plant after tainted milk scandal

French authorities have given dairy giant Lactalis permission to resume selling baby milk from a factory that was closed after salmonella-contaminated milk produced there infected dozens of babies, the government said on Tuesday. Lactalis, one of the world's largest dairy groups, had to recall 12 million tins in France and around the world because of the contamination, in a scandal that hit the reputation of France's agri-business industry.

Physician burnout taking center stage

The medical establishment may finally be coming to grips with the issue of physician burnout. The evidence: two studies on the topic reported in the latest issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. One study found that nearly half of junior physicians were already having burnout symptoms at least one day a week.

U.S. doctors recommend behavior changes to prevent obesity-related health issues

For preventing health problems in obese patients, intensive behavioral interventions focused on improving things like eating and exercise habits may be the best prescription, U.S. doctors advise. Obese adults should receive counseling and other programs to help them stick to a healthy diet, maintain or increase physical activity, and understand and address obstacles to weight loss, according to recommendations issued today by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF).

U.S. judge dismisses concussions lawsuits against World Wrestling

A federal judge has dismissed lawsuits by dozens of former professional wrestlers who accused World Wrestling Entertainment Inc of failing to protect them from concussions and other head trauma, including chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Many claims filed on behalf of 53 wrestlers like Joseph "Road Warrior Animal" Laurinaitis and Jimmy "Superfly" Snuka were brought too late and some were frivolous, U.S. District Judge Vanessa Bryant in Hartford, Connecticut, ruled on Monday.

Women's sexual health after menopause may be best treated by gynecologists

Postmenopausal women who experience problems like vaginal dryness, painful intercourse or urinary incontinence may want to see a gynecologist instead of a primary care provider for help, a recent study suggests. That's because gynecologists may be more knowledgeable about what's known as vulvovaginal atrophy, a common but often overlooked condition that can seriously impact women's lives after menopause and lead to avoidance of intimacy, loss of libido, and painful sex.

GSK grabs new drug development head from Boehringer

GlaxoSmithKline has hired Chris Corsico from German drugmaker Boehringer Ingelheim to fill the new role of senior vice-president development as the company reshapes its research strategy, a spokesman for the British group said on Tuesday. Corsico, currently a chief medical officer at Boehringer, will start at GSK on January 1, reporting to research head Hal Barron.

California insurance regulator sues AbbVie alleging Humira kickbacks

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones on Tuesday filed a complaint on behalf of the State of California against AbbVie Inc, alleging the drugmaker gave illegal kickbacks to health care providers to prescribe its blockbuster drug, Humira. AbbVie shares fell 2.5 percent to $92.98 on Tuesday afternoon.

Macron injects cash to fix France's healthcare system

President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday promised extra money and more doctors in rural areas to ease pressure on France's hospitals, which are creaking under the weight of budget constraints and closures of clinics outside towns and cities. Macron's announcement came days after he unveiled a separate 8 billion euro plan to help some 8.8 million people who live below the poverty threshold.

(With inputs from Reuters)