Xenotransmission of the socioeconomic gradient in health? A population based study

Does innovation in obesity drugs affect stock markets? An event study analysis

OBJECTIVE

This study empirically analyzes the effects of public information about the pharmaceutical R&D process on the market valuation of the sponsoring firm. We examined the market's response to scientific news and regulatory decisions about an antiobesity drug, rimonabant, and the effects on the sponsoring company (Sanofi-Aventis) and its incumbent competitors (Abbott and Roche).

METHODS

Event study methodology was used to test the null hypothesis of no market response. We covered the full life cycle of rimonabant (1994-2008), using a data set of daily closing price and volume.

RESULTS

The results suggest that scientific news in the initial stages of the drug R&D process (i.e., drug discovery, preclinical and clinical trials) had no significant effects. However, news related to regulatory decisions, such as recall or safety warning, had significant negative effects on the company's market value. No spillover/contagion effects on competitor firms were detected.

CONCLUSION

Market reactions occur at the time when the regulator takes decisions about drugs. Scientific news, even those of high-impact, may pass unnoticed.

Mapping and measuring disparities in welfare for cats across neighborhoods in a large US city

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether disparities in health and welfare among cats are present within neighborhoods and across census tracts in a large US city, and to compare results with area-level human data.

SAMPLE POPULATION

17,587 cat intake records from 2 animal sheltering organizations serving Boston, and summary data from city animal control authorities for a 5-year period (2004 through 2008).

PROCEDURES

Geocoded addresses (n = 15,285) were spatially joined to neighborhood and census tract polygons. Cat intakes and deaths were calculated per capita and compared with human demographic and death data. Poisson mixed-effects models were used to smooth mortality rates and calculate relative risks.

RESULTS

Data from geocoded records indicated that annual rates of cat intakes and deaths ranged widely (0.85 to 10.3 cats/1,000 persons and 0.27 to 3.9 cats/1,000 persons, respectively) within 16 neighborhoods of Boston. The disparity across 156 census tracts that comprised these neighborhoods was even greater (0.10 to 22.1 cats/1,000 persons and 0.15 to 6.47 cats/1,000 persons for intakes and deaths, respectively). Cat deaths were significantly correlated with human premature deaths at the neighborhood level (R2 = 0.77). Overall, annual per capita city-wide shelter-associated mortality rate for cats (estimated at approx 2.6 cats/1,000 persons) was similar to rates in other progressive communities.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

By use of geospatial techniques, 14- to 40-fold gradients in cat deaths were detected across Boston neighborhoods and census tracts. Cat deaths were associated with human premature deaths and socioeconomic indicators reflecting deprivation. Targeted interventions may be effective in resolving these disparities.

The epidemiology of dog walking: an unmet need for human and canine health

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of dog walking in New South Wales, and to identify potential health gains if more dogs were walked.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analytical survey.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

894 adults in NSW in 1998 (among the owners of approximately two million domestic dogs in NSW who were potential participants in dog-walking behaviours).

INTERVENTIONS

None yet.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Dog walking hours per week; other DogEpi concepts to illustrate the public health gains include the DAF (dog attributable fraction), and the BBR (benefits to bites ratio).

RESULTS

The response rate to the survey was 74%. 46% of households in NSW had a dog and, overall, dog owners walked 18 minutes per week more than non-dog owners. However, more than half of dog owners did not walk their dogs, and were less likely than non-owners to meet recommended levels of physical activity sufficient for health benefits. If all dog owners walked their dogs, substantial disease prevention and healthcare cost savings of $175 million per year might accrue.

CONCLUSIONS

There are potential benefits of dog walking for human health; currently, among dog owners, much of this benefit remains to be realised. There are also likely benefits for canine health. Dog walking should be promoted through national strategies recommending "Walkies for all by the year 2010".