New Products

The product is designed to enhance image quality, adaptability, and the degree of control a physician has over the system (the latter via programmable buttons on the camera head). The Telecam DX II relies on fiberscope filters to remove moiré patterns and pixilation from images generated by flexible endoscopes. Precise auto-exposure and brightness control maximize the quality of every image. Interchangeable adapters for the office-based camera system come in 12-, 25-, 30-, and 38-mm focal lengths. A freeze-frame capability allows ob/gyns or other clinicians to freeze images for discussion with patients or colleagues or for diagnostic interpretation.

For more information, call 800-421-0837 or visit the company's Web site at http:// http://www.karlstorz.com/. 150

In fact, Boniva is the first oral treatment administered as one tablet once a month for any chronic disease. The approval will permit patients who currently take 52 weekly bisphosphonate treatments to cut down to just 12; the greater convenience may increase compliance. (As with other bisphosphonates, patients will need to take Boniva with plain water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and remain upright, avoiding food, drink, and other drugs for 1 hour.)

The drug maintains and actually builds bone mineral density (BMD) according to Ronald Emkey, MD, clinical trial investigator from Reading, Pa. Boniva 150 mg once-monthly and Boniva 2.5 mg daily are indicated for the treatment and prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Daily Boniva (2.5 mg) was approved for treating and preventing osteoporosis based on studies showing that over 3 years, it significantly reduced the risk of new vertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis and raised BMD in postmenopausal women who did not have osteoporosis. The approval of once-monthly oral Boniva (150 mg) was based on results from the MOBILE study (Monthly Oral iBandronate In LadiEs), a randomized, double-blind, multinational trial in 1,602 women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Like other oral bisphosphonates, it may cause upper gastrointestinal disorders. Abdominal pain was the most commonly reported adverse event with this drug. Patients taking Boniva can sign up for MyBONIVA, a patient support program designed to help enhance compliance. For more information, call 1-800-4BONIVA or visit http:// http://www.4boniva.com/.