> A Texas judge refused a request by Merck to delay the start of the first Vioxx trial, saying he believes the company can get a fair trial. Story (Wall Street Journal sub. req.)
> A study in the UK concludes that the Foundation hospitals offer no better care than other hospitals. Story
> The New York Times reports on how insurers aren't necessarily paying for new medical technologies. Story
> St. Vincents Hospital System in New York files for bankruptcy. Story
> Medical imaging is a major force driving up healthcare costs. Story
> Researchers at Bath University in England report that women respond differently to pain than men do. Story
> The Washington Post examines the trend towards robot docs in telemedicine. Story
> The United Nations unveiled its master plan for fighting avian flu. Story
> The Senate Finance Committee is investigating Johnson & Johnson's use of grants to doctors during the marketing of Propulsid during the 1990s. Story
> In the Boston Globe, Jermone Kassirer writes that the relationship between doctors and pharma companies needs to be mended. Story
And Finally... Contradicting a recent government report, a national law enforcement association says methamphetamine is causing more problems than any other drug. Story