Providence-based EpiVax Inc. was awarded a $55,000 grant from the GBS/CIDP Foundation International to explore using Tregitopes as a new therapy for a nerve disease that is treated currently with intravenous immunoglobulin. more

Imagine a state where all Rhode Islanders – from Woonsocket to Narragansett – enjoyed excellent health and quality of life. Instead of waiting to get sick, Rhode Islanders would be active participants in an affordable, integrated health care system that promotes wellness and delivers high quality, comprehensive primary care. more

Over the last 10 years health-insurance companies have stressed the need for preventative health care and wellness programs. Well ahead of the curve in establishing these programs and evaluating their effectiveness are Janice M. Prochaska and her company, Pro-Change Behavior Systems Inc. of South Kingstown. more

BOSTON – Attorney General Martha Coakley announced last week that a pharmaceutical manufacturer has agreed to pay more than $730,000 to the Massachusetts Medicaid Program as part of a settlement resolving allegations of improper off-label marketing of four of its drugs. more

In 2011, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island generated net income of about $11 million, after all medical and administration expenses were met. More than 40 percent – $5.1 million – of that profit came directly from savings as a result of patient medical-expense avoidance achieved by Blackstone Valley Community Health Center, according to Blackstone Valley’s calculations. more

Updated, Dec. 8, 12:45 p.m. Citing higher medical cost trends, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island filed for new rate factors for 2013 with the R.I. Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner. more

PROVIDENCE – Zoe Prescott and Bomina Belden, who co-produced their 30-second video for a class project at Westerly High School, won first place at the annual World AIDS Day Red Ribbon Rally held recently at the Met school. more

PROVIDENCE – The series of listening sessions for the State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders saw sessions last week in Barrington and Woonsocket, with another planned this week. more

WARWICK – Dr. Peter Graves of West Greenwich has been named chief of emergency medicine at Kent Hospital. more

PROVIDENCE – A new basketball court to promote physical activity and wellness for the more than 60 students attending the special-education school run by The Providence Center opened on Nov. 28. more