Health news and health widget

RENO, NV (MARKET WIRE) MNI Nutraceuticals Inc. (PINKSHEETS: MNIA) is pleased to announce that it has received its second purchase order from regional supplement retailer, The Vitamin Guy.

Midwest Research Institute has laid off 16 employees, about 2.5 percent of the portion of its work force not involved with MRI’s contract to operate the National Renewable energy Laboratory.

An advisory panel to the F.D.A. is evaluating the biotech's morphine pill, pleasing hopeful investors.

AP - A coalition of labor unions that has been a thorn in the side of CVS Caremark Corp. is accusing the drugstore chain's pharmacy benefits unit of violating the privacy of plan members and trying to get doctors to switch patients to an expensive diabetes drug.

The biotech gets positive feedback from the FDA for its anemia drug.

MARKHAM, ONTARIO (MARKET WIRE) Extendicare Real Estate Investment Trust (Extendicare REIT)(TSX: EXE.UN) said claims made in a class action lawsuit filed today in the State of Wisconsin, Circuit Court, Milwaukee County against Extendicare Health Services, Inc., Extendicare Health network, Inc. and Extendicare Homes, Inc. (collectively Extendicare), subsidiaries of Extendicare REIT, are incorrect and misleading. Extendicare will vigorously defend against the lawsuit in court. The lawsuit is brought as a class action under Wisconsin's Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

WATERLOO, WI (MARKET WIRE) Trek Bicycle announced today its title sponsorship of the new Trek Women's Triathlon Series. Aimed at breaking down barriers for women athletes, the Trek Women's Triathlon Series is a collection of "race" events around the country designed to provide a fun, non-intimidating atmosphere for both aspiring and experienced triathletes. With events planned in a dozen markets across the country in 2009, the Trek Women's Triathlon Series anticipates nearly 25,000 participants in its first year, making it one of the largest multi-sport events in the world.

The hospital holding company takes a hit from the economy.

Boeing and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace Local 2001 reached tentative agreement Friday on new four-year contracts covering 21,000 engineers and technical workers.

A business plan to turn beer-brewery waste into feed stock for fish farms won a $10,000 contest judged by venture capitalists at the Colorado biotech industry’s annual conference.