Exclusive: CEO of Komen for the Cure never stepped down as announced in 2012

June 6, 2013- By Steven E. Greer, MD

The breast cancer research foundation Komen for the Cure, founded by Nancy Brinker, got into hot water in 2012 when it stopped funding Planned Parenthood centers. The outcry from abortion activists and bad publicity caused donations to fall more than 30%. Recently, it was announced that many of the cities that had participated in the Walk for the Cure will no longer be doing so.

In an attempt to stop the bleeding, Komen for the Cure announced that the CEO, Nancy Brinker, was departing the philanthropy and stepping down as CEO. The Healthcare Channel has learned that Ms. Brinker never left her CEO job, and in fact has a nearly $200,000 increase in her salary. The website (click image on right for full screen) still lists her as CEO, and makes no reference of her as being an “acting” or “interim” CEO.

When asked why the CEO is still on the job, a Komen spokesperson replied, “In 2012, we announced that Nancy would step into another role once a new president/CEO was named. She remains in that role while the executive search continues.”

Regarding the salary increase for Ms. Brinker, the Komen spokesperson replied, “Nancy last received a raise in 2010 – she did not take a raise in 2011 and 2012 and won’t receive one this year, either. (The raise) occurred long before the Planned Parenthood issue, not the year that it occurred. This seems to be what everyone gets confused about.” Based on the 2011 calendar year “Form 990″, made public in calendar year 2012, her 2011 salary was $684,717, compared to a 2010 salary of $417,171. Brinker’s 2012 salary in not yet known to the public. Four other Komen executives earn salaries in excess of $300,000.

(Click chart below for full screen)

June 18, 2013- Nancy Brinker was finally ousted as CEO. According to the WSJ, “Judith Salerno will fill the top slot and begin her transition this summer. The 61-year-old physician was the chief executive and chief operating officer of the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine. At Komen, she will report to the organization’s 10-person board of directors, which includes founder and outgoing CEO Nancy Brinker.

New CEO Judith Salerno, left, is shown with Nancy Brinker, the founder who is stepping down as head of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Ms. Brinker will become a goodwill ambassador and head fundraiser as “chair of global strategy,” and will report to Dr. Salerno, Komen spokeswoman Andrea Rader said. Ms. Rader wouldn’t disclose Ms. Brinker’s new compensation, but said it would be less than the $648,717 she received, including a bonus, in the tax year ending in March 2012, according to the most recently available Internal Revenue Service documents.”

How genuine of a departure this move is remains to be seen. Ms. Brinker will be leading the board, and the CEO will report to the board, all of which was chosen by Brinker.

The Weekly Summary

Ed Snowden, NSA leaker

June 10^th – June 16^th  

In general news, the Syrian war escalated when President Obama announced an about face to supply arms to the rebels fighting President al-Assad. At home, the scandals grew for the White House as it was confirmed by an NSA contractor that the government was indeed collecting phone records and Internet records on innocent Americans.   Iran new president

In healthcare business news, The SCOTUS ruled that human genes cannot be patented, impacting Myriad (MYGN) genetics. GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) fired a China-based researcher for reporting fraudulent clinical data, while they also probed allegations of bribery in China. Lastly, RTI Biologics (RTIX) will acquire Pioneer Surgical for $130 Million.

On the data front, Amgen’s (AMGN) trebananib was effective in ovarian cancer. Vanda (VNDA) posted good data on sleep drug tasimelteon, and another Alzheimer’s drug attempt for Eli Lilly (LLY) failed. This time, it was a BACE inhibitor.

From the FDA, Aveo’s (AVEO) kidney cancer drug tivozanib was rejected, with more trials requested. Also, Salix (SLXP) and Progenics (PGNX) stocks rose when Relistor received a date for an advisory committee.

Antoni Ribas, MD discusses cancer drugs targeting the PD1 signaling pathways

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

March 19, 2013

The upcoming ASCO meeting will be dominated by numerous presentations relating to new cancer drugs targeting the cell surface molecule called PD-L1, and the immune cell receptors PD1. Early Phase 1 data in non-small cell lung cancer, renal cancer, and melanoma demonstrated such impressive sustained tumor responses that they papers were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Antoni Ribas, MD of the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center is involved in trials testing some of these new molecules. In the video interview, he explains the mechanisms of action, reviews data published so far, and previews new data to be seen at ASCO.

Reliable gun violence statistics

February 12, 2013 By Steven E. Greer, MD

In the wake of the Newtown, Connecticut massacre of 20 first graders and six brave adults, the debate over gun control is the main topic of the news. Consequently, both sides of the debate are using statistics to support their arguments. However, gun violence statistics are quite often inappropriately cited by untrained “pundits” or lobbyists.

A summary of some of the most important evidence and data: Read more »

Have state health commissioners dropped the ball?

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

Representative Michael Burgess, MD of Texas discusses how state health insurance commissioners failed to do their jobs and keep premiums in check.

The Medtronic CoreValve program

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

The Weekly Summary

June 3^rd – June 9^th  

In general news, stories leaked to two newspapers confirmed that the U.S. government is collecting data on law-abiding citizens relating to all phone calls and Internet use, which triggered outrage even from the NY Times. The news complicated President Obama’s summit with China’s President Xi to discuss cyber attacks. The economy continues to sputter, creating only 175,000 jobs in May. Elsewhere, another mass shooting by a crazed gunman took place in California, killing at least five, and another steroid scandal is plaguing MLB.

In healthcare business, Tesaro (TSRO) shares spiked on news of a partnership with Breast Int Group to go to phase 3 with Phase 3 clinical development with niraparib.

On the data front, Clovis (CLVS) shares doubled on good ASCO data on drug C-1686 to treat lung cancer. In other ASCO news, as previously reported, anti-PD1 drugs and MEK/BRAF related drugs were the stars of the meeting.

From the FDA, Steve Nissen was rebuked when an AdCom voted to remove the severe REM restrictions on Glaxo’s (GSK) Avandia. In congress, a bill was passed to allow the FDA to better track prescription drug ingredients fro start to finish.

IOM report on CDC gun violence research

FDA reviews the safety of Januvia, Byetta, and other GLP-1 diabetes drugs

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

Janet Woodcock, MD, the FDA’s Director of CDER (in charge of all new drugs) discusses the safety review for GLP-1 agonist diabetes drugs, such as Januvia and Byetta.

The CDC discusses Gardasil HPV vaccine safety

Produced and interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

Dr. Barbara Slade of the CDC discusses her recent JAMA article on the safety and adverse event reports for Merck’s HPV cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil. Back in 1976, a swine flu vaccine caused Guillain-Barrė syndrome and this has led to subsequent vaccines being under scrutiny for any neurologic adverse events.

The Weekly Summary

May 28^th – June 2^nd

In general news, it was a slow week due to the lingering effects of Memorial Day. Existing home sales prices spiked, along with strong consumer confidence, sending the markets higher. Attorney General Eric Holder was taking the heat over his testimony on the IRS scandals. And in the Midwest, more tornados and floods pummeled Oklahoma.

In healthcare business news, AstraZeneca (AZN) bought Omethera (OMTH), for its Phase 3 omega-3 drug Epanova. Also, Amgen (AMGN) partnered with Astellas (YPH) to move into the Japan markets.

On the data front, ASCO convened, with little news since the abstracts were released.

From the FDA, Glaxo’s (GSK) Tafinlar (dabrafenib) and Mekinist (trametinib) were approved for metastatic melanoma, along with companion diagnostic assay from bioMérieux S.A., THxID-BRAF. Edwards Lifesciences (EW) received a plant inspection 483 warning letter on its Utah plant that makes valves, putting at risk the next-generation Sapien valve approval. Lastly, CMS denied coverage once again for the Cyberonics (CYBX) anti-depression vagus nerve stimulator.

Bioabsorbable stents

William O’Neill, MD of Henry Ford discusses bioabsorbable coronary stents, and the U.S. Abbott trials. They devices are approved in Europe and being well adopted. Because the stent goes away, long-term anticoagulation is not required, and aneurysms are possibly less of a problem.

What happens next with the ACA law?

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

Representative Michael Burgess, MD, of Texas, discusses the next steps that have to happen to get Obamacare ready for the January 1, 2014 launch.

Smartphone apps to be regulated and taxed as medical devices

March 26, 2013

Which smartphone apps will the FDA label as a medical device making them taxable tax under the ACA Obamacare law? The final FDA guidelines will be issued this year, and Republicans in the House have held oversight hearings on the matter. We discussed the matter on Fox Business. the full House hearing can be viewed below.

The FDA’s new Breakthrough status for new drug applications

Interviewed by Steven E. Greer, MD

Janet Woodcock, MD, the FDA’s Director of CDER (all new drugs) discusses the new regulatory pathway called “Breakthrough status”.

Renal denervation devices to treat hypertension

William O’Neill, MD of Henry Ford Hospital discusses renal denervation devices used to treat refractory hypertension. He is involved with the Medtronic device trials.

RomneyCare ballooned healthcare costs in Massachusetts

June 24, 2012

CBS News interviewed the Governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick, about the cost increases caused by the 2006 passage of so called “RomneyCare”. As a percentage of total state costs, healthcare rose from 36% in 2006 to 43% in 2011, and Massachusetts spends more per person on healthcare than any other state.

Governor Patrick said, “When they passed healthcare reform, cost was not a consideration. We are dealing with that now.” He has created special healthcare programs that do not offer the more costly teaching hospitals, such as the Harvard system, and has allowed the state health insurance regulators to not approve premium increases proposed by the insurers.

The Weekly Summary

Oklahoma tornado victims

May 20^th – May 27^th  

In general news, a British soldier was brutally beheaded by too radical Islamic terrorists in London. In the U.S., one of the largest tornados in history leveled a suburb of Oklahoma City, killing children in an elementary school, and Memorial Day was celebrated under extreme weather (snow in New York and floods in Texas).

In healthcare business news, Bausch & Lomb could be acquired by Valeant (VRX) for $9, while Actavis (ACT) plans to buy Warner Chilcott for $8.5 B. Recall, VRX and ACT almost merged. Pfizer (PFE) plans to sell the remaining equity in animal health Zoetis (ZTS). Lastly, the Supreme Court will hear a case relating the a Medtronic patent.

On the data front, Euro PCR generated little new data on renal denervation, TAVI, or Bioabsorbable stents. AcelRX’s (ACRX) Sufentanil NanoTab PCA System to treat postoperative pain met endpoints, sending shares higher. Xenoport (XNPT) cancelled the MS program after an anti-spasticity drug arboclofen failed. Lastly, PFE also halted study of inotuzumab for NHL.

From the FDA, an AdCom voted to approved Merck’s (MRK) new sleep drug suvorexant.

Book review: My Beef with Meat

Book by Rip Esselstyn

Publisher: Grand Central Life & Style, Hachette Book Group

Review by Steven E. Greer, MD

What do all of these extremely athletic and strong professional athletes have in common? Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, Heisman Trophy football star and MMF fighter Herschel Walker, Heisman Trophy winner Ricky Williams, new NFL running back sensation Arian Foster, 9-time Olympic gold medal sprinter Carl Lewis, tennis greats Martina Navratilova, Venus Williams, and the now-fit-and-trim President Bill Clinton, have all turned to a “plant-strong” (or vegan) diet replacing animal protein with vegetable protein.

Following up on his first best-selling book, “The Engine 2 diet”, his second book, “My Beef with Meat”, Rip Esselstyn explains why giving up meat will make you healthier and more energetic. Rip is currently a 49-year-old triathlete and firefighter in Austin, Texas, and consultant to Whole Foods.

Rip is the son of Caldwell Esselstyn, MD: An endocrine surgeon at the Cleveland Clinic and Olympic gold medal winner in rowing. The 2011 documentary “Forks Over Knives” was based on Dr. Esselstyn’s work, and influenced President Clinton to adopt the meat-free diet after his heart surgery. Read more »

The Weekly Summary

May 13^th – May 19^th  

In general news, Europe is entering a double-dip economic depression. In the U.S., triple scandals have paralyzed the Obama administration, ranging from the IRS targeting conservatives, to spying on AP journalists, to the growing Benghazi cover-up. In the rare good news category, the budget deficit is much smaller than last forecast, and the stock market bubble continues.

In healthcare mainstream news, actress Angelina Jolie underwent an elective double mastectomy because of her genetic risks. An abortion doctor in Philadelphia was found guilty of several counts of murder. The psychiatry bible DSM-5 was released. Lastly, former nurse, Marilyn Tavenner, became the first actual Director of CMS since 2006.

In healthcare business news, Ranbaxy shares fell after a $500 Million fine related to unsafe drug manufacturing and pleaded guilty to felony charges (but no human was arrested). Roche is exploring sales of diabetes blood glucose device unit. Aegerion (AEGR) stock was up 33% on hopes for Juxtapid, and MannKind (MNKD), left for dead, rebounded on rumors that Afrezza (inhaled insulin) might be approved and partnered.

On the data front, ASCO abstracts dominated the news. Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) Yervoy/anti-PD1 combo data were in-line with expectations in melanoma patients. Roche’s next-generation Rituxan (to fend off patent expiration) posted good data in CLL. Tesaro (TSRO) stock appreciated on good data for niraparib for breast and ovarian tumors. Halozyme (HALO) was up on ASCO data for pancreatic cancer drug PEGPH20. Puma (PBYI) stock spiked when data on Glaxo’s (GSK) drug Tykerb, that would compete with Puma’s neratinib, was disappointing. Sanofi (SNY) reported good data on JAK2 to treat myelofibrosis. Lastly, Gilead’s (GILD) idelalisib was effective for leukemia in Phase 1, as the company tries to enter oncology markets.

From the FDA, several new indications for existing drugs were approved, including Tarceva (Roche), and Simponi (JNJ). A Roche diagnostic test was approved for gene mutations in lung cancer, as a companion to Tarceva. Bayer’s Xofigo was approved for prostate cancer. Lastly, JNJ will stop all sales of metal-on-metal hip implants.