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Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

FDA approves Pfizer's Prevnar 13 pneumococcal conjugate vaccine as a single dose for adults

Pfizer Inc. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted approval of the Company's pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Prevnar 13 (Pneumococcal 13-valent Conjugate Vaccine [Diphtheria CRM197 Protein]) as a single dose for use in adults.

31 Dec 2011

Additional financing to fund Advaxis' cervical cancer trials

Advaxis, Inc.,, a leader in developing the next generation of immunotherapies for cancer and infectious diseases, has entered into a definitive Convertible Notes Purchase Agreement (Agreement) with certain accredited investors, for the purchase of the aggregate principal value of approximately $1.2 million of Convertible Promissory Notes (Notes) for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.0 million.

31 Dec 2011

St. Michael's Hospital endocrinologist receives Novo Nordisk Diabetes Innovation Award

Dr. Andrew Advani, an endocrinologist at St. Michael's Hospital, is one of 10 researchers in North America who received a newly created Novo Nordisk Diabetes Innovation Award.

30 Dec 2011

Van Andel studies distinguish cancer subtypes and provide promising new drug targets

Two recent studies by Van Andel Research Institute scientists are providing a foundation for a more complete understanding of distinct kidney cancer subtypes, which could pave the way for better treatments.

30 Dec 2011

FDA invites Amgen for ODAC meeting on XGEVA sBLA to treat castration-resistant prostate cancer

Amgen today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has invited the Company to participate in a meeting of the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) on Feb. 8, 2012 to discuss the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for XGEVA (denosumab) to treat men with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) at high risk of developing bone metastases.

30 Dec 2011

Prion protein uptake associated with development of Scrapie disease

Scrapie is a neurodegenerative disease which can function as a model for other diseases caused by an accumulation of proteins resulting in tissue malformations (proteinpathies), such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.

30 Dec 2011

Lost weight returns as more fat and less muscle: Study

It is common knowledge that some weight is regained after weight loss, but in older women many of those regained pounds return as fat mass rather than muscle mass, according to a new study.

29 Dec 2011

GOG targeted therapy phase 3 clinical trial delays progression of advanced ovarian cancer

Targeted drugs, which block or disrupt particular molecules involved in the growth of tumors, have been shown to be effective treatments against many types of cancer.

29 Dec 2011

Alexion to acquire 100% of capital stock of Enobia

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Enobia Pharma Corp. today announced that the companies have signed a definitive agreement under which Alexion will acquire 100% of the capital stock of Enobia.

29 Dec 2011

New initiative to detect cancers in earliest stages inside cells

A team of cancer imaging experts at Johns Hopkins has embarked on a five-year research initiative to speed development of early diagnostic tests and new treatments for breast, prostate and other common cancers.

29 Dec 2011

Emergent commences Phase 2 combination trial of TRUw-016 with bendamustine in relapsed CLL

Emergent BioSolutions Inc. today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 study (protocol 16201) of TRU-016 in combination with bendamustine for patients with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

29 Dec 2011

Troponin I level test may help rule-out diagnosis of heart attack

For patients admitted to an emergency department with chest pain, use of a contemporary or highly sensitive test for levels of troponin I (a protein in muscle tissue) may help rule-out a diagnosis of heart attack, while changes in the measured levels of this biomarker at 3 hours after admission may be useful to confirm a diagnosis of heart attack, according to a study in the December 28 issue of JAMA.

28 Dec 2011

Scientists identify molecular player critical to proper working of important health proteins

Half the drugs used today target a single class of proteins - and now scientists have identified an important molecular player critical to the proper workings of those proteins critical to our health.

28 Dec 2011

New approach may prevent septic shock

Researchers of VIB and UGent have discovered a new approach to preventing septic shock, an often fatal extreme inflammatory reaction of the body. It is the most frequent cause of death at intensive care departments in hospitals.

28 Dec 2011

Tbx3 dysfunction may cause acquired and spontaneous arrhythmias

In a study published in the Dec. 26, 2011, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences early edition, researchers led by the University of Utah showed the CCS is extremely sensitive to levels of Tbx3. Mouse embryos with Tbx3 levels below a critical threshold suffered arrhythmia and couldn't survive. As the levels of Tbx3 were increased, mice survived to birth, but as adults they developed arrhythmias or had sudden death.

27 Dec 2011

Early Alzheimer’s detection - cost effective and easy

Boston researchers have reported a new method for detecting subtle brain changes in people who have no memory problems but who may already be in the earliest stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

27 Dec 2011

Variety of fitness products spurs weight-loss motivation among consumers

While working as a part-time personal trainer as an undergraduate student, Jordan Etkin created exercise plans with lots of variety for new clients. The approach helped engage and eventually hook her clients into increasingly self-motivated and less-varied routines.

26 Dec 2011

Neuroscientists discover gene responsible for HDLS

A global team of neuroscientists, led by researchers at Mayo Clinic in Florida, have found the gene responsible for a brain disorder that may be much more common than once believed. In the Dec. 25 online issue of Nature Genetics, the researchers say they identified 14 different mutations in the gene CSF1R that lead to development of hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids.

26 Dec 2011

Biologists develop radar to track ADAR's RNA editing activity in neurons

To track what they can't see, pilots look to the green glow of the radar screen. Now biologists monitoring gene expression, individual variation, and disease have a glowing green indicator of their own: Brown University biologists have developed a "radar" for tracking ADAR, a crucial enzyme for editing RNA in the nervous system.

26 Dec 2011

UCSF professor receives 2012 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize

Peter Walter, PhD, a professor in the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department within the School of Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco has been awarded the 2012 Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstaedter Prize for his "outstanding research achievements in the field of cell biology."

26 Dec 2011