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Researchers describe the structure of ToxT that controls virulent nature of Vibrio cholerae

In a new study, Dartmouth researchers describe the structure of a protein called ToxT that controls the virulent nature of Vibrio cholerae, the bacteria that causes cholera. Buried within ToxT, the researchers were surprised to find a fatty acid that appears to inhibit ToxT, which prevents the bacteria from causing cholera.

14 Feb 2010

Debiopharm receives AFSSAPS approval of CTA for Debio 0932 inhibitor, triggers milestone payment to Curis

Curis, Inc., announced today that its licensee Debiopharm S.A. has received approval from France's regulatory authority Agence Française de Securité Sanitaire des Produits de Santé (AFSSAPS) of a Clinical Trial Application (CTA) for small molecule heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitor Debio 0932, formerly called CUDC-305. Under the terms of Curis’ and Debiopharm’s August 2009 license agreement, Curis will receive an $8 million milestone payment from Debiopharm for the achievement of this development objective.

12 Feb 2010

New research finds sensory cortex develops late in fragile X syndrome defect

Why do people with fragile X syndrome, a genetic defect that is the best-known cause of autism and inherited mental retardation, recoil from hugs and physical touch - even from their parents?

12 Feb 2010

EMBL-EBI hosts ChEMBLdb online database

ChEMBLdb, an online database of information on the properties of more than half a million drug and drug-like small molecules and their targets, has been launched.

12 Feb 2010

Viral Genetics: Company update

Our mission is to bring new drug compounds to the marketplace. And we've never been in a stronger position to deliver on that promise. We've built the solid foundation needed to take drug therapies from the laboratory to the marketplace. After years in development, we believe several of our most promising compounds are moving closer to clinical trials.

12 Feb 2010

Treating bacteria with insufficient levels of antibiotics leads to multidrug resistance in 'superbugs'

For years, doctors have warned patients to finish their antibiotic prescriptions or risk a renewed infection by a "superbug" that can mount a more powerful defense against the same drug. But a new study by Boston University biomedical engineers indicates that treating bacteria with levels of antibiotics insufficient to kill them produces germs that are cross-resistant to a wide range of antibiotics.

12 Feb 2010

Mayo Clinic Health Letter features comprehensive coverage of the liver

The liver, the largest internal organ, is the body's ultimate multitasker. While the liver is not glamorous or sentimental -- there are no love songs about a broken liver -- it simultaneously plays a key role in the body's metabolic, digestive and regulatory systems.

12 Feb 2010

ODA encourages people with bad breath to see dentist

Do you suffer from bad breath? Are you constantly refreshing your mouth with mouthwash and mints to mask an odour problem? If any of this sounds familiar, the Ontario Dental Association (ODA) encourages you to see your dentist and get to the root of the problem.

12 Feb 2010

Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery performs 100th LAGB procedure

Few treatments are available to help obese adolescents who are unable to lose weight and are already suffering from obesity-related health problems. Laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB), an option for adults in the United States since 2001, is showing promise for teens. The Center for Adolescent Bariatric Surgery, which opened at NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital in 2006, recently performed its 100th LAGB procedure.

12 Feb 2010

Mediterranean diet beneficial to heart health: Study

In countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, heart disease is less common than in the United States. Researchers believe that foods common to Greece and southern Italy are a major reason for this difference.

12 Feb 2010

Routine testing of hs-CRP in women with heart disease is controversial, says Mayo Clinic cardiologist

For women concerned about heart disease, routine testing of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is controversial, says Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D., a Mayo Clinic cardiologist, in an interview in the February issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource.

12 Feb 2010

Researchers discover cancer gene in ancestral metazoan

To find the causes for cancer, biochemists and developmental biologists at the University of Innsbruck, Austria, retraced the function of an important human cancer gene 600 million years back in time. For the first time, they have identified the oncogene myc in a fresh water polyp and they have shown that this oncogene has similar biochemical functions in ancestral metazoan and in humans.

12 Feb 2010

PAREXEL International, Proteome Sciences form biomarker alliance

PAREXEL International Corporation, a leading global biopharmaceutical services provider, and Proteome Sciences plc, a leading provider of protein biomarker discovery, validation, and assay development services, today announced the formation of an alliance focused on enhancing PAREXEL's biomarker capabilities for early phase clinical development. PAREXEL is using Proteome Sciences' PS Biomarker Services™ protein and peptide biomarker capabilities to support biopharmaceutical companies in making earlier assessments of new compounds in development.

From Parexel 11 Feb 2010

New genetic 'hotspots' may help doctors devise therapies for bowel cancer patients

Cancer Research UK scientists have identified the frequency of new genetic 'hotspots' which could help doctors to tailor therapies to as many as 3,000 additional bowel cancer patients each year, according to research published in the British Journal of Cancer today.

11 Feb 2010

4SC AG announces the first treatment in Phase I clinical study of 4SC-205

4SC AG a drug discovery and development company focused on autoimmune and cancer indications, today announced the first treatment in a Phase I study evaluating 4SC-205, an oral Eg5 kinesin spindle protein inhibitor, in patients with solid tumours or malignant lymphomas.

11 Feb 2010

Oncogene has similar biochemical functions in ancestral metazoan and in humans

11 Feb 2010

ALSF commemorates "a decade of standing for hope" by holding high profile lemonade stands

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer (ALSF) is commemorating "a decade of standing for hope" by holding a string of high profile lemonade stands, the first taking place at the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. 2010 marks 10 years since cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004) held her first front yard lemonade stand to find a cure for childhood cancer.

11 Feb 2010

Study may pave for effective treatments for blood clotting disorders

A key protein that causes the blood to clot is produced by blood vessels in the lungs and not just the liver, according to new research published today in the journal PLoS One, led by scientists at Imperial College London.

11 Feb 2010

Seaside Therapeutics granted U.S patent covering methods of treating autism

Seaside Therapeutics LLC today announced the issuance of U.S. patent 7,648,993 B2 (‘993 patent), which covers methods of treating autism with group 1 antagonists of the metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) pathway. An earlier related patent, U.S. patent 6,890,931 B2 (‘931 patent), was issued in 2005 and covers methods of treating Fragile X Syndrome, the most common known cause of autism, with group 1 antagonists of the mGluR pathway.

10 Feb 2010

sanofi-aventis reports 2009 fourth-quarter and full-year net earnings

Commenting on the Group's 2009 performance, sanofi-aventis Chief Executive Officer Christopher A. Viehbacher said, "2009 was the first year of implementation of our new strategy. Major steps have already been achieved in strengthening our growth platforms and reinforcing our R&D pipeline while delivering a double-digit EPS(1) growth".

10 Feb 2010