Biomarker News and Research

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A biomarker is a biological molecule found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. Also called molecular marker and signature molecule.

Health Canada grants medical device license to Gen-Probe's PROGENSA PCA3 assay

Gen-Probe announced today that Health Canada has granted the Company a medical device license for the PROGENSA(R) PCA3 assay, a new molecular urine test that helps determine the need for repeat biopsies in men suspected of having prostate cancer.

17 Aug 2011

Researchers identify mesothelin antibody that could detect early-stage ovarian cancer

Using a new approach to developing biomarkers for the very early detection of ovarian cancer, researchers at Rush University Medical Center have identified a molecule in the bloodstream of infertile women that could one day be used to screen for those at high risk for the disease — or even those with early-stage ovarian cancer.

17 Aug 2011

Novel assay can accurately detect prostate cancer than traditional screening

new prostate screening test developed by AnalizaDx, Inc., a Cleveland-based biotech company, and studied by researchers at the Seidman Cancer Center at University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center along with colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic, the Veterans Administration Boston Healthcare and the National Cancer Institute, may prove to be a promising new tool in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

16 Aug 2011

Researchers identify novel sensory pathway that modulates pro-inflammatory cells

New research led by Derya Unutmaz, MD associate professor, the Departments of Pathology, Medicine, and Microbiology at NYU School of Medicine and Mark Sundrud, PhD, of Tempero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has identified a novel sensory pathway that modulates the potency of Th17 cell responses.

11 Aug 2011

Gastroenterology journal publishes results of Lexicon LX1031 Phase 2 trial in IBS

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering breakthrough treatments for human disease, announced today that results from the Phase 2 clinical trial of LX1031 in patients with non-constipating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were published earlier this week in the August 2011 edition of the journal Gastroenterology.

11 Aug 2011

Biomarker may signal whether common back pain treatment will work

A new study from researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine has identified a unique protein complex that can be used to predict whether an epidural steroid injection will help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc in the lower spine.

10 Aug 2011

TrovaGene regains ownership of worldwide rights to transrenal technology

TrovaGene, Inc., a developer of transrenal molecular diagnostics, confirmed today that it regained ownership of its worldwide rights and control over its patent estate for transrenal technology for non-invasive prenatal applications and cancer through the termination of a license agreement between TrovaGene and Sequenom, Inc.

10 Aug 2011

NanoString launches nCounter Rat miRNA Expression Assay Kit

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of life science tools for translational research and developer of molecular diagnostics, today announced the availability of the nCounter Rat miRNA Expression Assay Kit for use on its nCounter Analysis System.

From NanoString Technologies 9 Aug 2011

Positive data from Lexicon LX1032 Phase 2 study on carcinoid syndrome

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering breakthrough treatments for human disease, announced positive, top-line proof-of-concept data from its recently completed Phase 2 study in carcinoid syndrome with LX1032, telotristat etiprate. Carcinoid syndrome is a chronic condition caused by neuroendocrine tumors that usually originate from the gastrointestinal tract.

9 Aug 2011

Thomson Reuters, ESMO launch new education portal for oncologists

A unique scientific information and education portal designed to help oncologists keep up to date with the latest research and clinical information in their field has been launched by the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) in partnership with Thomson Reuters, the global information and news organization.

9 Aug 2011

Lexicon's second quarter revenues decrease 55% to $0.6 million

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for human disease, today updated its drug development progress and reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2011.

9 Aug 2011

New study supports DNA-based 'biomarker' blood test for prostate cancer screening

A new study supports the use of a DNA-based "biomarker" blood test as a complement to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test currently offered to screen men for prostate cancer. University of Cincinnati (UC) researchers report their findings online ahead of print in the British Journal of Cancer.

8 Aug 2011

NHS doctors’ use of genetic tests leading to infringement of patent rights

NHS doctors are in trouble for over use of diagnostic genetic tests as these infringe upon patents. The British law now recognizes patents on the application of DNA discoveries. But doctors developing genetic tests in NHS hospitals tend to pay no heed to intellectual property.

8 Aug 2011

PCF funds 10 new Challenge Awards for prostate cancer research

The Prostate Cancer Foundation today announced that it has funded 10 new Challenge Awards for accelerating scientific discovery and new treatments for prostate cancer patients.

5 Aug 2011

NanoString to begin clinical development program for Breast Cancer Intrinsic Subtyping Assay

NanoString Technologies, Inc., a privately held provider of life science tools for translational research and developer of molecular diagnostics, today announced that it is initiating the first in a series of studies to evaluate the clinical utility of the NanoString Breast Cancer Intrinsic Subtyping Assay.

From NanoString Technologies 4 Aug 2011

NIH-funded study to assess biomarkers in the blood of TBI patients

Biomarkers in the bloodstream could provide physicians with a quick and accurate method of assessing the severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and helping deliver and monitor the results of therapies, such as progesterone treatment.

4 Aug 2011

Study: Chronic mitral valve disease similar in humans and dogs

For more than 15 years, Kansas State University researcher Michele Borgarelli has studied heart diseases in man's best friend.

4 Aug 2011

Urine test for prostate cancer: Study

Lead researcher Dr. Scott Tomlins, a pathology resident at the University of Michigan Health System said, “This is a tool that men and their physician can use to help them decide whether it's appropriate to get a biopsy now or delay that decision.”

4 Aug 2011

Role of molecular imaging in diagnosis and clinical trials

Two new studies published in the August issue of The Journal of Nuclear Medicine (JNM) provide insight into the potential of positron emission tomography (PET) to differentiate between types of dementia and to identify pharmaceuticals to slow the progress of dementia. With proposed National Institute on Aging (NIA) and the Alzheimer's Association guidelines for detecting Alzheimer's-related brain changes expected in September, these articles give a preview of what may be to come.

3 Aug 2011

USPTO issues notice of allowance for Vermillion's PAD biomarker patent

Vermillion, Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued a notice of allowance for a patent entitled "Beta-2 microglobulin as a Biomarker for Peripheral Artery Disease."

3 Aug 2011