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Tranexamic acid reduces bleeding in off-pump coronary bypass surgery

Patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting who are given a tranexamic acid infusion show a modest reduction in postoperative bleeding and blood transfusion relative to their placebo-treated peers, a clinical trial shows.

15 Aug 2012

Physiotherapy beneficial for Parkinson’s patients

Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the BMJ suggest that physiotherapy interventions benefit Parkinson’s disease patients, at least in the short term.

14 Aug 2012

Latrepiridine reduces level of at least two neurodegeneration-related proteins in mice

14 Aug 2012

Tofacitinib efficacy suggested for rheumatoid arthritis

The novel oral Janus kinase inhibitor tofacitinib significantly reduces signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, report two phase III trials published in TheNew England Journal of Medicine.

13 Aug 2012

Latrepirdine demonstrates new potential against neurodegenerative conditions

The second of two studies on latrepirdine, recently published in Molecular Psychiatry, demonstrates new potential for the compound in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, sleep disorders, and other neurodegenerative conditions. An international team led by Mount Sinai School of Medicine scientists found that latrepiridine, known commercially as Dimebon, reduced the level of at least two neurodegeneration-related proteins in mice.

13 Aug 2012

Meritage commences OBS Phase 2 clinical trial for eosinophilic esophagitis

Meritage Pharma, Inc. announced that it has initiated a Phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate oral budesonide suspension (OBS) for the treatment of adolescents and young adults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), an allergic inflammatory condition of the esophagus. EoE is a chronic disease characterized by symptoms related to esophageal dysfunction and eosinophil-predominant inflammation.

13 Aug 2012

Positive results from Acorda post-marketing commitment study of dalfampridine-ER for MS

Acorda Therapeutics, Inc. today announced top line results from a post-marketing commitment study evaluating a 5mg dose of dalfampridine-ER to improve walking in people with multiple sclerosis. The study failed to confirm efficacy of the 5mg dose.

13 Aug 2012

Grapes reduce key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic syndrome

Consuming grapes may help protect heart health in people with metabolic syndrome, according to new research published in the Journal of Nutrition. Researchers observed a reduction in key risk factors for heart disease in men with metabolic syndrome: reduced blood pressure, improved blood flow and reduced inflammation. Natural components found in grapes, known as polyphenols, are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.

10 Aug 2012

Clinical trials to test safety of 3K3A-APC in patients with ischemic stroke

Clinical trials start this week for a stroke drug initially created by a team led by scientists at The Scripps Research Institute and the University of Southern California (USC), and further developed by biotech company ZZ Biotech.

9 Aug 2012

Alfa Wassermann, Salix enter license agreement for EIR formulation of rifaximin

Salix Pharmaceuticals, Ltd. and Alfa Wassermann S.p.A. today announced that they have entered into an exclusive agreement by which Salix has licensed rights in the United States and Canada to an extended intestinal release (EIR) formulation of rifaximin for gastrointestinal and respiratory indications, including Crohn's disease.

9 Aug 2012

Amgen announces decision to stop ganitumab Phase 3 trial in advanced pancreatic cancer

Amgen today announced a decision to stop the ganitumab (AMG 479) Phase 3 GAMMA (Gemcitabine and AMG 479 in Metastatic Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas) trial following the recommendation of an independent Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) overseeing the trial.

9 Aug 2012

Lightlake announces final data from naloxone nasal spray Phase II study on Binge Eating Disorder

Lightlake Therapeutics Inc., an early stage biopharmaceutical company developing modern addiction treatments based on its expertise using opioid antagonists, announced today compelling final data from a Phase II study of the Company's proprietary opioid antagonist naloxone nasal spray treatment for patients with Binge Eating Disorder (BED).

9 Aug 2012

VEGF inhibitor fails to improve nonsquamous NSCLC overall survival

Adding motesanib to carboplatin–paclitaxel does not boost overall survival in patients with advanced nonsquamous non-small-cell lung cancer, including those with adenocarcinoma, say MONET1 investigators.

8 Aug 2012

GTx reports revenue of $1.6 million for second quarter 2012

GTx, Inc. today provided a Company update and reported financial results for the second quarter of 2012.

8 Aug 2012

HCRI announces successful completion of randomization in DAPT Study

The Harvard Clinical Research Institute (HCRI) announced today the successful completion of randomization in the DAPT Study, with the total number of patients randomized exceeding the upper goal set for the Study.

8 Aug 2012

Corticosteroids show no clinical benefit in treating acute sinusitis

Corticosteroids, frequently prescribed to alleviate acute sinusitis, show no clinical benefit in treating the condition, according to a randomized controlled trial published in CMAJ.

8 Aug 2012

Surprise result in caffeine trial for Parkinson’s patients

Caffeine treatment may improve motor symptoms in patients with Parkinson’s disease, research suggests.

7 Aug 2012

Orexigen Therapeutics reports net loss of $16.7 million for second quarter 2012

Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company focused on the treatment of obesity, today announced financial results for the second quarter of 2012.

7 Aug 2012

NYUCN professor to investigate efficacy of Acu/Moxa in managing irritable bowel syndrome

New York University College of Nursing's (NYUCN) Joyce K. Anastasi, PhD, DrNP, FAAN, LAc., the Independence Foundation Endowed Professor and Founding Director of the Division of Special Studies in Symptom Management at NYUCN has been awarded a $2.5 million four-year National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant for the study of "Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) constipation".

7 Aug 2012

Scientists discover biological marker that may help identify patients’ response to antidepressants

Scientists have discovered a biological marker that may help to identify which depressed patients will respond to an experimental, rapid-acting antidepressant. The brain signal, detectable by noninvasive imaging, also holds clues to the agent's underlying mechanism, which are vital for drug development, say National Institutes of Health researchers.

7 Aug 2012