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.

Applications invited from scientists for LBD Biomarker Research Award

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) and the Lewy Body Dementia Association (LBDA) invite scientists from the biotechnology industry and academia worldwide to apply for a new collaborative research grant award entitled Lewy Body Dementia Biomarker Research Award.

8 Sep 2009

Newly established McClay Foundation to encourage healthcare research in Northern Ireland

Speaking last week Sir Allen McClay, Chairman of the Almac Group, formally announced the establishment of the McClay Foundation, a charitable trust, one of the first of its kind in Northern Ireland.

8 Sep 2009

Early schizophrenia symptoms include unusually high CA1 subfield activity

In the first functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of its kind, neurologists and psychiatrists at Columbia University have identified an area of the brain involved in the earliest stages of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.

7 Sep 2009

Nanotags pinpoint multiple cancer markers in live animals

Using nanoparticles designed specifically to produce a bright Raman spectroscopic signal, a team of investigators at the Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence Focused on Therapy Response (Stanford University Center for Cancer Nanotechnology Excellence [CCNE]) has shown that it can simultaneously track as many as 10 different optical tags in a living animal.

7 Sep 2009

Rapid detection and profiling of cancer cells in fine-needle aspirates

Using a new type of paramagnetic nanoparticle and a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) system built into a microfluidic device, a team of investigators at the Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School has created an assay system capable of detecting as few as two cancer cells in 1 microliter of biological fluid. In addition, the new assay requires little sample processing and produces results in less than 15 minutes.

7 Sep 2009

Study reveals elevated cTnT levels in post-CABG patients

Levels of a biomarker used in the diagnosis of heart attacks are almost universally elevated in patients who have undergone coronary-artery bypass grafting (CABG) and, when markedly elevated, are powerfully prognostic, a team of researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Heart Center has found.

5 Sep 2009

NCI renews SPORE grant for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer

National Cancer Institute (NCI) has renewed a $11.5 million Specialized Program of Research Excellence (SPORE) grant in prevention, diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer, which supports multidisciplinary research at Fox Chase Cancer Center and the University of Pennsylvania. First approved in 1999, this marks the third five-year term for the Fox Chase-Penn Ovarian SPORE.

4 Sep 2009

Clinical research paper on 2D gel electrophoresis for identifying protein biomarkers

Transgenomic, Inc. and Power3 Medical Products, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PWRM) today announced the advance on-line publication of a clinical research paper entitled "Abnormal Serum Concentrations of Proteins in Parkinson's Disease" in the scientific journal Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications.

3 Sep 2009

Novel oncology therapeutic evaluation in Biomerk Tumorgraft platform

Champions Biotechnology, Inc., a company engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance the value of oncology drugs, has established yet another agreement with a large biotechnology company for the evaluation of a novel oncology therapeutic in Champions' Biomerk Tumorgraft(TM) platform.

3 Sep 2009

National Cancer Institute awards grant to Receptor Logic for breast cancer research

Receptor Logic, Inc. announced today receipt of a Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Grant from the National Cancer Institute. The grant, entitled “Therapeutic Effectiveness of T-Cell Receptor mimic (TCRm™) Antibodies in Breast Cancer Treatment” will accelerate Investigational New Drug Application enabling studies surrounding lead candidate TCRm antibodies.

3 Sep 2009

Thermo Fisher Scientific to acquire B.R.A.H.M.S. for $470 million

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO), the world leader in serving science, has signed a definitive agreement to acquire B.R.A.H.M.S. AG for €330 million (approximately $470 million USD). B.R.A.H.M.S. is a leading provider of specialty in-vitro diagnostic tests based on its patented biomarkers for sepsis, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, as well as intensive care treatments and prenatal screening.

From Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. 3 Sep 2009

Annexin-Vivo 750 imaging agent for measuring cell death in vivo

VisEn Medical Inc., a leader in fluorescence in vivo imaging from research through medicine, announced today the commercial launch of its new Annexin-Vivo 750 imaging agent for measuring and monitoring apoptosis and cell death in vivo.

2 Sep 2009

Pacific Biometrics enters into a Loan and Security Agreement to raise $4 million

Pacific Biometrics, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: PBME), a leading provider of specialized reference laboratory and contract research services, today announced the Company's entry into a Loan and Security Agreement with Terry M. Giles, providing for a $4 million loan (the "Loan") to the Company.

2 Sep 2009

Immediate catheterization not always better for ACS patients

For some patients with acute coronary syndromes, the strategy of immediate intervention at a medical center does not appear to result in differences in outcomes in comparison with an intervention performed the next working day, according to a study in the September 2 issue of JAMA.

1 Sep 2009

Intrexon purchases assets and operations of Avalon Pharmaceutical

Intrexon Corporation, a privately held life sciences company focused on modular DNA control systems for biotherapeutics and other industry sectors, today announced the purchase of assets and operations of Avalon Pharmaceutical, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Clinical Data, Inc.

1 Sep 2009

Clinical Data raises funds by selling certain assests to Intrexon Corporation

Clinical Data, Inc. (NASDAQ: CLDA) today announced the sale of certain assets to Intrexon Corporation, a transaction that is consistent with the Company’s ongoing plan to focus resources on its valuable late-stage and preclinical drug programs.

1 Sep 2009

Fifth annual Pathology Visions conference to showcase digital pathology technology and its healthcare applications

The newly formed Digital Pathology Association (DPA), a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of digital pathology applications in healthcare, invites interested pathology professionals to join them for the fifth annual Pathology Visions conference, to be held September 13-15 in San Diego, CA, at the Marriott Hotel and Marina.

31 Aug 2009

Celladon announces completion of patient enrollment for Phase 2 CUPID clinical trial

Celladon Corporation and Momentum Research, Inc. today announced completion of enrollment of the phase 2 double-blind portion of the Calcium Up-regulation by Percutaneous Administration of Gene Therapy in Cardiac Disease (CUPID) trial. Momentum Research is Celladon’s consulting and management organization with clinical expertise in the development of cardiovascular products and trials.

31 Aug 2009

Two human biomarker assays that play a key role in the early detection of kidney damage provide assistance in drug development

Geneuity Clinical Research Services announces the recent validation and use in clinical trials of two human biomarker assays that play a key role in the early detection of kidney damage.

29 Aug 2009

Champions Biotechnology reports higher year-on-year operating revenues for fiscal year 2009

Champions Biotechnology, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CSBR), a company engaged in the development of advanced preclinical platforms and tumor specific data to enhance the value of oncology drugs, today announced its financial results for the fiscal year ended April 30, 2009. Full details of the Company's financial results are available in the Company's Form 10-K available at www.championsbiotechnology.com.

28 Aug 2009