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Gene involved in susceptibility and resistance to TB identified

University of Washington researchers have identified a gene involved in susceptibility and resistance to tuberculosis. This same gene, they have found, has a role in the severity of leprosy, which is caused by a related pathogen. The researchers also have learned why this gene is important for susceptibility.

5 Mar 2010

Study shows link between Vitamin D levels and basal cell carcinoma

A Henry Ford Hospital study has shown a link between Vitamin D levels and basal cell carcinoma, a finding that could lead researchers to better understand the development of the most common form of skin cancer.

5 Mar 2010

Scientists discover genetic cause of Quebec Platelet Disorder

For some Canadians, any cut such as from dental work or surgery can cause days or more of bleeding. Although they are not hemophiliacs, for some an ordinary bruise can balloon into the size of an orange.

4 Mar 2010

Gene therapy for LCA clears another hurdle: Study

Gene therapy for a severe inherited blindness, which produced dramatic improvements last year in 12 children and young adults who received the treatment in a clinical trial, has cleared another hurdle. The same research team that conducted the human trial now reports that a study in animals has shown that a second injection of genes into the opposite, previously untreated eye is safe and effective, with no signs of interference from unwanted immune reactions following the earlier injection.

4 Mar 2010

Discovery of two new compounds opens new approach to drug design against HIV protease

A team of researchers at the renowned Scripps Research Institute has discovered two new compounds that prove the existence of new binding sites on HIV protease. Associate Professor C. David Stout, senior author of the study, explained "These results open the door to a whole new approach to drug design against HIV protease," which is an enzyme used by HIV to create new, infectious viral particles.

2 Mar 2010

Latest FCC edition includes standards covering quality and purity for 1,100 food ingredients

New and updated quality standards for ingredients used in functional foods and a host of other food products manufactured, sold and consumed every day are included in the newly released seventh edition of the Food Chemicals Codex. Published by the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, the FCC is an internationally recognized compendium of standards that helps ensure the identity, quality, purity and consistency of food ingredients.

2 Mar 2010

Sigma-Aldrich unveils new Sigma Life Science brand and website platform

Sigma-Aldrich® today unveiled its new Sigma® Life Science brand and website platform, designed to elevate the Company's current focus on biology and provide a single destination where researchers can access deep biological knowledge and market-leading products and technologies.

2 Mar 2010

ZyGEM introduces new RNAGEM Tissue RNA extraction kits

ZyGEM Corp. Ltd., a provider of innovative enzyme-based products for DNA and RNA extraction and other life sciences applications, today announced the launch of its new RNAGEM™ Tissue RNA extraction kits. This product represents a significant advance in sample preparation for RNA-based testing and analysis.

2 Mar 2010

Peer-reviewed articles elucidate role of clusterin in promoting tumor resistance to cancer treatment

OncoGenex Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced today that two peer-reviewed articles have been published that further elucidate the biological function of clusterin, its role in promoting tumor resistance to cancer treatment, and the role of an inhibitor of clusterin such as custirsen (OGX-011) that is designed to knock down treatment resistance in the cells and enhance the effectiveness of cancer therapies.

1 Mar 2010

Study on new drug targets for prevention of tissue inflammation after stroke

Researchers at Albany Medical College are releasing results of a study this week that they say will help refocus the search for new drug targets aimed at preventing or reversing the devastating tissue inflammation that results after heart attack and stroke.

1 Mar 2010

New cooling method uncovers inner workings of key iron-containing enzyme

A team of Michigan State University scientists -- using a new cooling method they created - have uncovered the inner workings of a key iron-containing enzyme, a discovery that could help researchers develop new medicines or understand how enzymes repair DNA.

27 Feb 2010

Shire receives marketing approval from FDA for VPRIV

Shire plc, the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has granted marketing approval for VPRIV, a human cell line derived enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for the long-term treatment of Type 1 Gaucher disease in pediatric and adult patients.

27 Feb 2010

Cancer researchers assess PCI-32765 drug that targets molecular abnormalities of lymphoma cells

Cancer researchers have high hopes for a new therapy for patients with certain types of lymphoma and leukemia.

27 Feb 2010

Gaucher disease: FDA approves VPRIV

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved velaglucerase alfa for injection (VPRIV) to treat children and adults with a form of the rare genetic disorder Gaucher disease.

26 Feb 2010

Researchers develop new technique to reduce acrylamide in French fries

Researchers of Ghent University - department of Food Safety and food Quality developped a technique to to reduce acrylamide in French fries on an industrial scale. Acrylamide is a product that may cause cancer and was discovered in various foods.

26 Feb 2010

Genetic factors influence likelihood of developing PTSD

The 1994 genocide in Rwanda resulted in the mass killing of up to one million people over the course of about 100 days. Although the exact death toll is unknown, experts estimate that as much as 20% of the country's entire population was murdered. There can be no doubt or surprise then that some of the survivors developed posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, an anxiety disorder that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatizing event, such as abuse, war, or natural disaster.

26 Feb 2010

Avoiding dairy products due to lactose intolerance may pose diet and health risks, say experts

People may avoid milk and other dairy products due to concerns about lactose intolerance, but eliminating these nutrient-rich foods may not only be unnecessary to manage the condition - it could impact diet and health, concludes a panel of experts assembled by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

26 Feb 2010

NIH panel proposes multiple management strategies for lactose intolerant individuals

Lactose intolerance is a real and important clinical syndrome, but quantifying its public health burden is challenging. An NIH Consensus Development panel was convened this week to assess the available evidence on lactose intolerance and health across the age spectrum and across racial and ethnic groups.

25 Feb 2010

Shire receives FDA Fast Track designation for REPLAGAL

Shire plc, the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, announces it has received Fast Track designation from the FDA for REPLAGAL(R) (agalsidase alfa), its enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease.

24 Feb 2010

BioMarin Pharmaceutical reports GAAP net income of $4.7M for fourth-quarter 2009

BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. GAAP net income was $4.7 million ($0.05 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2009, compared to GAAP net income of $24.5 million ($0.21 per diluted share) for the fourth quarter of 2008, which included a $30.0 million payment from Merck Serono related to the approval of Kuvan in the EU.

24 Feb 2010