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Proteins are complex molecules that are made up of amino acids. They can be found in every cell in the body, and carry out vital processes that keep human beings alive. Mutations in proteins can lead to a multitude of diseases, the most common being cancer.

Scientist identifies natural signaling molecule that can prevent Hemophilia A

A scientist from The Scripps Research Institute has identified a new role for a natural signaling molecule in preventing blood clot formation. The molecule could become a target for the development of novel and cost-effective treatments for blood clotting diseases such as Hemophilia A.

1 Feb 2011

National Jewish Health scientists identify signaling pathway for ALI

Researchers at National Jewish Health have discovered a signaling pathway that is crucial to the devastating effects of acute lung injury. The data, obtained from cells, animals and ALI patients, suggest several potential therapeutic targets. Experimental blockade of one of the targets significantly reduced flooding of the lungs that is the hallmark of ALI.

31 Jan 2011

Baxter launches OLIMEL emulsion for parenteral nutrition

Baxter International today announced the launch of OLIMEL emulsion for infusion in Canada at the American Society of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition's Clinical Nutrition Week.

From Baxter International Inc. 31 Jan 2011

Maxygen initiates Phase I study to evaluate CTLA4-Ig therapeutic for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Maxygen, a biotechnology company focused on the development of improved protein drugs, today announced the initiation of a Phase I clinical study to evaluate a next-generation CTLA4-Ig therapeutic that is being developed by Perseid Therapeutics LLC, Maxygen's majority-owned subsidiary, in collaboration with Astellas Pharma Inc. for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other autoimmune indications.

31 Jan 2011

GATTEX Phase 3 pivotal study reaches primary efficacy endpoint of reducing PN in patients with SBS

NPS Pharmaceuticals, a specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative therapeutics for rare gastrointestinal and endocrine disorders, today announced that its Phase 3 pivotal study of GATTEX met the primary efficacy endpoint of reducing parenteral nutrition dependence in patients with adult short bowel syndrome.

31 Jan 2011

New study: FUS protein appears to inhibit growth of prostate cancer cells in lab

Cancer researchers have discovered an important protein, produced naturally inside cells, that appears to suppress the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. The findings, published tomorrow in the journal Cancer Research, offer promising leads for research towards new treatments.

31 Jan 2011

Alexion announces acquisition of Taligen Therapeutics

Alexion Pharmaceuticals, announced that it has acquired Taligen Therapeutics, a privately held development-stage biotechnology company based in Cambridge, Mass.

31 Jan 2011

New nicotine addiction mechanism revealed

A new discovery has shown why some people cannot give up tobacco and may lead to new anti-smoking treatments. The researchers have found a brain pathway which when defective leads to an uncontrollable desire to smoke. This is a “sub-unit” of a receptor protein sensitive to nicotine.

31 Jan 2011

Cohort Review Committee evaluates SCIB1 dose escalation, safety in Phase 1 trial

Scancell Holdings Plc, the developer of therapeutic cancer vaccines, is pleased to announce that the first group of patients receiving the lowest dose of SCIB1 in the Phase I clinical trial has been evaluated by the Cohort Review Committee.

31 Jan 2011

EU grants 3.3 million to AMP for gene therapy development against AIP

Amsterdam Molecular Therapeutics, a leader in the field of human gene therapy, announced today that the European Union has finalized a EUR 3.3 million grant to the AIPGENE consortium, of which AMT is a member, for the development of a gene therapy product for Acute Intermittent Porphyria.

31 Jan 2011

Research shows nestin regulates formation of neuromuscular junction

In a study published in the Jan. 30, 2011, advance online edition of Nature Neuroscience, Salk Institute of Biological Studies investigators led by Kuo-Fen Lee, PhD., show that nestin has reason for being in a completely different cell type--muscle tissue.

30 Jan 2011

Taxol reduces cell regeneration obstacles after spinal cord injury: Scientists

After a spinal cord injury a number of factors impede the regeneration of nerve cells. Two of the most important of these factors are the destabilization of the cytoskeleton and the development of scar tissue.

29 Jan 2011

PPTA offers new DVD on plasma donation

Anyone curious about what to expect as a plasma donor and how plasma contributes to lifesaving medicines can now learn about the process thanks to a new DVD from the Plasma Protein Therapeutics Association.

29 Jan 2011

North Shore-LIJ seeks patients with early-stage prostate cancer to participate in Phase I study

The North Shore-LIJ Health System Department of Radiation Medicine announced today it is seeking patients with early-stage prostate cancer to participate in a Phase I Research study.

29 Jan 2011

Genetic study helps investigators solve medical mysteries

The mystery began in 1976. Adolfo Pampena was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that caused a strange combination of symptoms and was associated with the occurrence of multiple tumours in his stomach and colon. His medical team was stumped and was unable to answer the most important questions for him and his family: the cause of his disease and the risk for future generations.

29 Jan 2011

U-M researchers reveal molecular signals that regulate catch-up growth

University of Michigan researchers have uncovered molecular signals that regulate catch-up growth---the growth spurt that occurs when normal conditions are restored after a fetus, young animal or child has been ill, under stress or deprived of enough food or oxygen to grow properly.

29 Jan 2011

CIHR announces $8.6 million for new research on Alzheimer's disease

the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Julian Fantino, Minister of State for Seniors, today announced $8.6 million for new research on Alzheimer's disease.

29 Jan 2011

UMMS, Lundbeck announce research collaboration to develop targeted therapy for HD

The University of Massachusetts Medical School and Lundbeck Inc. today announced a research collaboration aimed at further development of a targeted therapy to slow or halt the progression of Huntington's disease.

29 Jan 2011

Antibiotic may help in development of new anti-cancer agents: Researchers

An antibiotic known for its immunosuppressive functions could also point the way to the development of new anti-cancer agents, researchers at the Indiana University School of Medicine have reported.

28 Jan 2011

Genentech, Biogen announce FDA approval of Rituxan to treat follicular lymphoma

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, and Biogen Idec today announced the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Rituxan as a maintenance treatment for patients with advanced follicular lymphoma who responded to initial treatment with Rituxan plus chemotherapy.

28 Jan 2011