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Alpha cells in pancreas can convert into insulin-producing beta cells: Study

Alpha cells in the pancreas, which do not produce insulin, can convert into insulin-producing beta cells, advancing the prospect of regenerating beta cells as a cure for type 1 diabetes. The findings come from a study at the University of Geneva, co-funded by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, that is published today in the online edition of the scientific journal Nature.

6 Apr 2010

DIATHERIX GI test panel can detect nine types of GI infections

DIATHERIX Laboratories adds a gastrointestinal panel to its lineup of highly sensitive, rapid response diagnostic tests. In a single result, the DIATHERIX GI panel can detect and differentiate nine types of GI infections so physicians can quickly identify patients who have severe, life-threatening infections.

30 Mar 2010

UNDT's 5-agent bioterrorism detection kits used by first responders

Universal Detection Technology, a developer of early-warning monitoring technologies and counter-terrorism training programs to protect people from bioterrorism and other infectious health threats, issued a response today to a growing interest in the security and emergency response communities to immunize first responders most susceptible to anthrax exposure.

24 Mar 2010

Meridian Bioscience seeks FDA marketing clearance for illumigene C. difficile molecular diagnostic test

Meridian Bioscience, Inc. announced today that it has submitted a 510(k) application to the United States Food and Drug Administration for marketing clearance of its new, simple molecular diagnostic test, illumigene™ C. difficile. illumigene is a simplified new technology platform, based upon loop amplification (LAMP) that makes molecular diagnostic testing possible for any size laboratory.

23 Mar 2010

Toxins released by certain microalgae can contaminate seafood and become toxic to humans

Toxins released by certain microalgae can contaminate fish and shellfish which then become toxic to humans. Researchers from CNRS and CEA have, for the first time, identified the mechanisms of action of two of these toxins.

18 Mar 2010

Meridian Bioscience revises fiscal 2010 guidance, expects net sales between $145M and $153M

Meridian Bioscience, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio today announced that it is revising downward its previous sales and earnings guidance for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. This action is being taken as a result of weaker than expected operating results for the second quarter ending March 31, 2010, based on preliminary results to date. Separately, Meridian announced that it will file a 510(k) for FDA marketing clearance next week in connection with its illumigene™ C. difficile product.

17 Mar 2010

MIF exhibits potential as viable therapeutic target for Type 2 diabetes

An experimental oral drug has lowered blood sugar levels and inflammation in mice with Type 2 diabetes, suggesting that the medication could someday be added to the arsenal of drugs used by millions of Americans with this disease, according to new research.

16 Mar 2010

Spasticity in flexor muscles of elbow, wrist, and fingers: Botox approved for treatment

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) to treat spasticity in the flexor muscles of the elbow, wrist, and fingers in adults. Spasticity is common after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or the progression of multiple sclerosis.

10 Mar 2010

Novel protein haditoxin in King Cobra's venom discovered

The King Cobra continues to weave its charm with researchers identifying a protein in its venom with the potential for new drug discovery and to advance understanding of disease mechanisms.

9 Mar 2010

People with skin of color more prone to dermatologic problems than those with lighter skin tones

According to projections from the United States Census Bureau, people with skin of color will comprise approximately half of the U.S. population by 2050. This group, which includes African-Americans, Asians, Latinos and other ethnicities, are more prone to certain dermatologic problems than those with lighter skin tones due to their genetic make-up and in some cases cultural practices.

5 Mar 2010

Overview of nanotechnology: Nanoparticles may eventually be used in cosmetic products

The rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and its future use in cosmetic products holds both enormous potential and potential concern for consumers. Currently, major cosmetic manufacturers have imposed a voluntary ban on the use of nanoparticles in products while they await a ruling from the Food and Drug Administration regarding the safety of this technology.

5 Mar 2010

Celldex Therapeutics reports net loss of $13.5M for fourth-quarter of 2009

Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2009. Celldex reported a net loss of $13.5 million, or $0.43 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to a net loss of $7.5 million, or $0.47 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2008.

4 Mar 2010

Allergan celebrates 20th anniversary of BOTOX in Canada

Twenty years ago, the first approved use of BOTOX(R) (botulinum toxin type A), a neurotoxin widely used to treat several life altering medical conditions, was granted in Canada. As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, healthcare professionals from coast to coast reflect upon the discovery, science and evolution of a therapy that has impacted the lives of millions of patients worldwide.

3 Mar 2010

Agilent Technologies, NCFST enter into collaboration to develop new scientific methods for food testing

Agilent Technologies Inc. and the National Center for Food Safety and Technology today announced that they have entered into a collaboration to develop new scientific methods for food testing, with the goal of solving a wide range of persistent problems facing global food supply chains.

2 Mar 2010

Ipsen’s 2009 performance: Azzalure, Dysport and Decapeptyl approval, Adenuric partnership, drug sales up 7.6%

The Board of Directors of Ipsen, chaired by Jean-Luc Bélingard, met on 26 February 2010 to review the Group’s results for 2009, published today.

1 Mar 2010

New strategy against Botulinum toxin

A study involving the world's deadliest substance has yielded a new strategy to clear toxins from the body-which may lead to more efficient strategies against toxins that may be used in a bioterrorist event, as well as snake bites, scorpion stings, and even some important chronic diseases.

26 Feb 2010

New data shows Valortim antibody enhances human T cell response to B. anthracis

PharmAthene, Inc., a biodefense company developing medical countermeasures against biological and chemical threats, announced today that new data from the Company's Valortim® anthrax anti-toxin program were presented at the 8th Annual ASM Biodefense and Emerging Diseases Research Meeting, held in Baltimore, Maryland, February 21-24, 2010.

25 Feb 2010

Arsenic exposure may increase cancer risk, says study

Researchers have found a new oncogenic signaling pathway by which the environmental toxin arsenic may lead to adverse health effects, including bladder cancer. These study results are published in Cancer Research, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.

24 Feb 2010

Star Scientific seeks FDA marketing approval for Ariva-BDL dissolvable tobacco lozenge

Star Scientific, Inc. announced that on Friday, February 19 the company filed an application with the Food & Drug Administration for approval to market Ariva-BDL™ as a "modified risk" tobacco product under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. This submission is the first such application to be filed with the Tobacco Products Center of the FDA, which has been established to oversee all aspects of tobacco regulation outlined in the 2009 Act.

23 Feb 2010

Genetics associated with DILI and SSR: FDA and SAEC complete third release of data

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the International Serious Adverse Event Consortium (SAEC) today announced the third release of data on the genetic basis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and serious skin reactions (SSRs).

22 Feb 2010