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HealthGrades identifies top-rated hospital organ-transplantation centers

The top-rated hospitals for organ transplantation are being identified for the first time today by HealthGrades, the leading independent healthcare ratings organization. Based on patient outcomes, quality data for each of the 266 hospitals that perform transplants have been made public at www.healthgrades.com to help patients in need of kidney, lung, heart and liver transplants research and choose a transplant center.

19 Nov 2009

Continuous flow heart pump improves survival rates in heart failure patients than current pulsating models

A new, continuous flow heart pump, or left ventricular assist device (LVAD), delivered better two-year survival in advanced heart failure patients than the current pulsatile model, researchers reported in a late-breaking clinical trial presentation at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2009.

19 Nov 2009

Results from Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating VT-111 reported by Viron Therapeutics

Viron Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering the development of immune-modulating protein therapeutics derived from pathogens, today reported results from a Phase IIa clinical trial evaluating VT-111 (Serp-1), an anti-inflammatory protein derived from the myxoma virus.

19 Nov 2009

Phase 2/3 study results of Genzyme's APB announced

Genzyme Corporation today reported results of a phase 2/3 study of its advanced phosphate binder (APB). The trial met its primary endpoint, which was to show that the APB lowered phosphate levels effectively compared to placebo. However, the APB did not show a significant improvement in phosphate lowering compared to Genzyme’s Renvela® (sevelamer carbonate).

18 Nov 2009

New generation of implanted devices help a failing heart function properly

A new generation of implanted devices that help a failing heart function properly is significantly more effective than the previous version, making these new devices an appropriate permanent therapy for many of the more than 5 million Americans who suffer from heart failure.

18 Nov 2009

Transplanting people's own stem cells into heart muscle lessens pain and improves ability to walk

The largest national stem cell study for heart disease showed the first evidence that transplanting a potent form of adult stem cells into the heart muscle of subjects with severe angina results in less pain and an improved ability to walk. The transplant subjects also experienced fewer deaths than those who didn't receive stem cells.

18 Nov 2009

Genzyme and Isis Pharmaceuticals announce phase 3 study data of mipomersen

Genzyme Corp. and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that data from the phase 3 study of mipomersen in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (hoFH) were presented today at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions.

17 Nov 2009

Genzyme receives FDA complete response letter for its Lumizyme marketing application

Genzyme Corporation announced today that it has received a complete response letter from the FDA regarding its application to market Lumizyme™ (alglucosidase alfa) for the treatment of Pompe disease. In its letter, the agency stated that satisfactory resolution of deficiencies related to the Allston Landing manufacturing plant are required before the Lumizyme application can be approved.

17 Nov 2009

Gentium to present Defibrotide trial data at the ASH meeting

Gentium S.p.A. announced today that results from the Company’s Phase II/III Pediatric Prevention trial and Phase III Treatment trial for Defibrotide of Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease will be presented at American Society of Hematology Conference (ASH), December 5-8 in New Orleans.

16 Nov 2009

Fate Therapeutics announces the completion of $30 million Series B financing

Fate Therapeutics, Inc. announced today that it has completed a $30 million Series B financing led by OVP Venture Partners. Joining OVP Venture Partners in the financing is a syndicate of corporate investors, including Astellas Venture Management, Genzyme Ventures and a third undisclosed corporate investor.

16 Nov 2009

New shunt procedure may save infants with underdeveloped heart

Infants born with a severely underdeveloped heart are more likely to survive to their first birthday when treated with a new shunt procedure - yet it may not be the safest surgery long term, according to research presented at the American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2009.

16 Nov 2009

Proteo's Elafin recommended for orphan drug status in Europe

The Committee for Orphan Medical Products (COMP) of the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has issued a recommendation granting orphan drug status to Proteo's drug candidate Elafin for the treatment of esophagus carcinoma. The orphan drug status will become effective upon ratification of this recommendation by the European Commission.

16 Nov 2009

Just one test not enough to detect heart defects in young athletes

To best detect early signs of life-threatening heart defects in young athletes, screening programs should include both popular diagnostic tests, not just one of them, according to new research from heart experts at Johns Hopkins.

16 Nov 2009

Two units of UCB reduce risk of leukemia from returning, shows new study

A new study from the Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota shows that patients who have acute leukemia and are transplanted with two units of umbilical cord blood (UCB) have significantly reduced risk of the disease returning.

16 Nov 2009

Millar Instruments signs distribution partnership with Transonic Systems

Millar Instruments, Inc., developer and manufacturer of Mikro-Tip® pressure transducer catheters and pressure-volume (P-V) systems, and Transonic Systems, Inc., global leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of flow measurement devices, today announce a new distribution partnership.

13 Nov 2009

Novadaq announces financial results for the third quarter of 2009

Novadaq® Technologies Inc., a developer of real-time imaging systems for use in the operating room, today announced 2009 third quarter revenues of $1,723,000 compared to revenue of $3,311,000 in third quarter 2008. In accordance with corporate policy, a previously reported order in excess of $2,000,000 has not been recorded in sales due to cash not yet received.

12 Nov 2009

Update on Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' RNAi pipeline, platform, and technology

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading RNAi therapeutics company, is providing an update on its RNAi pipeline, platform, and technology at its R&D Day being held in New York today.

12 Nov 2009

First pediatric hospital to discharge child with mechanical heart assist device

Texas Children's Hospital is the nation's first pediatric hospital to discharge a child while on an intracorporeal ventricular assist device (VAD), a feat previously accomplished only at adult institutions. The patient, 16-year-old Francisco "Frank" De Santiago, who was implanted with a mechanical heart pump called the HeartMate II on May 19, 2009, was discharged on Oct. 29, 2009.

12 Nov 2009

Transplantation of hESC-derived OPCs spare spinal cord tissue in the cervical lesion site: Study

Geron Corporation today announced the publication of data showing that oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), when transplanted into a rodent model of cervical spinal cord injury, reduced tissue damage within the lesion and improved recovery of locomotor function.

12 Nov 2009

Updated efficacy results from Allos Therapeutics' FOLOTYN study to be presented at the ASH meeting

Allos Therapeutics, Inc. today announced that abstracts from studies of FOLOTYN™ (pralatrexate injection) were accepted for presentation at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) to be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La., from December 5-8, 2009.

12 Nov 2009