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Prominent scientist in mitochondrial genetics joins Children's Hospital to establish CMEM

Douglas C. Wallace, Ph.D., a pioneer and internationally prominent scientist in the field of human mitochondrial genetics, has joined The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to continue his investigations into the role of mitochondrial energy in health and disease.

29 Oct 2010

Non-invasive stool-based screening test detects 64% of colorectal pre-cancers

Exact Sciences today presented data showing that its non-invasive Cologuard stool-based (sDNA) screening test detected 64 percent of colorectal pre-cancers and 85 percent of cancers. The study was conducted in collaboration with Mayo Clinic and examined more than 1,100 patient samples. Results were presented at the 2010 Special Conference for Colorectal Cancer: Biology to Therapy held by the American Association for Cancer Research in Philadelphia, PA.

29 Oct 2010

Olive oil protects against oxidative damage of hepatic tissue

Extra-virgin olive oil can protect the liver from oxidative stress. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Nutrition and Metabolism exposed rats to a moderately toxic herbicide known to deplete antioxidants and cause oxidative stress, finding that those rats fed on a diet containing the olive oil were partially protected from the resulting liver damage.

29 Oct 2010

Research on sheep population could help explain variation in vaccine protection

Strong immunity may play a key role in determining long life, but may do so at the expense of reduced fertility, a Princeton University study has concluded.

29 Oct 2010

Baxter to divest U.S. generic injectables business to Hikma

Baxter International Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its U.S. generic injectables business to Hikma Pharmaceuticals PLC. The consideration for the divestiture arrangement totals approximately $112 million, subject to closing adjustments.

From Baxter International Inc. 29 Oct 2010

Researchers identify small-molecule inhibitors that effectively target FAK enzyme in colon cancer

Researchers have identified two small-molecule inhibitors that effectively targeted the focal adhesion kinase (FAK), an enzyme present in certain cancers that helps tumors thrive and survive.

29 Oct 2010

New iPSC cell lines could help in treating patients with lung diseases

A team of researchers from Boston University's Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Pulmonary Center have generated 100 new lines of human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from individuals with lung diseases, including cystic fibrosis and emphysema. The new stem cell lines could possibly lead to new treatments for these debilitating diseases.

29 Oct 2010

Transparency International Corruption Index released

The nonprofit Transparency International (TI) released its annual report ranking corruption in countries across the world on Tuesday, NPR's "The Two-Way" blog reports (Sutherland, 10/26).

29 Oct 2010

PHARMABIZ.com examines India’s push for clearer definition of counterfeit, substandard medicines

India has taken the lead to get together a number of generic drug-producing nations to call for better definitions to ensure quality, strengthening of regulatory authorities in the respective countries, and bringing focus of the world to public health instead of intellectual property, PHARMABIZ.com writes in an article that examines the recent meeting of leaders from Brazil, India and South Africa on issues regarding counterfeit medicines.

29 Oct 2010

Researchers develop three-dimensional culture that mimics growth patterns of colon cancer stem cells

University of Pittsburgh researchers have devised a three-dimensional system in laboratory culture that mimics the growth patterns of colon cancer stem cells in patients. Their findings were presented at the American Association for Cancer Research special conference on Colorectal Cancer: Biology to Therapy, held Oct. 27-30, 2010.

29 Oct 2010

cbm marks 10 millionth cataract surgery

Today's cataract surgery of Joyce Kaaya, 57, in Moshi, Tanzania symbolically marks the 10 millionth cataract surgery in cbm-supported programs throughout the world.

29 Oct 2010

VIVUS receives FDA CRL for QNEXA NDA

VIVUS, Inc. announced today that it received a Complete Response Letter (CRL) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding its New Drug Application (NDA) for the investigational new drug QNEXA® (phentermine/topiramate) Controlled-Release Capsules. The FDA issued the CRL to communicate its decision that the NDA cannot be approved in its present form.

29 Oct 2010

Opto Circuits acquires Unetixs Vascular's detection and diagnostics products

The acquisition of Unetixs Vascular's detection and diagnostics products complements and strengthens the existing Opto Circuits (I) Ltd. product portfolio investment in Criticare Systems, Inc.'s vital signs monitoring line and pulse oximetry sensors. Unetixs Vascular is a leader in products aimed at the detection of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a condition that is affecting a growing portion of the population in both the developed world and in emerging economies.

29 Oct 2010

Nursing homes struggle to allow seniors use of medical marijuana

The New York Times: As states begin embracing medical marijuana they are also grappling with how they allow or don't allow seniors in nursing homes to use it. "The prospect has just begun to raise difficult questions for administrators and state regulators.

29 Oct 2010

Study finds site of tumor impacts disease stage in head and neck cancer

Developing a molecular fingerprint for head and neck cancer tumors could help improve diagnosis and treatment for this deadly and often-times disfiguring form of cancer, according to researchers at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit.

29 Oct 2010

Scientists identify potential new treatment for Nipah and Hendra viruses

Scientists at Weill Cornell Medical College have identified a potential new treatment for the Nipah and Hendra viruses, two lethal and emerging viruses for which there is currently no treatment or vaccine available. The approach could also lead to new therapies for measles, mumps and the flu. The new research appears in today's edition of the prestigious journal Public Library of Science (PLoS) Pathogens.

29 Oct 2010

Regulus receives $10M equity investment from sanofi-aventis

Regulus Therapeutics Inc. announced today that the Company has received a $10 million equity investment from sanofi-aventis in connection with the landmark alliance the two companies entered into on June 21, 2010. The equity investment by sanofi-aventis further strengthens the balance sheet of Regulus, and with this investment sanofi-aventis becomes the third investor in Regulus, along with its founding companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc..

29 Oct 2010

FDA approves Sprycel for treatment of adults with Ph+ CP-CML

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved a new indication for Sprycel (dasatinib) for the treatment of a rare blood cancer when it is first diagnosed. The cancer, called Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CP-CML), is a slowly progressing blood and bone marrow disease linked to a genetic abnormality.

29 Oct 2010

New surgical centers open in Penn., faith-based clinic in Michigan

Stand-alone surgical centers in York County as well as the entire state have tripled in the past decade, according to a report released earlier this month by the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, The York Dispatch reports.

29 Oct 2010

Physicians suggest tips to overcome acute pain

The truth is not all pain is created equal. Acute pain is where it all begins. Lasting for several months, acute pain is typically treated with rest, time and medication. For many, that is enough. But if the pain persists, it converts to chronic pain, and new methods must be explored.

29 Oct 2010