“La vita del farmaco”, un congresso patrocinato dall’Unesco Milano, Monza e Montréal, per 4 giorni capitali internazionali del farmaco. Al congresso, che si svolge presso l’Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, partecipano il viceministro della Sanità, Ferruccio Fazio, il presidente della Regione, Roberto Formigoni, e il sindaco di Milano, Letizia Moratti. Il programma prevede una serie di incontri che coinvolgeranno più di 150 relatori: farmacologi, manager della sanità, imprenditori farmaceutici, economisti, politici, sociologi, antropologi, psicologi, medici, farmacisti, filosofi, storici, bioeticisti, epidemiologi.
Il dolore cronico si ferma con gli zuccheri I ricercatori dell’Università di Milano-Bicocca hanno brevettato delle nuove molecole derivate dallo zucchero naturale glucosio capaci di modulare l’attività del recettore del dolore neuropatico. Positivi i riscontri dalle industrie farmaceutiche. Il lavoro di gruppo ha coinvolto chimici, immunologi, farmacologi e biochimici
HDAC INHIBITORS MAY IMPROVE MEMORY IN ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS The researchers discovered that they could improve memory in the Alzheimer's-afflicted mice with a cancer drug from A family of compounds, called HDAC inhibitors, currently used and studied as anticancer, could improve memory in the Alzheimer's-afflicted mice through a mechanism that increase the DNA's spool acetylation and gene transcription. The drug improved memory performance to the level found in normal mice, according to a new study conducted by scientists at Columbia University Medical Center, which appeared in the September issue of The Journal of Alzheimer's Disease: Volume 18:1.
Rapamycin for longer life? Rapamycin, a drug used to prevent the rejection of transplanted organs and as an experimental cancer treatment in humans, can significantly increase lifespan when given to adult mice. It was that researchers have found, when rapamycin was administered to adult mice. Mice lived an average of 9-14% longer than mice that were not fed the drug, according to a paper published online in Nature today (July 8th).
Onglyza :A new oral hypoglycemic (anti-diabetic drug) DPP-4 inhibitors AstraZeneca and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company announced that their marketing authorisation application for ONGLYZA (saxagliptin) received a positive opinion from the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults as add-on therapy with metformin, a thiazolidinedione or a sulphonylurea.
IPILIMUMAB. an immunotherapeutic agent called MDX-010 against the prostate cancer On 19 June 2009 - The Mayo Clinic (Minnesota) reported two prostate cancer patients involved in a Phase II study using MDX-010 therapy (an antibody agent) who had been told initially that their condition was inoperable but had their tumors shrunk by the drug such that operation was possible and are now cancer-free as a result. The study was headed by Dr. Eugene Kwon.
The secret of the immune system in a molecule A research study from Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca reveals novel aspects of molecular signalling triggered by LPS in dendritic cells, and identify a new role for CD14: the regulation of the dendritic cell life cycle through NFAT activation. Given the involvement of CD14 in disease, including sepsis and chronic heart failure, the discovery of signal transduction pathways activated exclusively via CD14 is an important step towards the development of potential treatments involving interference with CD14 functions.
OVARIAN CANCER Eu-pharmagate has selected, on the web, some recent lectures, where you can get very useful information
NEW DRUG HOPE FOR ADVANCED MELANOMA The results of the phase I trial on the experimental drug PLX4032/R7204 were released at the annual meeting American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), in Orlando, Florida. The drug is being developed by Roche and Plexxikon.
CYTHERIS ANNOUNCES PUBLICATION OF PRECLINICAL STUDY IN NATURE MEDICINE Combination of interleukin-7 (IL-7) with viral vaccine boosts immunity to tumors The ability of adjuvant IL-7 to antagonize inhibitory networks at the cellular and molecular level has major implications for immunotherapy in the treatment of tumors
Report: Biomarkers in Alzheimer's Disease, 2009 Recent years have seen significant advances in this field. Biopharm Reports has recently published a a comprehensive and up-to-date review of Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers
TEA AND HEALTH Most people don't know that all kinds of tea - including white, green, and black - start from a single plant, Camellia Sinensus, which contains antioxidants known as catechins, protect cells against cancer-causing free radicals. Some research shows that green tea can also boost the production of enzymes that help detoxify certain cancer-causing agents.
Mexican flu There are multiple cases in Mexico and the United States; diagnoses have also been made in Canada, Costa Rica, New Zealand, and Israel. In Europe, new cases of Mexican flu have been confirmed in six countries. Germany has officially reported three cases, Austria one and Croatia has confirmed some people are infected with the virus. Earlier, Great Britain and Spain had reported cases of flu but some new cases have since been officially diagnosed. Switzerland confirmed yesterday its first case. WHO raises alert to Phase 5
New vitamin E form isolated from kiwifruit Italian scientists have extracted from kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), a new member of the vitamin E family, according to results of a new study.
Arriva in Italia CYANOKIT®, antidoto di prima scelta nell’avvelenamento da cianuro Il rischio di avvelenamento da cianuro è presente in quei comparti industriali nei quali questa sostanza viene utilizzata per specifiche attività (sintesi chimiche, analisi di laboratorio, lavorazione dei metalli) e in caso di inalazione di fumi da incendio
Internazionalizzazione della ricerca, la rete fa la forza Andare oltre l’idea del rientro dei cervelli: il sottosegretario alla Salute Ferruccio Fazio annuncia la creazione di una rete dei ricercatori italiani all’estero. Presentate le “buone pratiche” dell’Università degli Studi di Milano e dell’Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca.
The ‘Paul P. Carbone Award in International Oncology 2009’ awarded to the Italian Giuseppe Masera The Paul P. Carbone Award in International Oncology is given for outstanding contributions to oncology or cancer research in one or more developing countries by an individual from a resource-rich country: it has been assigned to the Director of the Pediatric Clinic of San Gerardo Hospital, Monza (Milan), Italy, dr. Giuseppe Masera
FIDAXOMICIN (OPT-80): A NOVEL MACROCYCLE WITH AN EXCELLENT ACTIVITY AGAINST CLOSTRIDIO Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced that it plans to begin preparations to file a Marketing Authorization Application (MAA) with the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) for approval of fidaxomicin (OPT-80) as an oral treatment for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI)
ANTI-TUMOR VACCINATION: STATE OF THE ART IN 2008 We highlight an interesting Review [by Philippe Fournier and Volker Schirrmacher on medscape.com] about the state-of-the-art clinical studies on active specific immunotherapy with tumor vaccines
ALCOHOLISM: LOOKING AHEAD OVER NALTREXONE Recent work has shown that a history of alcohol dependence leads to a persistent up-regulation of CRH1 receptor gene expression and binding within the amygdale. The CRH1 receptor appeared to be a very promising target for the treatment of the alcoholism.
Dipeptide blocks the formation of toxic amyloid β-peptide aggregates in mice Israeli researchers have developed a novel approach for treatment of the Alzheimer’s disease (see report in the journal Angewandte Chemie - Nr. 47/2008): the new drug, a molecule made from two nonphysiological amino acids, improves the cognitive abilities of mice with Alzheimer’s and reduces the amyloid plaques in their brains.
COARTEM IS SAFE AND EFFECTIVE Coartem would be the first ACT cleared in the U.S. for treating malaria This treatment against malaria by Novartis, Coarten, is a combination drug, artemether–lumefantrine, more effective than its separate components.
New England Journal of Medicine: Two new studies show malaria vaccine candidate advancing in Africa Results published online in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that the world's most clinically advanced malaria vaccine candidate provides both infants and young children with significant protection against malaria. Two separate phase II trials reaffirmed earlier study results and support the ongoing efforts, pending regulatory approvals, to launch the phase III study of GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals' RTS,S/AS vaccine candidate across Africa.
DHA + PQP: A WINNER COMBINATION FOR NEW TREATMENT OF MALARIA Developed by the Italian pharmaceutical company Sigma-Tau a combination of dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine (DHA+PQP): New data confirm the absence of side effects and the benefit of the simpler treatment schedule. These notable results were presented today at the 57th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Tropical Medicine & Hygiene (ASTMH) held in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, (December 7-11, 2008).
LUMIGAN: A DRUG COULD HELP GROW EYELASHES Using a medication called Lumigan, to treat glaucoma, patients observed as side effects, the grow of their eyelashes. Now this drug could be used in cosmetic to help grow eyelashes.
FATE AND EFFECTS OF TAMIFLU IN THE ENVIRONMENT In many countries governments, corporations, and even some private individuals are stockpiling the drug Tamiflu. Unfortunately, increased resistance is being developed against this vital drug, partly because it is used too liberally for ordinary seasonal influenza.
Biocitech The new french life science technology park
95% OF THE BODY'S SUPPLY OF SEROTONIN IS PRODUCED IN THE GUT Now some experiments - conducted in mice - suggest that the serotonin plays a key role in regulating bone formation, opening the possibility of novel treatments for diseases such as osteoporosis
PURPLE TOMATOES AS POTENTIAL ANTICANCER Scientists have expressed genes from snapdragon in tomatoes to grow purple tomatoes high in health-protecting anthocyanins.
FDA Approves Rapaflo® (Silodosin) for BPH Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leading specialty pharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Rapaflo (silodosin), the company's new alpha blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
EFSA calls for more scientists Selected applicants will be offered a renewable three-year mandate and will join Europe’s network of leading food safety scientists from the summer of next year.
Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2008 The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has decided to award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2008 jointly to Osamu Shimomura, Martin Chalfie Roger Y. Tsien, "for the discovery and development of the green fluorescent protein, GFP"
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, 2008 The winners of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine have been announced. This year's prize recognizes the significance of discovering viruses that cause severe human diseases.
Scandal in China: milk contaminated with melamina It has been found in about 10% of the milk from the three leading companies, which account for about 60% of the market. The substance could be carcinogenic. Requests for "explanations" from the United States and the European Union. Thousands of parents are asking for compensation.
Nice Approves Pradaxa(R) - 1st New Oral Anticoagulant In UK For Over 50 Years NICE (National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence) recommending Pradaxa(R) (dabigatran etexilate) as an option for the primary prevention of venous thrombembolic events in adults who have undergone elective total hip or total knee replacement surger
Class Of Diabetes Drugs Carries Significant Cardiovascular Risks A class of oral drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes may make heart failure worse, according to an editorial published online in Heart Wednesday by two Wake Forest University School of Medicine faculty members.
Black raspberries slow cancer by altering hundreds of genes New research strongly suggests that a mix of preventative agents, such as those found in concentrated black raspberries, may more effectively inhibit cancer development than single agents aimed at shutting down a particular gene.
Honokiol, a natural compound from magnolia cones, blocks a pathway for cancer growth Honokiol, a biphenolic compound present in the cones, bark, and leaves of Magnolia grandifloris used in the traditional Japanese medicine as an anxiolytic, anti-thrombotic, anti-depressant, anti-emetic, and anti-bacterial, now recognized also as potential antitumor compound.
THE FIRST LUNG CANCER VACCINE TO BE APPROVED BY CUBAN AUTHORITIES According to Cuban scientists (conference at Cuba’s Center of Molecular Immunology) .the first vaccine to extend lives of lung cancer patients has been approved by Cuban authorities for use and is available in the island’s hospitals
Start of Phase II Clinical Study for Italian AIDS Vaccine Programme of phase II studies presented yesterday at The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) by the president Enrico Garaci and Barbara Ensoli director of The Italian National AIDS Center of ISS.
HTI-286, A NEW POTENT TUBULIN INHIBITOR ACTIVE IN THE PROSTATE CANCER HTI-286, a synthetic analogue of the marine sponge product hemiasterlin, is active against prostate cancer in vitro and in animal models, according to a report in the May 15th International Journal of Cancer.
ARENEGYR: A new agent for the treatment of cancer ARENEGYR is a new anticancer agent, currently under clinical trials, Phase I and II, with a selective activity on tumour vascular (vascular targeting agent, VTA).
ORAL AGENT SHOWS PROMISE AGAINST MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS Laquinimod is an immunomodulator developed by Active Biotech and produced by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. It is currently under development in phase III trials for treatment of multiple sclerosis as an oral therapy
A “SERENDIPITOUS” APPROACH UNCOVERED A NEUROGENIC SMALL MOLECULE 147,000 compounds were screened to see which could stimulate stem cells cultivated from rodent embryos to become heart cells. Unexpectedly, five molecules stimulated the cells to transform into forms resembling nerve cells.
First EU licence granted for pre- pandemic bird flu vaccine The European Commission has granted the first licence to market a vaccine in preparation for a pandemic of H5N1 bird flu in Europe, British pharmaceutical firm GlaxoSmithKline said on Monday. The ruling from the European Medicines Agency (EMEA) allows GSK to sell Prepandrix, which targets the most virulent strain of the virus that can be fatal to humans, in all 27 European Union member states.
NEW CANCER VACCINES IN DEVELOPMENT Recent discoveries in the understanding of the immune system as well as in cancer biology, are allowing the development of a new approach to treating cancer - therapeutic cancer vaccines.
The U.S. FDA ACCEPTS ORITAVANCIN NDA (New Drug Application) Oritavancin, also known as LY333328, is a novel semi-synthetic glycopeptide antibiotic developed for the treatment of serious Gram-positive infections. Originally discovered and developed by Eli Lilly, oritavancin was acquired by InterMune in 2001 and then by Targanta Therapeutics in late 2005[
AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY FROM DAILYMAIL A “special dust”, actually a collagen powder derived from pigs' bladders, appeared to provide a suitable "matrix" or framework, stimulating regrowth of the tissues and division of the cells, to enable Mr Spievack's finger to grow back - in just a month. And not just a stump - flesh, tendon, skin, fingernail, fingerprints and all.
ALBERT HOFMANN, FATHER OF LSD, DEAD AT 102 Albert Hofmann was born in Baden, Switzerland (January 11, 1906) was a Swiss scientist best known for synthesizing lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD). Hofmann authored more than 100 scientific articles and wrote a number of books, including LSD: My Problem Child. Dr. Hofmann died of a heart attack April 29,2008, in the morning at his home in Basel, Switzerland.
FDA Approves Cimzia® to Treat Crohn's Disease Cimzia® is an investigational agent, now approved: it is the first and only PEGylated anti-TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) biologic therapy available for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
CETIRIZINE HYDROCHLORIDE ORAL SOLUTION Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. reported that it has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (“ANDA”) for cetirizine hydrochloride oral solution, 1 mg / 1 mL (“Cetirizine Oral Solution”).
NEW DRUG APPLICATION FOR TREANDA(R) BY CEPHALON FDA Accepts TREANDA(R) New Drug Application (NDA) For The Treatment Of patients with indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) who have progressed during or following treatment with rituximab or a rituximab-containing regimen.
POSITIVE RESULTS OF AN2728 IN PSORIASIS PATIENTS Anacor Pharmaceuticals announced results from a Phase 2a clinical trial of AN2728, an investigational topical anti-inflammatory drug, in patients with psoriasis.
EMEA: STRONG PERFORMANCE IN 2007 EMEA (European Medicines Agency) reports strong performance in regulatory and public-health activities in 2007; the outlook for 2008 is even higher application numbers and a focus on advanced-therapy medic
MULTIVITAMINS DO NOT REDUCE RISK FOR LUNG CANCER, AND VITAMIN E MAY RAISE IT Can multivitamins reduce risk for lung cancer? A recent study by C.G. Slatore, and colleagues, from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, reported in the March 1 issue of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine and highlighted by Z. Chustecka and C. Vega on medscape.com showed that a long-term use of supplemental multivitamins does not reduce the risk of developing lung cancer, and high doses of vitamin E may even raise the risk, particularly in smokers.
THE FDA APPROVED PRISTIQ FOR ANTIDEPRESSANT USE Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine succinate), a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
U.S. REGULATORS IDENTIFIED CONTAMINANT IN BAXTER’S HEPARIN The US FDA has detected a "contaminant" in many samples of Chinese-supplied heparin that may be the cause of hundreds of severe and sometimes deadly allergic reactions to the blood-thinning drug.
FROM INDUSTRY TO ACADEMIA On Nature Review – Issue February, 2008, the experience of two researchers who have recently moved from Pharma to Academia
INTELENCE™, A NON-NUCLEOSIDE REVERSE TRANSCRIPTASE INHIBITOR, AGAINST HIV-1 INFECTION INTELENCE™ is a human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) specific, non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) Indicated - in combination with other antiretroviral agents - for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced adult patients, who have evidence of viral replication and HIV-1 strains resistant to an NNRTI and other antiretroviral agents.
NEW RESEARCH: ALZHEIMERS PATIENTS IMPROVE DRAMATICALLY WITH ENBREL An extraordinary new scientific study, which for the first time documents marked improvement in Alzheimer’s disease within minutes of administration of a therapeutic molecule, has just been published in the Journal of Neuroinflammation.
“THE GOLDEN PILL 2007” TO AN ORPHAN DRUG The prestigious French review Prescrire since 27 years awarded drugs which represent a major therapeutic advancement in areas where there is an unmet medical need, that is where patients and doctors are devoid of treatments. Prescrire is a totally independent medical review which has no links whatsoever with the healthcare industry
DR. JUDAH FOLKMAN, M.D., U.S. CANCER PIONEER, DIES (1933-2008) Judah Folkman, M.D., director of the vascular biology program at Children’s Hospital Boston and the Andrus professor of pediatric surgery and professor of cell biology at Harvard Medical School, died suddenly January 14, 2008. He was 74.
SUPER RED WINE MIGHT BOOST LIFESPAN A novel stilbene synthase gene (STS), cloned from Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata and responsible for synthesis of the phytoalexin resveratrol in grapevine, was successfully transferred into V. vinifera L. cv. Thompson Seedless via Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. Expression of the STS gene was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which showed that the resveratrol concentration in the transgenic plants was about 6 times higher than that in non-transformed control plants.
HYDROXYUREA CHEMOTHERAPY AGAINST MENINGIOMAS Hydroxyurea, an inhibitor of ribonucleotide reductase, is one of the most active agents and is known to induce apoptosis in meningioma cells in vitro and in mouse xenografts. Results of preliminary clinical studies suggest that hydroxyurea has modest activity against recurrent and inoperable meningiomas, and can induce long term stabilization in some patients. However, the results are conflicting and a few clinical trials did not show positive results. Further clinical trials with larger patient cohorts and longer follow-up periods will be necessary to confirm the activity of hydroxyurea.
Phase III Clinical Trial Program for ALTROPANE® ALTROPANE® is a diagnostic molecular imaging agent being developed to aid in the differentiation of Parkinsonian Syndromes from non-Parkinsonian tremor.
FDA APPROVED KUVAN™ AGAINST HIGH LEVEL OF BLOOD PHENYLALANINE Kuvan™ (sapropterin dihydrochloride) Tablets is indicated to reduce blood phenylalanine (Phe) levels in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU).
NEW COMPOUNDS FOR PAIN TREATMENT Pfizer Inc and Adolor Corporation have announced a collaboration to develop a new class of opioids for delivering analgesia without some of the complicating side effects of traditional mu agonists.
HEPARANASE EXPRESSION CORRELATES WITH THE PROGRESSION OF TONGUE CANCER AND WITH TUMOR SIZE According to the results of a study published in the December 15 issue of Cancer, higher levels of heparanase were detected in the saliva of patients with tongue cancer, raising the possibility that heparanase testing can be used to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.
SBIO INITIATES CLINICAL TRIAL OF NOVEL ANTI-CANCER DRUG SB939 belongs to a new class of targeted anti-cancer therapeutics called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. SB939 is designed to be a "best-in-class" therapeutic amongst HDAC inhibitors being developed worldwide, and has demonstrated the potential to bring additional therapeutic benefits due to its high potency, superior oral availability and good tolerability.
Overcoming adversity, one drug at a time Students in Purdue University's Department of Computer and Information Technology are working to develop an information-management tool that could give pharmacists instant access to patients' genetic profile, making it possible to quickly determine the proper medicine dosage or if the drug cannot be tolerated by the patient.
TOPOTECAN HYDROCHLORIDE (HYCAMTIN®) FOR ORAL USE. After GlaxoSmithKline received final FDA approval for Hycamtin Capsules on October 15, 2007, Topotecan is the first topoisomerase inhibitor for oral use.
APPROVED BY THE US FDA TASIGNA® (NILOTINIB) FOR THE TREATMENT OF CML The FDA has approved Tasigna® (nilotinib), a Novartis Pharma’s for treatment of Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adult patients whose disease has progressed on or who cannot tolerate other therapies that included imatinib. Imatinib (Gleevec) is approved for the treatment of new diagnosed patients with Philadelphia chromosome positive CML
ISENTRESS® (RALTEGRAVIR) FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV-1 STRAINS RESISTENT INFECTIONS ISENTRESS™ is a human immunodeficiency virus integrase strand transfer inhibitor (HIV-1 INSTI) indicated, in combination with other antiretroviral agents, for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in treatment-experienced adult patients who have evidence of viral replication and HIV-1 strains resistant to multiple antiretroviral agents.
THE NOBEL PRIZE IN CHEMISTRY 2007 The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2007 has been awarded to Gerhard Ertl of Fritz-Haber-Institut der Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, Berlin, "for his studies of chemical processes on solid surfaces".
FDA APPROVES NEW DRUG TO TREAT RARE DISEASE, ACROMEGALY FDA APPROVES NEW DRUG TO TREAT RARE DISEASE, ACROMEGALY The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Somatuline Depot (lanreotide acetate injection) for the treatment of acromegaly, a rare and potentially life threatening disease in adults caused by abnormal secretion of growth hormone (GH), commonly from a benign tumor located in the pituitary gland located in the brain.
RECORDATI COMPLETES THE SILODOSIN PHASE III CLINICAL TRIALS Recordati announced that it has successfully completed the double-blind portion of the phase III study of silodosin, an alpha-blocker for the treatment of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) licensed from Kissei. The trial was conducted in 11 European countries with 1128 patients (977 randomized) enrolled in 70 clinical centres.
OSTEOPOROSIS DRUG SUCCEEDS IN 3 YEARS STUDY Wyeth Pharmaceuticals presented the first Phase 3 data for bazedoxifene, a selective estrogen receptor modulator. Bazedoxifene Significantly Reduced the Risk of New Vertebral Fracture.
FDA APPROVES LILLY'S OSTEOPOROSIS DRUG EVISTA(TM) Eli Lilly and Company announced that the U.S. FDA has approved its osteoporosis drug EVISTATM (raloxifene HCl) for a new use to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer in two populations: postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and postmenopausal women at high risk for invasive breast cancer
LOOK AT JUICE Grapefruit juice and drugs not always are arranged. Isolated the compounds responsible of the side effects
ISENTRESS : A NOVEL ANTI-HIV APPROVED BY THE FDA Isentress is an integrase inhibitor being developed by Merck & Company. After reviewing the safety and effectiveness, it has been approved by FDA.
EARLY DIAGNOSIS OF METASTASIS For the cancer patients, prognosis correlates mainly with the size of the lesion /stage of tumor at the time of diagnosis, therefore early detection of small, stage-1 cancer can reduce mortality and morbidity. A new noninvasively approach could help patient in the mnext future.
ELI LILLY OPENS DOOR FOR NEXT-GENERATION ANTIPSYCHOTICS Positive results from a Phase II trial have shown that Eli Lilly's latest antipsychotic drug acts on a new target and avoids key adverse effects caused by other antipsychotics.
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES ON LINE A new web site is born, where the researchers will be able to share the movies of the experiments of laboratory in the field of bio-medical activities and to follow in direct the medical conferences: www.scivee.tv.
TOTAL SYNTHESIS OF AZADIRACHTIN ACHIEVED After 22 years of research Professor Steven Ley of Cambridge University and his group solved the problem of the synthesis of this complex molecule
SANCTURA®, A MUSCARINIC RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS FOR THE OVERACTIVE BLADDER SANCTURA® XR (trospium chloride extended release capsules) has been approved by the FDA for the daily treatment of overactive bladder (OAB), with symptoms of urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency
PI-88 FOR THE TREATMENT OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA The Committee for Orphan Medical Products (COMP) of the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medicinal Products (EMEA) recommended the granting of orphan medicinal product designation for PI-88 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma, or primary liver cancer.
FDA APPROVES SELZENTRY™ FOR THE TREATMENT OF HIV The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Selzentry™ (maraviroc), a CCR5 antagonist for use in combination with other antiretroviral drugs for the treatment of adults with CCR5-tropic HIV-1, who have been treated with other HIV medications and who have evidence of elevated levels of HIV in their blood (viral load).
ABIRATERONE SHOWS PROMISE IN HORMONE-REFRACTIVE PROSTATE CANCER Presented in Lugano, Switzerland, July 8, 2007, at the Annual Meeting of the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), two studies (Abstracts 50PD and 51PD) on a new Androgen Synthesis Inhibitor: the Abiraterone
INITIATES PHASE I CLINICAL TRIAL A NOVEL HSP27 INHIBITOR OncoGenex announced enrollment of the first patient in an open-label, dose-escalation, multicenter Phase I clinical study evaluating a new investigational drug (NID), OGX-427, in patients with breast, ovarian, bladder, prostate or lung cancer.
IMI: EVERYTHING READY IN ORDER TO START AT BEGINNING 2008 Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI), is a joint undertaking of the European Commission and the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA). It will support the development of new knowledge, tools and methods so that better and safer medicines can be made available more quickly. The IMI seeks to overcome research bottlenecks in the drug discovery and development process.
EXENATIDE: A NEW TYPE OF DRUG FOR TYPE 2 DIABETES NOW IN ITALY Byetta® is the brand name for a new drug (scientific name is EXENATIDE). This drug is the first to market of a class of drugs known as incretin mimetics, they mimic a naturally occuring incretin hormone: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
FDA APPROVES COMMERCIALIZATION OF DIFFERIN ® (ADAPALENE) GEL 0.3% FOR ACNE Galderma Laboratories, L.P., announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Differin® (adapalene) Gel, 0.3%, a new, higher concentration formulation of Differin® (adapalene) 0.1%, a topical retinoid indicated for the treatment of acne.
SHIRE PHARMACEUTICAL IN-LICENSES JUVISTAR ® (HUMAN TGFbeta3) FROM RENOVO Shire pharm has just signed an agreement with Renovo Group for the exclusive development and commercialization rights to JUVISTA®, a novel treatment in late phase 2 development for the prevention and reduction of scarring. The costs of this operation have been up to $825 Million
OMACOR®: THE FIRST AND ONLY FDA-APPROVED PRESCRIPTION OMEGA-3 FATTY ACID PRODUCT This new drug contains omega-3-acid ethyl esters, comprising of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). OMACOR® is the only omega-3 that, along with diet, has been proven and approved to dramatically reduce very high triglycerides (TGs) (≥500 mg/dL) in adult patients. Omacor® also contains alpha-tocopherol, otherwise known as vitamin E.
CANCER STEM CELLS: AN INTERESTING REVIEW The recent concept of 'cancer stem cells' has directed scientific communities towards a different wide new area of research field and possible potential future treatment modalities for the cancer.
SATISFIED OR REFUNDED Satisfied or refunded: this is the proposal of NHS to the drug's manufacturer of Velcade (Bortezomib).
THE SEA SPONGES HIDE THE SECRET OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM OF THE MAN A group of scientists of the University of Barbara Saint, in California, studying the genome of a sponge, have discovered significant clues to the evolutionary origins of the nervous system by studying the genome of a sea sponge, a member of a group considered to be among the most ancient of all animals.
POST-MARKETING STUDIES In U.S. , due an increasing interest in the post-marketing studies (Phase IV clinical trials), which are conduct on newly-approved medicines over the past six years, drug developers / sponsors believe this work has contributed little to their understanding of the new products, according to a new survey carried out by the Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts CSDD).
NEW DRUG APPROVED BY FDA TO TREAT VAGINAL INFECTIONS< Administration has approved Tindamax (tinidazole) to treat bacterial vaginosis (BV), the most common vaginal infection among women of childbearing age, drug maker Mission Pharmacal
THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY WOULD FUND “PHARMA TV” FOUR of the world's biggest pharmaceutical companies - Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Novartis and Procter & Gamble - are considering launching a TV channel dedicated to selling medicines directly to consumers.
TUMORS: TO IRANIAN MINE BISSELL PRIZE PEZCOLLER 2007 The winner of the Pezcoller Foundation-AACR International Award for Cancer Research, after a lecture given to the annual AACR meeting (Los Angeles, 14-18 April 2007) has received the award in a ceremony at the Foundation's headquarters in Italy (Trento, Castello del Buon Consiglio, 11th May 2007). The award consists of a prize of € 75.000 and a commemorative plaque
LYBREL: WAITING FOR A FDA’S DECISION A new birth control pill that eliminates monthly menstruation might seem a welcome milestone. But not for all!
VR004 (APOMORPHINE): A SILDENAFIL (VIAGRA®) ALTERNATIVE Vectura Group plc (“Vectura”) announced the successful outcome of a second Phase IIb clinical study for VR004, its product for the treatment of Erectile Dysfunction (ED). The study demonstrated that VR004 again improved erectile performance, with a rapid onset of action, and was well tolerated. VR004 is Vectura’s proprietary formulation of apomorphine, delivered by oral inhalation to the lungs using Vectura’s AspirairÒ dry powder inhaler (DPI).
EUROPEAN INVENTION OF THE YEAR AWARD Merck & Co’s protease inhibitor Crixivan (Indinavir) was selected by an international jury as the winner of European Patent Office’s (EPO) Inventors of the Year awards
NEW DRUGS CLASSIFICATION A new study recently published in the Lancet proposes that drugs should be classified by the amount of harm that they do, rather than the sharp A, B, and C divisions in the UK Misuse of Drugs Act.
NICOX AND PFIZER ALL TOGHETER IN PHASE II WITH PF-03187207 A NEW MOLECULE ANTIGLAUCOMA NicOx S.A announced that additional information has been communicated by Pfizer Inc regarding the design of the first clinical study for PF-03187207 in patients with glaucoma and ocular hypertension. PF-03187207 start its clinical trial on March 28, 2007. The disclosures which have been made by Pfizer specify that this trial is a phase 2, dose-finding study, which is designed to compare the safety and the efficacy of PF-03187207 to latanoprost.
GSK ANNOUNCES FDA APPROVAL Of AlLTABAX™ (RETAPAMULIN) GlaxoSmithKline announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its antibacterial Altabax for the topical treatment of impetigo due to susceptible strains of Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, the two most common types of bacteria in this kind of infection.
FAST TRACK DESIGNATION TO ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE DRUG CANDIDATE AZD-103/ELND005 Toronto. Transition Therapeutics Inc. announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") has granted Fast Track designation to investigational drug candidate AZD-103/ELND005, being developed in collaboration with Elan Corporation, plc. for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. AZD-103/ELND005 is currently being evaluated in multiple Phase I clinical studies, and the companies anticipate starting Phase II clinical studies around the end of 2007
Cancer therapy: When all else fails why don’t try! A very simple organic compound, called dichloroacetate (DCA), showed promising lab results as an anti-cancer agent in animals. It has not yet been clinically tested on humans with cancer. Some people with late-stage terminal cancer feel they have nothing to lose by trying this “drug”. Warning from cancer specialists.
A NEW MOLECULAR ENTITY (NME) IN BREAST CANCER After many years of research, including more than 60 clinical trials GlaxoSmithKline announced that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TYKERB® (lapatinib). TYKERB inhibits two validated targets in oncology, the kinase components of the EGFR (ErbB1) and HER2 (ErbB2) receptors, commonly associated with cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. As a targeted therapy, TYKERB is designed to interfere with discrete cellular processes or disease mechanisms prevalent in cancer
IN THE PLANTS A VACCINE THERAPEUTIC AGAINST HPV The Laboratory of Virology of the National Institute Tumours Regina Elena (IRE) and the Department Biotechnologies, Agroindustria e Protezione of the Salute of the Casaccia Research Centre of the ENEA in the collaboration with Molecular Biotechnology Centre of the Fraunhofer Institute, USA, put to point an vaccine able to contrast HPV 16, the virus associated more frequently to the cancer of the cervix uterine.
FDA APPROVES VYVANSE™, A PRO-DRUG OF AMPHETAMINE Shire plc. and New River Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced that the FDA has granted marketing approval for VYVANSE™ as a novel ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) treatment
BACK TO THE FUTURE From the traditional medicinal chemistry to a virtual screening
A NOVEL ANTIHYPERTENSIVE AGENTS FROM NOVARTIS PHARMS Aliskiren, present as its hemifumarate salt, is the active component of Tekturna® Tablets, an orally active, nonpeptide, potent rennin inhibitor. Tekturna® (aliskiren) is indicated for the treatment of hypertension. It may be used alone or in combination with other antihypertensive agents
THE NEW HORIZONS OF THE MEDICINE A little gene-tweaking could give interesting prospective in the fight against most devastating diseases
DRUG DEPOT IN A TOOTH With chronic illness ,swallowing pills on a regular basis is tiresome. Researchers of the Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering IBMT in St. Ingbert, are now developing a dental prosthesis capable of dosing drugs as required. Filled with the relevant agent, it independently releases the appropriate amounts into the mucous membranes in the patient’s mouth
PREGNANCY HORMONE REVERSES MS DAMAGE Prolactin, a hormone produced during pregnancy, could reverse some of the neurological damage associated with multiple sclerosis, a mouse study suggests
SIGNED AGREEMENT BETWEEN SCI & WWF An important agreement between italian chemical society (SCI) and world wildlife fund (WWF) was signed to promote the "sustainable chemistry" and to give a correct information about the chemistry
SATRAPLATIN USEFUL AGAINST PROSTAT CANCER Satraplatin: a new drug for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) prostate cancer who have failed prior chemotherapy.
FDA APPROVES NEW BREAST CANCER TEST MammaPrint™ is a gene test to help predict whether they'll relapse in five or ten years, information that could influence how aggressively they fight the initial tumor. The MammaPrint™ test isn't the first such predictor for breast cancer - a competitor has sold since 2004 - but now it became the first to win formal approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
A YEAR AFTER THE FDA APPROVATION OF A NEW TREATMENT FOR GASTROINTESTINAL AND KIDNEY CANCER The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) announced approval of Sutent (sunitinib), a new targeted anti-cancer treatment for patients with gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a rare stomach cancer, and advanced kidney cancer. Today's action marks the first time the agency has approved a new oncology product for two indications simultaneously.
FDA APPROVED AN EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS OF LOVASTATIN (ALTOPREV™) ALTOPREV™ has been shown to reduce Total-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) and increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in patients with hypercholesterolemia. Near maximal response was observed after four weeks of treatment and the response was maintained with continuation of therapy for up to 6 months
INSULIN PILL ONE Insulin into nanospheres, made from chitosan, can pass through the stomach unharmed to be then absorbed in the small intestine
TUMOR REGRESSION THROUGH A REACTIVATION OF P53 TUMOR SUPPRESSOR GENE A possible effect of a mutation is the inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor gene. This is one way of the tumor formation. Now, two studies present data supporting a curative effect of restoring normal p53 function.
PROPHYLAXIS OF ASPERGILLUS AND CANDIDA INFECTIONS WITH POSACONAZOLE (NOXAFIL®) Published on the New England Journal of Medicines two randomized, controlled studies to support of the effectiveness of oral suspension of posaconazolo (Noxafil® Schering-Plough) as prophylaxis for the prevention of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) potentially lethal from Aspergillus and Candida among patients at high risk due to severely compromised immune systems.
ZEN-012: A NOVEL HIGHLY POTENT ORALLY ACTIVE MULTI-TARGETED CYTOTOXIC COMPOUND ZEN-012 is a novel inhibitor of tubulin polymerization, topoisomerase II and angiogenesis. It is currently evaluated in a Phase 1 trial - the trial launched in January 2007 - including up to 50 patients with advances solid tumors and lymphoma
FDA APPROVES SLENTROL® - THE FIRST DRUG FOR OBESE DOGS The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved (Slentrol® (dirlotapide), the first drug for the management of obesity in dogs. Slentrol® reduces appetite and fat absorption to produce weight loss.
HOMING NANOPARTICLES PACK MULTIPLE ASSAULT ON TUMORS The Ruoslahti’s team of the Burnham Institute for Medical Research at UC Santa Barbara (Burnham) has developed nanoparticles that seek out tumors and bind to their blood vessels, and then attract more nanoparticles to the tumor target. Using this system the team demonstrated that the homing nanoparticle could be used to deliver a "payload" compound.
FROM THE BIOMIRA CANADIAN THE FIRST VACCINE FOR LUNG CANCER Biomira Inc. announced that the global Phase III clinical trial, START (Stimulating Targeted Antigenic Responses To NSCLC), assessing the efficacy and safety of Stimuvax(R) (BLP25 liposome vaccine) as a potential treatment for patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is open for patient enrollment. The trial is being conducted by Merck KGaA of Darmstadt, Germany, ("Merck") and its U.S. affiliate EMD Pharmaceuticals, Inc. under the provision of a collaboration agreement between Biomira and Merck.
POSITIVE PHASE 2 RESULTS FOR NOVEL SLEEP DRUG - HY10275 Primary and Secondary Efficacy Endpoints Achieved Statistical Significance Study Validated Drug's Unique H1 / 5HT2a Mechanisms of Action Drug Was Very Well Tolerated
PROCORALAN® (IVABRADINE), THE FIRST PURE HEART RATE–LOWERING AGENT. Heart rate reduction is widely recognized as an important approach for the prevention and treatment of angina and pure heart rate reduction with ivabradine provides a promising new alternative to current treatment
PHARMACYCLICS SUBMITS NEW DRUG APPLICATION FOR XCYTRIN(TM) FOR THE TREATMENT OF LUNG CANCER BRAIN METASTASES Pharmacyclics, Inc. - a pharmaceutical company developing innovative products to treat cancer and other serious diseases - has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) for Xcytrin(TM) (motexafin gadolinium) Injection with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with brain metastases.
CURCUMIN & ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE Chemical found in curry may help immune system clear amyloid plaques found in Alzheimer's disease
IDENTIFIED A PROTEIN GROUP INVOLVED IN THE DUPLICATION OF GENOME DURING CELL DIVISION Researchers at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine and the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research have identified a protein group that forms the chromosome-spindle connection involved in pulling apart the two replicas of the duplicated genome during cell division.
In vitro and In vivo Activity of SKI-606 against Imatinib-Resistant Neoplastic Cells SKI-606 (4-anilino-3-quinolinecarbonitrile), originally identified as a Src inhibitor, is also a potent antiproliferative and proapoptotic agent against CML (chronic myelogenous leukaemia) cells in culture. The apoptotic activity of SKI-606 against CML cells in culture is mirrored by its activity in vivo against CML xenografts.
THE FIRST HDAC INHIBITOR APPROVAL FROM FDA ZOLINZA™ , a Merck & Co., Inc. new drug, the first in a new class of anti-cancer therapies called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, received - in October- from FDA approval for Advanced Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
100 YEARS OF ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE On November 4th, 1906, during a lecture at the 37th Conference of South-West German Psychiatrists in Tübingen, the German neuropathologist and psychiatrist Alois Alzheimer (1864-1915, left) described “eine eigenartige Erkrankung der Hirnrinde” (a peculiar disease of the cerebral cortex). In the lecture, he discussed “the case of a patient who was kept under close observation during institutionalisation at the Frankfurt Hospital and whose central nervous system had been given to me by director Sioli for further examination”. This was the first documented case of the form of dementia that would subsequently bear Alzheimer’s name.
THE PROTEIN THAT CAUSE A PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPACT OF AGEING IDENTIFIED Stem-cell ageing modified by the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p16INK4a. Three independent studies published on Nature, from Harvard Stem Cell Institute of Boston, University of North Carolina (UNC) in Chapel Hill and University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, have associated the level of p16INK4a with the level of haematopoietic stem cells(HSCs).
SAFINAMIDE - a potent anticonvulsant and antiparkinsonian drug Safinamide, [Propanamide, 2-[[[4-[(3-fluorophenyl)methoxy] phenyl]methyl]amino]-(2S)-monomethanesulfonate [NW 1015, PNU 151774E; FCE 26743] is an investigational new drug (IND) that is entering Phase III clinical trials in Europe for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and in Phase II for epilepsy. Safinamide is being developed by Newron Pharmaceuticals in Europe.
RESVERATROL IMPROVES HEALTH AND SURVIVAL OF OVERWEIGHT MALE MICE Resveratrol, an activator of a family of enzymes called sirtuins, could affect the health and survival of mammals, according to a study published online in the Nov. 1 issue of Nature. The study was conducted and supported in part by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
FDA APPROVES NEW TREATMENT FOR DIABETES The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Januvia (sitagliptin phosphate) Tablets, the first diabetes treatment approved in a new class of drugs known as DPP-4 inhibitors
COULD SUMO REPRESENT A POTENTIAL NEW DRUG TARGET? SUMO (Small Ubiquitin-like MOdifier) is a family of enzymes that regulates diverse cellular processes through its reversible, covalent attachment to target proteins. Many SUMO substrates are involved in transcription and chromatin structure. Sumoylation appears to regulate the functions of target proteins by changing their subcellular localization, increasing their stability, and/or mediating their binding to other proteins.
Adjudin: a male contraceptive drug is a step closer to pharmacy shelves Adjudin: 1-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-1H-indazole-3-carbohydrazide (AF-2364) The results, reported in Nature Medicine journal, mean the contraceptive could soon be used on humans. Scientists at the Population Council's Centre for Biomedical Research in New York and researchers from the University of Rome tested the drug on male rats
Towards FP7 (Framework Programme 7) The Framework Programmes (FPs) have been the main financial tools through which the European Union supports research and development activities covering almost all scientific disciplines.
FINGOLIMOD SHOWS POSITIVE RESULTS IN PHASE II TRIALS Fingolimod (FTY720) is a potential treatment, developed by Novartis, for multiple sclerosis, which acts by preventing lymphocytes (white blood cells) from entering the central nervous system and damaging myelin.
FDA GRANTS FAST TRACK STATUS TO R1626 The promising molecule discovered by Roche is in Fase II development study and FDA grants Fast Track Status to it
ALZHEIMER'S DRUG ALSO COMBATS BRAIN INJURIES Rivastigmine, a drug currently used to treat Alzheimer’s disease has shown promise in clinical trials as a treatment for patients with traumatic brain injuries
CHINESE BIRD FLU VACCINE SHOWS BEST RESULTS YET Sinovac Biotech, a China’s leading vaccine manufacturer, has published its first tests of a vaccine against H5N1 bird flu, and the new is good.
FDA APPROVES NEW DRUG FOR HIV TREATMENT A New drug, called Darunavir or TMC-114 (PrezistaTM), has been approved. Darunavir maintains its effectiveness as HIV mutates by targeting the unmodified "backbone" of protease
