Since August, 2005, this news digest has been a complimentary service of GBP Capital, a private equity firm investing in early to mid-stage life science companies. See www.gbpcap.com. The digest is published two to four days a week. If you have colleagues who would be interested in receiving this digest by email, they can be added to the list at: http://www.gbpcap.com/ <http://www.gbpcap.com/> . Also, the complete history of the entire content of all news articles in our digests since August, 2005 is searchable with Google's enterprise search engine at the same site.
Source - EurekAlert – Biology:
Public Release: 3-Dec-2009
Polymer therapeutic protects gut from radiation damage, infection after cancer treatment <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/ka-ptp120209.php>
A nonabsorbed, oral co-polymer therapy under development by Midway Pharmaceuticals demonstrated the ability to protect against damage to healthy gastrointestinal tissues and to prevent lethal bacterial infections in animal models of radiation damage. The results suggest the compound, a high molecular weight co-polymer of polyethylene glycol (PEG), may provide a new way to prevent serious GI side effects of radiation in patients receiving fractionated radiotherapy for abdominal cancers or in accidental exposures to harmful radiation.
Contact: Joan Kureczka
Joan@kureczka-martin.com <mailto:Joan@kureczka-martin.com>
415-821-2413
Kureczka/Martin Associates
Public Release: 3-Dec-2009
Researchers identify gene that spurs deadly brain cancer <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/hhmi-rig120209.php>
Howard Hughes Medical Institute researchers have identified a new factor that is necessary for the development of many forms of medulloblastoma, the most common type of malignant childhood brain cancer.
Contact: Jim Keeley
keeleyj@hhmi.org <mailto:keeleyj@hhmi.org>
240-688-6630
Howard Hughes Medical Institute <http://www.hhmi.org/>
Public Release: 3-Dec-2009
2 heads better than 1 in new antibiotic method <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/nbi-thb120109.php>
An antibiotic that binds to a well-established target in a novel and unexpected way could be the inspiration for designing new, more potent antibacterial drugs.
Contact: Zoe Dunford
zoe.dunford@bbsrc.ac.uk <mailto:zoe.dunford@bbsrc.ac.uk>
44-016-032-55111
Norwich BioScience Institutes <http://www.nbi.bbsrc.ac.uk/>
Public Release: 3-Dec-2009
Exposure to secondhand cigarette smoke over a lifetime increased breast cancer risk later in life <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/aafc-ets113009.php>
Exposure to secondhand smoke for a prolonged period of time and in high quantity may increase the risk of breast cancer, even in women who never smoked cigarettes themselves.
Contact: Tara Yates
tara.yates@aacr.org <mailto:tara.yates@aacr.org>
267-646-0558
American Association for Cancer Research <http://www.aacr.org/>
Public Release: 3-Dec-2009
New data show breakthrough microRNA-targeted therapy holds promise as new treatment for hepatitis C <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/spa-nds112509.php>
A study published online in this week's Science shows that SPC3649, a breakthrough microRNA-targeted therapy developed by Santaris Pharma A/S using its proprietary Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) technology, holds promise as a novel treatment for patients infected with the hepatitis C virus.
Contact: Navjot Rai
navjot.rai@santaris.com <mailto:navjot.rai@santaris.com>
858-764-7064 x206
Santaris Pharma A/S <http://www.santaris.com/>
Public Release: 1-Dec-2009
Combining nanotubes and antibodies for breast cancer 'search and destroy' missions <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/nios-cna120109.php>
A group including researchers from NIST have demonstrated how single-walled nanotubes can be used to detect and destroy an aggressive form of breast cancer.
Contact: Michael E. Newman
michael.newman@nist.gov <mailto:michael.newman@nist.gov>
301-975-3025
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) <http://www.nist.gov/>
Public Release: 1-Dec-2009
Tumor-attacking virus strikes with 'one-two punch' <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2009-12/osum-tvs120109.php>
Ohio State University cancer researchers developed a tumor-attacking virus that kills brain-tumor cells and blocks tumor blood-vessel growth. The research shows that viruses designed to kill cancer cells -- oncolytic viruses -- might be more effective against aggressive brain tumors if they can also inhibit blood-vessel growth. The study showed that an oncolytic virus containing the gene for this protein, called vasculostatin, eliminated human glioblastoma tumors growing in some animals and significantly slowed tumor recurrence in others.
Contact: Darrell E. Ward
Darrell.Ward@osumc.edu <mailto:Darrell.Ward@osumc.edu>
614-293-3737
Ohio State University Medical Center <http://www.osumedcenter.edu/>
Source - Science Daily:
Please note: Due to the format restrictions of Science Daily articles, you must click on the URL (web address) below the article summary, rather than the article title.
Adult Stem Cells May Help Repair Hearts Damaged by Heart Attack, Study Suggests <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202205636.htm>
December 3, 2009 — Adult stem cells may help repair heart tissue damaged by heart attack according to the findings of a new study. Results from the Phase I study show stem cells from donor bone marrow appear to help ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202205636.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202205636.htm>
Brain Tumor Cells Made More Responsive to Radiation <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202131633.htm>
December 3, 2009 — Researchers have figured out how stem cells in the malignant brain cancer glioma may be better able to resist radiation therapy. And using a drug to block a particular signaling pathway in these ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202131633.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202131633.htm>
<http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre5b24am-us-sex/>
Annual Screening With Breast Ultrasound or MRI Could Benefit Some Women <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202081635.htm>
December 3, 2009 — Results of a large-scale clinical trial provide the first strong evidence of the benefit of annual screening ultrasound for women with dense breasts who are at elevated risk for breast cancer. In ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202081635.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202081635.htm>
Vaccination, Antivirals and Social Distancing May Blunt Impact of H1N1 Influenza <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203111040.htm>
December 3, 2009 — The relatively low number of new cases created by a single case of H1N1 influenza indicates that mitigation strategies such as vaccination, social distancing and the use of antiviral drugs may help ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203111040.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091203111040.htm>
Special Ultrasound Accurately Identifies Skin Cancer <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201084103.htm>
December 2, 2009 — High-frequency ultrasound with elastography can help differentiate between cancerous and benign skin conditions, according to a new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201084103.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201084103.htm>
Cancer Cells Tricked Into Responding to New Treatments and Undergoing Cell Suicide <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201161847.htm>
December 2, 2009 — Cancer researchers have found a way to turn ineffective new cancer drugs into cancer-fighters. By using their patented chemical compound, SHetA2, researchers tricked cancer cells into responding to ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201161847.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201161847.htm>
Aspirin, Tylenol May Decrease Effectiveness of Vaccines <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201152648.htm>
December 2, 2009 — With flu season in full swing and the threat of H1N1 looming, demand for vaccines is at an all-time high. Although those vaccines are expected to be effective, researchers have found further evidence ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201152648.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201152648.htm>
Scientists Identify Possible Therapy Target for Aggressive Cancer <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201182618.htm>
December 2, 2009 — Researchers have found that a naturally occurring protein -- transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1) -- which normally suppresses the growth of cancer cells, causes a rebound effect after a ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201182618.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091201182618.htm>
New Computer Model Could Lead to Safer Stents <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202153758.htm>
December 2, 2009 — Researchers have developed a computer model that explains why those drugs (which include rapamycin and its analogs as well as paclitaxel) can accumulate in the arteries and cause blood ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202153758.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202153758.htm>
Exercise Helps Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202101757.htm>
December 2, 2009 — Peripheral artery disease affects 5 million individuals in the US and is the leading cause of limb amputations. Doctors have long considered exercise to be the single best therapy for PAD, and now a ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202101757.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/12/091202101757.htm>
Clinical Trials Launched for Treating Most Aggressive Brain Tumor With Personalized Cell Vaccines <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121437.htm>
December 1, 2009 — Researchers have launched a series of clinical trials in order to assess the efficacy of an immunotherapy treatment. This approach involves the application of personalized vaccines -- produced from ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121437.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121437.htm>
New Mechanism of Blocking HIV-1 from Entering Cells Identified <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121445.htm>
December 1, 2009 — Researchers have found a novel mechanism by which drugs block HIV-1 from entering host ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121445.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121445.htm>
Is It Right for Drug Companies to Carry out Their Own Clinical Trials? <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121502.htm>
December 1, 2009 — In a new article, two experts debate whether the conflict of interest is unacceptable when drug companies carry out clinical trials on their own medicines. Their views come as new guidance on the ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121502.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130121502.htm>
Source - Health Day:
Health Highlights: Dec. 3, 2009 <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=633697>
- Cluster of Rare Breast Disease in Indiana: Report
- Screening Reveals Heart Conditions in Grade 6 Students
- Obesity Increases Kids' Risk of Spinal Problems: Study
- Mammogram Task Force Defends Recommendations
- USADA Targets Easy Availability of Steroids
- NFL Issues Tougher Rules on Handling of Head Injuries
Smoking Exposure Now Linked to Colon, Breast Cancers <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=633665>
New studies also find that children exposed to smoke are at risk of lung cancer.
Clinical Trials Update: Dec. 3, 2009 <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=633701>
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Hot Flashes
- Ulcers
Source - Yahoo Biotech News:
Stem Cell Stocks Explode Higher on NIH Announcement <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/industry/news/mostpop/*http:/biz.yahoo.com/indie/091202/2601_id.html?.v=1> - Indie Research - Wed 2:23 pm ET
A major breakthrough for stem cell research sent stocks soaring on Wednesday.
Sanofi's Multaq Gains EU Approval <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/industry/news/mostpop/*http:/biz.yahoo.com/zacks/091203/27901.html?.v=1> - Zacks.com - 1 hour, 56 minutes ago
Sanofi-Aventis has received approval from the European Commission for its atrial fibrillation drug, Multaq.
Source - Google Health News:
Novavax: A risky but potentially lucrative vaccine play <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.dailyfinance.com/2009/12/02/novavax-a-risky-but-potentially-lucrative-vaccine-play/&ct=ga&cd=TP-qOJDgVP0&usg=AFQjCNFBYfIQoW0YS-ZBCEchn5FLOCs3wg>
Daily Finance (blog)
Novavax is also trying to apply its methodology to vaccines other than those aimed at influenza varities (seasonal, H1N1 and H5N1 or "bird flu"). ...
VA FUNDING RESEARCH ON GENE THERAPY FOR PHANTOM PAIN <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.vawatchdog.org/09/nf09/nfdec09/nf120209-5.htm&ct=ga&cd=-9wmCozCN9E&usg=AFQjCNEwb3FmihHZXIVyF920rFhqqNHZFA>
VA Watchdog dot Org (blog)
Investigators have found that gene transfer to sensory nerves using a modified herpes simplex virus-based vector effectively reduced pain-related behaviors. ...
Stem cell co Gamida Cell, Cornell launch study <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp%3Fdid%3D1000518956%26fid%3D1725&ct=ga&cd=-9wmCozCN9E&usg=AFQjCNHA6wLGPrnFP25592ig6TfnkpE8Wg>
Globes
... preclinical (animal study) safety and efficacy of a gene therapy product which combines technology from Weill Cornell Medical College and Gamida Cell. ...
Effect of artificial chromosomes in gene-therapy <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.mydigitalfc.com/leisure-writing/effect-artificial-chromosomes-gene-therapy-815&ct=ga&cd=tJ4Pk7TSA2Q&usg=AFQjCNFVf2irTPGoQxXiEBEJdd-ShE7_HQ>
mydigitalfc.com
According to Gene Therapy's recent issues, the major advantages of artificial chromosomes are their potential to overcome problems in gene therapy protocols ...
WHO warns of deadly bird flu, swine flu combo <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/other-world/who-warns-of-deadly-bird-flu-swine-flu-combo-1.542816&ct=ga&cd=vKVmXdVUacY&usg=AFQjCNHkHCF_67GPnvccMCRZfqfmTZQxRQ>
GulfNews
The ministry said on its Web site Tuesday that the 23-year-old man died last week, and test results confirmed he was infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus. ...
Source - Medical News Today:
Newly Explored Bacteria Reveal Some Huge RNA Surprises <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172868.php>
Yale University researchers have found very large RNA structures within previously unstudied bacteria that appear crucial to basic biological functions such as helping viruses infect cells or allowing genes to "jump" to different parts of the chromosome. These exceptionally large RNA molecules have been discovered using DNA sequence data available within the past few years. The findings, reported in the December 3 issue of the journal Nature, suggest many other unusual RNAs remain to be found as researchers explore the genes of more species of bacteria, said Ronald Breaker, senior author of the paper and professor of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172868.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172868.php>
Chances Of Surviving A Cardiac Arrest At Home Or Work Unchanged In 30 Years <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172809.php>
The chance of surviving an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has not improved since the 1950s, according to a report by the University of Michigan Health System. The analysis shows only 7.6 percent of victims survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a number that has not changed significantly in almost 30 years.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172809.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172809.php>
InCytu Cancer Vaccine Implant Able To Search Out And Destroy Cancer Tumors <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172731.php>
InCytu Incorporated, a therapeutic device engineering company, announced the details of its Cellarium™ Cancer Vaccine program. Cellarium™ is a small bioactive sponge which regulates dendritic cells and T-cells to eliminate normally fatal tumors in a preclinical model of late stage melanoma <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/154322.php> . The details of such a promising new vaccine were published for the first time in Science's Translational Medicine Journal. "This small sponge disk is amazingly powerful," says Alfred Vasconcellos, InCytu's CEO as he holds up a slim, tan-colored button, 8.5 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick. "This Cellarium speaks the language of the immune system and, when placed under the skin, is capable of alerting the immune system that the tumor needs to be destroyed."
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172731.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172731.php>
Source - MIT's Technology Review:
Gene-Testing Machine for Doctors
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24042/
A Tongue-Tracking Artificial Larynx
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24051/
New Endoscope Sees What Lies Beneath
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24052/
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