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Source - EurekAlert - Biology:
Public Release: 13-Jan-2010
TGen-Scottsdale Healthcare researchers make breakthrough in lung cancer <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/ttgr-thr011210.php>
Researchers for TGen Clinical Research Services at Scottsdale Healthcare have identified a way to predict which patients with small-cell lung cancer may be resistant to first-line chemotherapy.
Contact: Steve Yozwiak
syozwiak@tgen.org <mailto:syozwiak@tgen.org>
602-343-8704
The Translational Genomics Research Institute <http://www.tgen.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
Gene variation associated with lower risk of dementia, Alzheimer disease <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/jaaj-gva010710.php>
Preliminary research suggests that variation of a gene for a plasma protein is associated with slower age-related memory decline and a lower risk of dementia and Alzheimer disease (AD), according to a study in the Jan. 13 issue of JAMA.
Contact: Deirdre Branley
deirdre.branley@einstein.yu.edu <mailto:deirdre.branley@einstein.yu.edu>
718-430-2923
JAMA and Archives Journals <http://www.jamamedia.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
Study: Era of rapid growth in biomedical research over <http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/news/story/index.cfm?id=2736>
After a decade of remarkable growth, total annual funding for biomedical research in the US has decelerated and may have even fallen when adjusted for inflation. That is the conclusion of a study today published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Contact: Mark Michaud
mark_michaud@urmc.rochester.edu <mailto:mark_michaud@urmc.rochester.edu>
585-273-4790
University of Rochester Medical Center <http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
MicroRNA profiling identifies chemoresistance in small cell lung cancer <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/aafc-mpi010610.php>
At least three tumor microRNAs appear to predict when first-line chemotherapy will prove ineffective in some patients with small cell lung cancer, according to data presented at the AACR-IASLC Joint Conference on Molecular Origins of Lung Cancer, held Jan. 11-14, 2010.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
jeremy.moore@aacr.org <mailto:jeremy.moore@aacr.org>
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research <http://www.aacr.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
EGFR gene signature predicts non-small cell lung cancer prognosis <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/aafc-egs010610.php>
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a validated therapeutic target for non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers have now discovered a 93-gene signature that is associated with the presence of EGFR mutations in tumors from lung cancer patients and is a favorable prognostic marker in patients with early stage lung cancer.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
jeremy.moore@aacr.org <mailto:jeremy.moore@aacr.org>
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research <http://www.aacr.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
Second round of gefitinib may be promising lung cancer therapy <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/aafc-sro010610.php>
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer in whom treatment with gefitinib is ineffective often have limited options, but results of a new study suggest that retreating patients with the same drug could have a beneficial effect.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
jeremy.moore@aacr.org <mailto:jeremy.moore@aacr.org>
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research <http://www.aacr.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
Drug with unique disruption of tumor blood flow shows promise <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/aafc-dwu010610.php>
Phase II study results of the agent ASA404 showed promise in patients with either squamous or non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer.
Contact: Jeremy Moore
jeremy.moore@aacr.org <mailto:jeremy.moore@aacr.org>
267-646-0557
American Association for Cancer Research <http://www.aacr.org/>
Public Release: 12-Jan-2010
New hope for therapy in heartburn-related cancer <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/tcob-nhf010510.php>
A new study published in the journal Disease Models and Mechanisms shows that DBZ, a drug currently in clinical trials for use in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, is able in rats to stop the growth of Barrett's esophagus, a pre-cancerous condition which if unchecked can lead to esophageal (gullet) cancer. This may be a powerful new weapon in the fight against a common cancer which is hard to treat and usually fatal.
Contact: Kristy Kain
kristy.kain@vanderbilt.edu <mailto:kristy.kain@vanderbilt.edu>
615-343-1298
The Company of Biologists <http://www.biologists.com/>
Public Release: 11-Jan-2010
I-1c gene therapy: Not such a good idea in heart failure? <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/joci-igt010710.php>
Several lines of evidence have led to the suggestion that gene therapy to express a constitutively active form of the protein I-1 (I-1c) might provide a new approach to treating heart failure. However, a team of researchers has now generated data in mice that indicate that I-1c might have deleterious effects on the heart under certain circumstances, leading them to suggest that the benefit/risk ratio of I-1c gene therapy should be reevaluated.
Contact: Karen Honey
press_releases@the-jci.org <mailto:press_releases@the-jci.org>
215-573-1850
Journal of Clinical Investigation <http://www.jci.org/>
Public Release: 10-Jan-2010
Researchers discover molecular security system that protects cells from potentially harmful DNA <http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/uom-rdm010610.php>
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have discovered a molecular security system in human cells that deactivates and degrades foreign DNA. This discovery could open the door to major improvements in genetic engineering and gene therapy technologies.
Contact: Patty Mattern
mattern@umn.edu <mailto:mattern@umn.edu>
612-624-2801
University of Minnesota <http://www.umn.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.
'Missing Link' Between Heart Failure and Environment Discovered <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112201343.htm>
January 13, 2010 — Scientists have found what they believe is the "missing link" between heart failure, our genes and our environment. The study could open up completely new ways of managing and treating heart ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112201343.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112201343.htm>
Melanoma Stem Cells' Evasive Talents <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112144220.htm>
January 13, 2010 — Melanoma, if not detected in its early stages, transforms into a highly deadly, treatment-resistant cancer. Although the immune system initially responds to melanoma and mounts anti-tumor attacks, ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112144220.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112144220.htm>
Loss of Smell Function May Predict Early Onset of Alzheimer's Disease <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112171803.htm>
January 13, 2010 — A new study links a loss of smell function in Alzheimer's disease model animals with amyloid (protein) accumulation in the brain, a distinguishing hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. New research ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112171803.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112171803.htm>
Women With Breast Cancer May Benefit from Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122427.htm>
January 13, 2010 — Compared to conventional chemotherapy, autologous stem cell transplantation can extend "event-free survival" for breast cancer patients. Clinical trials provide proof of this for breast cancer with ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122427.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122427.htm>
Dementia Linked to High Blood Pressure Years Earlier <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112121942.htm>
January 13, 2010 — High blood pressure may put women at greater risk for dementia later in life by increasing white matter abnormalities in the brain, researchers ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112121942.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112121942.htm>
Blocking Nuclear Receptor May Cut Off Tumor Blood Supply <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111154916.htm>
January 12, 2010 — A new method of blocking the genesis of blood vessels that feed tumors may start with the nuclear receptor COUP-TFII, said researchers who have studied the factor for more than 20 ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111154916.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111154916.htm>
New Compound Improves Cognitive Decline, Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease in Rodents <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122429.htm>
January 12, 2010 — A fast-acting compound that appears to improve cognitive function impairments in mice similar to those found in patients with progressive Alzheimer's disease has been identified by scientists.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122429.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122429.htm>
Drug That Modifies Gene Activity Could Help Some Older Leukemia Patients <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165246.htm>
January 12, 2010 — Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) might benefit from a drug that reactivates genes that cancer cells turn off, according to new research. Researchers say the findings support further ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165246.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165246.htm>
Blood Test May Aid in Lung Cancer Diagnosis and Reduce Unnecessary Invasive Procedures <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165106.htm>
January 12, 2010 — Of the nearly 150,000 abnormal chest X-rays performed each year in the United States, 25 percent of patients will display only benign lung pathologies on further surgical ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165106.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112165106.htm>
Cancer Cells Co-Opt Fat Metabolism Pathway to Become More Malignant <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122437.htm>
January 12, 2010 — An enzyme that normally helps break down stored fats goes into overdrive in some cancer cells, making them more malignant, according to new ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122437.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100112122437.htm>
How Common Type of Children's Brain Cancer Can Arise from Stem Cells <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111091224.htm>
January 11, 2010 — New research shows how the most common type of children's brain cancer can arise from stem cells. Scientists know relatively little about medulloblastomas or why some cases respond better to ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111091224.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111091224.htm>
Neuroimaging May Shed Light on How Alzheimer's Disease Develops <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111102523.htm>
January 11, 2010 — Current Alzheimer's disease research indicates that accumulation of amyloid-beta (AB) protein plaques in the brain is central to the development of AD. While previously presence of these plaques ...
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111102523.htm <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100111102523.htm>
Source - Health Day:
Health Highlights: Jan. 13, 2010 <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=634941>
- Traffic Pollution Harms Lungs, Heart: Study
- FDA Warns Drug Companies About Promotional Materials
- U.S. Senator Seeks Cadmium Ban in Children's Toys, Jewelry
- Handling of Swine Flu Pandemic Will Be Reviewed: WHO
Some Blood Pressure Drugs May Stave Off Dementia <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=634898>
Medications' role against angiotensin appears to be key, study finds
Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 13, 2010 <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=634942>
- Traumatic Brain Injury or Stroke
- Fibromyalgia
- Flu Vaccine (Ages 65+)
Green Tea May Lower Lung Cancer Risk <http://www.healthday.com/Article.asp?AID=634833>
Benefits seen for smokers, nonsmokers, those with certain genetic makeup
Clinical Trials Update: Jan. 11, 2010
- Depression
- Chronic Constipation
- Alzheimer's Disease
Source - Yahoo Biotech News:
Biogen's Tysabri a Blockbuster! <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/industry/news/mostpop/*http:/biz.yahoo.com/zacks/100113/29257.html?.v=1> - Zacks.com - Wed 8:29 am ET
Sales of the drug,Tysabri achieved $1 billion in sales in 2009.
Investigators say price hikes on drugs increasing <http://us.rd.yahoo.com/finance/industry/news/mostpop/*http:/biz.yahoo.com/ap/100111/us_drugs_higher_prices.html?.v=3> - AP - Mon 2:06 pm ET
Prices on a growing number of prescription medications have ballooned in recent years as consolidation in the drug industry leaves fewer companies manufacturing niche medications.
Source - Google Health News:
H1N1's Teachable Moment <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.cfr.org/publication/21169/h1n1s_teachable_moment.html&ct=ga&cd=Ghwuonv_0i8&usg=AFQjCNEuMfw7fHk2zm0nhO24wyRlXlokCA>
Council on Foreign Relations
Indonesia has refused to share virus samples and report cases of the deadly H5N1 flu virus to the World Health Organization (WHO) for fear that wealthy ...
Gene therapy hope with new finding <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.pharmacyeurope.net/default.asp%3Ftitle%3DGenetherapyhopewithnewfinding%26page%3Darticle.display%26article.id%3D19976&ct=ga&cd=vTf6gFeRKxE&usg=AFQjCNHYGzd3sOJMClgug6wFzzJHcTqw6w>
Pharmacy Europe
A new finding could lead to genetic engineering and gene therapy technologies improvements, scientists have said. US researchers found a molecular "security ...
Are we on the brink of a stem-cell breakthrough? <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.torontosun.com/news/world/2010/01/11/12416196-sun.html&ct=ga&cd=vTf6gFeRKxE&usg=AFQjCNFImtDIpYqVYFlLhDsyrCD2p2iHEQ>
Toronto Sun
Regnerative medicine using stem-cell research, tissue engineering and gene therapy is cutting-edge research. It focuses on the repair, replacement and ...
Exposures Not Thought to Spread 2009 H1N1 Flu <http://www.google.com/url?sa=X&q=http://www.corrections.com/news/article/23159-exposures-not-thought-to-spread-2009-h1n1-flu&ct=ga&cd=Yu6gZK21Fq8&usg=AFQjCNHt69HwVANU1r8qp-ZxIpMtDPvajg>
Corrections.com
... demonstrated that free chlorine levels typically used in drinking water treatment are adequate to inactivate highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza. ...
Source - Medical News Today:
New Jersey To Legalize Medical Marijuana <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175835.php>
The New York Times <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/nyregion/12marijuana.html> : "The New Jersey Legislature approved a measure on Monday that would make the state the 14th in the nation, but one of the few on the East Coast, to legalize the use of marijuana to help patients with chronic illnesses. The measure - which would allow patients diagnosed with severe illnesses like cancer <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/whatiscancer.php> , AIDS <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/17131.php> , Lou Gehrig's disease <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/164342.php> , muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37556.php> to have access to marijuana grown and distributed through state-monitored dispensaries - was passed by the General Assembly and State Senate on the final day of the legislative session" (Kocieniewski, 1/11).
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175835.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175835.php>
Mango Effective In Preventing, Stopping Certain Colon, Breast Cancer Cells <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175741.php>
Mango. If you know little about this fruit, understand this: It's been found to prevent or stop certain colon and breast cancer <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37136.php> cells in the lab. That's according to a new study by Texas AgriLife Research food scientists, who examined the five varieties most common in the U.S.: Kent, Francine, Ataulfo, Tommy/Atkins and Haden.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175741.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175741.php>
Claims That Diabetes Triples Risk Of Dementia In Some Older People <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175615.php>
A new study claims that some older people with mild memory-loss are three times more likely to develop dementia <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142214.php> if they also have diabetes <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/whatisdiabetes.php> . The research, by Alzheimer's Research Trust scientists at King's College London, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, investigated the connection between mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older people and dementia.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175615.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175615.php>
FDA Grants Orphan Drug Status For Personalized Lymphoma Vaccine <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175572.php>
Biovest International, Inc. (Other OTC: BVTI) today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Orphan Drug Designation to BiovaxID®, Biovest's personalized lymphoma <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146136.php> vaccine. BiovaxID represents a new class of active immunotherapy and is one of the few select late-stage patient-specific cancer <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/cancer-oncology/whatiscancer.php> vaccines vying to be among the first to reach market. With FDA Orphan Drug Status, Biovest has a seven-year period of market exclusivity for BiovaxID upon approval, thereby offering competitive protection from similar drugs of the same class. Orphan Drug Status also provides Biovest with eligibility to receive potential tax credit benefits, potential grant funding for research and development and significantly reduced filing fees for marketing applications. Based on statistically significant Phase III study data demonstrating an extended disease-free survival benefit, Biovest expects to file a Biologic License Application (BLA) with the FDA by approximately mid-year in order to seek U.S. approval of BiovaxID. The Company also expects to file regulatory applications seeking approvals in Europe and Canada.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175572.php <http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175572.php>
Source - MIT's Technology Review:
Longevity Genes May Protect against Alzheimer's <http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24354/>
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24354/ <http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24354/>
Needling Molecules <http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24347/>
http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24347/ <http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/24347/>
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