Hair Provides Proof of the Link Between Chronic Stress and Heart Attack, University of Western Ontario Study EurekAlert! -- Researchers at The University of Western Ontario have provided the first direct evidence using a biological marker, to show chronic stress plays an important role in heart attacks. Stressors such as job, marital and financial problems have been linked to the increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease including heart attack. But there hasn't been a biological marker to measure... Common Bone Drugs Linked to Esophageal Cancer Risk, University of Oxford Study (Reuters) - People who take a commonly used class of osteoporosis drugs called bisphosphonates for more than five years may be doubling their risk of developing cancer of the gullet or esophagus, a British study found on Friday. Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. Says Pfizer Inc. Ends Cancer Vaccine Deal; Shares Fall 26.15% at 12:59PM EDT NEEDHAM, Mass., Sept. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Celldex Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: CLDX) announced today it will regain full worldwide rights to develop and commercialize rindopepimut (CDX-110), effective November 1, 2010. Celldex and Pfizer Vaccines LLC entered into a global development... Double-Dose Plavix Benefits Certain Patients, Columbia University Study Finds WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 (HealthDay News) -- More isn't necessarily better when prescribing the two drugs commonly used to treat patients who are in danger of having a heart attack, Plavix (clopidogrel) and aspirin, a new study suggests. Roche to Cut Costs, Review Business After Drug Setbacks; No Details on Size of Cost Reductions or the Number of Staff, Units Affected, Detailed Steps Will be Announced Late 2010 ZURICH/BASEL, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Swiss drugmaker Roche Holding AG (ROG.VX) will review its business and cut costs to cope with recent setbacks on key drugs and rising pressures on prices from healthcare reforms, it said on Friday. Santhera Pharmaceuticals AG and Ipsen Enter into Licensing Agreement for Fipamezole for the Treatment of Dyskinesia in Parkinson's Disease; Upfront Payment of 13 Million Euros With Another Milestones of Up To 128 Million Euros LIESTAL, Switzerland & PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regulatory News: Santhera Pharmaceuticals (SIX: SANN) and Ipsen (Paris:IPN - News) (Euronext: IPN; ADR: IPSEY) today announced a license agreement for the development and commercialization of fipamezole (antagonist of the adrenergic alpha-2 receptor) for territories outside of North America and Japan. This first-in-class compound is currently under investigation... Diabetes Drug Metformin Linked to Lower Lung Cancer Rate in Mice, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Study Drugs.com -- WEDNESDAY, Sept. 1 -- A drug widely used to treat high blood sugar in type 2 diabetics may hold some promise in the prevention of tobacco-induced lung cancer, according to extremely preliminary findings in a mouse study. Ads for s Lunesta, Novartis Corporation's Tasigna Among Those Warned by FDA WASHINGTON, Sept. 3 (Reuters) - The following are details of some recent FDA warnings sent to drugmakers over misleading or inappropriate advertising, along with the dates the letters were made public. Age No Barrier to Oral Anticoagulants, University of Birmingham Study MedPage Today -- Age alone shouldn't deter appropriate oral anticoagulant use in elderly atrial fibrillation patients, according to a review. Abbott Laboratories Calls Off Sale Of Flu Vaccine Business In Europe New York Times -- Abbott Laboratories has called a halt to the sale of its European flu-vaccine unit because of a dissapointing run of initial bids, The Wall Street Journal reported. Study Links Intermediary Cells to Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Study Telegraph -- A breakthrough in understanding how a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer develops could lead to the creation of new drugs which would stop tumours ever developing, scientists hope. University of Alabama at Birmingham Logs Another Spinoff With Company Technology Could Speed Drug Delivery Time to Six Weeks Bizjournals -- Research findings from the University of Alabama at Birmingham recently spawned a biotechnology firm specializing in protein-based drugs and vaccines. AstraZeneca PLC's Seroquel XR Gets EC Approval LONDON (Reuters) - Drugmaker AstraZeneca (AZN.L) said on Thursday the European Commission had approved Seroquel XR as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder for patients that had not responded well to an existing antidepressant BioDelivery Sciences International Calls Meeting With FDA Positive; Hopes to Increase Access to Cancer-Pain Drug Triangle Business Journal -- Biodelivery Sciences Internationals stock closed up more than 5 percent on Thursday after the company announced it had a positive meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding its drug Onsolis. Celgene Seeks To Stop Natco Pharma Limited's Generic Revlimid; Officially Notified of ANDA Filing Today SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG - News) today announced it has received a Paragraph IV Certification Letter advising that Natco Pharma Limited of Hyderabad, India, submitted an Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The application requests authorization to manufacture and market generic versions of REVLIMID (lenalidomide... Protecting the Lungs Against 'Collateral Damage' from the Immune System, University of Alabama at Birmingham Study ScienceDaily (Sep. 2, 2010) A study published September 2 in the journal Science shows how our bodies try to minimise potential 'collateral damage' caused by our immune system when fighting infection. The research may also provide new clues to why cigarette smoke is a significant risk factor for developing diseases of the lung such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Scientists Unwrap DNA Packaging to Gain Insight Into Cells, University of Edinburgh and Collaborators Study ScienceDaily (Sep. 2, 2010) Scientists have built a clearer picture of how lengthy strands of DNA are concertinaed when our cells grow and divide, in a discovery could help explain how cell renewal can go wrong. Dutch Life Sciences Fund Raises 190 Mln Euros AMSTERDAM, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Dutch fund Forbion said it had raised 190 million euros ($244 million), for European, Israeli, and U.S. investments, helped by lower risk aversion in its chosen field, life sciences. Yale University-Developed Tools Fix Broken DNA Strands Mass High Tech -- Yale University researchers report that they have identified mechanisms that can be used to repair breaks in DNA strands. Those breaks have the potential to lead to the development of cancer. Problem of Fake Medicines in Developing Countries Could Be Solved, Professor at Lund University Says ScienceDaily (Sep. 3, 2010) Counterfeiting of drugs is a huge industry with an annual turnover of more than SEK 500 billion. In Africa the situation is extremely serious. Half of the malaria medication sold there could be ineffective or even harmful. There is currently no good way to identify counterfeit drugs. However, researchers from Lund and the UK have now developed a technique that could resolve... Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. And Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. Sign $1 Billion Obesity Pact SAN DIEGO and OSAKA, Japan, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orexigen Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: OREX) and Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited (TSE: 4502), today announced that they have entered into an exclusive partnership to develop and commercialize Contrave (naltrexone... Cebix Raises $16M From Investors Xconomy -- San Diego-based Cebix, which is developing a replacement therapy based on human proinsulin C-peptide as a supplemental treatment for complications from type 1 diabetes, has raised $16 million over the past 14 months, according to a form filed with regulators Monday. The form amends a regulatory filing that Cebix submitted in June, 2009, which disclosed it had raised almost $2.3 million... FDA Staff Say Forest Laboratories, Inc. Antibiotic Seems Effective WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - A proposed Forest Laboratories Inc (FRX.N) antibiotic appeared effective in clinical trials for treating skin infections and pneumonia, U.S. drug reviewers said in documents released on Thursday. European Society of Cardiology: Pre-Procedure Statins May Cut MI Risk, University of Florida Study STOCKHOLM -- Statins delivered before invasive procedures appear to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular events, a meta-analysis showed. SinoBiomed Inc. Announces New Chief Executive Officer HONG KONG, Sept. 2, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Board of Directors of Sinobiomed Inc. ("Sinobiomed", or "the Company") (Pink Sheets:SOBM - News) is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer. George Yu, incoming President and Chief Executive Officer, has over 15 years of management and corporate development experience. Mr. Yu had worked in operational management roles... Roche Plans Massive Job Cuts, No Decision This Week Bloomberg -- Roche Holding AG will make a decision on job cuts this week, Sonntag newspaper reported, citing unidentified people familiar with the situation. 'Brain Exercise' May Worsen Existing Alzheimer's, Rush University Medical Center Study MedPage Today -- Keeping mentally active may help stave off Alzheimer's disease, but once patients are diagnosed with the condition, "brain exercise" may actually speed up cognitive decline, researchers said -- adding that that may not be a bad thing. Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation Opens ???Centre Of Competence??? Opens As Part Of A ???100m China Plan Oustourcing Pharma -- Boehringer Ingelheim has opened its Centre of Competence (CoC) in Shanghai to optimise API and chemical intermediates sourcing in China. Cancer Drug Gleevec May Offer Clue to Alzheimer's Cure, Study Published in Nature CNN -- Treatments modeled on the blockbuster cancer drug Gleevec may be the key to finding a cure for Alzheimer's, suggest new data reported in the journal Nature. FDA Warns On Increased Death Risk With Pfizer Inc. Antibiotic Tygacil Pharmalive -- ISSUE: FDA reminded healthcare professionals of an increased mortality risk associated with the use of the intravenous antibacterial Tygacil (tigecycline) compared to that of other drugs used to treat a variety of serious infections. The increased risk was seen most clearly in patients treated for hospital-acquired pneumonia, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, but was also seen... New Evidence that Fat Cells are Not Just Dormant Storage Depots for Calories, Study Published in E Science News -- Scientists are reporting new evidence that the fat tissue in those spare tires and lower belly pooches far from being a dormant storage depot for surplus calories is an active organ that sends chemical signals to other parts of the body, perhaps increasing the risk of heart attacks, cancer, and other diseases. They are reporting discovery of 20 new hormones and other substances... JAMA Editor to Step Down in 2011 medPage Today -- After more than 10 years leading the Journal of the American Medical Association, editor-in-chief Catherine D. DeAngelis, MD, MPH, has announced plans to leave the post next June. Merck & Co., Inc. Postpones Dutch Closures, Options Open AMSTERDAM, Sept 2 (Reuters) - U.S. drugmaker Merck & Co (MRK.N) has postponed the closure of some of its Dutch operations while it negotiates with executives and workers on potential alternatives, including a sale of the R&D site. PerkinElmer, Inc. Agrees to Sell Illumination and Detection Solutions Business to for Approximately $500 Million WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PerkinElmer, Inc. (NYSE: PKI - News), a global leader focused on improving the health and safety of people and the environment, today announced that it has agreed to sell its Illumination and Detection Solutions (IDS) business to Veritas Capital Fund III, L.P., a New York-based private equity firm, for approximately $500 million in cash ($482 million net of payment... Similar Survival with Two Ovarian Cancer Strategies, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Study Published in The New England Journal of Medicine MedPage Today -- Patients with bulky, advanced ovarian cancer survived just as long whether treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery or with primary surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, investigators in a multinational trial reported. Actavis Receives FDA Approval of Atomoxetine HCl Capsules MORRISTOWN, N.J., Sept. 1/PRNewswire/ -- Actavis has received approval from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to market Atomoxetine HCl capsules for the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Actavis intends to market Atomoxetine HCl in 10 mg, 18 mg, 25 mg, 40 mg, 6... Pfizer Inc. to Acquire FoldRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. for Undisclosed Amount, Looks to Expand Developmental Pipeline NEW YORK and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pfizer Inc. (NYSE: PFE) and FoldRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held drug discovery and clinical development company, today announced that they have entered into an agreement under which Pfizer will acquire... Abbott Laboratories's Diet Drug Meridia Study Shows Drug Raises Heart Attack, Stroke Risk; Renews Calls For U.S. Ban WASHINGTON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - A study funded by Abbott Laboratories (ABT.N) offered more detailed evidence that its weight-loss drug Meridia increases heart risks, prompting renewed calls by consumer advocates and others to pull the drug from the market. Pharmasset, Inc.'s PSI-7977 Receives Fast Track Designation from the FDA for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection PRINCETON, N.J., Aug. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Pharmasset, Inc. (Nasdaq:VRUS - News) has received fast track designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for PSI-7977 for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. PSI-7977 is an oral uridine nucleotide analog polymerase inhibitor of HCV. Pharmasset recently completed dosing in a 28 day Phase 2a trial to evaluate... Is Lower Thyroid Activity Linked to Longevity? - Leiden University Medical Center Study NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A less active thyroid may mean more years added to your life, hints a new Dutch study. AIDS Cure Quest to Kill 'Sleeping' Viruses Enlists Merck & Co., Inc. Cancer Medicine, University of North Carolina Study Bloomberg -- The 30-year-long search for a cure for AIDS, the worlds deadliest viral infection, may get a renewed boost from an unlikely source: a little-used Merck & Co. cancer drug. Cardiome Pharma Corp. Gets Nod For Marketing Heart Drug In EU; Receives $30 Million From Merck Sharp & Dohme VANCOUVER, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - Cardiome Pharma Corp. (NASDAQ:CRME - News) today announced that it has earned a US$30 million milestone payment from its collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the United States and Canada), through an affiliate. The milestone was triggered by the recently announced marketing approval for BRINAVESS(TM) (vernakalant (iv)) in the European Union, Iceland... When it Comes to the Immune System, We're All More Alike than Previously Thought, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Study Finds Physorg.com -- September 1, 2010 When it comes to the mechanics of the human immune system, we are all more alike than previously thought, according to a new study by scientists at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Genzyme Corporation And Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Release: Data from Mipomersen Phase 3 Trial in heFH Patients Meets Primary Endpoint with 28 Percent LDL-C Reduction CAMBRIDGE, Mass. & CARLSBAD, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Genzyme Corp. (NASDAQ: GENZ - News) and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: ISIS - News) announced that data from the phase 3 study of mipomersen in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (heFH) were presented today at the European Society of Cardiologys Congress 2010 in Stockholm, Sweden. The study met its primary endpoint with... Tight BP Control Flops for Most CKD Patients, Case Western Reserve University Study MedPage Today -- Intensive blood pressure control doesn't slow progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in hypertensive patients overall but may help those with baseline proteinuria, according to a randomized trial. Study Suggests Heavy Drinkers Live Longer Than Nondrinkers, University of Texas Study AOL -- It's a controversial premise: Heavy drinkers die later than people who don't drink at all. FDA Looks to Curb Abuse of Cough Medicine AP -- WASHINGTON Federal health regulators are weighing restrictions on Robitussin, NyQuil and other cough suppressants to curb cases of abuse that send thousands of people to the hospital each year. Genzyme Corporation CEO Open to Sale, Not at $69 a Share BOSTON (Reuters) - Genzyme Corp (GENZ.O) Chief Executive Henri Termeer said he is willing to sell the company he built up over 25 years, but not for $69 a share. PDL BioPharma, Inc. Says Gets August Royalty Payment From Genentech; Sees Q3 Rev Of $86 Mln Vs Est $83.6 Mln INCLINE VILLAGE, Nev., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- PDL BioPharma, Inc. (PDL) (Nasdaq: PDLI) today announced revenue guidance for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010 of approximately $86 million, as compared with actual results of EC Regulator Rubber-Stamps Archimedes Pharma???s Intranasal Fentanyl Spray for Cancer Pain READING, England, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Archimedes Pharma Ltd., a leading international specialty pharma company, today announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for its lead product, PecFent*, an innovative fentanyl nasal spray for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP) in adults who are already receiving maintenance opioid therapy for chronic... U.S. Court of Appeals Upholds Validity of Eli Lilly and Company's Evista Patents Through March of 2014; Mylan Inc. And Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Limited Affected INDIANAPOLIS, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today announced that the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit has affirmed a prior ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana that the company's method-of-use... Celator Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Raises $20 Million in Series D Financing PRINCETON, N.J., Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Celator Pharmaceuticals, a privately held pharmaceutical company developing new and more effective therapies to treat cancer based on the company's proprietary technology, today announced that it raised $20 million in a Series D private equity... For People with Congestive Heart Failure, a Hot Dog Can Trigger a Trip to the Hospital Due to Excessive Salt, University of Chicago Study Blogspot -- The average daily salt intake in America is one and 1/2 teaspoon a day. This is 3,400 milligrams of sodium a day, or 1,100 milligrams more then the recommended maximum. Theratechnologies Inc. is Pleased to Announce the Appointment of a New President and CEO MONTREAL, CANADA--(Marketwire - September 01, 2010) - Theratechnologies (TSX: TH) announced today the appointment of Mr. John-Michel T. Huss as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Mr. Huss will assume his responsibilities in the coming months. Until recently, Mr. Huss was Chief of... Emergent BioSolutions Wins $28.7M National Institute of Allergy And Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Contract for Development of Third-Gen Anthrax Vaccine; Increases Potential Funding to Over $58 Million ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Emergent BioSolutions Inc. (NYSE:EBS - News) announced today that it has signed a contract valued at up to $28.7 million with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), an institute within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), for advanced development of the companys third generation anthrax vaccine candidate. The award of this contract increases... Allergan Inc. To Pay $600 Mln To Settle Botox Probe IRVINE, Calif., Sep 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Allergan, Inc. /quotes/comstock/13*!agn/quotes/nls/agn (AGN 61.42, -0.59, -0.95%) today announced that it has reached a resolution with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding the previously reported Government investigation into Allergan's past U.S. sales and marketing practices relating to certain therapeutic uses of BOTOX(R) (onabotulinumtoxinA... Olivier Bohuon Appointed Chief Executive Officer of Pierre Fabre SA CASTRES, France, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- During its first meeting, the Board of Directors of Pierre Fabre SA chaired by Mr. Pierre Fabre appointed Olivier BOHUON as the company's Chief Executive Officer. Olivier BOHUON, 51, has until now been the executive vice-president of Abbott Corporation and president of its pharmaceutics division. In this capacity, he directed the group's entire... Study Discovers why Females Fare Better than Males after Traumatic Injury, Scott & White Study EurekAlert! -- A study published in the September 2010 issue of SHOCK by Dr. Ed W. Childs and colleagues at Scott & White Healthcare looks at how female versus male rats fared after suffering a trauma and subsequent hemorrhagic shock who were given Estradiol (estrogen). In the study, the Estradiol prevented vascular permeability following hemorrhagic shock. Russia's Pharmsynthez Plans ??10.5 Million ($16.1 Million) IPO Pharma Times -- Russia's Pharmsynthez has unveiled plans to float on the Moscow Interbank Currency Exchange (MICEX) to help fund a new facility and international expansion. Cellerant Therapeutics, Inc. Awarded $153 Million Contract by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) to Develop Treatment for Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS) SAN CARLOS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Cellerant Therapeutics Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel hematopoietic stem cell-based cellular and antibody therapies for blood disorders and cancer, announced today that it has signed a contract valued at up to $153 million over five years with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary... Allergan Inc. Receives FDA Approval for LUMIGAN(R) 0.01% as First-Line Therapy Indicated for the Reduction of Elevated Intraocular Pressure in Glaucoma Patients IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Allergan, Inc. (NYSE:AGN - News) today announced the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved LUMIGAN (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.01% as a first-line therapy indicated for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. LUMIGAN 0.01% is an optimized reformulation of LUMIGAN... Sleep Deprivation May Spur Serious Mental Problems, University of Sydney Study Finds Physorg.com -- September 1, 2010 Young adults who get fewer than eight hours of sleep per night have greater risks of psychological distress, a combination of high levels of depressive and anxious symptoms, according to a study in the Sept. 1 issue of the journal Sleep. Ultra-Endurance Running May Not Be Good for the Heart, Study Suggests ScienceDaily (Aug. 31, 2010) In 2009, a study was conducted in UK by Liverpool John Moores University and the Countess of Chester Hospital to assess the effects of running in ultra-endurance races. Typically aimed at super-fit and experienced athletes, these races are held over distances exceeding 50 miles (80 kilometres). Carrying Hip Fat Can Lead to Impaired Memory Skills, Northwestern University Study Published in Reallyworks.org -- When it comes to staying sharp as you age, one body type might just have the edge on the others. A new U.S. study in the July 14, 2010 issue of the Journal of the American Geriatric Society finds that older obese women are more likely to have memory problems if they carry excess hip fat... the so called pear shape. Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Pfizer Inc. Drug Cuts Stroke Risk By Half Vs Aspirin STOCKHOLM, Aug 31 (Reuters) - An experimental drug from Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY.N) and Pfizer (PFE.N) reduces the risk of stroke by more than half compared with aspirin, with no significant rise in major bleeding, researchers said on Tuesday. Proposed Diabetes Test Misses Most Cases: Emory University Study NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A new proposed diabetes test could miss millions of cases of diabetes and pre-diabetes and also over-diagnose black Americans if it was used as a screening tool, suggests a new study. Paying People to Prevent STDs, University of California, Berkeley (CAL) and Ifakara Health Institute Study Pizaazz -- Paying people to avoid sexually transmitted diseases effectively reduces their spread, according to a proof-of-concept study carried out by scientists at UC Berkeley, the Development Research Group at the World Bank and the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania. Starvation Keeps Sleep-Deprived Fly Brain Sharp, Washington University Study E Science News -- As anyone who has ever struggled to keep his or her eyes open after a big meal knows, eating can induce sleepiness. New research in fruit flies suggests that, conversely, being hungry may provide a way to stay awake without feeling groggy or mentally challenged. Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found in a study of fruit flies that starvation allows... Selenium May Protect Against Bladder Cancer, Study Published in WebMD -- Aug. 31, 2010 -- Adding more selenium to your diet may reduce your risk of bladder cancer. Scientists Discover New Protein That Gets To the Roots of Obesity and Osteoporosis, Study Published in EurekAlert! -- Here's good news for anyone trying to lose weight or has osteoporosis: Scientists from Maine are on the trail of a weight loss drug that may revolutionize how we treat these two conditions. In a new research report published in the September 2010 print issue of The FASEB Journal, the researchers describe a newly discovered protein, called "Sprouty," responsible for regulating body fat... Baxter International, Inc. Says FDA Lung Drug Promotion Misleading WASHINGTON, Aug 31 (Reuters) - U.S. health officials have issued a warning to Baxter International Inc (BAX.N) for misleading patients and doctors about the benefits of its Aralast lung drug. ESC: EINSTEIN DVT Data Positive for Factor Xa Inhibitor, Academic Medical Center Study MedPage Today -- STOCKHOLM -- An investigational oral anticoagulant appears to be as effective and safe as treatment with enoxaparin (Lovenox) plus warfarin (Coumadin) to prevent recurrent deep vein thrombosis, researchers reported. ThromboGenics Ltd.'s Microplasmin Meets Primary Endpoint in Second Phase III Trial in VMA, Confirms Positive Findings of First Trial LEUVEN, Belgium, September 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- - Data Presented at ASRS Confirm Previous Phase III Findings and Microplasmin's Potential to Transform the Treatment of Retinal Disorders ThromboGenics NV (Euronext Brussels: THR), a biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative treatments for eye disease, vascular disease and cancer announces... Oesophageal Cancer Rates In Men Up 50 Per Cent In A Generation, UK, Study Medical News Today -- Oesophageal cancer rates in men have risen by 50 per cent over the last 25 years, according to new figures published by Cancer Research UK today. BTG plc Signs $16.6 Mln Deal To Sell Nycomed's Antivenom Drugs London, UK, 31 August 2010: BTG plc (LSE: BGC), the specialty pharmaceuticals company, today announces that it has signed an agreement with Nycomed US Inc. concerning the accelerated transition to BTG on 1 October 2010 of marketing rights to CroFab (Crotalidae Polyvalent Immune Fab (Ovine)), an antivenom, and DigiFab (Digoxin Immune Fab (Ovine)), for treating patients with life-threatening digoxin... India's Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd Unit Gets Warning from US FDA MUMBAI Aug 31 (Reuters) - The U.S. unit of Indian drugmaker Sun Pharmaceutical (SUN.BO) has received a warning letter from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) after its New Jersey manufacturing plant was inspected. Kythera Biopharmaceuticals and Bayer Corporation Unit Intendis, Inc. Enter Licensing and Development Agreement for Adipolytic Agent ATX-101; To Receive $43 Million Upfront And May Receive $330 Million More LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--KYTHERA Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. (KYTHERA) and Intendis, Bayer HealthCares dermatology business, today announced that they have entered into a licensing agreement granting Intendis rights to KYTHERAs lead product candidate, ATX-101, outside of the US and Canada. ATX-101, a first-in-class investigational drug, is currently in clinical development for the reduction of... Bayer AG Anticoagulant Drug's Safety Comparable To Standard Care-Study STOCKHOLM, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Bayer's (BAYGn.DE) anticoagulant Xarelto showed a similar safety profile compared with standard therapy in clinical trial results released on Tuesday, keeping it in the multibillion-dollar race to replace the old and troublesome drug warfarin. BioNovo, Inc.: FDA OKs Plan For Trials Of Hot-Flashes Drug Menerba EMERYVILLE, Calif., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Bionovo, Inc. (Nasdaq: BNVI, BNVID) announced today that it has received positive guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the Company's Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) plan for its lead drug candidate Menerba. The FDA... Dr Klaus Wiedey Reappointed Managing Director and CEO Europe at Ecron Acunova (EA) FRANKFURT, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DA Prasanna, Founder and Chairman of EA, is pleased to announce the reappointment of Dr Klaus D. Wiedey as Managing Director of EA and CEO Europe. Dr Wiedey succeeds Dr Antal Hajos, reassuming the overall responsibility for business, strategic and operational aspects of the European operations. As founder and CEO of Ecron in Europe, Dr Wiedey led the company... Achaogen Awarded Contract Worth up to $64 Million by Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) for the Development of ACHN-490 SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Achaogen, a biopharmaceutical company discovering and developing innovative antibiotics to treat life-threatening, multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections, today announced the award of a contract with The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response in... Lonza Group Ltd. Acquires Viral Vaccine and Vector Manufacturer Basel, Switzerland, 30 August 2010 - Lonza enters the viral based-manufacturing market today with its purchase of Vivante GMP Solutions, Inc. The acquisition advances Lonzas strategy to broaden its biologics custom service offering for the growing viral vaccine and gene therapy markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Vivante is a custom manufacturing organization dedicated to producing... Synexus Welcomes a New Chief Executive and Gears up for Its Next Phase of Growth MANCHESTER, England--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Synexus, the worlds leading organisation dedicated to the recruitment and running of clinical trials, is getting ready for a new phase of sustained growth. As part of this drive it has today announced changes to its executive management team with the appointment of Dr Christophe Berthoux as Chief Executive. His appointment will be effective from 12th September... Covidien Sells Chemicals Unit For $280M To St. Louis Business Journal -- Covidien said Monday in separate announcements that it completed the previously announced sales of its specialty chemical business and its sleep therapy product line. Study Links Male Y Chromosome Variants with the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease, University of Leicester Study August 29th, 2010 Scientists in the UK have shown that genetic variations in the Y chromosome affect a male's risk of coronary heart disease. It is well known that males have a higher incidence of coronary heart disease than females due, in part, to the Y chromosome they inherit from their fathers. To investigate the role of the Y chromosome further, a team from the University of Leicester carried... Genzyme Corporation Rejects Sanofi-Aventis (France)' $18.5 Billion Offer Wall Street Journal -- Genzyme Corp. on Monday confirmed that its board had unanimously rejected an $18.5 billion all-cash offer from Sanofi-Aventis SA, raising the prospect of a hostile takeover attempt from the French pharmaceutical company. MonoSolRx LLC Announces Reckitt Benckiser Plc FDA Approval of Suboxone(R) Sublingual Film for Treatment of Opioid Dependence WARREN, N.J., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- MonoSol Rx, the developers of PharmFilm technology and a drug delivery company specializing in film pharmaceutical products, today announced that its partner, Reckitt Benckiser Pharmaceuticals Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (LSE: RB), has received... European Society of Cardiology: New Guidelines Are a Step Ahead of Regulators, University of North Carolina Study STOCKHOLM -- The latest European Society of Cardiology guidelines for revascularization in myocardial infarction patients recommend the use of ticagrelor (Brilinta) -- an antiplatelet agent that has not yet been approved by any regulatory agency -- as a recommended antithrombotic treatment. European Society of Cardiology: Novel Antiplatelet Heading in the Right Direction, Duke University Study STOCKHOLM -- An investigational P2Y12 inhibitor -- elinogrel -- resulted in faster and greater platelet inhibition and similar clinical efficacy compared with clopidogrel (Plavix) among patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention, according to a phase II study presented here. Alimera Sciences' Iluvien(R) Receives FDA Priority Review for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema ATLANTA, Aug. 30, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alimera Sciences, Inc., (Nasdaq:ALIM - News) ("Alimera"), a biopharmaceutical company that specializes in the research, development and commercialization of prescription ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, announced today that the Company's New Drug Application (NDA) for Iluvien(R) (fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal insert) has been accepted for filing and granted... Diabetes Can Cause a Sugar Coating that Smothers Body's Immune Defences, University of Warwick Study ScienceDaily (Aug. 23, 2010) Research led by the Warwick Medical School at the University of Warwick has found that unhealthy glucose levels in patients with diabetes can cause significantly more problems for the body than just the well-known symptoms of the disease such as kidney damage and circulation problems. The raised glucose can also form what can be described as a sugar coating that can effectively... GlaxoSmithKline, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Face US Delay for Epilepsy Drug, Receives New PDUFA Date LONDON, RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., and ALISO VIEJO, Calif., Aug. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GlaxoSmithKline (NYSE:GSK - News) and Valeant Pharmaceuticals International (NYSE:VRX - News) announced today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for ezogabine* to 30 November 2010. The original goal date was 30 August 2010. ... Doctors Treat Children With Growth Hormone to Avoid Teasing, Case Western Reserve University Study (Reuters Health) - When it comes to treating very short kids with growth hormone, some doctors may be just as swayed by their own attitudes about being short as by data, suggests a new study. Genetic Link To Migraine Found, In DNA Variant On Chromosome 8, University of Ulm Study Medical News Today -- Scientists have identified the first genetic risk factor linked to a common type of migraine after examining the genetic data of over 50,000 individuals. The investigators say that this breakthrough gives them new insights into migraine triggers, which will hopefully lead to novel therapies to prevent episodes of migraine. Prostate Biopsy Can Cause Urinary, Erectile Problems, Study (Reuters Health) - Biopsies taken to diagnose prostate cancer commonly cause temporary erectile dysfunction and, in some cases, lingering urinary problems, according to a new study. Genetic Variations Linked to ALS Risk, University Of Montreal Study MedPage Today -- Two separate studies have found genetic variations that may be associated with an increased risk of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) located on chromosomes previously linked to ALS -- particularly chromosome nine. Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Announces That Phase 2 INNOVATE-PCI Trial With Elinogrel Achieved Objectives; Novartis AG to Start Final-Stage Test of Blood Thinner STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN--(Marketwire - August 30, 2010) - Portola Pharmaceuticals, Inc. today announced results from the Phase 2 INNOVATE-PCI study of its investigational antiplatelet drug, elinogrel, the only competitive, reversible direct-acting P2Y12 ADP receptor antagonist. Results in patients undergoing non-urgent percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) showed that an... U.S. FDA Gets Tougher With Certain Drug Trials; Limiting Use of "Non-inferiority" Clinical Trials Pharmalot -- Just how useful are non-inferiority trials? For the uninitiated, such trials compare a drug being developed with one that is already approved by the FDA. Drugmakers, of course, pursue such studies so they can show their new med is no worse than another, and may even show some benefits. AstraZeneca PLC???s Brilinta Outshines Rival Sanofi-Aventis (France)'s Plavix in Studies STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Gene testing is shaping up to be a marketing battleground for new blood thinners like AstraZeneca's Brilinta, underscoring the power and limitations of genetics as a tool to predict medical outcomes. Otonomy, Inc. Closes $38.5 Million Series B Financing SAN DIEGO, Aug. 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Otonomy, Inc. announced today that it has closed a $38.5 million Series B financing co-led by Novo Ventures and RiverVest Venture Partners, and joined by Domain Associates and TPG Biotech. This financing... CEO: Johnson & Johnson Let Down Public, Must Work to Build Trust (AP) -- With Johnson & Johnson's once-golden reputation tarnished by 11 recalls of medicines, contact lenses and hip implants in as many months, its chief executive says he knows the company let consumers down. Vitamin A Hikes HIV Loads in Breast Milk, University of Michigan Study MedPage Today -- HIV-positive mothers may be more likely to infect infants via breast milk if they take vitamin A and beta-carotene supplements, researchers have found. MEDA Acquires Alaven Pharmaceutical LLC, A US Specialty Pharma Company For 350 MUSD STOCKHOLM--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Meda has signed an agreement to acquire the US specialty pharmaceutical company Alaven. The acquisition will significantly enhance Medas marketing capabilities in the US and expand the therapeutic focus to include both gastroenterology and womens health; areas that Meda already operates in outside of the US. In addition, Alaven has a strategic OTC platform that... Henrik Lund MD Ph.D, Former Global VP in Clinical Development at AstraZeneca PLC, Named New CEO of Bionor Pharma ASA OSLO, NORWAY--(Marketwire - August 30, 2010) - Bionor Pharma (OSLO: BIONOR) today announced that Henrik Lund MD Ph.D, will take over the position... U.S. FDA Wants More Information On AstraZeneca PLC Lung Drug LONDON, Aug 30 (Reuters) - AstraZeneca's MedImmune biologics unit has been asked by U.S regulators for more information on its infant lung drug motavizumab after drug regulatory advisors recommended against approving it in June. Study Points to Genetic Driver of Severe Asthma, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Study CINCINNATI, Aug. 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Scientists have identified a genetic basis for determining the severity of allergic asthma in experimental models of the disease. New Parkinson's Gene is Linked to Immune System, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Study Physorg.org -- August 27, 2010 A hunt throughout the human genome for variants associated with common, late-onset Parkinson's disease has revealed a new genetic link that implicates the immune system and offers new targets for drug development. Diabetes Has an Impact on Sex Life, University of Chicago Study WebMD -- Aug. 27, 2010 -- Middle aged and older adults are interested in sexual activity, but diabetes impairs libido and can result in erectile dysfunction, a new study shows. Anguish of Romantic Rejection May Be Linked to Stimulation of Areas of Brain Related to Motivation, Reward and Addiction, Stony Brook University Medical Center Study ScienceDaily (Aug. 28, 2010) Breaking up really is hard to do, and a recent study conducted at Stony Brook University found evidence that it may be partly due to the areas of the brain that are active during this difficult time. XenoPort, Inc. President Resigns To Be CEO Elsewhere SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug 26, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- XenoPort, Inc. /quotes/comstock/15*!xnpt/quotes/nls/xnpt (XNPT 6.18, -0.04, -0.64%) announced today that William J. Rieflin has been elected to the XenoPort Board of Directors, effective September 17, 2010, and he will resign as president of XenoPort to accept a position as chief executive officer of a private biotech company. He will continue to... Omega-3 Margarines Fail to Help in Heart Study, Wageningen University Study STOCKHOLM -- Adding margarine enriched with omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary intervention did not prevent second heart attacks in older men and women at risk for worsening heart disease, researchers said here. Forest Laboratories, Inc., Gedeon Richter Ltd. May Do Additional Phase II Cariprazine Trial; Drug Misses Overall Goal Bloomberg -- Gedeon Richter Nyrt., Hungarys largest drugmaker, said that the Phase II clinical trial of Cariprazine for bipolar depression produced no statistically significant result compared with placebo treatment. Oxytocin Increases Trust, Not Gullibility, Study ScienceDaily (Aug. 25, 2010) Oxytocin (OT) is a hormone that plays an important role in social behaviorit has even been nicknamed the love hormone and liquid trust. Increased levels of OT have been associated with greater caring, generosity, and trust. But does OT increase peoples trust in just anybody or does it act more selectively? Eisai Inc.'s New Anti-Clotting Drug May Cut Risk of Heart Attack, Study Shows STOCKHOLM, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Japanese drugmaker Eisai's (4523.T) experimental blood clot preventer E5555 may have the potential to reduce heart attacks, strokes and cardiovascular deaths without increased serious bleeding risks, Japanese researchers said. Genentech, ImmunoGen, Inc. Receives Refuse to File Letter from FDA for Drug T-DM1 WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ImmunoGen, Inc. (Nasdaq: IMGN - News), a biotechnology company that develops antibody-based targeted anticancer products, today announced that Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, today announced its receipt of a Refuse to File (RTF) letter from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the accelerated approval of the Biologic License Application (BLA) for trastuzumab... Opposites Don't Attract: People Choose Partners Like Them, Michigan State University Study Live Science -- Spouses don't become more alike in their personalities as their marriage progresses, contrary to perceptions. Switching Statins Often Leads to Wrong Doses, University of Melbourne Study STOCKHOLM -- A third of patients on lipid-lowering therapy received inadequate doses of generic simvastatin after being switched from atorvastatin (Lipitor), an analysis of a large pharmacy database showed. Novartis Corporation Gets FDA OK For Tekamlo, a Blood Pressure Treatment EAST HANOVER, N.J., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Tekamlo (aliskiren and amlodipine) tablets, a single-pill for the treatment of high blood pressure combining the only approved direct renin inhibitor, Tekturna (aliskiren), with the widely used calcium channel blocker... Yale University Team Finds a Genetic Rarity: A Mutation that Restores Health ScienceDaily (Aug. 26, 2010) Errors in the copying of genes during cell division can cause numerous diseases, including cancer. Yale School of Medicine scientists, however, have unraveled the secrets of a much more rare phenomenon with potential therapeutic implications -- disease-causing genes that show a high frequency of self-repair. ESC: Mixed Risks for PPIs Plus Clopidogrel, University of Vienna Study STOCKHOLM -- Concomitant use of a proton pump inhibitor and clopidogrel (Plavix) significantly increased the risk of myocardial infarction but not death, a meta-analysis involving almost 160,000 patients found. Fosun Pharma Acquires $14 Million of Chindex International, Inc. Stock; Part of Alliance to Form Joint Venture Chindex Medical Limited BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Chindex International, Inc. ("Chindex") (Nasdaq:CHDX - News), a leading independent American provider of Western healthcare products and services in the People's Republic of China, and Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical (Group) Co., Ltd. ("Fosun Pharma"), a leading manufacturer and distributor of western and Chinese medicine and devices in China, today announced... High-Fat Diets Effectively Treat Absence Epilepsy, Johns Hopkins University Study News-Medical -- Two high-fat diets the classic ketogenic and a modified version of the Atkins can reduce and, in some cases, completely eliminate seizures in children with a common seizure disorder known as absence epilepsy, say researchers from Johns Hopkins Children's Center. Stallergenes, S.A. Set to Begin Looking for U.S. Partner, Chief Executive Says Bloomberg -- Stallergenes, Europes second- largest maker of allergy medicines, will start looking for a U.S. partner for its Oralair hay-fever treatment after meeting with U.S. regulators later this year. Celgene Announces Appointment of as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Could Be Sign of s Intention to Go International SUMMIT, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celgene Corporation (NASDAQ: CELG) today announced the appointment of Jacqualyn A. Fouse as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective September 27, 2010. Ms. Fouse will be responsible for all finance operations at Celgene and will report to Robert J. Hugin, Chief Executive Officer of Celgene Corporation. Fouse succeeds David W. Gryska, who served as... Doctors' Religious Beliefs Can Color Their Care of Terminally Ill, University of London Study Medical News Today -- A new study from the UK suggests that doctors' religious faith strongly influences end of life care, with agnostic and atheist doctors nearly twice as willing to take decisions that speed up end of life for very sick patients compared to their deeply religious peers. |
