Healthcare - Articles

Rheumatoid arthritis affects an estimated 2.1 million Americans. The initial success of biologics that neutralize TNF alpha mean that these therapeutics dominate the US and European rheumatoid arthritis markets. Although the development of biologics has revolutionized treatment of rheumatoid arthritis therapies remain far from optimal. Since biologics are peptidic in nature they must be administered by injection. Moreover, multiple dosing is required and this can be disruptive to the patient.
Rheumatoid arthritis affects an estimated 2.1 million Americans and is characterized by chronic inflammation of the lining of the joints and the development of the pannus, a structure composed of fibroblast-like synovial cells that erode the joint and surrounding bone.  The initial success of…

It is estimated that there are more than 38 million people in the seven major markets with diabetes and this figure is set to rise to 50 million in 2012. Despite the presence of well established treatments of diabetes significant unmet needs remain driving a large body of research and development activity. The highlighted JCI paper described work by Lilly researchers advancing FGF-21 or its mimics as a novel therapeutic candidates for the treatment of diabetes.
It is estimated that there are more than 38 million people in the seven major markets with diabetes and this figure is set to rise to 50 million in 2012 (for an in depth evaluation of the diabetes market size and value, plus an analysis of emerging therapeutics see our recent feature Non-insulin Antidiabetics - Three New Classes C…

Although cytotoxics agents represent a cornerstone of oncology, toxicity and drug resistance has driven the development of targeted anticancer therapies. The current study highlights a novel antimitotic agent, PTX-2. This molecule, like the Taxol and Taxotere, blocks the cell cycle in late mitosis channelling cells into an apoptotic program. In direct contrast to Taxol and Taxotere, PTX-2 targets cells with p53 mutations; the plant alkaloids on the other hand are relatively insensitive in such c
Cytotoxic agents represent a cornerstone of oncology however many established agents are reaching patent expiry and the last cytotoxic genericization is expected in 2011 (Xeloda). One good example of the effects of genericization is the plant alkaloid Taxol (paclitaxel). Taxol, one of a group of al…

Despite the cardiovascular risks that have recently emerged following prolonged treatment with COX-2 inhibitors, this class of drug continues to receive interest as an approach to chemoprevention. Celebrex, which was approved in 1998 for the treatment of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) has been shown to reduce the development of precancerous colorectal polyps by 28%. Data recently highlighted in the FASEB journal suggests that at least part of the efficacy of celebrex may be related to the
Until preventative and diagnostic approaches to cancer are significantly improved patients will continue to present to clinicians with tumors that have progressed to a stage where metastasis will in many cases be inevitable. This is particularly the case for the 160,000 patients seen yearly in the…

Clinical Research Academy has decided to implement a sure-fire way of finding top candidates for Clinical Research Associate (CRA) posts – by running a Selection and Assessment Day. The first was held at the end of July in Marlow in the UK.
Clinical Research Academy has decided to implement a sure-fire way of finding top candidates for Clinical Research Associate (CRA) posts – by running a Selection and Assessment Day. The first was held at the end of July in Marlow in the UK. The company has set up a three-month traineeship scheme which incorporates the Introduction to Clinical Trials Practice course, in conjunction with the UK's Institute of Clinical Research. While following the course, trainees are actively assigned to a pharmaceutical sponsor. The 25 candidates for the Selecti…

While brain cancer may be one of the rarer cancers, the outlook for those diagnosed is bleak. For patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) - the most aggressive form of brain cancer - average survival is approximately one year. However the recent supplementary approval of temozolomide for use in first-line treatment may represent the first step in a more 'personalized' approach to GBM.
In March 2005, Schering-Plough's temozolomide (Temodar/Temodal) garnered US FDA approval for the first-line treatment of patients with GBM and European approval followed in June 2005. Temozolomide given in combination with radiation therapy has been shown to increase survival by two months. While this improvement may at first glance seem modest, given the poor prognosis for these patients and the current d…

Novartis has received a positive opinion from a European committee recommending marketing authorization be granted to Xolair for severe persistent allergic asthma. Although Xolair has delivered impressive results, the restrictive label, together with high treatment costs, will limit its sales potential in the EU, meaning Novartis, and partner Genentech, may prefer to focus on the US market.
Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airways, characterized by airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and airway narrowing that is reversible, with treatment or spontaneously. There are estimated to be around 10 million diagnosed asthma patients in the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain, of which around 1.8 million (18%) have severe persistent asthma. While representing a small percen…

Few who love its taste associate it with good health, but recent reports that a confectionary company was seriously examining the pharmaceutical potential of chocolate achieved widespread international media coverage.
Few who love its taste associate it with good health, but recent reports that a confectionary company was seriously examining the pharmaceutical potential of chocolate achieved widespread international media coverage.   In fact the health-related properties of chocolate have long been debated and it appears that certain people in the industry believe compounds in chocolate could yield new pharmaceutical approaches to major disorders. In an industry which is seeking new sources of innovative products, this could be one of the most unusual avenues to be explored in a long…

This alert is brought to you by LeadDiscovery and concerns today's announcement by Celera Genomics that clinical evaluation of their HDAC inhibitor CRA-024781 is about to commence. The press release is featured on today's edition of DailyUpdates-Oncology.
Special alert from DailyUpdates-Oncology: Milestone in the development of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors This alert is brought to you by LeadDiscovery and concerns Celera Genomics' July 14th today's announcement that clinical evaluation of their HDAC inhibitor CRA-024781 is about to commence. The press release is featured on today's edition of DailyUpdates-Oncology. Click here to access this bulletin or read our editorial below. Editorial Comment The field of histone deacetylase (HDACs) inhibition has recently start…

The worldwide analgesic market was worth $38 billion during the year 2002 and is expected to nearly double to $75 billion by the year 2010. The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 (VR1) has become an attractive molecular target for multiple sub-types of pain. Abbott researchers have recently described the development of A-425619
The worldwide analgesic market was worth $38 billion during the year 2002 and is expected to nearly double to $75 billion by the year 2010 (for a recent and in depth insight see Pain Therapeutics - Drugs, Markets and Companies). The vanilloid receptor TRPV1 (VR1) has now become an attractive molecular target for multiple sub-types of pain. Abbott researchers have recently described the development of A-425619, a low nanomolar TRPV1 antagonist. This molecule blocks heat hyperse…

Acute neurodegeneration caused by stroke or trauma as well as more chronic disease resulting from Alzheimers’s disease or Parkinson’s disease has inflammatory and direct neurotoxic components. Bayer Healthcare researchers have developed a compound with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective active resulting is therapeutic activity in models of head injury and Parkinson’s disease
Acute neurodegeneration caused by stroke or trauma as well as more chronic disease resulting from Alzheimers’s disease or Parkinson’s disease has inflammatory and direct neurotoxic components. There is an urgent need for improved neuroprotective agents driving the development of a market expected to be worth $11.5 billion by the year 2010 (see Neuroprotection - Drugs, Markets and Companies). The transcription factors…

Each year, 750,000 strokes occur in the US and resultant deaths account for stroke being one of the top three causes of mortality as well as a major economic burden on healthcare systems. One candidate molecular target for stroke is 20-HETE. Taisho Pharmaceutical have developed a potent and selective 20-HETE synthesis inhibitor, TS-011 for the treatment of stroke.
Each year, 750,000 strokes occur in the US and resultant deaths account for stroke being one of the top three causes of mortality as well as a major economic burden on healthcare systems (see Acute Stroke - Symptom Awareness Will Reduce Headache). Most strokes are ischemic however 20% are hemorrhagic; irrespective of the subtype treatments are limited. One candidate molecular target for stroke is 20-HETE, an ecosanoid that has bee…

Tourists love France and why not you… to work and live in France.
Tourists love France and why not you… to work and live in France. France is the country of wine and cheese and is also a major country for clinical research. Apart from all the leading French companies, many affiliates of international big pharma have their European headquarters here. i3 Pharma Resourcing have been resourcing our clients’ projects in France for over eight years, developing strong relationships within the French market, and are proud to work in partnership with a number of major pharmaceutical companies as well as with biotechnology companies. Our team is involved in Phase I-IV innovative projects. Our employees are mainly clinical research specialists (CRAs, PMs) and Drug Safety Assistants. In early 2005,…

The vanilloid capsaicin has long been known to desensitize pain pathways leading to long-term analgesia. Recent data from Novo Nordisk A/S suggests that sensory afferents might also be implicated in the development of glucose intolerance.
The vanilloid capsaicin has long been known to desensitize pain pathways leading to long-term analgesia through selectively binding to small unmyelinated sensory afferent nerves.  However the pungency and systemic toxicity of capsaicin has largely precluded its therapeutic utility. Recent data published by Dorte X. Gram from Novo Nordisk A/S are now emerging to suggest that sensory afferents might also be implicated in the development of glucose intolerance. The present study reports that sensory nerve desensitization by resiniferatoxin, a…

It is now the norm for clinical and medical departments to work with a mixture of headcount, freelance and contract employees as well as outsourcing whole projects and there is no indication that going into 2005 and beyond, that there will be any change in this trend.
It is now the norm for clinical and medical departments to work with a mixture of headcount, freelance and contract employees as well as outsourcing whole projects and there is no indication that going into 2005 and beyond, that there will be any change in this trend. Mergers and acquisitions often mean a loss of staff but no reduction in clinical trial requirements and skills and company-specific knowledge are often stretched, putting existing trials at risk, as well as creating frustration. This can delay a clinical trial p…

The antihypertensive market was valued at $31 billion in 2003. The kidney plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and the renal enzyme renin is a target for what is expected to be the next blockbuster class of anti-hypertensives. The report highlighted here identifies a further renal enzyme, renalase that may be another target for the treatment of hypertension.
The antihypertensive market was valued at $31 billion in 2003. Although the development of generic equivalents has reduced the market value of the four major antihypertensive classes, the angiotensin II receptor blocker class has experienced strong growth (see Antihypertensives - Together We Stand, Divided We Fail).  The kidney plays an important role in regulating blood pressure and the renal enzyme renin is a tar…

Migraine affects 1 in 10 people. That's 6 million in the UK alone. Now there is an effective med free pain relief product developed by a Migraine sufferer, that is proving an effective solution amongst sufferers.
Migraine affects 1 in 10 people.  That's 6 million in the UK alone.  Now there is an effective med free pain relief product developed by a Migraine sufferer, that is proving an effective solution amongst sufferers. The Migra-Cap is based on cold and dark therapy.  The Cap fits over the head with the specially formulated cold therapy gel packs sewn in placed to target the main areas of the head affected by the pain.  The unique design also covers the eye area keeping it cool whilst excluding the sufferer from the light. Simply stored in a domestic fridge or fre…

Assaying therapeutic agents requires the availability of apparatus to dose experimental animals as well as to measure biological effect. Available dosing systems for inhalation agents are suboptimal generally causing stress to the animal as well as exposing the operator to potentially harmful agents. Texas based researchers have developed an improved system for the delivery of agents to the airway
Assaying therapeutic agents requires the availability of apparatus to dose experimental animals as well as to measure biological effect.  Available dosing systems for inhalation agents are suboptimal generally causing stress to the animal as well as exposing the operator to potentially harmful agents.  based researchers have developed apparatus that allows mice to be dosed with reprodu…

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection produces cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and liver cancer and by 2010 38,000 deaths will result from infection. Anemia associated with ribavirin, a common treatment of infected patients represents a major problem. Valeant Pharmaceutical have developed a prodrug of ribavirin, viramidine which is activated within the liver resulting in reduced levels of ribavirin accumulating in red blood cells thus overcoming the problem of anemia.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection produces cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and liver cancer and by 2010 38,000 deaths will result from infection. The current standard of care for chronic HCV infection is a combination of an interferon-alpha product and ribavirin however under-use of available treatments as well as anemia as…

The field of histone deacetylase inhibitors is moving into a new phase of development with candidates advancing nicely through clinical development. Milkana hasve recently developed a series of non-hydroxamic histone deactylase inhibitors which are likely to demonstrate an improved toxcity profile
The field of histone deacetylase inhibitors is moving into a new phase of development.  LeadDiscovery's report on Histone deacetylase inhibitors highlights the biology of the HDACs and the potential of their inhibitors. In profiling the various HDAC inhibitors in development we discuss the toxicological risk of hydroxamic acid, a moiety found in early inhibitors including SAHA. Our strategic evaluation discusses the development of HDAC inhibitors in which the hydroxamic acid has been re…