Articles

The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease can be treated by a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI’s), which increase the availability of acetylcholine in the brain by inhibiting the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE).
Dementia is a neurodegenerative and devastating disease Dementia is a degenerative disease of the brain that progressively destroys the neurons controlling memory, language and reasoning. It progresses at different rates in different people. It is estimated that dementia currently affects nearly 18 million people worldwide (1). As the mean age of the population increases, these numbers are steadily increasing. Forms of dementia and their estimated prevalence: 1 Alzheimer's disease (AD) 55% Vascular dementia (VaD)20% Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and dementia…

The size of the cytotoxic market in the seven major pharmaceutical markets is estimated to be approximately $9.6 billion. Datamonitor expects it to reach a peak of $12.8 billion by 2009. However, mainly due to major patent expiries, it is expected to drop to $11.3 billion by 2014. Topoisomerase inhibitors represent a subgroup of the plant alkaloid class of cytotoxics. DNA topoisomerase II inhibitors are among the most efficacious drugs for the treatment of cancer although they are associated wi
DailyUpdates 3rd February, 2006: The size of the cytotoxic market in the seven major pharmaceutical markets is estimated to be approximately $9.6 billion. Datamonitor expects it to reach a peak of $12.8 billion by 2009. However, mainly due to major patent expiries, it is expected to drop to $11.3 bi…

The market for antibacterials, valued at $24 billion in the seven major markets, faces significant revenue loss in the period 2005-2007 due to major patent expiries. In exception, considerable success has been met by those targeting drug resistant infections. This is highlighted by the rapid uptake of products focused on drug-resistant infections, such as Pfizer's Zyvox (linezolid). Here we highlight a promising early stage candidate being developed by Replidyne, REP8839
  The market for antibacterials, valued at $24 billion in the seven major markets, faces significant revenue loss in the period 2005-2007 due to major patent expiries (see Commercial Insight: Antibacterials). Despite the problems faced by companies involved in antibacterials considerable success has been met by th…

AstraZeneca's SMART is an experimental new regimen for its leading asthma drug Symbicort. A successful approval of this regimen may provide a major incentive to switch patients from GlaxoSmithKline's Seretide and keep new rivals at bay. However, recent labeling changes proposed by the FDA have significant implications for the possibility of future US approvals of variable dosing regimes.
The SMART (Symbicort Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) approach allows patients to increase the dose of Symbicort (a combination of an inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator) during worsening of symptoms, which may offer a paradigm-changing approach to asthma therapy; reducing the severity of asthma exacerbations by empowering patients to control their symptoms and to break free from the fear…

The early part of a New Year can be a good time to focus on your career and your personal goals for the coming year. You may be thinking of either looking for promotion within your current company or you may be thinking of applying to another company. Is there anything that you can do in order to increase your chances of being offered your dream job? The answer is yes, however it does need considerable input from you...
Of course before getting that crucial job offer there are the following hurdles to clear; your CV requires careful writing, there is pre-interview research to do and then the interview process itself to go through. You could stumble at any one of these hurdles. Checking these simple tips from the Vacancy Management Company can help you improve your chances of being offered…

OX40 (CD134) is one of the newer tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members. Expressed on CD4+ T-cells, its activation by OX40L, a type II membrane protein expressed on activated B-cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, plays an important T-cell co-stimulatory role. Today we highlight additional involvement in heart disease
DailyUpdates Jan 31st: OX40:OX40L interaction – evolving from a key component of autoimmunity to a possible target for cardiovascular disease OX40 (CD134) is one of the newer tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family members.  Expressed on CD4+ T-cells, its activation by OX40L, a type II membrane protein expressed on activated B-cells, dendritic cells and macrophages, plays an important T-cell co-stimulatory role. In our recent feature on Autoimmun…

Genomics and proteomics comprise a fundamental area of bioinformatics however exploiting the wealth of information gained using such disciplines remains a rate limiting step in the drug discovery process. Today’s edition of DailyUpdates (Jan 25th 2005) describes ground breaking work that has allowed researchers to identify candidate therapeutics for the treatment of SARs virus infection in under a month using the virus genome as a starting point
Source DailyUpdates Jan 25th:  As information technology becomes increasingly important in drug R&D, the application of bioinformatics/informatics applications has the potential to drive growth in the worldwide pharmaceuticals drug market from the $240 billion today to $3 trillion by 2020.The role of bioinformatics/informatics in the drug d…

In 1999 Human Genome Sciences researchers published a study in the journal Science describing a new member of the TNF super-family which they named BLyS. Since that time our understanding of this protein, also known as BAFF, and its homologue APRIL has progressed rapidly. The BAFF sub-family has emerged as a candidate target for therapies of various autoimmune diseases and hematological cancers with breathtaking speed.
In 1999 Human Genome Sciences researchers published a study in the journal Science describing a new member of the TNF super-family which they named BLyS. Since that time our understanding of this protein, also known as BAFF, and its homologue APRIL has progressed rapidly. The BAFF sub-family has emerged as a candidate target for therapies of various autoimmune diseases…

The oral DPP-IV inhibitors vildagliptin (LAF237), sitaglitpin (MK-0431) and saxagliptin (BMS-477118) from Novartis, Merck & Co., and BMS are in advanced phase III development and compete to be “First in Class” of a new oral treatment modality for type 2 diabetes.
At least five phase II and six phase I DPP-IV inhibitors are closely following and more than 10 further companies are in advanced preclinical R&D. Available data show differences in duration of action and anticipated dosing frequency, whereas data to compare clinical efficacy and safety presently is not available. The high interest of the pharmaceutical industry reflects the market attractivity. The WHO estimates that globally over 170 mln people have diabetes, with type 2 diabetes accounting for 90 % to 95 %. By 2030, the prev…

A new study shows the oral iron-chelator Ferriprox (deferiprone) prevents patients with thalassaemia experiencing heart complications and dying of heart failure. Patients with the condition require frequent blood transfusions with the unwanted effect of excess iron that can build up in organs and endocrine glands. Iron overload in the heart can produce fatal complications so effective treatment with iron chelation therapy to remove iron is vital. The finding that an oral treatment achieves bett
A new study shows the oral iron-chelator Ferriprox (deferiprone) prevents patients with thalassaemia experiencing heart complications and dying of heart failure.  Patients with the condition require frequent blood transfusions with the unwanted effect of excess iron that can build up in organs…

In developing generic pharmaceuticals for today’s market there are many pitfalls, the most significant of which is infringement of patents. Based on the significant costs involved with litigation or the lost revenues from being forced to withdraw a product from the market, patent infringement is a potential threat not only to individual products, but also to any organisation without significant financial resources.
In developing generic pharmaceuticals for today’s market there are many pitfalls, the most significant of which is infringement of patents.  Based on the significant costs involved with litigation or the lost revenues from being forced to withdraw a product from the market, patent infringement is a potential threat not only to individual products, but also to any organisat…

There is little mystery about what the next few years hold for the clinical research industry –it comes down to one word: speed. It is all about speed. The gauntlet has been thrown down and the companies that are able to demonstrate an effective and consistent approach to truncating the timeline of clinical trials will be very successful.
By: Brian S. Robinson i3, Vice-President, Global Marketing  www.i3global.com There is little mystery about what the next few years hold for the clinical research industry –it comes down to one word: speed. It is all about speed. The gauntlet has been thrown down and the companies that are able to demonstrate an effective and consistent approach to truncating the timeline of clinical trials will be very successful. Speed is not a capabili…

Perhaps the greatest challenge facing global drug development is the scarcity of new clinical research professionals entering the industry, bringing refreshing energy and ideas to their work, but lacking practical experience. Those involved in recruiting CR staff will be aware of this shortage and that experienced employees are seeking greater career management/development and rapid progression.
Bill McHale and Iain Jessup – i3 Pharma Resourcing Perhaps the greatest challenge facing global drug development is the scarcity of new clinical research professionals entering the industry, bringing refreshing energy and ideas to their work, but lacking practical experience.  Those involved in recruiting CR staff will be aware of this shortage and that experienced employees are seeking gr…

Electronic Data Capture (EDC), three little words that can divide the clinical research community like few others. To some, EDC is a panacea for all the troubles and rising costs of the clinical development process, whilst to others it spells broken promises, and forms the butt of many less than flattering anecdotes.
Electronic Data Capture (EDC), three little words that can divide the clinical research community like few others. To some, EDC is a panacea for all the troubles and rising costs of the clinical development process, whilst to others it spells broken promises, and forms the butt of many less than flattering anecdotes. But what is the reality, and where is the border between the promise of providers and the expectation of end users? This article is not designed to provide d…

Free Job Postings for UK Charity Organisations in the Healthcare Sector.
If you are a UK registered charity in the healthcare sector, we can offer you FREE job postings. So, you can access 160,000 visitors per month for nothing!   If you want to know more contact Mike Wood

New Blog for Jobs
As part of our continuing development and improvement, we have added created a Blog of our Top Jobs. This will be updated weekly and will also include any other news or information we think is relevant relevant to Pharmaceutical job searching. Check it out here: http://pharmaceuticaljobs.blogspot.com/

Dr Adam Meijer of the Netherlands-based European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS)§ has highlighted the vital role rapid testing must play in combating the global threat of bird flu. Dr Meijer makes his observations in the January issue of Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics.
Dr Adam Meijer of the Netherlands-based European Influenza Surveillance Scheme (EISS)§ has highlighted the vital role rapid testing must play in combating the global threat of bird flu. Dr Meijer makes his observations in the January issue of Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics. Until now, the last requirement for avian influenza viruses to cause a pandemic – efficient transmission between humans – has fortunately not been met. However, the devastating effect of the A(H5N1) bird flu on poultry holdings, and he…

New data presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Atlanta this month suggest the problems associated with iron overload in frequently-transfused patients can now be managed simply with an oral treatment rather than continuous infusions of several hours duration.
New data presented at the American Society of Hematology meeting in Atlanta this month suggest the problems associated with iron overload in frequently-transfused patients can now be managed simply with an oral treatment rather than continuous infusions of several hours duration.  Iron was removed from the blood and tissues of patients just as safely and effectively with the novel once-daily oral chelator treatment deferasirox (Exjade) as with the standard older injectable iron chelator deferoxamine. Th…

Most patients who develop chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can now expect to live more than 20 years from diagnosis if they are treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Glivec (imatinib) according to haematologists involved in the IRIS (International Randomized Interferon versus STI571) study. Before availability of current treatments, median survival from diagnosis was 3.5 years.
Most patients who develop chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) can now expect to live more than 20 years from diagnosis if they are treated with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) Glivec (imatinib) according to haematologists involved in the IRIS (International Randomized Interferon versus STI571) study.  Before availability of current treatments, median survival from diagnosis was 3.5 years. Around 95 pe…

It is easy to take a surf on the internet and look at the priorities stated in NHS policy and strategy documents. However, does this really reflect the true picture on the ground? What are the big issues for NHS customers at the moment?
It is easy to take a surf on the internet and look at the priorities stated in NHS policy and strategy documents. However, does this really reflect the true picture on the ground? What are the big issues for NHS customers at the moment? We raised this question with over 70 customers during the last three months. They were from a variety of roles in primary and secondary care. Here are the top priorities, in order of importance to the customer, and some of the key comments and insights they gave. Practice Based Commissioning: Practice based commissionin…