News for February 2010

News Archive

Research uses link between autism and schizophrenia Research uses link between autism and schizophrenia

A genetic link between schizophrenia and autism is enabling researchers to study the effectiveness of drugs used to treat both illnesses.

FDA committee recommends XIFAXAN® approval for hepatic encephalopathy FDA committee recommends XIFAXAN® approval for hepatic encephalopathy

The Gastrointestinal Drugs Advisory Committee of the FDA has recommended the approval of XIFAXAN® (rifaximin) tablets (550 mg) for the maintenance of remission of hepatic encephalopathy.

Anti-inflammatory signal protein discovered Anti-inflammatory signal protein discovered

Researchers have discovered a protein crucial in mediating the anti-inflammatory actions of nuclear lipid receptors. The findings create new possibilities for treating metabolic diseases associated with inflammation, such as diabetes.

‘Blindfold handshake’ in the cell prevents diseases ‘Blindfold handshake’ in the cell prevents diseases

Researchers have uncovered how cells ensure inheritance of their genetic information in order to prevent diseases.

Breast cancer prognosis for poorer women explained Breast cancer prognosis for poorer women explained

Researchers have established a link between deprivation and the p53 gene that explains why women from poorer backgrounds are less likely to survive breast cancer.

Mitotic spindles give cancer clues Mitotic spindles give cancer clues

Scientists working at the University of Dundee have discovered a form of stem cell activity that might help lead to the early identification of cancer.

Chocoholic mice fear no pain Chocoholic mice fear no pain

A study in BMC Neuroscience has shown that chocolate-craving mice will tolerate electric shocks to get their fix.

Silence Therapeutics receives notice of allowance for RNAi patent Silence Therapeutics receives notice of allowance for RNAi patent

Silence Therapeutics announced recently that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued them a notice of allowance on a patent application covering a novel cancer target.

UK cancer patients get robotic radiosurgery treatments UK cancer patients get robotic radiosurgery treatments

UK cancer patients to gain access to the latest robotic radiosurgery treatments with the announcement that the Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology has ordered the country’s first Novalis Tx™ radiosurgery platform.

‘Call for targets’ for serious unmet need ‘Call for targets’ for serious unmet need

A centre created by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and MRC Technology to fast-track the discovery and development of novel drugs opened its first call for targets recently.

FDA approves Xiaflex for debilitating hand condition FDA approves Xiaflex for debilitating hand condition

Xiaflex has recently been approved to treat progressive hand disease Dupuytren's contracture, which can affect a person’s ability to straighten and use their fingers.

Cambridge, UK to host BioFine Europe 2010 Cambridge, UK to host BioFine Europe 2010

BioFine Europe 2010 will take place from 30–31 March and features The Peptide Conference 2010, the Synthetic Biology in Pharma conference and the BioFine Europe Exhibition.

FDA approves Victoza® (liraglutide) for diabetes FDA approves Victoza® (liraglutide) for diabetes

Novo Nordisk has announced that the FDA has granted marketing authorization for Victoza® for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults.

Advice highlights risk of Automatic Generic Substitution Advice highlights risk of Automatic Generic Substitution

A drug safety warning from the MHRA on the dangers of switching immunosuppressants calls into question the safety of the Department of Health’s proposal for Automatic Generic Substitution.