News for September 2010

News Archive

First ‘triple knockout’ mouse announced First ‘triple knockout’ mouse announced

Crescendo Biologics Limited has established a colony of engineered mice completely devoid of endogenous antibody polypeptides. These ‘triple knockout’ mice are believed to be unique.

European Centre for Chirality to offer analytical and scientific services European Centre for Chirality to offer analytical and scientific services

Ghent University, the University of Antwerp and BioTools Europe Ltd have partnered to create the European Centre for Chirality (EC2), which is dedicated to advancing understanding of the part chirality plays in biological processes.

Fostamatinib shows positive response in rheumatoid arthritis patients Fostamatinib shows positive response in rheumatoid arthritis patients

AstraZeneca’s new oral syk inhibitor, fostamatinib (R788), significantly improves outcomes of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who respond inadequately to methotrexate, according to phase II study data.

Legislation to strengthen EU pharmacovigilance is 'welcome’ Legislation to strengthen EU pharmacovigilance is 'welcome’

EFPIA, the voice of the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe, has welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption of the Commission’s proposal on pharmacovigilance.

Completed genome announced for Tasmanian devil Completed genome announced for Tasmanian devil

Researchers have created a draft genome sequence for the endangered Tasmanian devil and will use this to find genetic mutations in the transmissible cancer ravaging its population.

Quantum convoy cycles a thousand miles for cancer Quantum convoy cycles a thousand miles for cancer

Ten amateur cyclists from pharmaceutical manufacturer Quantum Pharmaceutical have completed a gruelling thousand mile charity bike ride to raise £5000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Cancer Research UK and AstraZeneca to trial first-of-kind drug Cancer Research UK and AstraZeneca to trial first-of-kind drug

Cancer Research UK and Cancer Research Technology have reached an agreement with AstraZeneca to take compound AZD-3965, a first-of-its-kind experimental drug that could treat a range of cancers, into clinical trial.

Study shows PRADAXA reduces stroke risk Study shows PRADAXA reduces stroke risk

Newly published sub-group analysis from the landmark RE-LY® study has shown dabigatran etexilate significantly reduces the risk of stroke compared to warfarin, irrespective of centre-based international normalized ratio control.

The View From Here: Pharmacogenetics in the real world – everything you need to know about how to use it The View From Here: Pharmacogenetics in the real world – everything you need to know about how to use it

The compelling arguments for the use of pharmacogenetics in drug development are well known and rehearsed.

Killer shrimp found in UK for the first time Killer shrimp found in UK for the first time

An invasive species of shrimp, commonly known as the ‘killer shrimp’, has been found at Grafham Water reservoir in Cambridgeshire – the first time the shrimp has been found in the UK.

IMP321 trial benefits 90 per cent of patients IMP321 trial benefits 90 per cent of patients

A recent clinical research paper indicates that IMP321 combined with paclitaxel has achieved clinical benefit in 90 per cent of patients in first-line metastatic breast cancer.

Charles River now offers Gentronix BlueScreen HC Screening test Charles River now offers Gentronix BlueScreen HC Screening test

Charles River Laboratories, a global preclinical contract research organization, now offers BlueScreen HC Screening services for the early detection of genotoxicity.

Genome maps could help predict risk of breast cancer Genome maps could help predict risk of breast cancer

The combined effects of numerous single-letter changes in several genes could be used to predict a woman’s risk of developing the most common form of breast cancer – oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer.

MorphoSys initiates program against drug-resistant MRSA infections MorphoSys initiates program against drug-resistant MRSA infections

MorphoSys AG has announced a new proprietary development program against novel infectious disease targets. As part of this initiative, MorphoSys has signed a license and collaboration agreement with UK-based Absynth Biologics.

Brainy worms? Evolution of the cerebral cortex Brainy worms? Evolution of the cerebral cortex

Scientists have discovered a true counterpart of the cerebral cortex in an invertebrate (a marine worm), which gives an idea of what the most ancient higher brain centres looked like.

Cyprotex announces free access to visualization tool Cloe® Knowledge Cyprotex announces free access to visualization tool Cloe® Knowledge

Cyprotex is giving researchers free online access to its database of the ADME and pharmacokinetic properties of marketed drugs via its online Cloe® Knowledge data visualization and interpretation tool.