Pharmacology/ Therapeutics News for October 2011

Pharmacology/ Therapeutics News Archive

21st century database of traditional Chinese medicine released 21st century database of traditional Chinese medicine released

A comprehensive database developed by King’s College London researchers that features the chemical components found in traditional Chinese medicines has been released to market this month, enabling researchers to explore age-old remedies in the search for tomorrow’s new drugs.

Findings from DiaGenic, Pfizer R&D collaboration show promising early results for blood-based test for early Alzheimer disease Findings from DiaGenic, Pfizer R&D collaboration show promising early results for blood-based test for early Alzheimer disease

DiaGenic reports preliminary positive findings from the collaborative R&D project with Pfizer Inc. where the objective is to identify blood-based biomarkers that may be useful in diagnosing and monitoring Alzheimer’s disease.

Study shows that Roche’s investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease removes amyloid plaques from the brain Study shows that Roche’s investigational drug for Alzheimer’s disease removes amyloid plaques from the brain

Roche announced the publication of a study demonstrating that its monoclonal antibody gantenerumab removes amyloid plaques from the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Genetic discovery opens possibility of a universal worldwide diagnostic test Genetic discovery opens possibility of a universal worldwide diagnostic test

Six new genetic variants will help identify diagnostic markers and drug targets for the 55 million Asian’s affected.

New research shows chronic pain is not being adequately measured New research shows chronic pain is not being adequately measured

New research released today to mark European Week Against Pain reveals that, in more than half of cases, peoples’ levels of pain across Europe are not being adequately assessed.

A hormone that fights fat with fat A hormone that fights fat with fat

Sanford-Burnham scientists reveal that a hormone called orexin prevents obesity in mice by activating brown fat, a tissue that’s good at burning calories.

Proteomic study published in Nature paves the way for new treatment for incurable leukaemia using an epigenetic inhibitor Proteomic study published in Nature paves the way for new treatment for incurable leukaemia using an epigenetic inhibitor

A study published in Nature online today (Dawson et al. Advanced online Publication, DOI: 10.1038/nature10509) by Cellzome and others has identified that a small molecule inhibitor of BET proteins could potentially be used to treat the aggressive and often incurable mixed lineage (MLL-fusion) leukaemia.

Cancer Research Technology and Cancer Research UK establish lipid metabolism research team Cancer Research Technology and Cancer Research UK establish lipid metabolism research team

Cancer Research Technology (CRT), Cancer Research UK’s commercial arm, has established a group of scientists with expertise in lipid metabolism – getting energy from fats and making building blocks for cell growth – to develop targets for potential new cancer drugs.