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Tarantula venom protein promising for MD

University at Buffalo biophysicists have found a protein in tarantula venom that shows promise as a potential therapy for muscular dystrophy (MD). They have formed a start-up biotech company in Buffalo -- Rose Pharmaceuticals -- to advance the drug to clinical trials.

30 Dec 2009

NFXF applauds the Congress and President for including Fragile X Syndrome for research funding

The National Fragile X Foundation applauds the United States Congress and President Barack Obama for including Fragile X Syndrome for the first time ever within a select group of conditions eligible for research funding from the U.S. Department of Defense.

30 Dec 2009

Overview of Psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic disease that causes red, raised patches of skin, is increasingly seen as a systemic disease with links to arthritis and cardiovascular disease. The December issue of Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource provides an overview of this sometimes embarrassing condition, what's known about it and how it's treated.

30 Dec 2009

CORE, a biopsychosocial treatment center for weight loss

Earlier this month, leaders in the treatment of weight related disorders and psychiatry joined forces under the Comprehensive Obesity Recovery Effort (CORE, LLC).

30 Dec 2009

Projects investigating placebo effects in Parkinson's disease receive funds

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research announced funding for two projects investigating the placebo effect in Parkinson's disease.

30 Dec 2009

ADA recommends the A1C test for diabetes screening and diagnosis

New official guidelines for diabetes screening and diagnosis now include a blood test that gives a person's average blood glucose level over the previous 2-3 months.

30 Dec 2009

Omni Hotels & Resorts partners with GHA to host "Lasso for Life" event

Top marketing representatives of Omni Hotels & Resorts and the other Global Hotel Alliance brand members recently hosted a unique "Lasso for Life" event benefitting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

30 Dec 2009

Phase 3 trial of figitumumab discontinued by Pfizer

Pfizer Inc. announced today the discontinuation of A4021016 (also known as ADVIGO 1016), a Phase 3 trial examining the effects of investigational compound figitumumab (CP-751,871) as first-line treatment in patients with advanced non-adenocarcinoma non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) due to the study meeting predefined boundaries for early termination.

30 Dec 2009

UC researchers receive $2.5 million grant to study treatment for voice disorders

For patients with severe voice disorders, the loss of their voice often means losing their social life, self esteem or livelihood. While existing therapies can treat mild to moderate voice disorders, physicians have a harder time determining effective treatments for those with severe cases.

30 Dec 2009

VIVUS submits a NDA to the FDA for obesity drug Qnexa

VIVUS, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative, next-generation medical therapies to address unmet needs in obesity, diabetes and sexual health, announced today that a New Drug Application (NDA) has been submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) seeking approval of Qnexa, its investigational drug for the treatment of obesity, including weight loss and maintenance of weight loss, in patients who are obese or overweight with co-morbidities such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia or central adiposity.

30 Dec 2009

Healthcare management application targeting MS patients released

A Pennsylvania-based company has just released a healthcare management application that targets Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients to the App Store.

29 Dec 2009

AspenBio Pharma reports on Premarket Notification submission plans for its ELISA format AppyScore test

AspenBio Pharma, Inc., an emerging bio-science company dedicated to the development of novel diagnostics and drugs for humans and animals, reported on its progress and plans for the Premarket Notification 510(k) submission of its ELISA format AppyScore™ test. AppyScore is the first blood-based test designed to aid in the evaluation of patients suspected of having acute appendicitis.

29 Dec 2009

Affomix to generate antibodies against proprietary targets chosen by Kalgene

Affomix Corporation, a pioneer in the development of automated, high-throughput monoclonal antibody selection technology, announced today that Kalgene Pharmaceuticals Inc. has signed a commercial agreement to have Affomix utilize its Y2HExpress™ technology to select antibodies with potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility in breast cancer. Kalgene Pharmaceuticals Inc. is a private company focused on the development of oncology therapeutics and companion diagnostics.

29 Dec 2009

DMET genotyping platform screens for 1256 genetic variations in 170 genes

It's the ultimate goal in the treatment of cancer: tailoring a person's therapy based on his or her genetic makeup. While a lofty goal, scientists are steadily moving forward, rapidly exploiting new technologies. Researchers at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center report a significant advance in this field of research using a new chip that looks for hundreds of mutations in dozen of genes.

29 Dec 2009

Health gurus say recommit each Monday to resolve the smoking habit

On January 1st millions of Americans will resolve to quit smoking -- again. Yet many will resume their addiction by Groundhog's Day. Now authorities at Johns Hopkins and the American Cancer Society say it doesn't have to be that way. If a quitter falls off the wagon, the pros agree, just quit again the following Monday. And recommit to stay quit each Monday thereafter.

29 Dec 2009

Kidney transplantation saves life

For more than 20 years Delores Evans battled diabetes, high blood pressure and, finally, kidney failure. By 2008 she needed a new kidney to stay alive, but she never could have imagined the circumstances that brought it about.

29 Dec 2009

Study explains how semaphorin gene regulates synapse formation

By combining a research technique that dates back 136 years with modern molecular genetics, a Johns Hopkins neuroscientist has been able to see how a mammal's brain shrewdly revisits and reuses the same molecular cues to control the complex design of its circuits.

29 Dec 2009

TSC proteins regulate Notch activity

Two independent teams of researchers have identified a role for enhanced activation of the signaling protein Notch in tumors characterized by inactivation of either the TSC1 or the TSC2 protein. As indicated by Warren Pear, at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, in an accompanying commentary, these data provide a rationale for testing whether Notch inhibitors are of benefit to those with TSC-associated tumors.

29 Dec 2009

Study suggests genetic variations predispose African-Americans to diabetes

For years, scientists have tried to determine the basis for discrepancies between race and the predisposition for development of diseases such as type II diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Could factors such as differences in lifestyle or access to health care play a role, or is there something else in play?

29 Dec 2009

First animal model for studying schizophrenia

Scientists have created what appears to be a schizophrenic mouse by reducing the inhibition of brain cells involved in complex reasoning and decisions about appropriate social behavior.

29 Dec 2009