Arthritis & Rheumatology News and Research

Latest Arthritis & Rheumatology News and Research

Amgen reports top-line results from Vectibix Phase 3 trial for head and neck cancer

Amgen today announced top-line results from a randomized Phase 3 trial evaluating Vectibix as a first-line treatment in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell head and neck cancer. The data showed the addition of Vectibix to platinum-based chemotherapy did not result in a statistically significant improvement in overall survival, the primary endpoint, compared to chemotherapy alone.

12 Aug 2010

Major bone-related meetings to take place in Valencia, Spain in March 2011

Two bone-related meetings, jointly organized by the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis and International Osteoporosis Foundation will take place in Valencia, Spain in March 2011.

11 Aug 2010

USPTO allows Regulus Therapeutics' claims of key Tuschl III patent covering Mir-155

Regulus Therapeutics Inc. announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has allowed claims in a patent application (US Serial No. 12/550,579) derived from the "Tuschl III" patent series. The allowed claims relate to human microRNA miR-155, a microRNA that is a potential target for immuno-inflammatory indications, and a lead program of the Regulus-GSK Strategic Alliance.

11 Aug 2010

ACR announces revised classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis

The American College of Rheumatology announced the release of revised classification criteria (created in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism) for rheumatoid arthritis, which will allow the study of treatments for RA at much earlier stages of the disease—before joint damage occurs—ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.

11 Aug 2010

Entelos receives patent for PhysioLab virtual patient technology

Entelos, Inc. today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued U.S. Patent No. 7,774,182, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Validating a Computer Model." This patent was issued to Entelos for its invention of an innovative computer-implemented method for validating multiple virtual patients within a computer model. The PhysioLab virtual patient technology allows Entelos life scientists and engineers to more rapidly evaluate the safety and efficacy of new therapeutics in a diverse population of patients. This predictive power is integrated into our PhysioLab platforms, which have been used by our pharmaceutical and consumer product customers for over a decade to dramatically reduce the risk, time, and cost of product development.

11 Aug 2010

Jazz Pharmaceuticals second-quarter net product sales increase 49% to $39.5 million

Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Inc. announced financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2010 and updated financial guidance for 2010. The company's updated financial guidance reflects higher expected sales of XYREM® (sodium oxybate) and the effects of recent financing activities.

11 Aug 2010

Cord Blood America to begin sale of DNA Predisposition testing services

Cord Blood America, Inc., the umbilical cord blood stem cell preservation company focused on bringing the life saving potential of stem cells, a biological insurance policy, to families nationwide and internationally, today announced that within 90 days it will begin selling DNA Predisposition testing services in conjunction with The DNA Shop, LLC,Henderson, Nevada.

11 Aug 2010

CADTH Review Panel releases recommendations for Biologic Response Modifier Agents for Adults with RA

The Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health's (CADTH) Therapeutic Review Panel released last week their recommendations for Biologic Response Modifier Agents for Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

10 Aug 2010

ROCK2 protein may be a good therapeutic target for autoimmune disorders: Research

Autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), occur when an individual's immune system turns on other cells in the body. Inappropriate and excessive production of the soluble immune mediators IL-17 and IL-21 have been linked to several autoimmune disorders. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this aberrant production might identify new therapeutic targets.

10 Aug 2010

Scientists develop life long hip joint replacement device

Total knee and hip joint replacement devices that last a lifetime are closer to reality thanks to recent breakthroughs in Department of Physics laboratories at the University of Alabama at Birmingham involving specialized nanodiamonds a billionth of a meter in size.

10 Aug 2010

UCLA study identifies neurocognitive pathways involved in inflammatory responses to acute social stress

Everyone experiences social stress, whether it is nervousness over a job interview, difficulty meeting people at parties, or angst over giving a speech. In a new report, UCLA researchers have discovered that how your brain responds to social stressors can influence the body's immune system in ways that may negatively affect health.

10 Aug 2010

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals updates key progress in clinical pipeline

Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: LXRX), a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing breakthrough treatments for human disease, today updated the progress of its drug development programs and reported financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010.

9 Aug 2010

Apte wins Elkeles Prize for outstanding scientist in field of medicine

Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) Professor Ron N. Apte has been awarded the 2010 Samuel and Paula Elkeles Prize for Outstanding Scientist in the Field of Medicine.

9 Aug 2010

Ardea Biosciences second-quarter total revenues decline to $3.5 million

Ardea Biosciences, Inc., a biotechnology company focused on the development of small-molecule therapeutics for the treatment of serious diseases, reported recent accomplishments and financial results for the second quarter and six months ended June 30, 2010.

7 Aug 2010

Osiris Therapeutics reports second-quarter net income of $1.7M against loss last year

Osiris Therapeutics, Inc., the leading stem cell company focused on developing and marketing products to treat medical conditions in the inflammatory, autoimmune, cardiovascular and orthopedic areas, announced today its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

7 Aug 2010

Study identifies options for restoring knee cartilage lubrication to prevent OA

An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is fairly common, especially among young athletes. While it can often be corrected through surgery, the injury can lead to increased risk of developing degenerative joint diseases, including osteoarthritis. The problem is that fluid in the knee joint, which lubricates the cartilage, is impacted by the trauma of the injury and begins to deteriorate.

6 Aug 2010

New research on use of medicine, diet to prevent UV-induced skin cancer

In most cases, non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation - the invisible rays from the sun that can burn the skin. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, dermatologists encourage the public to Be Sun Smart, including limiting sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreens.

6 Aug 2010