New Diabetes Drug..... best yet??

The pharmaceutical company Roche is said to be working on a new drug taspoglutide for diabetic patients.The antidiabetic drug has shown to be better in lowering blood glucose levels than the current blockbuster treatment byetta.This announcement comes as a results of good clinical study results where taspoglutide was shown to lower blood sugar levels

Reference

Wall street journal

Ribavirin to Treat Influenza

The New england medical journal reports the use of ribavirin in the treatment of influenza including the H1N1 (Swine flu) virusis.Ribavirin is antiviral drug with a mode of action that targets both DNA and RNA viruses.It is currently approved in the United States for the treatment of hepatitis C and respiratory syncytial virus.In the advent of another pandemic we could see this drug being used or approved for flu treatment.

Reference
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/361/17/1713

FDA approves new drug for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

The FDA has recently approved the drug Arzerra (ofatumumab) for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).This is good news since nearly 16,000 cases of CLL are diagnosed each year.See reference for full story on the drug.


Reference

http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm187966.htm

New drug for treatment of osteoporosis

The drug compound MK5442 is currently undergoing phase 2 clinical trials for the treatment of osteoporosis.The study focuses on treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopasual women aged 45-80, who have been previously treated with an oral bisphosphate.MK5442 has been shown to increase bone density and as a result reduce the progression osteoporosis.The study is being conducted by Merck and will end i
n 2011.For those interested in participating in trial or getting information on the
trial check reference below.

References

http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00996801?rcv_d=14&rank=8

Magic pill for weight loss

The lancet has an article show casing the drug liraglutide.Clinical trial phase 2 studies funded by novo nordisk, have shown that the drug could lead to a reduction in weight loss in obese people.The drug has also been shown to reduce weight in non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes patients.

Article preview

Background
The frequency of obesity has risen dramatically in recent years but only few safe and effective drugs are currently available. We assessed the effect of liraglutide on bodyweight and tolerability in obese individuals without type 2 diabetes.
Methods
We did a double-blind, placebo-controlled 20-week trial, with open-label orlistat comparator in 19 sites in Europe. 564 individuals (18—65 years of age, body-mass index 30—40 kg/m2) were randomly assigned, with a telephone or web-based system, to one of four liraglutide doses (1·2 mg, 1·8 mg, 2·4 mg, or 3·0 mg, n=90—95) or to placebo (n=98) administered once a day subcutaneously, or orlistat (120 mg, n=95) three times a day orally. All individuals had a 500 kcal per day energy-deficit diet and increased their physical activity throughout the trial, including the 2-week run-in. Weight change analysed by intention to treat was the primary endpoint. An 84-week open-label extension followed. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00422058.
Findings
Participants on liraglutide lost significantly more weight than did those on placebo (p=0·003 for liraglutide 1·2 mg and p<0·0001 for liraglutide 1·8—3·0 mg) and orlistat (p=0·003 for liraglutide 2·4 mg and p<0·0001 for liraglutide 3·0 mg). Mean weight loss with liraglutide 1·2—3·0 mg was 4·8 kg, 5·5 kg, 6·3 kg, and 7·2 kg compared with 2·8 kg with placebo and 4·1 kg with orlistat, and was 2·1 kg (95% CI 0·6—3·6) to 4·4 kg (2·9—6·0) greater than that with placebo. More individuals (76%, n=70) lost more than 5% weight with liraglutide 3·0 mg that with placebo (30%, n=29) or orlistat (44%, n=42). Liraglutide reduced blood pressure at all doses, and reduced the prevalence of prediabetes (84—96% reduction) with 1·8—3·0 mg per day. Nausea and vomiting occurred more often in individuals on liraglutide than in those on placebo, but adverse events were mainly transient and rarely led to discontinuation of treatment.
Interpretation
Liraglutide treatment over 20 weeks is well tolerated, induces weight loss, improves certain obesity-related risk factors, and reduces prediabetes.
Funding
Novo Nordisk A/S, Bagsvaerd, Denmark.

References
http://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)61375-1/fulltext

Votrient approved for advanced kidney cancer

After showing positive clinical data, the FDA has recently approved the drug votrient (pazopanib hydrochloride) for the treatment of advanced kidney cancer.The drug is said to work by restricting proliferation of blood vessels to a developing tumor and as a result starves the tumor of the nutrients or factors it needs to grow.In the USA alone they are approximately 50,000 people who suffer from kidney cancer so its good to see a drug come through the pipeline to market

References
http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/healthday/2009/10/20/votrient-approved-for-advanced-kidney-cancer.html

Novel breast cancer drug

GSK is currently conducting phase2 clinical trials for compound LY573636.The compound has shown promising results in advanced or resistant cancers.LY573636 has also been effective against a multitude of malignancies...see abstract for details of drug also check references for details on clinical trials being conducted in regards to this drug.

Article preview

Novel acyl sulfonamide LY573636-sodium: Effect on hematopoietic malignant cells

Authors: Talin Haritunians, Saskia Gueller, James O'Kelly, Robert Ilaria, H. Phillip Koeffler

Affiliations: Division of Hematology/Oncology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA

Pages: 1237-1242

Abstract:

LY573636-sodium is a promising anti-tumor agent, which causes growth arrest and apoptosis of a variety of human solid tumors in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, studies have shown that the compound is selectively toxic towards tumor cells over their normal counterparts. This targeted effect makes LY573636 a candidate for combined therapy regimens in patients with advanced or resistant cancers. We studied for the first time, the anti-tumor properties of LY573636 against a variety of human hematopoietic malignancies, including AML, B-ALL, large B-cell and mantle cell lymphoma cell lines. Cells were treated with the compound in vitro and its effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis and differentiation was determined. The cell lines underwent growth arrest in response to treatment with LY573636 in a dose-dependent manner. This antiproliferative activity was associated with the induction of apoptosis, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, we showed that LY573636 was able to induce granulocytic/monocytic differentiation of HL60 and U937 cells. LY573636, as shown before in solid tumors, is effective in hematopoietic cell lines as well. These data suggest the use of LY573636 alone or in combination with conventional chemotherapeutic regimens in hematopoietic malignancies.

References

http://www.spandidos-publications.com/or/article.jsp?article_id=or_20_5_1237
Clinicaltrials.gov

New cervical cancer vaccine approved

According to fierce biotech.com, glaxosmithsklins's (GSK) cervical cancer vaccine cervarix has been approved for market in the USA.The vaccine is said to be the most effective in preventing cervical cancer due to HPV.This is good news for young women, who can now be protected from cervical cancer......


Reference

http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/glaxo-finally-wins-fda-approval-cervarix/2009-10-19

Zenvia the new hope for MS patients

Fierce biotech.com reports that the drug Zenvia developed by avanir pharmaceuticals, has recently shown successful phase 3 clinical trial results in its ability to relieve Pseudobulbar affect (PBA-(also known as involuntary emotional expression disorder (IEED) and emotional lability) in a subset of multiple sclerosis form of MS.

Reference

http://www.avanir.com/product/product.php?ID=11
http://www.fiercebiotech.com/story/avanir-stock-boosted-zenvia-data/2009-10-09

Saphris for schizophrenia and bipolar

The drug saphris was recently approved(August 09) for the treatment of schizophrenia and type 1 bipolar disorder in adults.The drug will available in us pharmacies soon and will come in 5mg and 10mg strength for sub lingual use.More information can be found on company website.

Reference
http://www.saphris.com/saphris/index.jsp

Three products that will slim you instantly

Consultancy trendbird mentions three diet plans Splenda Mist, Fat Burning Lemonade, and Sensa.Some people would have heard of some of them.The first and most common is splenda,updated version splenda mist is a no calorie sweetner for those who have a sweet tooth but do not want to deal with the added calories that comes with sweets and the like.The next dietry cure is the fat burning lemonade "master cleanser".Its a lemon based product that coverts fats into energy (instantly).Lastly they is sensa which is a dietry supressant suppossedly developed by docters.

These are some of the diet aids released in the past five years hope you find them helpful and as always consult professtionals before embarking on any diets.

References
Sensa Website
splenda mist
http://www.trendbird.co.kr/1595

Coming soon:Afresa for treatment of type 1 and 2 diabetes

The drug-product Afresa developed by mannkind corporation has recently been approved by the FDA for use in type 1 and 2 diabetes in the treatment of hyperglycemia.The drug is insulin therapy that is delivered through an inhalation device called Afresa.It is described on the company website as being an ultra rapid acting mealtime insulin therapy.The advantage of this device will be its ability to be synchronized easily around meals which would make it much easier for diabetes sufferers.....

For details visit company websites,they is no indication when the drug will be in the market place but granted it was approved in may 2009 it should be on pharmacy shelves soon......take care all

Reference
http://www.mannkindcorp.com/afresa-background.aspx

New face masks to protect against flu

The new england medical journal showcases a new face mask with the capability of filtering really small particles.The facemask, called N95 repirator has apparently been shown to be effective at preventing the spread of viruses due to their high filteration capacity.This is good news,since this is a non-pharmaceutical intervention workers (especially healthcare workers can protect themselves)\

Reference
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMp0908437

Parkinson's disease: New hope

In a resent study by researchers from the university college London.Scientists where able to generate small electrical currents in 14 healthy volunteers using scalp electrodes.The current produced by these electrodes is said to act upon beta waves in the brain leading to more controlled muscular movement (slower movement).The study adds to a growing number of treatments for Parkinson's.This treatment focuses on using electrical therapy to help regress the symptoms of the disease.A treatment like this is still in its early stages and would take a while it becomes commercially available.As always with Parkinson's its not just the treatment you have to consider, diet and exercise come into play as well....Take care all

Journal preview

Boosting Cortical Activity at Beta-Band Frequencies Slows Movement in Humans Alek Pogosyan1, Louise Doyle Gaynor1, Alexandre Eusebio1 and Peter Brown,

Sobell Department of Motor Neuroscience and Movement Disorders, Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK

Summary

Neurons have a striking tendency to engage in oscillatory activities. One important type of oscillatory activity prevalent in the motor system occurs in the beta frequency band, at about 20 Hz. It is manifest during the maintenance of tonic contractions and is suppressed prior to and during voluntary movement [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6] and [7]. This and other correlative evidence suggests that beta activity might promote tonic contraction, while impairing motor processing related to new movements [3], [8] and [9]. Hence, bursts of beta activity in the cortex are associated with a strengthening of the motor effects of sensory feedback during tonic contraction and with reductions in the velocity of voluntary movements [9], [10] and [11]. Moreover, beta activity is increased when movement has to be resisted or voluntarily suppressed [7], [12] and [13]. Here we use imperceptible transcranial alternating-current stimulation to entrain cortical activity at 20 Hz in healthy subjects and show that this slows voluntary movement. The present findings are the first direct evidence of causality between any physiological oscillatory brain activity and concurrent motor behavior in the healthy human and help explain how the exaggerated beta activity found in Parkinson's disease can lead to motor slowing in this illness [14].


Journal reference
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6VRT-4XBX6J1-4&_user=777686&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000043031&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=777686&md5=6054b92cd8615afcad3e4ab16ee71941

New Drug promises to stop the Flu

Fiercebiotech.com reports that the drug peramivir (Vaccination) has recently been approved for phase 3 clinical trials as an antiviral.It is being developed by Birmingham (UK) based biocyst.Although the drug was previously developed by johnson and johnson for oral use, it showed little or no effect via this route. Biocyst is developing an inject able vaccine that is much more effective at attacking the virus.The clinical trials are said to be finished by 2011 so the vaccine could be available in the next 5 years...Governments around the world are already stock piling the drug in the event of other swine flu type outbreaks......

For details on the specific science of peramivir wikipedia has a good summary.Again always consult a professional on these matters.......

References
http://www.fiercevaccines.com/story/biocryst-outlines-phase-iii-plans-peramivir/2009-10-01
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peramivir

New therapy for heart failure

In the article entitled Cardiac-Resynchronization Therapy for the Prevention of Heart-Failure Events.The new england journal of medicince outlines clinical trial studies that show that cardiac-ressynchronization combined with an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD)reduced heart failure events.

Article preview

Cardiac-Resynchronization Therapy for the Prevention of Heart-Failure EventsArthur J. Moss, M.D., W. Jackson Hall, Ph.D., David S. Cannom, M.D., Helmut Klein, M.D., Mary W. Brown, M.S., James P. Daubert, M.D., N.A. Mark Estes, III, M.D., Elyse Foster, M.D., Henry Greenberg, M.D., Steven L. Higgins, M.D., Marc A. Pfeffer, M.D., Ph.D., Scott D. Solomon, M.D., David Wilber, M.D., Wojciech Zareba, M.D., Ph.D., for the MADIT-CRT Trial Investigators.

Background

This trial was designed to determine whether cardiac-resynchronization therapy (CRT) with biventricular pacing would reduce the risk of death or heart-failure events in patients with mild cardiac symptoms, a reduced ejection fraction, and a wide QRS complex.

Methods

During a 4.5-year period, we enrolled and followed 1820 patients with ischemic or nonischemic cardiomyopathy, an ejection fraction of 30% or less, a QRS duration of 130 msec or more, and New York Heart Association class I or II symptoms. Patients were randomly assigned in a 3:2 ratio to receive CRT plus an implantable cardioverter–defibrillator (ICD) (1089 patients) or an ICD alone (731 patients). The primary end point was death from any cause or a nonfatal heart-failure event (whichever came first). Heart-failure events were diagnosed by physicians who were aware of the treatment assignments, but they were adjudicated by a committee that was unaware of assignments....

References
http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/short/361/14/1329