Biotech Week back issues from November 2004:
Phase III trial update provided on Bio-E-Gel.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Antares Pharma, Inc., (AIS), an evolving specialty pharmaceutical company with headquarters in Exton, Pennsylvania, announced an update regarding the ongoing pivotal phase III clinical trial of its estradiol Advanced Transdermal Delivery (ATD) gel ...
Promising validation results for ovarian cancer biomarkers presented at meeting.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Ciphergen Diagnostics, a division of Ciphergen Biosystems, Inc., (CIPH), presented initial results of its ongoing study to validate biomarkers for ovarian cancer and reported progress in assay development at the meeting of the International ...
FDA approves medical device to treat AAA.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cook, Inc., a privately held medical-device manufacturer, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the company's next-generation solution for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), a disease that kills more people annually ...
Company reports positive phase IIa trial results in postsurgical pain.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- DELEX Therapeutics, a privately held specialty pharmaceutical company, presented a preview of its phase IIa clinical trial results with its lead product AeroLEF (aerosolized liposome encapsulated fentanyl) in postsurgical patients at the BioContact ...
U.S. FDA grants Fast Track designation for FK228 in cutaneous T cell lymphoma.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Gloucester Pharmaceuticals, Inc., announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Fast Track designation for FK228 (depsipeptide) as monotherapy for the treatment of cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) in patients who have ...
FDA gives final approval for Brimonidine Tartrate Ophthalmic Solution, 0.2% ANDA.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- IVAX Corporation (IVX) has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for brimonidine tartrate ophthalmic solution, 0.2%. The product will be sold through the ...
3F Aortic Bioprosthesis heart valve gets CE mark of conformity.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- 3F Therapeutics, Inc., announced that the 3F Aortic Bioprosthesis Model 1000 has received CE Marking of Conformity (CE 0123) in accordance with the European Medical Device Directive. Obtaining the CE Mark has allowed the company to ...
Maryland adopts classification system for payment of healthcare services.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- 3M Health Information Systems Division announced that the Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) has selected its 3M APR-DRG classification system as the State of Maryland's methodology for determining payment of hospital acute ...
PC cell-derived growth factor inflames breast tumor aggression.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- PC cell-derived growth factor inflames breast tumor aggression. According to recent research published in the journal Carcinogenesis, "metastasis is a multi-step process involved in the progression of breast cancer to a disease with poor ...
Statistically significant positive phase II data reported on Cetrorelix.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- AEterna Zentaris, Inc., (AEZ; AEZS) announced statistically significant positive results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II trial designed to evaluate different dosage regimens of a depot formulation of cetrorelix, a ...
Biotech company representative testified about proposal for BioShield II.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- AVI BioPharma, Inc., (AVII) announced that Alan P. Timmins, AVI's president and COO, testified in a joint hearing before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions and the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary. ...
RANTES haplotypes influence the response to chronic hepatitis C therapy.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- RANTES haplotypes influence the response to chronic hepatitis C therapy. "The response to antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is complex and is determined by both environmental and genetic factors. Recently, interacting ...
Esophagus shear modulus of elasticity studied in rat model.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Esophagus shear modulus of elasticity has been studied in a rat model. "Experimental and diagnostic procedures like distension of a balloon catheter, bougie, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy can induce shear deformation in the esophageal ...
Alcohol consumption may be associated with irregular heartbeat in men.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alcohol consumption may slightly increase the risk for developing a certain type of irregular heart beat, known as atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter, according to new research. Evidence for a link between alcohol consumption and ...
Novel antiapoptotic protein X-linked IAP antagonists potential cancer therapy.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Novel antiapoptotic protein XIAP antagonists are a potential therapy for cancers overexpressing X-linked IAP. "Inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) proteins are overexpressed in many cancers and have been implicated in tumor growth, ...
Architect Systems' fertility menu enhanced with test for Estradiol.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Abbott Laboratories announced an enhanced fertility menu for its Architect family of analyzers with the introduction of an improved Architect Estradiol test. Offering excellent clinical performance, the new Architect estradiol test ...
Positive trial results reported for ABX10241 antibody product candidate.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Abgenix, Inc., (ABGX) announced positive results from an ongoing phase I clinical trial of ABX10241 (ABX-PTH), the company's fully human monoclonal antibody that targets parathyroid hormone (PTH). Preliminary results from an interim ...
FDA fast track status granted for modified vaccinia ankara program.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Acambis plc (ACM, ACAM) announced that its joint project with Baxter Healthcare SA to develop a Modified Vaccinia Ankara (MVA) vaccine has been designated as a "fast track" development program by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). ...
U.S. HHS awards $232 million in biodefense contracts for vaccine development.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy G. Thompson announced 4 new contracts totaling more than $232 million to fund development of new vaccines against 3 potential agents of bioterrorism: smallpox, plague, and tularemia. ...
Chemical compound catalogs added to cheminformatics database.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Accelrys, Inc., (ACCL) announced an agreement to integrate the Sigma-Aldrich (SIAL) chemical compound catalogs into Accelrys' chemical suppliers database, Chemicals Available for Purchase (CAP). The integration of these catalogs with CAP ...
Results from phase I trial of AP5346 presented at meeting in Switzerland.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Access Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (AKC) announced that the results from the phase I clinical trial of AP5346 a DACH Platinum Polymer Therapeutic were presented on October 1, 2004, at the 16th EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium in Geneva, Switzerland as a poster ...
eTag technology evaluated for patient selection for targeted cancer therapies.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Aclara BioSciences (ACLA) announced that they have entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to evaluate Aclara's proprietary eTag technology assays for their potential use in patient selection for certain of GSK's targeted cancer ...
In vivo results presented on AC-100.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Acologix, Inc., a privately held biopharmaceutical company, presented data from in vivo preclinical studies of its lead compound, AC-100, during the 26th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, being held in Seattle, ...
Pharmaceutical firm receives grant from NIH for diarrhea drug development.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Active Pass Pharmaceuticals announced receipt of a grant of CDN $3.6 million for development of a novel treatment for secretory diarrhea. The award was made by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) branch of ...
Drug firm closes $15M financing, initiates trial of RNAi therapeutic.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Acuity Pharmaceuticals, a product-focused ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, announced the closing of a $15 million Series B financing. Acuity also announced it has initiated a phase I clinical trial of its lead compound Cand5 in ...
Pharmaceutical company leapfrogs from seed funding to major milestones.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- BioAdvance, the Biotechnology Greenhouse of Southeastern Pennsylvania, congratulated its portfolio company Acuity Pharmaceuticals on the closing of its $15 million series B financing and the initiation of human trials for its pioneering treatment ...
Peptide-HSP70 complexes generate cytolytic T-lymphocyte responses.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Peptides complexed with the protein HSP70 generate efficient human cytolytic T-lymphocyte responses. According to recent research published in the journal Biochemical Society Transactions, "Microbial HSPs (heat-shock proteins) are ...
Patent issued for method of improving drug delivery to tumors.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Adherex Technologies, Inc., (AHX), a biopharmaceutical company with a broad portfolio of oncology products under development, announced that it has been issued U.S. Patent No. 6,797,807, entitled Compounds and Methods for Cancer Therapy. ...
Device firm withdraws $22 per share Cyberonics proposal.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Advanced Neuromodulation Systems, Inc., (ANS, ANSI) announced that it has withdrawn its proposal to discuss a combination with Cyberonics, Inc., (CYBX) in which ANS was prepared to offer $22.00 per share for the Cyberonics stock that it does not ...
Nutraceuticals company reports release of escrow funds.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Advanced Nutraceuticals, Inc., (ANII) announced that it has received the $250,000 proceeds, with no deduction, from the escrow account that had been established in connection with the March 2004 sale of the assets and operations associated with its ...
CoFactor results reported showing antitumor activity, lower systemic toxicity.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Adventrx Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (ANX) announced the results of recent preclinical studies demonstrating enhanced antitumor activity with lower systemic toxicity in a mouse model for colorectal cancer using CoFactor, as compared to leucovorin, in ...
Device companies announce distribution agreement for nebulizer system.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Aerogen, Inc., (AEGN) and Respironics, Inc., (RESP) announced that they have entered into a worldwide, non-exclusive distribution agreement for Aerogen's Aeroneb Professional Nebulizer System (Aeroneb Pro). Under the agreement, ...
Phase I trial of Hematide initiated.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Affymax, Inc., announced that it has initiated a placebo controlled, phase I dose-finding clinical trial with its lead product candidate, Hematide, a peptide-based erythropoiesis stimulating agent (ESA) that has been designed to stimulate ...
Clinical investigators review, endorse phase 2 trials for deep vein therapy.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Agenix Limited [AGXLY] announced that clinical investigators to be involved in its phase 2 ThromboView deep vein thrombosis (DVT) clinical trial have met, reviewed and endorsed all aspects of the trial. The Toronto meeting was held to ...
More than 1 million Bioanalyzer chips sold.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Agilent Technologies, Inc., (A) announced that it has sold more than one million LabChip chips - small, analytical devices used with the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer to perform fast, automated analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins and cells. These ...
Cyclooxygenase-2 is target for disorders of skin and oral cavity.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cyclooxygenase-2 is a possible target of treatment approach in conjunction with photodynamic therapy for various disorders in skin and oral cavity. According to a study from Japan, "Anti-cancer effects of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 ...
A new magnetic extraction method uncovers HCV status in hemodialysis patients.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- A new magnetic extraction method uncovers HCV status in hemodialysis patients. According to recent research from Japan, "hemodialysis patients are a high-risk group for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Assessment of HCV infection using ...
Agreement signed with Cardinal Health for distribution of tests.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Akers Biosciences, Inc., (AKR) announced that it has signed an agreement with Cardinal Health to distribute Akers' rapid diagnostic tests to U.S. healthcare markets. Cardinal Health will initially distribute Akers' PIFA Heparin / ...
Heat shock protein is cytoprotective in gastric mucosa of cirrhosis.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Expression of a 72-kDa heat shock protein is cytoprotective in the gastric mucosa of cirrhotic rats. Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) is a clinical entity that is observed frequently in patients with liver cirrhosis. In PHG, gastric ...
Milestone achieved in home dialysis.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Aksys, Ltd., (AKSY), developer of hemodialysis products and services for patients suffering kidney failure has announced that in September the company passed the significant milestone of 100 patients dialyzing at home on the Aksys PHD System. ...
Pharmaceutical company divests its Resins business.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Akzo Nobel has signed an agreement to sell its Ultra Violet/ Electron Beam (UV/EB) Resins business to Cray Valley S.A. of France (part of the Total Group). Sales of the business were EUR 27 million in 2003. Akzo Nobel ...
3-D fusion imaging is useful in decisions about coronary artery disease.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- A recent study evaluated 3-D integration of myocardial scintigraphic data of patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Researchers in Germany conducted a study "to determine the prevalence of viable myocardium in patients with ischemic ...
Pharmaceutical company raises GBP 16M, seeks admission to AIM.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Allergy Therapeutics, a pharmaceuticals company focused on allergy vaccines, announced that it has successfully placed 21,917,808 new ordinary shares at 73 pence per share, conditional on its admission to trading on the Alternative Investment ...
Imaging company promotes Andrew Hayek to president, COO.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alliance Imaging, Inc., (AIQ), a national provider of diagnostic imaging solutions, announced the promotion of Andrew Hayek to president in addition to his role as chief operating officer. In his expanded role, Hayek is responsible for ...
Multiyear agreement renewed for reprocessing services.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alliance Medical Corporation (Alliance), a reprocessor of single-use medical devices (SUDs), announced that Mayo Foundation has extended its agreement with Alliance for medical device reprocessing services. Alliance provides its services ...
Update provided on revised Oxygent development plan.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alliance Pharmaceutical Corp. (ALLP) announced that it has received clarification from the European Agency for the Evaluation of Medical Products (EMEA) regarding development recommendations for Oxygent as an alternative to blood transfusions. ...
Brain metastases patients' radiographic response at 3 months predicts survival.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- For brain metastases patients undergoing whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT), radiographic response in the brain at 3 months is a statistically significant predictor of prolonged survival, according to study results presented today at the 46th ...
New findings from EFAPROXYN brain metastases trial releases.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Allos Therapeutics, Inc., (NASDAQ:ALTH) announced the presentation of new findings from its phase 3 clinical trial of the investigational radiation sensitizer EFAPROXYN (efaproxiral) in patients with brain metastases. A retrospective ...
Pharmaceutical company announces third quarter 2004 trading update.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alltracel Pharmaceuticals PLC (AP.L) announced strong third quarter revenues of EUR 0.7M, bringing the year to date cumulative revenues to EUR 2.7M versus EUR 0.6M for the same period of 2003. In Q3 2004, the company confirmed shipment ...
FDA approval granted for Metformin Hydrochloride 500 mg.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alpharma, Inc., (ALO) announced that Purepac Pharmaceutical Co., a subsidiary of Alpharma, has received final approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for metformin hydrochloride extended-release tablets, 500 mg. This ...
Neuroscience company raises $12.75M in private placement.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Amarin Corporation plc (AMRN) announced that it has completed a private placement of 13,448,546 ordinary shares to a group of new and existing accredited investors and management, raising gross proceeds to the company of $12.75 million, which will ...
Study: Anti-dust mite covers effective in reducing allergens.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- A new study provides evidence that people who have allergic asthma and use dust mite-impermeable bed covers have improved peak flow measurements. These findings are featured in the October 2004 Journal of Allergy & Clinical Immunology ...
Allergy academy presents Samter Journalism Awards for health, medical reporting.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) announced the 5th Annual Samter Journalism Award Program. The AAAAI developed the Samter Award to celebrate and award outstanding medical/health reporting in allergic disease ...
Pediatricians: Flu vaccine needed to protect children under age 2.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- In a written statement submitted for a U.S. House of Representatives hearing, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reiterated the need for children ages 6-23 months to get vaccinated with the flu vaccine. "The flu kills," said AAP ...
Chinese biotech firm appoints independent director of company.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- American Oriental Bioengineering, Inc., (AOBO) announced the appointment of Cosimo J. Patti as an independent director of the company. Patti brings more than 30 years of experience in international finance and management of cross-border ...
Pharmaceutical company announces addition of three executives.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc., (APPX) announced that it has appointed three new senior executives, all with considerable big pharma experience, to the operating senior management team. Joining APP are Antonio (Tony) R. Pera as ...
APA applauds passage of Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The American Psychological Association (APA) applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing S. 1194, the Mentally Ill Offender Treatment and Crime Reduction Act of 2004. Sponsored by Sen. Mike DeWine (R-OH) and Rep. Ted ...
Actor brought strength, larger-than-life clout to spinal cord research.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- By the time he died, Christopher Reeve had at last "escaped the cape," he had become bigger than the Superman character he portrayed on screen. Reeve championed cutting-edge research into spinal cord injury, offering himself as a guinea ...
CTLA4 may be a susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- CTLA4 may be a susceptibility gene for type 1 diabetes. "Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a complex autoimmune disease. Several genetic loci have been implicated in the susceptibility to this illness. Evaluated was the role of the CTLA4 exon I ...
Pharmaceutical services company projects earnings per share.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- AmerisourceBergen Corporation (ABC) announced that due to lower than anticipated pharmaceutical price increases in the September quarter of 2004, it expects earnings per diluted share for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2004, to be between ...
U.S. FDA approves new and easy way to take ENBREL.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Amgen, Inc., (AMGN) and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a division of Wyeth (WYE), announced that the new 50 mg/mL prefilled syringe of Enbrel (etanercept) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the recommended dosing form for ...
HIV-1 gp120-induced nitric oxide increases proinflammatory cytokines.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- HIV-1 gp120-induced nitric oxide increases proinflammatory cytokines. "It has become clear that spinal cord glia (microglia and astrocytes) importantly contribute to the creation of exaggerated pain responses. One model used to study ...
Investigational therapy for bone loss increased bone mineral density.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Amgen, Inc., (AMGN) announced that at all doses studied, twice yearly injections of AMG 162, the company's investigational therapy for bone loss, significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) at the total hip compared with placebo at 12 ...
Health plan completes migration to payer software application.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Prevea Health Plan has successfully implemented Release 1 of the AMISYS Advance payer software system, an enterprise-wide, robust application from Amisys Synertech Inc. that assists health plans with administrative functions. Prevea is ...
Pharmaceuticals firm announces executive promotions in R&D.
Nov 03, 2004 ... 2004 NOV 3 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Anadys Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (ANDS) announced two executive promotions. Steve Worland, PhD, former chief scientific officer, has been promoted to executive VP, head of research and development, and Devron R. Averett, PhD, former senior ...