Mayan Calendar / 2012 Hoax Explained...
But don't miss the movie based on this story..
Med-Chemist : "Quintessential Medicinal Chemistry"
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sprycel (Dasatinib) for ovarian cancer ?
Dasatinib, is a cancer drug produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb and sold under the trade name Sprycel. Dasatinib is an oral dual BCR/ABL and Src family tyrosine kinases inhibitor approved for use in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) after imatinib treatment and Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). It is also being assessed for use in metastatic melanoma. Its named after Jagabandhu Das, who was a member of the large discovery and development team at Bristol Myers Squibb.
Recently, researchers with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that Sprycel, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death. The drug, when paired with a chemotherapy regimen, was even more effective in fighting ovarian cancer in cell lines in which signaling of the Src family kinases, associated with the deadly disease, is activated. The researchers are excited because of the fact that "recent gene expression studies have shown that about one-third of women have ovarian cancers with activated Src pathways", so the drug could potentially help 7,000 ovarian cancer patients every year. Gottfried Konecny (lead researcher) said, it also inhibits the focal adhesion kinase and ephrin receptor, (drug is known to inhibit in many pathways) also associated with ovarian cancer. Though clinical trials are still to be established , its a remarkable achievement. More details .....
Recently, researchers with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that Sprycel, significantly inhibited the growth and invasiveness of ovarian cancer cells and also promoted their death. The drug, when paired with a chemotherapy regimen, was even more effective in fighting ovarian cancer in cell lines in which signaling of the Src family kinases, associated with the deadly disease, is activated. The researchers are excited because of the fact that "recent gene expression studies have shown that about one-third of women have ovarian cancers with activated Src pathways", so the drug could potentially help 7,000 ovarian cancer patients every year. Gottfried Konecny (lead researcher) said, it also inhibits the focal adhesion kinase and ephrin receptor, (drug is known to inhibit in many pathways) also associated with ovarian cancer. Though clinical trials are still to be established , its a remarkable achievement. More details .....
Electricity from sugarcane biomass...
Engineer Vikram Seebaluck of the University of Mauritius and energy technology Dipeeka Seeruttun of the Royal Institute of Technology, in Stockholm, Sweden, have demonstrated that an optimal blend of sugarcane agricultural residues (30%) mixed with 70% sugarcane bagasse (the fibrous residue left after sugar production) can be used to generate electricity at a cost of just 0.06 US dollars per kilowatt hour. That figure is on a par with the costs of other renewable energies, including wind power at $0.05/kWh.
Currently, sugarcane bagasse is burnt for onsite heat and electricity production at sugar factories and surplus electricity is exported to the grid. That still leaves 24 tonnes per hectare of waste in the fields. As per the claim by the researchers, the waste has a similar energy content to bagasse, which could make it technically viable to use this material together with bagasse in a more effective way for electricity production. The 30:70 mixture of waste and bagasse reduces the risk of fouling or slagging of the furnaces used to burn the material. I would say a kannada proverb "kasadinda rasa"..(meaning sweet solution from the waste)
Ref : http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=29081&prevQuery=&ps=10&m=or
Currently, sugarcane bagasse is burnt for onsite heat and electricity production at sugar factories and surplus electricity is exported to the grid. That still leaves 24 tonnes per hectare of waste in the fields. As per the claim by the researchers, the waste has a similar energy content to bagasse, which could make it technically viable to use this material together with bagasse in a more effective way for electricity production. The 30:70 mixture of waste and bagasse reduces the risk of fouling or slagging of the furnaces used to burn the material. I would say a kannada proverb "kasadinda rasa"..(meaning sweet solution from the waste)
Ref : http://www.inderscience.com/search/index.php?action=record&rec_id=29081&prevQuery=&ps=10&m=or
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Anti-aging products from Schisandra Chinesis..
Schisandra (Magnolia Vine) is a genus of shrub commonly grown in gardens. Species include S. chinensis, S. glaucescens, S. rubriflora and S. rubrifolia. (picture right side : Schisandra Chinensis). In traditional Chinese medicine it is used as a remedy for many ailments: to resist infections, increase skin health, and combat insomnia, coughing, and thirst.
Recently, Glissandra Skincare Inc, announced the launch of three anti-aging products. As per the claim by the company, the key ingredient is Glissandrin,™ an exclusive suite of powerful extracts from the Schisandra berry (see above picture).
In both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, the proprietary Glissandrin formulation has proven effective in improving the visible signs of skin aging. Glissandrin does not change the cells, it nourishes them with a unique combination of natural ingredients and advanced technology, thereby supporting the healthiness of the skin cells and helping to sustain their natural ability to combat the leading causes of skin aging.
Ref : http://www.glissandra.com/story.html
Recently, Glissandra Skincare Inc, announced the launch of three anti-aging products. As per the claim by the company, the key ingredient is Glissandrin,™ an exclusive suite of powerful extracts from the Schisandra berry (see above picture).
In both in-vitro and in-vivo studies, the proprietary Glissandrin formulation has proven effective in improving the visible signs of skin aging. Glissandrin does not change the cells, it nourishes them with a unique combination of natural ingredients and advanced technology, thereby supporting the healthiness of the skin cells and helping to sustain their natural ability to combat the leading causes of skin aging.
Ref : http://www.glissandra.com/story.html
FDA approves Romidepsin for CTCL....
We knew that, Romidepsin (Istodax), is an anticancer antibiotic undergoing clinical trials as a treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, peripheral T-cell lymphoma, and a variety of other cancers.
About Romidepsin :
Romidepsin, is a natural product obtained from the bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum, and works by blocking enzymes known as histone deacetylases and inducing apoptosis in tumor cells. It is sometimes referred to as depsipeptide, after the class of molecules to which it belongs.
FDA Approval ( Nov. 6, 2009) : The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Istodax (romidepsin), an injectable medication, for treatment of patients with a rare form of cancer known as Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma (CTCL). Patients with localized CTCL on the skin are treated with topical agents or phototherapy, but chemotherapy may be used if the cancer advances. Istodax interferes with processes required for cell replication. It is intended to be used in patients when CTCL gets worse or comes back after at least one other type of chemotherapy has been used. Other drugs approved for CTCL are Zolinza (vorinostat), Ontak (denileukin difitox), and Targretin (bexarotene). More...
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Results of Phase 3 study of fidaxomicin...
We know that Fidaxomicin (also known as lipiarmycin, lipiarmycin A3, tiacumicin B, clostomicin B1, and OPT-80) is a new narrow spectrum macrocyclic antibiotic drug and being developed by Optimer Pharmaceuticals for treatment of Clostridium difficile infection. It works by inhibiting the bacterial enzyme RNA polymerase. It is active against gram positive bacteria especially clostridia.
Recently, Optimer Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ( announced the presentation of new data from fidaxomicin's North American phase 3 study at the 47th Annual Meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) in Philadelphia, PA. The results are really encouraging and as per the claim by the company fidaxomicin is associated with faster resolution of diarrhea. In patients with more pronounced diarrhea (ie. not resolving in the first 24 hours of therapy), fidaxomicin was associated with a faster time to resolution of diarrhea than vancomycin (79 hrs vs. 105 hrs). The company claims that the faster time to resolution of diarrhea and improved outcomes for patients requiring concomitant antibiotics are important factors for physicians to consider when selecting a treatment for CDI more interesting factor is the significantly lower recurrence rate and higher global cure rate..
Ref : http://www.optimerpharma.com/news.asp?news_story=100&page_num=
Ref : http://www.optimerpharma.com/news.asp?news_story=100&page_num=
Clinical Trial Confirms Single-Agent Efficacy of Rexin-G in Metastatic Pancreas Cancer...
Epeius Biotechnologies, confirms the first real breakthrough for pancreatic cancer seen in years; publishes a landmark report of tumor-targeted Rexin-G as stand-alone therapy in chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic cancer.
By meeting all primary and secondary study endpoints of safety and efficacy, Rexin-G has succeeded in an area of clinical oncology where many promising biologics have simply failed to deliver. By achieving both progression-free survival and overall survival benefits in pancreas cancer, while avoiding untoward systemic or dose-limiting toxicities, Rexin-G has raised the bar for the entire biopharmaceutical industry, as it inaugurates the emerging field of precision-targeted genetic medicine. The outstanding results of this advanced U.S. clinical trial confirm the results of previous preclinical and clinical studies conducted in the Philippines (where Rexin-G is approved for all solid tumors), and demonstrate beyond contestation that Rexin-G, at these effective dose levels, exhibits profound anti-tumor activity when administered as a single therapeutic agent in otherwise intractable Stage IV pancreatic cancer..
Interested one can see the mechanism of action ib this video.
Ref : http://www.epeiusbiotech.com/press-101409.asp
By meeting all primary and secondary study endpoints of safety and efficacy, Rexin-G has succeeded in an area of clinical oncology where many promising biologics have simply failed to deliver. By achieving both progression-free survival and overall survival benefits in pancreas cancer, while avoiding untoward systemic or dose-limiting toxicities, Rexin-G has raised the bar for the entire biopharmaceutical industry, as it inaugurates the emerging field of precision-targeted genetic medicine. The outstanding results of this advanced U.S. clinical trial confirm the results of previous preclinical and clinical studies conducted in the Philippines (where Rexin-G is approved for all solid tumors), and demonstrate beyond contestation that Rexin-G, at these effective dose levels, exhibits profound anti-tumor activity when administered as a single therapeutic agent in otherwise intractable Stage IV pancreatic cancer..
Interested one can see the mechanism of action ib this video.
Ref : http://www.epeiusbiotech.com/press-101409.asp
Monday, November 9, 2009
FDA advisory committee reviews 'azfibrocel-T' for treating wrinkles...
We know about the modern day innovative treatments for wrinkle reduction like laser skin resurfacing treatments, facelift surgery and dermal fillers such as Restylane and Botox. However, cell therapy may be on more option claims Fibrocell Science Inc (formerly Isolagen, Inc).
The company has focused on developing regenerative fibroblast cells for aesthetic, medical and scientific application. As per the claim by the company, the fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and then re-injected into the skin as a personalized treatment, allowing for the formation of new cells and stronger connective tissue fibers. Over time, this results in a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance. Recently (, FDA has reviewed "azfibrocel-T, an autologous cell therapy" and the company is expecting to get green signal by January 4, 2010....
Ref : http://www.fibrocellscience.com/10_09_09.htm
The company has focused on developing regenerative fibroblast cells for aesthetic, medical and scientific application. As per the claim by the company, the fibroblasts are extracted, multiplied and then re-injected into the skin as a personalized treatment, allowing for the formation of new cells and stronger connective tissue fibers. Over time, this results in a significant reduction of wrinkles and fine lines, and creates a healthier, more rejuvenated appearance. Recently (, FDA has reviewed "azfibrocel-T, an autologous cell therapy" and the company is expecting to get green signal by January 4, 2010....
Ref : http://www.fibrocellscience.com/10_09_09.htm
Positive results from Phase 3 trial of wieght reducing drug Lorcaserin...
We knew that Lorcaserin, is a serotonergic weight-loss drug developed by Arena Pharmaceuticals. It is currently undergoing the final phase of clinical trials in preparation for submission for FDA approval.
Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist and in vitro testing of the drug showed reasonable selectivity for 5-HT2C over other related targets 5-HT2C receptors are located almost exclusively in the brain, and can be found in the choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Mode of action : Arena believes that the activation of 5-HT2C receptors in the hypothalamus promotes weight loss through appetite suppression, and this is supported by animal studies, but it is unclear whether the dose range used in human trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the same level of weight loss. While it is generally thought that 5-HT2C receptors help to regulate appetite as well as mood, motor behavior, and endocrine secretion, the exact mechanism of appetite regulation is not yet known.
Arena reported positive, highly significant top-line results in September 2009. Arena will also present new data analyses from lorcaserin's successful Phase 3 pivotal program in oral and poster sessions. In an independent clinical symposium, expert academic scientists and physicians will spotlight the 5HT-2C mechanism for weight management. As per the claim by the company, the positive results from the Phase 3 pivotal program highlight lorcaserin's potential to provide physicians with a treatment option that combines three important attributes - efficacy, safety and tolerability. Hope in the days to come will have a drug to treat obesity too...
Lorcaserin is a selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist and in vitro testing of the drug showed reasonable selectivity for 5-HT2C over other related targets 5-HT2C receptors are located almost exclusively in the brain, and can be found in the choroid plexus, cortex, hippocampus, cerebellum, amygdala, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Mode of action : Arena believes that the activation of 5-HT2C receptors in the hypothalamus promotes weight loss through appetite suppression, and this is supported by animal studies, but it is unclear whether the dose range used in human trials will be sufficient to demonstrate the same level of weight loss. While it is generally thought that 5-HT2C receptors help to regulate appetite as well as mood, motor behavior, and endocrine secretion, the exact mechanism of appetite regulation is not yet known.
Arena reported positive, highly significant top-line results in September 2009. Arena will also present new data analyses from lorcaserin's successful Phase 3 pivotal program in oral and poster sessions. In an independent clinical symposium, expert academic scientists and physicians will spotlight the 5HT-2C mechanism for weight management. As per the claim by the company, the positive results from the Phase 3 pivotal program highlight lorcaserin's potential to provide physicians with a treatment option that combines three important attributes - efficacy, safety and tolerability. Hope in the days to come will have a drug to treat obesity too...
Ref : http://invest.arenapharm.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=417902
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Antisense Therapeutics completes repeat-dosing toxicology studies for ATL1103
Antisense Therapeutics completes repeat-dosing toxicology studies for ATL1103
One can see the products under development...(by the same co)..
One can see the products under development...(by the same co)..
Positive Phase 2 results of Telaprevir...
I did mention about telaprevir (structure) in my earlier blog, and following other developments for hepatitis C (blogs). Now Vertex Pharmaceuticals has announced the results of Phase 2.The results are really encouraging and as per the claim by the company "more than 80 percent of hepatitis C patients in each arm of the Phase 2 Study C208 achieved a sustained viral response (SVR) with a telaprevir-based regimen according to results of an intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis".
Across the four arms, SVR rates were 82 and 83 percent in patients treated with the every 12 hour telaprevir-based regimen (PEGINTRON and PEGASYS, respectively) and 81 and 85 percent in patients treated with the every 8 hour regimen (PEGINTRON and PEGASYS, respectively). For the majority of patients, these SVR rates were obtained with a 24-week telaprevir-based regimen.
Ref : http://investors.vrtx.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=420611
Across the four arms, SVR rates were 82 and 83 percent in patients treated with the every 12 hour telaprevir-based regimen (PEGINTRON and PEGASYS, respectively) and 81 and 85 percent in patients treated with the every 8 hour regimen (PEGINTRON and PEGASYS, respectively). For the majority of patients, these SVR rates were obtained with a 24-week telaprevir-based regimen.
Ref : http://investors.vrtx.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=420611
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