Biotech Week articles from January 2002

Biotech Week archives from January 2002

Humanizing HIV pol Gene Improves Immunogenicity.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers in the United States have found a way to enhance the performance of DNA vaccines based on the HIV pol gene. "A synthetic gene consisting of...

Tafenoquine Provides Effective Prophylaxis.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers working in Kenya and elsewhere say that a novel primaquine analog may help ward off malaria outbreaks in high-risk areas. "We tested...

University of Chicago Joins Clinical Genomics Initiative.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The University of Chicago is expanding its biomedical research capabilities by joining the National Clinical Genomics Initiative, a strategic collaboration between Ardais Corp. and leading medical...

Clumping Factor A Vaccination Effective Against Septic Arthritis.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers in the United States and England say that vaccination with a staphylococcal protein can help prevent staph-induced arthritis. Dr. Elisabet...

Genetically Modified Bacteria Technique Validated By Independent Study.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Vion Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has reported that an independent preclinical study at Johns Hopkins University Oncology Center has validated the concept of using bacteria as anticancer agent and...

Ritonavir-Saquinavir Combination Superior To Ritonavir Alone.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - The combination of ritonavir and saquinavir produces results superior to those seen after ritonavir monotherapy, researchers in France report. Dr....

Rapid Cholesterol Test Produces Results Comparable With Lab Method.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cholestech Corporation announced that the results of a clinical evaluation of its liver function test, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were comparable with those obtained using a conventional laboratory...

Halofuginone Being Tested In Patients With Advanced-Stage Solid Tumors.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Collgard Biopharmaceuticals, Ltd., and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) announced that the first patient has enrolled in a Phase I/II clinical trial of...

Digital Tissue Recognition Study Completes Enrollment.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Confirma, Inc., announced that it has completed enrollment of its breast cancer clinical study for evaluating Digital Tissue Recognition, a novel technology that analyzes magnetic resonance imaging...

Data From Drug Candidate Trial Demonstrates Successful Oral Delivery.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Emisphere Technologies, Inc., announced the results of the initial Phase I clinical study evaluating the oral delivery of cromolyn sodium with one of its proprietary drug delivery agents. Cromolyn...

GE Medical Systems Will Apply Pediatric Program To Current Technology.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- GE Medical Systems, a unit of the General Electric Corp. (GE), has signed an agreement that will allow GE to apply the Broselow-Luten Pediatric System, commonly known as Color Coding for Kids, to all...

BTG Launches New Venture to Develop Breakthrough Treatments.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- BTG has launched KetoCytonyx, Inc., a company created to develop BTG's ketone body technology. KetoCytonyx, Inc., will develop new treatments for acute brain injury such as stroke and head trauma...

Company Gets Approval To Sell Nerve Cuff In Europe.
January 2, 2002... 2001 DEC 26 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- SaluMedica, a developer of medical devices constructed of the biomaterial Salubria, has announced its EN ISO-9001, EN 46001 and EN ISO 13485 certification, demonstrating compliance of the company's...

Enoxaparin Sodium More Effective Than Ximelagatran In Orthopedic Surgery Patients.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Aventis Pharmaceuticals announced that Lovenox (enoxaparin sodium) Injection was found to be significantly more effective than ximelagatran in reducing venous thromboembolic events (VTE) in orthopedic...

Process Removes Mature T Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- ViaCell, Inc., announced the presentation of several scientific advancements at the American Society of Hematology's 43rd Annual Meeting in December 2001. Scientists at ViaCell have demonstrated...

Resistant Genotypes Can Confound Research.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Rhesus macaques with genotypes naturally resistant to the simian form of HIV can confound the results of HIV vaccine studies, researchers warn. "Both...

Osteoprotegerin Reduces Bone Degradation.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - The protein osteoprotegerin (OPG) may help prevent bone damage in patients suffering from multiple myeloma, researchers say. "Multiple myeloma is a B-cell...

Gold Powder Might Replace Needle-Sticks In The Future.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Sonia Nichols, senior medical writer - The rush for gold in the U.S. may be on again if a new vaccine delivery system developed at PowderJect Vaccines, Inc., pans out. PowderJect researchers...

Patent For Glucose-Lowering Agents Granted.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Alteon, Inc., (ALT) has been granted a key patent on a new class of orally available glucose lowering agents (GLA). These compounds significantly lower blood glucose levels and free fatty acids in...

Home-Based Pediatric Dialysis System Gets Market Clearance From FDA.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Baxter Healthcare Corp. has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to market its HomeChoice Pediatric automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) system for use with pediatric...

Solaraze Gel Topical NSAID Approved By FDA.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Bioglan Pharma, Inc., will introduce Solaraze Gel (diclofenac sodium) in January, following FDA approval of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which is indicated for the treatment of...

Company Updates Regulatory And Manufacturing Plans For Hemopure.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Biopure Corp. (BPUR) plans to file an electronic Biologic License Application (eBLA) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its oxygen therapeutic Hemopure (hemoglobin glutamer - 250...

Arsenic Trioxide Shown Safe For A Variety Of Patients.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Data from clinical trials and postmarketing experience presented at the 43rd annual meeting of the American Society of Hematology show that Trisenox (arsenic trioxide) injection can be used to safely...

Company Announces Implant Of New Endovascular Graft, Expanded Treatment Platforms.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Edwards Lifesciences Corp. (EW) has announced the first U.S. implant of its next-generation bifurcated Lifepath AAA Endovascular Graft as part of the company's Phase II clinical study. The Lifepath...

Rosiglitazone Maleate May Improve Cognitive Function.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- GlaxoSmithKline announced the commencement of a randomized trial to examine if cognitive function in people with type 2 diabetes can be improved by treatment with Avandia (rosiglitazone maleate). ...

Imaging Product Improves Detection Of Metastatic Disease.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Immunomedics, Inc., announced that its approved diagnostic imaging product for colorectal cancer, CEA-Scan (arcitumomab), was the subject of a presentation at the 24th Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer...

Inhaled Insulin Successful In First Clinical Trial.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- MicroDose Technologies, Inc., announced the successful completion of a Phase I clinical study evaluating the pulmonary delivery of human insulin, being conducted with joint venture partner, Elan...

Positive Phase I/II Clinical Results Of Novel Narcotic Announced.
January 9, 2002... 2002 JAN 9 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Pain Therapeutics, Inc., announced positive Phase I/II results with PTI-801, a novel narcotic painkiller. Pain Therapeutics, Inc., believes PTI-801 is a safer version of immediate release...

White Blood Cell Count Predicts Mortality In Elderly Patients.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Elderly heart attack patients with high white blood cell (WBC) counts at hospital admission are much more likely to suffer potentially fatal complications,...

Nef-Deleted Vaccine Strain Replicates In CD4 Cells.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - A nef-deleted simian HIV (SIV) strain uses the same cells for replication as wild-type SIV, according to researchers in the United States and Europe. ...

Entecavir Effective For Virus Reduction In Duck Model Of Hepatitis.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Sonia Nichols, senior medical writer - A potentially potent antiviral agent has demonstrated effectiveness against a duck model of human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The agent, entecavir,...

Test Helps Doctors Find Better Treatment Options.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Dynacare, Inc., announced that it is now offering a new genotyping test to help doctors find better treatment options for their patients affected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The...

Complement Activation May Mediate Rituximab Complications.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers in the United States and Europe may have found the culprit behind inflammatory rituximab-induced complications seen in non-Hodgkin lymphoma...

AxCell Biosciences to Screen New Protein-Based Drug Target for Pluvita.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- AxCell Biosciences, a subsidiary of Cytogen Corp. (CYTO), has signed a binding term sheet with Pluvita Corp. for a pilot program to research protein interactions associated with a specific...

U.S. FDA Approves Wearable Defibrillator For Heart Patients.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a vest-like medical device that is worn under clothing to monitor and treat abnormal heart rhythms in people at risk of dying from sudden cardiac...

Insulin Analog Approved For Pump Therapy.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval of its NovoLog (insulin aspart - rDNA origin -injection), the company's rapid-acting insulin analog, for pump...

Novel Tetracyclines Advance Treatment Options.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- At the 41st annual meeting of the Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy (ICAAC), Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., researcher Dr. Michael Draper presented recent milestones in...

Researchers Identify Key Gene In Fat Development.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Independent scientific research groups from Pfizer and Harvard Medical School have discovered a critical gene responsible for fat cell development. Obesity affects approximately one in four adults...

Zithromax Approved As Single-Dose Treatment.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Pfizer, Inc.'s, Zithromax (azithromycin for oral suspension) as both a single-dose regimen and a three-day regimen for the treatment of acute otitis...

Method Quickly Surveys Yeast Genome By Gene Function, Not Sequence.
January 16, 2002... 2002 JAN 16 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Combining a decade of research advances, scientists have implemented a new method that essentially searches the entire yeast genome in an instant, looking for what the genes do rather than what they...

Epitope Affinity Enhancement Can Improve Vaccine Efficacy.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers in the United States have modified an HIV protein-based vaccine to improve its ability to trigger long-term immune responses. "Natural viral...

Portable Endospore Detection System Offers Real-Time Anthrax Screening.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Ocean Optics has developed a low-cost, field-deployable endospore detection system that offers rapid front-end screening to instantly identify potential anthrax contamination. The fully integrated...

FDA Approves Pregnancy Rating Upgrade for Pulmicort Turbuhaler.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved revised labeling for Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide inhalation powder), which upgrades its pregnancy rating to Category B and makes it the...

Novel Cephalosporin Effective Against Staph-Related Endocarditis.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Researchers in Switzerland say that a novel antibiotic shows promise in treating disorders caused by drug-resistant staphylococcus bacteria. Jose M....

(alpha)-Interferon Can Help Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Patients.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - The antiviral protein (alpha)-interferon may also be an effective treatment for children suffering from chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP),...

Radiolabeled Epratuzumab Repeated, Fractionated Doses Prove Safe And Active.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Investigators from the University of Lund, Sweden, reported at the December 2001 American Society of Hematology meeting in December 2001 that the yttrium-90-radiolabeled anti-CD22 humanized antibody...

Occult Blood Test Used in Mississippi Colorectal Screening Campaign.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Biomerica, Inc., (BMRA) has sold more than 17,000 EZ Detect tests as part of its recently concluded colorectal screening campaign in Mississippi in conjunction with Familymeds Pharmacy, which operates...

Schering Takes Over French Radiopharmaceutical Company.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Schering AG, Germany (SHR, SCH), has acquired the remaining 40% of CIS bio international SA (CIS) from Areva SA, France. This transaction complements Schering AG's 60% ownership interest in CIS, which...

Automated External Defibrillators Deployed In Airports.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cardiac Science, Inc., announced that it has been selected to outfit a number of airports across the nation with its automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Cardiac Science AEDs have recently...

Clinical Trial Data Encouraging.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Two Harvard Medical School oncologists working with Genzyme Molecular Oncology presented preliminary data showing both clinical and immunologic responses from melanoma and breast cancer vaccine trials....

Molecular Signatures Of Two Common Lung Cancers Identified.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- A group of researchers from five institutions, including Genzyme Molecular Oncology, identified the distinctive molecular signatures of two of the most common forms of lung cancer in humans. ...

Neoprobe Closes Biosonix Acquisition.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Neoprobe Corp., Dublin, Ohio, (NEOP) closed its acquisition of Biosonix, Ltd. of Hod Hasharon, Israel, effective December 31, 2001. At the closing, Neoprobe issued 9,714,737 shares of Neoprobe...

Norak And Universal Imaging Collaborate On Secondary Screening For GPCRs.
January 23, 2002... 2002 JAN 23 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Norak Biosciences, Inc., and Universal Imaging Corp. (UIC) have entered a collaborative agreement to enable biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies involved in drug discovery to study G...

Viral Vector Revives Clotting Factor In Adult Mice.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Sonia Nichols, senior medical writer - Researchers at Cell Genesys, Inc., have announced the development of a gene therapy that generates the production of human Factor IX in laboratory mice. ...

Researchers Publish Analysis Of A Cell's Proteome.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Researchers from Heidelberg have announced the completion of a large-scale study of the "molecular machines" formed by nearly 2000 proteins in a living cell. In a paper published in the January...

Researchers Find Gene Involved In Pain Relief.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Researchers at the University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, and the Amgen Institute have discovered a genetic mechanism involved in pain modulation that could lead to an entirely new...

Mucosal Administration Can Improve Vaccine Efficacy.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Mucosal administration of HIV vaccines can improve the protection they offer, researchers in the United States report. Igor M. Belyakov and colleagues at...

Broad-Spectrum Cephalosporins Ineffective Against Most Ceftazidime-Resistant Enterobacteria.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Broad-spectrum cephalosporins have only limited usefulness in the treatment of ceftazidime-resistant enterobacterial infections, researchers in the United...

Many Azole Antifungal Drugs Affect P Glycoprotein Transport.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- by Michael Greer, senior medical writer - Many commonly used azole antifungal medicines have a pronounced effect on P glycoprotein activity, according to researchers in the United States. "Both...

ActivX Biosciences Appoints Vice President and General Counsel.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Nancy K. Dahl has joined ActivX Biosciences, a privately held biotechnology company in the field of activity-based proteomics, as vice president and general counsel. Dahl previously served as vice...

Osteoarthritis Alliance Seeks Novel Drug Targets.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- GPC Biotech AG has announced a milestone in its osteoarthritis alliance with Aventis Pharma. Aventis Pharma has selected a validated target, which will be moved into high-throughput screening by...

Bonney, Guiffre Join Cubist Executive Management Team.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Cubist Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (CBST) has expanded its executive management team, filling the open position of president and chief operating officer and creating the position of general counsel. Both...

Investigational New Drug Application For Gallium Nitrate Submitted.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Genta, Inc., announced that it has filed an Investigational New Drug Application (IND) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the study of gallium nitrate in patients with non-Hodgkin...

Patents Filed For Atherosclerosis And Breast Cancer Gene Targets.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Lynx Therapeutics, Inc., announced the filing with the U.S. Patent Office of eight patent applications resulting from Lynx's internal Discovery Research activities. Four of these applications lay...

Companies Announce Plans To Launch Formula With Nutritional Docosahexaenoic Acid.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Martek Biosciences Corp. has announced that Mead Johnson Nutritionals will launch an infant formula supplemented with Martek's nutritional docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (ARA) oils in...

Satraplatin Phase III Clinical Trial To Begin Soon.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- NeoTherapeutics, Inc., announced that the transfer of the Investigational New Drug Application (IND) for satraplatin, its lead oncology drug, has been completed. The transfer of the IND from...

Philips Medical Systems Releases Patent For Pediatric Pads.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Philips Medical Systems, a division of Royal Philips Electronics, announced that it has released for public use a U.S. patent detailing pediatric pads technology designed for the Heartstream FR2 AED...

Ranbaxy Receives Tentative Approval For Loratadine 10-mg Tablets.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RPI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Ranbaxy Laboratories Limited (RLL) of New Delhi, India, announced this month (January 2002) U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)...

Phakic Lens Able To Reduce Astigmatism And Provide Visual Correction For Myopia.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued conditional approval for an investigational device exemption (IDE) for STAAR Surgical Company's Toric Implantable Contact Lens (TICL)....

Daniel Swisher Named Chief Financial Officer.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Sunesis Pharmaceuticals has appointed Daniel N. Swisher Jr., chief financial officer and chief business officer. Swisher will lead the company's finance, business operations and business development...

SCIS Food Services, Inc., Signs Agreement With SureBeam To Test Ready-to-Eat Foods.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- SureBeam Corporation - innovator of the electron beam technology that safely removes dangerous bacteria from food - announced that SCIS Food Services, Inc., has signed a product testing and...

Regulated Systems Hosting For Pharmaceutical And Healthcare Applications Released.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- TRW, Inc., has introduced outsourced hosting services to help pharmaceutical and healthcare companies comply with international and U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) information-technology...

Nonviral Gene Delivery Patent Issued.
January 30, 2002... 2002 JAN 30 - (NewsRx.com & NewsRx.net) -- Targeted Genetics Corporation (TGC) announced the issuance of U.S. Patent 6,319,516, titled "Acid salts of cholesterol." The patent, issued to the University of Tennessee Research Corporation and...