Archive for May, 2006
The next generation of interferons needs improvement in efficacy and safety
Last Updated on Friday, 19 May 2006 11:18 Written by admin Friday, 19 May 2006 11:18
The interferon alpha market is smaller than the interferon beta market, but is characterized by far more products and R&D projects. Conversion of the interferon alpha market to pegylated products explains why new R&D is focused on interferon alpha variants or other subtypes with improved pharmacodynamic and safety properties.
BARCELONA, Spain | May 18, 2006 | The Business Intelligence firm La Merie S.L. reported today that market and R&D activities in the interferon field are predominantly related to interferon alpha although total interferon alpha sales of more than US$ 2.1 bln in 2005 were lower than those of interferon beta (more than 3.8 bln). The interferon alpha field is characterized by more than 25 marketed products in industrialized and off-patent countries and more than 36 ongoing corporate R&D projects as compared with only 18 products and R&D projects for interferon beta. As the conversion from first generation interferon alpha to pegylated interferon alpha nearly is completed, biogeneric activities are limited. New research is focused on finding novel subtypes or variants of interferon alpha with improved pharmacodynamic and safety properties. These results and more were found in a search conducted by La Merie Business Intelligence. The competitor analysis can be acquired at www.pipelinereview.com , La Merie ’s News Center and Online Store.Numerous biosimilar interferon alpha products are produced and marketed for viral hepatitis in off-patent countries such as Argentina , Cuba , South Korea , China and India , but only one product was submitted for European centralized marketing authorization. Clinical stage interferon alpha projects in the Western countries are longer acting interferon alpha molecules achieved by fusion with large molecules or drug delivery systems. Interferon alpha projects approaching clinical testing are obtained by genetic engineering of the native molecule, use of other subtypes of interferon alpha, additional pegylation or combinations thereof. Several clinical studies are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of oral low dose interferon or of intradermal delivery.
Although the interferon beta market in multiple sclerosis is the biggest and has the single best selling product among the interferons (Avonex with US$ 1.5 bln in 2005), biogeneric activities are clandestine or make use of aerosol delivery to treat viral exacerbations of asthma. Preclinical R&D activities are focused on prolonging the half-life by pegylation, drug delivery systems or genetic engineering. Interferon beta gene therapy currently is being explored in two early stage clinical trials in cancer. Non-viral delivery systems may open the way of gene therapy with interferon beta for treatment of multiple sclerosis.
About PipelineReview.com PipelineReview.com is the News Center and Online Store of La Merie Business Intelligence focused on R&D in the Biopharmaceutical Industry. Visitors of PipelineReview.com will find R&D relevant press releases and can receive selected R&D news from one or more of the site’s News Channels . For more information visit www.pipelinereview.com .
About La Merie
La Merie S.L. is a Business Intelligence enterprise fully dedicated to provide high quality R&D information to the biopharmaceutical industry. La Merie offers individual consultancy services and publishes reports and periodicals. For more information visit www.lamerie.com .
Posted under Cancer Research, Press Releases | No Comments
New Stem Cells Market Report Released
Last Updated on Friday, 19 May 2006 11:15 Written by admin Friday, 19 May 2006 11:15
The Stem Cells space is one of the hottest Areas in Biotechnology, yet it's an Uncharted Terrain, with Significant Opportunity. This new industry report from Select Biosciences provides an up-to-date overview and analysis of technology, business, regulatory trends and key company profiles. In this report, Select Biosciences presents an analysis of the stem cell landscape as it is maturing and evolving. A thorough overview of the biology of stem cells is provided, together with analyses of the funding trends, intellectual property, market opportunity, emerging areas of application, therapeutic pipeline and key centers for stem cell research worldwide. Furthermore, in this report qualitative and quantitative market analysis of the stem cells space is presented. Also presented is the potential market opportunity, and the various qualitative and quantitative drivers that are contributing to the growth of this marketplace. Key Highlights of this report: * Funding Trends in the US and Worldwide * Therapeutic Areas where Stem Cells are expected to have an impact, together with the clinical pipeline of therapeutic entities * Qualitative and quantitative market analyses * Segmentation of the Stem Cells marketplace * Qualitative market drivers * Quantitative market analysis * Intellectual Property (IP) landscape * Emerging market segments For more details visit http://selectbiosciences.com/marketreports/stemcells2006.aspx About Select Biosciences www.SelectBiosciences.com Select Biosciences Ltd. is a publisher of market reports and an organizer of specialist biomedical meetings and training courses. For further information on this report, contact: Kathy Gray, Kathy.gray@selectbiosciences.com
Posted under Press Releases, Reports | No Comments
Oxford International’s Clinical Trial Management Congress 6th-7th November 2006 Philadelphia, USA
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 May 2006 06:20 Written by admin Wednesday, 17 May 2006 06:20
Oxford International are pleased to announce the Clinical Trial Management Congress, to be held in Park Hyatt Hotel at the Bellevue, Philadelphia, USA on 6th – 7th November 2006.
The congress offers attendees an unprecedented opportunity to network with leading senior-level clinical trials and technology executives, to identify successful strategies in maximising clinical trial productivity, through the application of e-clinical technologies, and effective patient recruitment and outsourcing strategies.
In keeping with Oxford International’s highly successful pharmaceutical technology series, an exemplary panel of industry speakers from Serono, Schering DE, Boehringer Ingelheim and AstraZeneca.
Over the two days, the conference programme gives you the unique opportunity to find out about the following key issues:
Clinical Trial Technologies: eClinical
·        Delivering the True Benefits of EDC and eClinical Systems
·        Safeguarding Data Integrity Through Data Management
·        Electronic Health Records as eSource for Clinical Research
·        ESubmissions and Clinical Data Standards
·        Achieving Real-Time Trial Information Management
Clinical Trial Strategy: Patient Recruitment
·        Global Patient Recruitment: Now and In The Future
·        Applying Innovative Technologies in Clinical Trial Set-Up
·        Risk Management within the Clinical Phase
·        Measuring Success in Clinical Trials: Using Metrics and Benchmarking Clinical Trial Productivity
·        Strategies to Recruit and Retain Trial Subjects
Outsourcing: Partnership and Alliance Management
·        Maximising the Impact of Outsourcing and Research Partnerships on Clinical Trial Profitability
·        Identifying opportunities to implement partnership agreements: Challenges of vendor selection
·        Solving Technical Issues in Global Clinical Research Agreements
·        Outsourcing vs. Off-shoring
·        Effects of mergers and acquisitions on IT
The congress presents an ideal opportunity for you to raise your profile, become fully up-to-date on the most recent developments in the industry, meet peers, catch up on the latest research and gain information on new services.
For more information on delegate registration or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event website at: www.clinicalcongress.com or contact Joanne Taylor on +44 (0) 870 890 3303 or by emailing: joanne.taylor@oxfordint.co.uk and quote CTO6BS6.
Posted under Clinical Trials, Press Releases, USA and Canada | No Comments
Oxford International’s 7th annual Drug Discovery and Technology Leaders Summit 13th-15th November 2006 Orlando, USA
Last Updated on Wednesday, 17 May 2006 06:18 Written by admin Wednesday, 17 May 2006 06:18
Oxford International are proud to announce the 7th Annual Drug Discovery and Technology Leaders Summit being held on 13th – 15th November 2006 at the JW Marriott, Grande Lakes, Orlando, USA.
The summit programme will consider how to successfully manage R&D productivity with the aim of shortening time to market through taking a more targeted approach to discovery processes and technologies.
Over three days, the summit will attract over 100 senior-level decision makers working in drug discovery from the USA’s leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. The Summit provides attendees with the unprecedented opportunity to address key industry concerns and network with their peers in a professional and relaxed environment.
The conference programme consists of over 15 case study presentations, delivered by senior-level industry speakers from companies such as Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, Abbott Laboratories and Schering-Plough.
Key topics include:
·        TRANSLATIONAL APPROACH TO DISCOVERY:
Developing and maintaining a translational strategy – bridging the gap and speeding time to market
·        PREDICTIVE DISCOVERY TECHNOLOGIES:
Achieving the successful integration of predictive technologies
Biomarkers: determining and measuring the business case for developing and integrating biomarkers
·        OPTIMISING LEAD GENERATION AND VALIDATION:
Effective utilisation of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and HTS/HCS
·        DEVELOPING NEW APPROACHES TO DISCOVERY:
Employing structural biology and medicinal chemistry methodologies
·        INTEGRATING CHEM- AND BIO-INFORMATICS:
Achieving interoperability and integrating informatics, chem- and bio-informatics within discovery
·        STRATEGY:
Consolidating the discovery and development process: cutting costs, increasing efficiencies and maximising productivity
·        PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT:
Strategically managing the discovery portfolio: the business case for emerging technologies and alliances and partnerships
The summit presents an ideal opportunity for you to raise your profile, become fully up-to-date on the most recent developments in the industry, meet peers, catch up on the latest research and gain information on new services.
For more information on delegate registration or sponsorship opportunities, please visit the event website at: www.usdrugdiscoverysummit.com or contact Joanne Taylor on +44 (0) 870 890 3303 or by emailing: joanne.taylor@oxfordint.co.uk and quote DDSUS06BS1.
Posted under Press Releases, USA and Canada | No Comments
Oxford International Conferences
Last Updated on Tuesday, 16 May 2006 05:01 Written by admin Tuesday, 16 May 2006 05:01
Oxford International Conferences produce cutting edge congresses and summits throughout a variety of industry sectors. Handling over 1,000 delegates annually, recruiting top quality speakers and working with sponsors time and time again, we have developed business relationships that ensure outstanding events.
Coupled with our above expertise, research is vital to Oxford International Conferences. By constantly analysing market trends, speaking with industry pioneers and taking strategic advice from expert advisory panels, we can guarantee the most current and topical issues are covered in our programmes.
Focusing on summits, conferences and a unique congress format, our success is unrivalled in the production of high calibre events that offer tailored knowledge sharing and industry solutions and networking opportunities. We are currently operating our series of events within the following business sectors: Life Sciences, Telecommunications and Corporate IT.
Posted under Europe, Press Releases, USA and Canada | No Comments
Elsevier MDL and Key Organics partner to improve chemical sourcing
Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:07 Written by admin Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:07
San Ramon, CA, May 8, 2006 – Elsevier MDL, producer of the MDL® Available Chemicals Directory and MDL® Screening Compounds Directory databases, and Key Organics Ltd., a leading supplier of screening compounds and chemical building blocks, have partnered in an effort to provide improved access to timely, accurate information for chemical sourcing and procurement for pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemistry researchers.
Through its Bionet Research Intermediates catalog, Key Organics supplies novel building blocks for customers to utilize within their discovery chemistry programs. “By working closely with Elsevier MDL, we’re able to ensure that customers are viewing accurate information in Available Chemicals Directory, the most widely used sourcing database,†says Dr. Colin Piper, Business Development Manager, Key Organics.
“Chemists rely on the unmatched coverage of MDL Available Chemicals Directory to find compounds from suppliers, including specialty suppliers, from around the globe,†said Trevor Heritage, Senior Vice President and Chief Science Officer at Elsevier MDL. “For this reason, currency and accuracy are paramount. Our partnership with Key Organics facilitates regular updates of their latest products, including unique compounds that aren’t available elsewhere.â€
The partnership between the companies includes an exchange of information that makes it easy and quick for mutual customers to order products from Key Organics using the MDL number from the databases.
The structure-searchable Available Chemicals Directory and the Screening Compounds Directory databases from Elsevier MDL compile detailed product and pricing information for millions of chemical products from hundreds of suppliers around the globe. The databases are accessible via the online DiscoveryGate® platform (allowing researchers to view chemical sourcing information linked with synthetic methodology, bioactivity, metabolism, toxicity, and health and safety information) and are available for in-house installation. Researchers can also leverage the value of Available Chemicals Directory and close supplier relationships with companies like Key Organics through the new MDL® Logistics application, a cradle-to-grave solution for sourcing reagents and managing in-house chemical inventories.
About Key Organics Ltd.
Key Organics was formed in 1986, supplying schemes of novel small-molecule chemistry to customers under confidentiality agreements. Over the last 20 years Key has provided companies worldwide with screening compounds, building blocks and chemistry services. In recent years custom and contract synthesis and lead optimization programs have become an increasingly important part of Key Organics business for clients worldwide. Based at a well-equipped multi-lab site in Camelford, Cornwall, UK, Key Organics employs graduate and Ph.D. chemists, including medicinal chemists, with experience in a wide range of chemical techniques and technologies. Key Organics is able to supply milligram to kilogram quantities of compounds to a high specification. For more information visit www.keyorganics.ltd.uk.
About Elsevier MDL
Elsevier MDL provides informatics, database and workflow solutions that accelerate successful life sciences R&D by improving the speed and quality of scientists’ decision making. Researchers around the world depend on Elsevier MDL for innovative and reliable discovery informatics software solutions and services augmented by 400 Elsevier chemistry and life sciences journals and related products. For more information, visit www.mdl.com. Elsevier is a world-leading publisher of scientific, technical and medical information products and services. For more information visit www.elsevier.com.
Elsevier is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading publisher and information provider. Reed Elsevier’s ticker symbols are REN (Euronext Amsterdam), REL (London Stock Exchange), RUK and ENL (New York Stock Exchange). For more information visit www.reedelsevier.com.
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MDL, DiscoveryGate and Available Chemicals Directory are registered trademarks or trademarks of MDL Information Systems, Inc. (‘Elsevier MDL’) in the United States. All rights reserved. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
GEN ID Lab Services, Inc. to Develop New Drug Candidates to Stop Death in Humans from the Avian Flu Virus (”Bird Flu”)
Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:04 Written by admin Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:03
GEN ID Lab Services, Inc. (“GEN ID”) (OTC:GDLB) today announced that with the assistance of S2 Biosciences, Inc. (“S2″), a privately held company, it will be developing new drug candidates to treat Bird Flu infections in humans.
Current treatment of H5N1 avian influenza infection includes the use of antiviral therapy such as ribavirin and amantadine and neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir and zanamivir. The presence of Asp31 in the M2 protein of some variants of H5N1 confers resistance to the antiviral compounds, making this treatment option ineffective. While the neuraminidase inhibitors group of compounds are effective against influenza infections, recent isolates of H5N1 have been shown to contain amino acid substitutions in the neuraminidase enzyme making these variants resistant to this alternative treatment option.
In its research efforts with S2, GEN ID is seeking to develop yet another class of compounds to counteract the resistance that H5N1 is acquiring through mutations.
Hector A. Veron, President of GEN ID, stated, “We are very excited about the prospect of developing a new totally effective drug as a first line of defense against this deadly virus.”
The mortality rate in avian flu infection reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) is very high, over 50% (for more information go to www.who.int). The first outbreak of documented avian flu infection with H5N1 virus subtype was in 18 patients and resulted in 6 deaths in Hong Kong in 1997 (33%). As of May 5, 2006, there have been 206 confirmed human cases of H5N1 influenza worldwide of whom 114 have died (55%).
About GEN ID:
GEN ID is a diversified medical testing company that seeks to provide physicians with more necessary and personalized treatment data, individualized towards patients and based on genetic screening technologies, such as SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) testing. This analysis will provide information on genetic predisposition to various diseases, such as different forms of cancer, cardiovascular abnormalities, dermatological diseases and predicting pharmacodynamic patterns pertinent to individual drugs for individual patients. GEN ID plans to leverage its strong relationships within the genomics community to maximize its presence in the market. For more information, visit the company’s website: www.GenIDLabs.com
About S2 Biosciences:
S2 Biosciences, Inc. is a privately held, Montreal-based company providing preclinical contract research services to the pharmaceutical industry worldwide. S2 also conducts molecular biology and biotechnology research and development and has specific expertise in virology and communicable diseases. S2 has developed several technologies which it has licensed to companies in the U.S. and Canada.
This news release may include “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact included or incorporated herein may constitute forward-looking statements. Although GEN ID believes that the forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may affect GEN ID’s operations and financial performance. Among the factors that could cause results to differ materially are those risks discussed in GEN ID’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-KSB.
Chelsea Therapeutics and Active Biotech to Co-Develop Portfolio of Therapeutics Targeting Autoimmune Disease and Transplant Rejection
Last Updated on Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:01 Written by admin Wednesday, 10 May 2006 12:01
Agreement Creates Synergistic Alliance Focused on Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Disorders Chelsea to Host Conference Call to Discuss New Products and Update Investors on Clinical Development of Expanded Pipeline
CHARLOTTE, N.C. and LUND, Sweden, May 9, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) — Chelsea Therapeutics International, Ltd. (Nasdaq:CHTP) and Active Biotech AB (Stockholm:ACTI), have signed an agreement to co-develop and commercialize the I-3D portfolio of orally active, Dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibiting compounds for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and transplant rejection.
The I-3D portfolio developed by Active Biotech consists of an extensive library of therapeutic compounds that have demonstrated, during preclinical testing, potent inhibition of DHODH activity while maintaining PK and safety properties superior to the marketed DHODH inhibitor. Inhibition of DHODH is the rate-limiting step in de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis, which is required for the proliferation of T-cells during clonal expansion. Potential indications for drug candidates in this library include transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Of the compounds in this portfolio, more than 15 compounds have been isolated and undergone extensive preclinical modeling, including two lead compounds with the potential to be in clinical trials in early 2007.
The strategic alliance created through this agreement leverages the strength of Chelsea’s clinical development expertise with the impressive breadth of intellectual property and depth of preclinical data Active Biotech has already established around the I-3D compounds. The I-3D library significantly broadens Chelsea’s autoimmune pipeline, which also includes its lead drug candidate, CH-1504, an orally available, metabolically inert, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease and certain cancers.
Under the terms of the license and co-development agreement, Chelsea and Active Biotech will jointly conduct and fund the clinical development of the I-3D portfolio via a Joint Development Committee with equal representation from both parties. The agreement also provides Chelsea with the exclusive North and South American commercial rights to all drugs within this portfolio, while Active Biotech will retain rights for the remaining global markets. In addition to sharing development costs, both Chelsea and Active Biotech will pay the other royalty payments on sales in their respective markets. Active Biotech will also receive certain defined milestone payments related to clinical development and commercialization.
“This alliance strengthens our product pipeline and augments our ongoing work in autoimmune diseases by providing us with a robust library of DHODH-inhibiting drug candidates with substantial therapeutic and revenue potential,” commented Dr. Simon Pedder, Chelsea’s President and CEO. “We believe this alliance brings tremendous synergies to the table, making the deal very attractive and beneficial to our respective shareholders. We look forward to working with Active Biotech in advancing the I-3D product portfolio through the clinic in both Europe and the U.S.”
“We are very pleased seeing that the I-3D portfolio of compounds that we have advanced through discovery, screening and preclinical evaluation, is rapidly advancing towards clinical trials. We believe having Chelsea as a co-development and commercial partner will bring substantial strength and clinical development expertise to the project and a strong international network,” commented Sven Andreasson, President and CEO of Active Biotech.
Chelsea Conference Call, May 9 at 10:00 AM ET (4:00 pm CEST)
Chelsea will discuss the transaction and provide an update on the clinical development programs of its newly expanded pipeline in a conference call on Tuesday, May 9, 2006, 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time. Those interested in hearing management’s discussion can access the call directly by dialing 1-877-407-0782. International participants may access the call by dialing 201-689-8567. A replay will be available for one week following the call by dialing 1-877-660-6853 for domestic participants or 201-612-7415 for international participants and entering account number 286 and Conference ID number 201946 when prompted. Participants may also access both the live and archived web cast of the conference call through the investor relations section of Chelsea’s web site, www.chelseatherapeutics.com.
About Chelsea Therapeutics
Chelsea Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical development company that acquires and develops innovative products for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. Chelsea develops technologies that address important unmet medical needs or offer improved, cost-effective alternatives to current methods of treatment. Early clinical data suggests that Chelsea’s lead product candidate, CH-1504, may support a safe and effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis and may have further applications for psoriasis, certain cancers and other immunological disorders. Chelsea Therapeutics is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker CHTP.
About Active Biotech AB
Active Biotech AB is a biotechnology company focusing on research and development of pharmaceuticals. Active Biotech has a strong R&D portfolio with pipeline products focused on autoimmune/inflammatory diseases and cancer. Most advanced projects are laquinimod, an orally administered small molecule with unique immunomodulatory properties for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, as well as ANYARA for use in cancer immunotherapy with the primary indication non-small cell lung cancer. Further key projects in clinical development comprise the three orally administered compounds TASQ for prostate cancer 57-57 for SLE and RhuDex(r) for RA.
This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding future events. These statements are just predictions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual events or results to differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include reliance on collaborative partners, risks and costs of drug development, our history of losses and need to raise more money, regulatory approvals, intellectual property risks, our reliance on our lead drug candidate CH-1504, competition, market acceptance for our products if any are approved for marketing, reliance on key personnel including specifically Dr. Pedder, management of rapid growth, and the need to acquire or develop additional products.
CONTACT: Chelsea Therapeutics International Ltd. Nick Riehle, Chief Financial Officer 704-341-1516 x101 Kathryn McNeil, Investor/Media Relations 718-788-2856 Active Biotech AB Sven Andreasson, President and CEO Tomas Leanderson, Chief Scientific Officer +46 (0) 46-19 20 00 +46 (0) 46-19 20 50, fax U.S. Investors: The Global Consulting Group Kathy Price (646) 284-9430 kprice@hfgcg.com Emmanuelle Ferrer (646) 284-9421 eferrer@hfgcg.com
Posted under Collaborations, Europe, North America, Press Releases | No Comments
RNA interference (RNAi) is coming of age as a therapeutic modality
Last Updated on Tuesday, 9 May 2006 11:37 Written by admin Tuesday, 9 May 2006 11:37
With four clinical stage projects and 14 projects approaching IND status within the next year, RNAi is evolving as a new therapeutic modality. Topical use of RNAi in ophthalmic diseases dominated the early projects, but new delivery technologies paved the way to a broad use of RNAi in many therapeutic areas.
Barcelona , Spain | May 09, 2006 | The Business Intelligence firm La Merie S.L. reported today that the RNAi therapeutic pipeline is rapidly filling and advancing towards clinical development. Four RNAi therapeutic projects are in early clinical development. At least 32 RNAi projects are in preclinical development in a variety of therapeutic areas. Viral diseases and cancer are the preferred indications. A total of 14 RNAi projects are approaching IND status within one year. At least 20 projects are in advanced research stages. These results and more were found in a search conducted by La Merie Business Intelligence. The competitor analysis can be acquired at www.pipelinereview.com , La Merie ‘s News Center and Online Store .
RNAi technology has been rapidly developed and adopted as a laboratory tool for potent and specific downregulation (silencing) of the expression of a gene at the post-transcriptional or even transcriptional level. Now, RNAi has entered the clinical arena with therapeutic applications. Clinical use of RNAi was pioneered by Acuity Pharmaceuticals with Cand5. The small interference RNA (siRNA) for VEGF completed phase II studies in wet AMD and diabetic macular edema. In contrast to Acuity which is developing as an ophthalmic disease company, major RNAi players Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and Sirna Therapeutics as well as other companies are using novel delivery and protection technologies to broaden therapeutic applications of RNAi molecules by systemic delivery. The drug delivery technologies use peptides, nanoparticles, liposomes and other carriers from companies such as Calando Pharmaceuticals, Novosom, Nastech Pharmaceuticals and SR Pharma.
The availability of siRNA or locked nucleic acid RNA (LNA RNA) greatly reduced the risk of immunogenicity of RNAi molecules . The delivery technologies appear to solve the problem of large molecular weight and negative charge of siRNA duplexes which represents a major challenge for effective cellular uptake and intracellular delivery. Chemical optimization of the RNAi molecules as well as coating technologies contributed to in vivo stabilization of the RNA molecules . Apart from the rapidly filling pipeline, the increasing maturity of the RNAi field is also evidenced by alliances of Big Pharma companies GlaxoSmithKline and Novartis with RNAi players having a solid intellectual property position.
About PipelineReview.com
PipelineReview.com is the News Center and Online Store of La Merie Business Intelligence focused on R&D in the Biopharmaceutical Industry. Visitors of PipelineReview.com will find R&D relevant press releases and can receive selected R&D news from one or more of the site’s News Channels . For more information visit www.pipelinereview.com .
About La Merie
La Merie S.L. is a Business Intelligence enterprise fully dedicated to provide high quality R&D information to the biopharmaceutical industry. La Merie offers individual consultancy services and publishes reports and periodicals. For more information visit www.lamerie.com .
SOURCE: La Merie Business Intelligence
Posted under Discoveries, Innovations and Patents, Europe, Press Releases | No Comments
HTG Introduces New ArrayPlate Testing Method; Gene Expression Technology Enables Researchers to Analyze Smaller Sample Sizes with Faster Results
Last Updated on Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:14 Written by admin Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:14
TUCSON, Ariz.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–May 2, 2006–HTG, Inc., a provider of novel array-based gene expression assay technology and services for the life sciences industry, today announced the availability of a new ArrayPlate to measure four genes in each well of a 384-well plate for high throughput screening and profiling. The ArrayPlate 384-4 enables researchers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries to rapidly and accurately quantify RNA expression levels in cells treated with potential new drugs with high sample throughput, 10,000 or more samples per hour, and whole assay CV’s of less than 10%.
The new ArrayPlate 384-4 platform offering is based on HTG’s self-customized quantitative Nuclease Protection Assay (qNPA(TM)) technology, which allows researchers to test any sample type, including fixed tissue, using small sample sizes while avoiding the need for extraction, reverse transcription or amplification. The technology provides the absolute sensitivity to measure any gene desired, including low abundant genes. Instead of studying one gene at a time, researchers are also able to select a set of genes for simultaneous evaluation, a critical step in identifying the most promising drug compounds to treat complex, multi-factorial diseases.
Researchers can further utilize the 384-4 multiplexing capabilities by exploiting the power of gene signatures to reduce the whole cell assay false positive rate significantly, to as little as 0.05 percent, permitting discovery of weakly active compounds that would otherwise be missed. The platform provides highly sensitive and quantitative test results, including QSAR-quality dose response data and EC(50)’s, enabling clients to profile and optimize leads, compress drug discovery and development program timelines, increase program success and reduce costs.
The ArrayPlate 384-4 consists of a user-customizable plate with four elements of anchor oligonucleotides printed at the bottom of each well of the plate which allows researchers to measure up to four genes of their choice per well. This provides researchers with 1536 data points per plate. Combined with the ability to fully automate qNPA using off-the-shelf automation hardware, the ArrayPlate 384-4 technology permits the acquisition of 40,000 or more discrete gene measurements per hour.
“HTG’s ArrayPlate 384-4 technology enables high throughput screening at the level of gene expression, offering researchers a quick, easy and reliable method to economically and efficiently test more samples faster to address the issue the industry has faced with whole cell assay false positive rates,” said Bruce Seligmann, CSO, HTG. “Combined with qNPA QSAR capabilities, complete gene expression-based drug discovery programs can now be pursued from high throughput screening through in vitro and in vivo lead optimization. We are committed to developing and manufacturing highly sensitive and reproducible testing methods to help researchers wade through the growing amount of information available in the quest for new drug therapies.”
The ArrayPlate 384-4 is commercially available. For more information on the product, please call (520) 547-2827 or visit www.htgenomics.com.
About HTG
HTG provides ArrayPlate qNPA technology and services for the life sciences industry, addressing current unmet needs and enabling a new era of drug discovery and diagnostics. The company’s ArrayPlate technology platform enables the accurate, sensitive, reproducible and repeatable measurement of molecular signatures through the multiplexed measurement of RNA expression levels, DNA and protein levels and function. ArrayPlate qNPA data measure how drugs act and diseases are mediated at the level of whole cells, tissues, or organisms. This enables researchers to focus their resources by rapidly obtaining higher quality results than possible with other methods, in days rather than months, saving time and cost while addressing critical unmet needs. Privately held HTG is based in Tucson, Arizona. Investors in the company include Solstice Capital, Valley Ventures and Village Ventures. Additional information is available at www.htgenomics.com.
Posted under HT Screening, North America, Press Releases | No Comments
Metabolomics software to aid in drug discovery
Last Updated on Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:13 Written by admin Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:13
Bio-Rad Laboratories and Infometrix have announced plans to release the KnowItAll informatics system, metabolomics edition, integrating Infometrix’s Pirouette chemometrics technology with Bio-Rad’s award-winning KnowItAll platform, databases and NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) tools. The KnowItAll informatics system, metabolomics edition is the world’s first end-to-end informatics and chemometrics system for metabolomics research. ‘The KnowItAll metabolomics edition leverages Bio-Rad’s rich history of spectroscopic and cheminformatics technologies with our recent successes in the ADME/Tox market,’ said Gregory Banik, Bio-Rad’s Informatics Division general manager.
Posted under ChemInformatics, Collaborations | No Comments
Analysis of complex samples made easier
Last Updated on Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:11 Written by admin Thursday, 4 May 2006 06:11
A direct method for analysing complex samples, such as urine or milk, has been developed by researchers in the US.
Graham Cooks’ team at Purdue University conceived a sample introduction method for spectroscopic analysis that would avoid time consuming sample preparation.
Posted under Discoveries, Innovations and Patents, HT Screening, North America | No Comments
GENFIT initiates Phase II clinical trials with GFT14
Last Updated on Tuesday, 2 May 2006 10:45 Written by admin Tuesday, 2 May 2006 10:44
Phase I results revealed very good tolerance in healthy volunteers as well as an
excellent security profile for GFT14, one of the medical candidates that GENFIT is
developing to tackle cardiometabolic risk.
Lille (France), Cambridge (Massachusetts), 2nd May 2006 – GENFIT, the
biopharmaceutical company engaged in the discovery and development of medical
candidates in the areas of cardiovascular, inflammatory and metabolic diseases, today
announced the entry into Phase II clinical trials of GFT14, destined for the treatment of
cardiometabolic risk.
The decision to commence Phase II was taken in light of the excellent results obtained
during the Phase I. Initiated in March 2005, this test was carried out on over one hundred
healthy volunteers who ingested GFT14 either in a single dose (50 – 500mg) or in a repeated
dose over fourteen days (50 – 300 mg/day).
The results demonstrated that GFT14 attained all of its principal objectives; namely, that no
significant adverse effect was registered during the course of the trials; that any reported
adverse effect was weak, (and without the implication of the treatment being proven); that
GFT14 is very well absorbed with pharmacokinetic parameters being perfectly compatible
with a single daily dose. The trials in a healthy volunteer therefore concluded that GFT14 is
very well tolerated.
“This first phase of clinical trials proved that the innovative formulation of GFT14 developed
by GENFIT produced a very good margin of securityâ€, commented Professeur Fruchart, who
continued : “ Fresh from these promising results, an initial Phase II study targeting the
effectiveness of GFT14 in patients with dyslipidemia has just been undertaken. The first
patient should begin tests later this month, with results expected at the beginning of 2007†.
GFT14, a proprietary compound from GENFIT, is destined to improve the condition of
patients at risk from cardiovascular disease by a simultaneous and favorable action on the
plasmatic lipids (rise of HDL- cholesterol et lowering of triglycerides) and on other risk factors
such as hypertension or diabetes. Orally absorbed GFT14 has absolutely no structural link
with current treatments for dyslipidemia (statin or fibrate based). The risks of medical
interaction are weak and GFT14 may be easily combined with statins or other antidiabetic
molecules (glitazones).
Dyslipidemic patients are defined as having a high level of “bad†cholesterol (LDL-C) and/or
triglycerides and/or a low level of good cholesterol (HDL-C). They have, therefore, an
increased risk of developing atherosclerosis, the clinical complications of which pose serious
health problems, especially in cases of coronary implication.
Jean-François MOUNEY, Chairman and CEO of GENFIT declared:
“ These highly promising results confirm the hypothesis that GFT14 constitutes, thanks to its
novel pharmacological approach, a significant advance in the treatment of metabolic
disorders. The results announced today illustrate our capacity to deliver innovative
therapeutic solutions with huge potential and further reinforce the value of our product
portfolio, currently comprising seventeen research programmes of which nine molecules are
in development. Genfit is engaged in challenging the soaring global cardiometabolic
pandemic characterized by obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular illness which are affecting
an increasingly younger population.â€
About GENFIT
The emerging biopharmaceutical company, GENFIT (www.genfit.com) studies gene deregulation,
which is at the origin of some of the most wide-spread diseases. The GENFIT group identifies new
therapeutic targets and develops drug candidates. Its most advanced programs, conducted internally
or in partnership with industry leaders such as SANOFI – AVENTIS, PIERRE FABRE, SOLVAY -
FOURNIER, MERCK AG, UCB, KOWA, SERVIER, concentrate on the treatment of key metabolic and
inflammatory disorders. GENFIT’s initial proprietary medicines will concentrate on global
cardiovascular risk by treating several pathologies, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and obesity,
simultaneously with a single molecule. Founded and managed by Professeur Jean-Charles
FRUCHART and Mr. Jean-François MOUNEY, the company is headquartered in Lille with facilities in
Cambridge (USA). The company currently employs over 110 people.
– END –
Contacts
GENFIT :
Jean-François MOUNEY, Chairman and CEO
Kate PORTER, Corporate Communications Manager
Phone : +33 (0) 3 20 16 40 11
Phone : +33 (0) 3 20 16 40 79
MILESTONES – Press Relations
Bruno ARABIAN
Phone : +33 (0) 1 70 08 04 13
+33 (0) 6 87 88 47 26
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