Sunday, November 28, 2010

Melatonin for Macular Degeneration?

By Cathy Wong, Alternative Medicine Guide

Melatonin may help treat age-related macular degeneration, according to a recent report. A leading cause of blindness in the United States, age-related macular degeneration develops when certain cells in the retina deteriorate and gradually destroy your central vision.

A hormone with antioxidant effects, melatonin may help stop shortening of telomeres (chromosomal structures that become shorter over time due to factors like aging, inflammation, and damage caused by free radicals). By preventing telomere-shortening in the cells of the retina, the report suggests, melatonin may help preserve eyesight and slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration.

While melatonin shows promise as a natural remedy for age-related macular degeneration, it's too soon to recommend melatonin supplements for this condition. For help in protecting your eyesight as you age, wear UV-protective lenses when outdoors in the daylight and consider upping your intake of foods rich in lutein (such as leafy green vegetables, green beans, and mango).

As always please check with your doctor before starting/ or changing any medications or supplements.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Acceleron's ACE-041 Demonstrates Clinical Efficacy

By Acceleron
CAMBRIDGE, Mass – November 19, 2010 – Acceleron Pharma, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company developing novel protein therapeutics that regulate the growth and development of tissues and cells, including muscle, bone, red blood cells, and vasculature, today announced the presentation of interim results from the first-in-human clinical study of ACE-041 in patients with advanced cancer at the 22nd EORTC-NCI-AACR Symposium on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics in Berlin, Germany. The presentation was given by Professor Sunil Sharma, the Jon and Karen Huntsman Presidential Professor of Cancer Research at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.

“It has been very encouraging to see so many signals of efficacy in this trial, in particular because these are end-stage cancer patients,” said Dr. Sunil Sharma. “It is also important to note that while we have demonstrated significant activity with ACE-041 monotherapy in this study, we might expect to see even more efficacy in future studies with ACE-041 used in combination with other therapies.”

“The clinical activity and safety profile of ACE-041 confirms our understanding that the ALK1 pathway plays a fundamental and distinct role compared to the VEGF-axis in tumor angiogenesis,” said Dr. Matthew Sherman, M.D., Chief Medical Officer at Acceleron Pharma. “This has significant implications because nearly all patients treated with VEGF inhibitors eventually either fail therapy or develop resistance to these drugs. There is a tremendous need for novel therapies that go beyond VEGF to target the tumor blood supply.”

In a phase 1, first-in-human clinical study, patients with advanced-stage tumors were treated with multiple ascending doses of ACE-041, to evaluate the safety and pharmacokinetics of ACE-041. This study also explored antitumor activity of ACE-041.

Summary of interim findings presented:

· ACE-041 subcutaneously (SC) injected once every three weeks (q3w) is generally well-tolerated · Common side effects include mild or moderate peripheral edema, fatigue, nausea, headache, anorexia, and anemia. A single case of Grade 3 congestive heart failure was reported · Toxicities commonly associated with VEGF inhibition (hypertension, proteinuria, or bleeding) have not been observed · ACE-041 pharmacokinetics support dosing every 3 weeks · One patient with refractory head and neck cancer achieved a partial response and three patients had prolonged disease stabilization · Rapid reduction in tumor metabolic activity observed in several patients, measured by FDG-PET imaging · An expanded cohort study is ongoing at the dose level intended for Phase 2 studies,

ACE-041 is being developed for the treatment of advanced cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

About ACE-041

ACE-041 is a recombinant receptor fusion protein that inhibits angiogenesis by preventing BMP9 and BMP10, members of the TGFβ protein superfamily, from interacting with activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK1), a receptor that is found on proliferating endothelial cells. ACE-041 inhibits ALK1 signaling, which is required for the development of mature, functional capillary networks. In animal studies, treatment with ACE-041 inhibits tumor angiogenesis and growth and ocular neoangiogenesis. In a clinical study of patients with advanced, refractory solid tumors, treatment with ACE-041 was generally well-tolerated and antitumor activity was observed, resulting in tumor shrinkage and stabilization of disease. ACE-041 is being developed for the treatment of advanced-stage cancer and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

About Acceleron Pharma

Acceleron is a privately-held biopharmaceutical company committed to discover, develop, manufacture and commercialize novel biotherapeutics that modulate the growth of red blood cells, bone, muscle, fat and the vasculature to treat musculoskeletal, metabolic and cancer-related diseases. Acceleron’s scientific approach takes advantage of its unique insight into the regenerative powers of the TGF-β superfamily of proteins. Acceleron utilizes proven biotherapeutic technologies and capitalizes on the company’s internal GMP manufacturing capability to rapidly and efficiently advance its therapeutic programs. The investors in Acceleron include Advanced Technology Ventures, Alkermes, Bessemer Ventures, Celgene, Flagship Ventures, MPM BioEquities, OrbiMed Advisors, Polaris Ventures, QVT Financial, Sutter Hill Ventures and Venrock. For further information on Acceleron Pharma.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Macular Degeneration Treatments/Therapies Breakthroughs

by Isobel Washington

Macular degeneration is an eye condition characterized by the deterioration of the macula, which is the central "lens-like" part of the eye's retina responsible for sharp central vision. Affecting central vision and often leading to vision loss, macular degeneration has had limited treatment options. Recently, there have been some breakthroughs to help patients retain vision.

Significance
Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss and blindness among Americans age 65 and older. Vision loss from this condition is a growing problem, since this age demographic represents an increasingly larger percentage of the U. S. population.

Function
Treatments for macular degeneration work to preserve vision ability at the time of treatment, and slow the progression of the disease (it's a progressive disease that affects vision over time). Treatment cannot restore vision that is already lost through the disease. There is no cure or treatment to stop the progression of macular degeneration, there are ways to preserve and prolong current vision.

Eye Injections
Lucentis and Macugen are FDA-approved ocular injection treatments, and are highly effective for preserving vision and inhibiting macular degeneration symptoms, according to AllAboutVision.com. A 2005 study on Lucentis demonstrated success rate of 95 percent for improving and sustaining vision in macular degeneration patients.

Laser Treatment
Laser technology is now used to destroy the abnormal, leaky blood vessels that cause vision loss in macular degeneration patients. The National Eye Institute points out, however, that while this treatment may be effective for preventing vision loss, it is also comes with the risk of destroying healthy tissue that surrounds the treatment area.

Photodynamic Therapy
This method uses special light treatment to activate an injected drug, verteporfin, in the blood vessels, so that it destroys the new, abnormal blood vessels being hyper-produced in the eye (those that cause vision impairment or loss). The National Eye Institute reports that this light-activation method slows vision loss, but doesn't stop it.

Investigational Treatments
Investigational treatments for macular degeneration, in various stages of research and FDA clinical studies, include Avastin, a cancer treatment drug. As of 2009, the National Eye Institute reports that no available treatment provides a cure for macular degeneration, and that vision loss may result, despite treatment.

About the Author
Isobel Washington has been a freelance journalist since 2007. Washington's work first surfaced in Europe, where she served as a restaurant critic and journalist for "LifeStyles" magazine. Her love of travel and culture inspired her first novel, which is currently underway. Washington has a 10-year career in marketing communication and holds a Bachelor of Science degree.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Qualifing Theraputic Discovery Project Program

by GEN news

Over the last couple of days, companies have been reporting on awards received under the Qualifying Therapeutic Discovery Project program. The IRS in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services, approved applications for projects that showed significant potential to produce new and cost-saving therapies, support jobs, and increase U.S. competitiveness.

Under the program, a total amount of $1 billion was allocated for credits and grants with a $5 million limit per each eligible applicant. The full list of companies receiving these awards can be found at http://bit.ly/b3VxSp.

Here are details for a few more companies:

Acceleron Pharma received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: ACE-031 for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ACE-536 for myelodysplastic syndrome, ACE-435, ACE-011 for anemia, and ACE-041 for advanced solid tumors, multiple myeloma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Aestus Therapeutics received one grant of $244,000: chronic neuropathic pain drug development.

BioCryst Pharmaceuticals received five grants totaling $1,064,297.89: four grants of $244,479.25 each were given to peramivir for influenza, BCX4208 for gout, forodesine for CLL and CTCL, and JAK inhibitor programs in psoriasis, ankylosing spondylitis, and multiple sclerosis. One grant of $86,380.89 was awarded to BCX4161 for hereditary angiodema.

Biodel received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: Linjeta, VIAtab, smart basal, glucagon, and glargine.

Cardium Therapeutics received one grant of $244,479.25: Generx for advanced coronary artery disease.

Celsion received one grant of $244,479.25: Thermodox for primary liver cancer and recurrent chest wall breast cancer.

Cerus received two grants totaling $488,958.50: Intercept Blood System for platelets and red blood cells.

Charleston Laboratories received one grant of $244,479.25: CL-108 for moderate-to-severe pain.

CorMedix received two grants totaling $488,959.50: Neutrolin and Deferiprone.

Curis received two grants totaling $488,958.50: CUDC-101 and pipeline small molecules for cancer treatment.

Derma Sciences received one grant of $244,479.25: DSC127 for tissue repair.

Dicerna Pharmaceuticals received two grants totaling $488,958.50: Dicer Substrate Technology and DsiRNA molecules for the treatment of cancer.

DNA Medicine Institute received a grant of $222,999: Universal Blood Sensor.

Enzon Pharmaceuticals received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: PEG-SN38, mRNA antagonist for HIF-1 alpha, Survivin, Androgen Receptor, and HER3.

Etubics received one grant of $244,479.25: CEA-expressing adenovirus as a colon cancer therapeutic vaccine.

GTx received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: ALK inhibition therapy, Toremifene 20 mg, Ostarine, GTx-758, Toremifene 80 mg, which are all being developed for cancer and cancer supportive care.

Health Discovery received a grant of $244,479.25: SVM and RFE-SVM technology.

Icagen received three grants totaling $733,000: Selective sodium channel drugs to treat chronic pain, KCNQ agonists for epilepsy and pain, and TRPA1 drugs for inflammatory pain.

Inviragen received two grants totaling $488,958.50: Vaccines against dengue and chikungunya viruses.

InVivo Therapeutics received a grant of $244,000: biocompatible polymer scaffolding device designed for implantation into a lesion to treat acute open-wound SCI.

Light Sciences Oncology received two grants totaling $488,958.50: Aptocine for treatment of primary and secondary liver tumors and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Lipocine received four grants totaling $977,917: hormone replacement therapy, high-risk pregnancy support, oral treatment of progressive glioblastoma multiforme, and opioid-resistant cough in advanced cancer patients.

Molecular Detection received a grant of $244,479.25: Detect-Ready panel that detects carriers of MRSA and related pathogens.

Neoprobe received a grant of $244,479.25: Lymphoseek.

Omeros received eight grants of uneven amounts totaling $1,723,086.51: PDE7 for Parkinson disease; addiction treatment; therapies for osteoarthritis and the protection of articular cartilage; drugs to treat pain, inflammation, and spasm of the urinary tract; MASP-2 MoAb for traumatic injury; medications for schizophrenia; intracameral OMS302 to maintain intraoperative mydriasis and reduce pain and inflammation; and products to improve function and reduce pain after arthroscopic surgery.

OncoMed Pharmaceuticals received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: OMP-21M18, OMP-59R5, novel antibodies, Wnt pathway inhibitors, and drugs targeting the Wnt pathway in cancer stem cells, all for the treatment of cancer.

PolyMedix received two cash grants totaling $488,958.50: PMX-30063 for acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) caused by Staph and PMX-60056 in percutaneous coronary intervention patients.

pSivida received two cash grants totaling $488,958.50: research on new generations of the company’s drug delivery technologies targeting ophthalmic diseases.

Quanterix received three grants totaling $733,437.75: Diagnostics developed on the Single Molecule Array (SiMoA) for prostate cancer, Alzheimer disease, and Crohn disease.

Regulus Therapeutics received two cash grants totaling $488,958.50: miRNA therapeutics for HCV and fibrosis.

Sangamo BioSciences received four grants totaling $977,917: SB-509 for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, SB-509 for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, SB-728-T for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and SB-313-xTZ for recurrent or refractory glioblastoma multiforme.

Sea Lane Biotechnologies received six grants totaling $1.5 million: Surrobody™ therapeutic candidates and influenza antibodies.

Soligenix received a grant of $244,479.25: orBec in acute gastrointestinal graft vs. host disease.

Somaxon Pharmaceuticals received a grant of $244,479.25: Silenor.

Spectrum Pharmaceuticals received four grants totaling $977,917: RenaZorb for hyperphosphatemia in patients with chronic kidney disease and anticancer agents Zevalin, Apaziquone, and Belinostat.

Spherix received two grants totaling $469,478.50: triglycerides.

StemCells received four grants totaling $977,917: HuCNS-SC for diseases and disorders affecting the brain, the spinal cord, and the eye as well as hLEC human liver engrafting cells.

Synergenz BioScience received one grant of $94,836: Respiragene, a genetic-based test for lung cancer predisposition.

Telik received five grants totaling $1,222,396.25: Telintra in severe chronic neutropenia, Telcyta for refractory lymphoma and multiple myeloma, Telintra in low-to-intermediate-1 risk myelodysplastic syndrome, Telintra and Revlimid in myelodysplastic syndrome, and aurora and VEGFR kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.

Threshold Pharmaceuticals received two grants totaling $488,958.50: TH-302 for the treatment of cancer, and the company’s hypoxia-activated prodrug technology platform for drug discovery.

Xoft received two grants totaling $469,478.50: electronic brachytherapy for the treatment of breast cancer and gynecological cancers.

Zalicus receive a grant of $244,479.25: Synavive for immunoinflammatory diseases.

Ziopharm Oncology received three grants totaling $733,437.75: Indibulin, Palifosfamide, and Darinaparsin, all for the treatment of cancer.