Generating electricity from air flow

A group of researchers at the City College of New York is developing a new way to generate power for planes and automobiles based on materials known as piezoelectrics, which convert the kinetic energy of motion into electricity

Details ..........Generating electricity from air flow

siRNA for pachyonychia congenita treatment...

In continuation of my update on siRNAs, I found this recent development an interesting finding in the field of RNAi class of compounds. Dr. Sancy Leachman and co workers found that siRNA derivative can be a new treatment for pachyonychia congenita, an ultra-rare genetic skin condition caused by mutations in a gene called keratin.

As per the claim by the authors, siRNA, works by preventing the gene with the mutation from being expressed but permitting the healthy keratin genes to function normally. The study marked the first time that the skin of a human subject was treated with this type of drug. Researchers say that in this single patient trial the drug worked, had no serious side effects, and has vast potential because of its ability to specifically and potently target single molecules, making it an option for many other genetic diseases, including cancer.

The patient was treated with siRNA on her right foot and with placebo on the left foot. The callus on the right foot that received the siRNA fell off at the site of injection, but this did not happen on the left foot. Congrats for this remarkable achievement...

Source : http://healthcare.utah.edu/dermatology/about/faculty/sancyleachman.html

Molecule discovered that makes obese people develop diabetes

Molecule discovered that makes obese people develop diabetes

New Drug Application for Tramadol....

About Tramadol :

Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic, used for treating moderate to severe pain. Tramadol was developed by the German pharmaceutical company Grünenthal GmbH in the late 1970.

Tramadol possesses agonist actions at the μ-opioid receptor and affects reuptake at the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems. Tramadol is a compound with mild and delayed μ-agonist activity.

Tramadol is a synthetic stripped-down analog of Codeine and, as such, is an opioid. The opioid agonistic effect of tramadol and its major metabolite(s) almost exclusively effects the μ-opioid receptor. This characteristic is notable, because even morphine is not exclusive to the μ-receptor, although it manifests the preponderance of its opioid agonistic effects here. Tramadol is used to treat moderate to moderately severe pain and most types of neuralgia, including trigeminal neuralgia.

Recently, Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc received FDA approval for the abbreviated New Drug Application for the 100mg and 200mg strengths of tramadol ER.....

Source : http://www.parpharm.com/media/NR_20091116.jsp

Oncolytics Biotech's REOLYSIN combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin well tolerated for advanced cancers

In continuation of my follow up on cisplatin derivatives, I find this article interesting to share with.....

Oncolytics Biotech's REOLYSIN combined with paclitaxel and carboplatin well tolerated for advanced cancers

Green tea prevents the development of hepatic fibrosis in rat model of DMN-induced liver fibrosis

Green tea prevents the development of hepatic fibrosis in rat model of DMN-induced liver fibrosis

Nicardipine Hydrochloride injection is back !

About Nicardipine :

We know that Nicardipine hydrochloride (Cardene) is a medication used to treat high blood pressure and angina. It belongs to the class of calcium channel blockers.

Nicardipine is a dihydropyridine calcium-channel blocking agent used for the treatment of vascular disorders such as chronic stable angina, hypertension, and Raynaud's phenomenon. It is available in oral and intravenous formulations. Its mechanism of action and clinical effects closely resemble those of nifedipine and the other dihydropyridines (amlodipine, felodipine), except that nicardipine is more selective for cerebral and coronary blood vessels. Furthermore, nicardipine does not intrinsically decrease myocardial contractility and may be useful in the management of congestive heart failure. Nicardipine also has a longer half-life than nifedipine. Nicardipine was approved by the FDA in December 1988. The patent for both Cardene and Cardene SR expired in October 1995.

Recently, Caraco Pharmaceutical Laboratories, Ltd. has launched Nicardipine Hydrochloride Injection immediately following Sun Pharma's final approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Nicardipine Hydrochloride Injection is indicated for the short-term treatment of hypertension when oral therapy is not feasible or not desirable. These Nicardipine Hydrochloride Injections are available as 25 mg/10ml single use ampuls containing 2.5 mg/ml of the drug....

Source : http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=98920&p=irol-newsArticle_Print&ID=1356898&highlight=

Vardenafil (PDE5 inhibitor) as antiulcer agent?

Vardenafil, (Levitra, Bayer) is a PDE5 inhibitor used for treating impotence (erectile dysfunction). Vardenafil's indications and contra-indications are the same as with other PDE5 inhibitors; it is closely related in function to sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Structurally, the difference between the vardenafil molecule and sildenafil citrate is a nitrogen atom's position and the change of sildenafil's piperazine ring methyl group to an ethyl group. Tadalafil is structurally different from both sildenafil and vardenafil. Vardenafil's relatively short effective time is comparable to but somewhat longer than sildenafil's.

We know that most of the NSAIDs are associated with ulcerogenecity. Though there are many compounds with different mode of action have been tested (and some of them are being used) to treat the peptic ulcer, compounds with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor were not tested before Dr. Karakaya of Zonguldak Karaelmas University-who have reported that Vardenafil can be used to treat the NSAID-induced gastric ulcer. As per the claim by the researchers the activity is dose dependent.

Ref : http://www.wjgnet.com/1007-9327/abstract_en.asp?f=5091&v=15

Spineology's Capture Facet Screw System receives FDA clearance

Spineology's Capture Facet Screw System receives FDA clearance

A potassium channel blocker to restore nerve function in patients with spinal cord injuries..

The experimental compound, 4-aminopyridine-3-methyl hydroxide, has been shown to restore function to damaged axons, slender fibers that extend from nerve cells and transmit electrical impulses in the spinal cord.

The researchers subjected spinal cord tissue to stresses that mimic what happens in a compression injury, which stretches nerves. Then they treated the damaged axons with 4-aminopyridine-3-methyl hydroxide. The same drug is used primarily as a research tool and also to manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis.

The axons of each nerve are sheathed in a thick insulating lipid layer, called myelin, which enables the transmission of signals without short circuiting, much like the insulation surrounding electrical wires. Spinal cord trauma damages the myelin sheath, exposing "fast potassium channels" that are embedded in the axons and are critical for transmitting nerve impulses.

The researchers also discovered that 4-aminopyridine-3-methyl hydroxide is a "potassium channel blocker," using a sophistic laboratory technique called "patch clamp" to measure signal conduction. Findings confirmed that the compound prevents the exposed channels from leaking electrical current and enhances nerve conduction in segments of the damaged spinal cord. The compound could make it possible to sidestep spinal cord damage by enabling axons to transmit signals as though they were still sheathed in myelin.

As per the claim by the researchers, the new compound is about 10 times more potent than 4-aminopyridine, meaning lower doses can be used to reduce the likelihood of serious side effects. Because myelin also is damaged in multiple sclerosis, the same drug might be used to restore nerve function in people stricken with the disease. Hope in the days to come patients suffering from Multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries will breathe a sigh of relief...

Ref : J Neurophysiol (November 18, 2009). doi:10.1152/jn.00154.2009.

Antioxidant in the vegetables for treating Cystic Fibrosis.....

I did mention in my earlier blogs, about the importance of eating broccoli and how it helps to prevent cancer and the authors claimed that the key ingredient that is responsible for this activity (claimed by the authors) is sulforaphane.

Now researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, have found an interesting fact that the antioxidant thiocyanate normally existing in the body protects lung cells from injuries caused by accumulations of hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorite, the active ingredient in household bleach. These potentially harmful chemicals are made by the body as a reaction to infection and injury. In addition, thiocyanate also protects cells from hypochlorite produced in reactions involving MPO, an enzyme released from germ-fighting white blood cells during inflammation.

The research team demonstrated that in three additional cell types used to extend their ideas to other inflammation-related conditions - cardiovascular disease, neurodegeneration, and diabetes - thiocyanate at blood concentrations of at least 100 micromolar (micromoles per liter) greatly reduces the toxicity of MPO in cells, including those lining blood vessels. Humans naturally derive thiocyanate from some vegetables and blood levels of thiocyanate in the general population vary from 10 to 140 micromolar.

So without an adequate dietary supply of thiocyanate (from broccoli & Cauliflower), hypochlorite produced by the body during inflammation would cause additional collateral damage to cells, thus worsening inflammatory diseases, and predisposing humans to diseases linked to MPO activity, including atherosclerosis. Thus the authors claim that delivering thiocyanate directly to the digestive and respiratory systems might be a therapy for CF disease.

Ref :
http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2009/11/11/0911412106.full.pdf+html?sid=2078aa5c-20d6-4a74-b98a-2a5ef6df93d4

Bacterially produced antifungal on skin of amphibians may protect against lethal fungus

Bacterially produced antifungal on skin of amphibians may protect against lethal fungus

Adding one single gene to yeast dramatically improves bioethanol production from agricultural waste

Adding one single gene to yeast dramatically improves bioethanol production from agricultural waste

Picoplatin a better drug than oxaliplatin for colorectal cancer !

In one of my earlier blog, I did mention about the Cisplatin (Cisplatin doubles lung cancer survival time in mice !).

About Cis-platin & other drivatives:

Cisplatin, cisplatinum, or cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) is a platinum-based chemotherapy drug used to treat various types of cancers, (sarcomas, some carcinomas (small cell lung cancer, and ovarian cancer), lymphomas, and germ cell tumors. It was the first member of a class of anti-cancer drugs which now also includes carboplatin and oxaliplatin. These platinum complexes react in vivo, binding to and causing crosslinking of DNA which ultimately triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Now its the turn of Picoplatin [see structure , Amminedichloro(2-methylpyridine)platinium)], Poniard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has come up with some interesting results from its Phase 2 trial of picoplatin in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). Picoplatin, given once every four weeks in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the FOLPI regimen, has comparable efficacy to oxaliplatin, given in combination with 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin in the modified FOLFOX-6 regimen, as a first-line therapy for CRC, as assessed by one-year survival rate, progression-free survival (PFS) and disease control. The company claims that, (from the updated proof-of-concept Phase 2 safety and efficacy results) picoplatin could be superior to oxaliplatin as a neuropathy-sparing alternative when used in combination as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Source : http://investor.poniard.com/ReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=424813.

Positive results from mipomersen- a new hope for FH sufferers...

About Familial hypercholesterolemia :

Familial hypercholesterolemia (also spelled familial hypercholesterolaemia) is a genetic disorder characterized by high cholesterol levels, specifically very high low-density lipoprotein (LDL, "bad cholesterol") levels, in the blood and early cardiovascular disease. Many patients have mutations in the LDLR gene that encodes the LDL receptor protein, which normally removes LDL from the circulation, or apolipoprotein B (ApoB), which is the part of LDL that binds with the receptor; mutations in other genes are rare. Patients who have one abnormal copy (are heterozygous) of the LDLR gene may have premature cardiovascular disease at the age of 30 to 40. Having two abnormal copies (being homozygous) may cause severe cardiovascular disease in childhood. Heterozygous FH is a common genetic disorder, occurring in 1:500 people in most countries; homozygous FH is much rarer, occurring in 1 in a million births.

Heterozygous (FH) is normally treated with statins, bile acid sequestrants or other hypolipidemic agents that lower cholesterol levels. New cases are generally offered genetic counseling. Homozygous FH often does not respond to medical therapy and may require other treatments, including LDL apheresis (removal of LDL in a method similar to dialysis) and occasionally liver transplantation.

Recently, Genzyme Corp. and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc have come up with some intresting results from the drug mipomersen [mipomersen - is an antisense oligonucleotide, with phosphorothioate linkage at 5'- postion and 2'-O-methoxymethyl moety] ( phase 3). As per the claim by the companies, the study met its primary endpoint in an intent-to-treat analysis, with a 25 percent reduction in LDL-cholesterol after 26 weeks of treatment, vs. 3 percent for placebo (p<0.001)>.

The trial met all of its secondary and tertiary endpoints, suggesting that mipomersen may offer potential benefits to patients beyond LDL-C reduction. Patients treated with mipomersen experienced a 27 percent reduction in apolipoprotein B vs. 3 percent for placebo; a 21 percent reduction in total cholesterol vs. 2 percent for placebo; and a 25 percent reduction in non-HDL cholesterol vs. 3 percent for placebo (all p<0.001).>Mipomersen patients’ HDL-C levels increased 15 percent (p=0.035 vs. placebo), which combined with the LDL-C reductions observed, resulted in improved LDL/HDL ratios, a ratio considered an important measure of cardiovascular risk. Mipomersen patients’ LDL/HDL ratios decreased by 34% (p<0.001>Mipomersen a representative of Isis’ leadership in the field of RNA targeted therapeutics will bring a sigh of relief to the sufferers of FH, in the days to come.

I had an opportunity to work with ISIS (as contract R & D, Innovasynth Technologies Limited, Khopoli) and really excited to see the results..

Ref : http://ir.isispharm.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222170&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1356364&highlight=