Telaprevir drug shows promise in curing hepatitis C infection

In continuation of my update on Telaprevir...............

Telaprevir drug shows promise in curing hepatitis C infection

Will new drugs (p7 inhibitors) block hepatitis C virus in its tracks?

Will new drugs block hepatitis C virus in its tracks?

FDA Approves Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis

We  know that, Rivaroxaban (structure below BAY 59-7939) is an oral anticoagulant invented and manufactured by Bayer; in a number of countries it is marketed as Xarelto. In the United States, it is marketed by Janssen Pharmaceuticals. It is the first available orally active direct factor Xa inhibitor. Rivaroxaban is well absorbed from the gut and maximum inhibition of factor Xa occurs four hours after a dose. The effects lasts 8–12 hours, but factor Xa activity does not return to normal within 24 hours so once-daily dosing is possible....

Now FDA Approves Xarelto (rivaroxaban) to Prevent Deep Vein Thrombosis in Patients Undergoing Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery....

More....

Sulforaphane-rich foods safe and effective for preventing cancer

In continuation of my update on the benefits of broccoli and  sulforaphane............

Sulforaphane-rich foods safe and effective for preventing cancer

Pharmasset receives U.S. patent titled 'Nucleoside Phosphoramidate Prodrugs'

Pharmasset receives U.S. patent titled 'Nucleoside Phosphoramidate Prodrugs'

New drug improves kidney function for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

We know that Bardoxolone methyl (see the structure, also known as “RTA 402” and “CDDO-methyl ester) is an orally-available first-in-class synthetic triterpenoid belonging to the antioxidant inflammation modulator (AIM) class. It is the most potent known inducer of the Nrf2 pathway to enter clinical development and works to suppress both oxidative stress and inflammation.......

New drug improves kidney function for patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease

Potential new approach for treating obesity, type 2 diabetes

Potential new approach for treating obesity, type 2 diabetes

Antimicrobial copper surfaces reduce risk of acquiring hospital infection

Antimicrobial copper surfaces reduce risk of acquiring hospital infection

New and effective diabetes drug seeking approval

We know that, Dapagliflozin is an experimental drug being studied by Bristol-Myers Squibb in partnership with AstraZeneca as a potential treatment for type 1 and 2 diabetes. Although dapagliflozin's method of action would operate on either type of diabetes or other conditions resulting in hyperglycemia, the current clinical trials specifically exclude participants with Type 1 diabetes.Dapagliflozin inhibits subtype 2 of the sodium-glucose transport proteins (SGLT2), which is responsible for at least 90% of the glucosereabsorption in the kidney. Blocking this transporter causes blood glucose to be eliminated through the urine.
New and effective diabetes drug seeking approval

New clot busting drug approved in UK

In continuation of my update on Ticagrelar.........

New clot busting drug approved in UK

Heterocycles glossary - organic-reaction.com

Heterocycles glossary - organic-reaction.com

Strawberries improve antioxidant capacity of blood

In continuation strawberries...
Strawberries improve antioxidant capacity of blood

U.S. FDA approves generic Levaquin for treatment of bacterial infections

U.S. FDA approves generic Levaquin for treatment of bacterial infections

FDA approves Watson's Nabumetone Tablets for treatment of osteoarthritis, RA

FDA approves Watson's Nabumetone Tablets for treatment of osteoarthritis, RA

Niclosamide drug effective against colon cancer metastasis

Niclosamide drug effective against colon cancer metastasis

Liraglutide as Additional Treatment in Type 1 Diabetes

In continuation of my update on Liraglutide...

 Results of a small, observational study conducted at the University at Buffalo suggest that liraglutide (below structure) , an injectable medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, also helps type 1 diabetics on insulin achieve optimal control of their blood glucose levels.

More....

New drug more effective than standard treatment to prevent heart-attack deaths

In continuation of my update on ticagrelor .....

Robert Storey, Professor of Cardiology at the University of Sheffield's Department of Cardiovascular Science, presented findings today that confirm one in five deaths in the year following a heart attack could be prevented if a new drug, ticagrelor (see structure), was used instead of the standard treatment, clopidogrel...

More...

Positive results from Plexxikon's vemurafenib Phase 2 and 3 trial against metastatic melanoma

We know that, PLX-4032(RG7204, Vemurafenib) is a highly selective inhibitor of BRAF kinase activity, with an IC50 of 44 nmol/L against V600E-mutant BRAF. BRAFV600E cancer-causing mutation occurs in most melanomas and about eight percent of all solid tumors....

More....

Formoterol drug improves fat burning and protein metabolism in men

We know that, Formoterol  or eformoterol  is a long-acting β₂-agonist used in the management of asthma and/or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is marketed in four forms: a dry-powder inhaler (DPI), a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), an oral tablet, and an inhalation solution, under various trade names including Foradil/Foradile (Schering-Plough in the U.S., Novartis rest of world), Oxeze (AstraZeneca), Atock (Astellas), Atimos Modulite (Trinity-Chiesi), and Perforomist (Dey).

Now researchers lead by Dr. Paul Lee of  Garvan Institute of Medical Research in Sydney, have for the first time reports that research in animals has shown that formoterol can stimulate the growth of muscle and the burning of fat...

Formoterol drug improves fat burning and protein metabolism in men

Lyxumia®, as an add-on to basal Insulin, shows significant positive phase III results

Sanofi  announced today that new results from a Phase III study showed that the investigational product Lyxumia® (lixisenatide see structure above), when used as an add-on therapy to basal insulin (in association with or without metformin), achieved its primary efficacy endpoint of significantly reducing HbA1c versus placebo for patientswith type 2 diabetes without significantly increasing their risk of hypoglycemia...

More...

Airtel: Switch off Diesel

Hi ,

I just signed a petition opposing Airtel's use of dirty diesel energy to power their cell phone towers.

Please read the mail below and take action.

Regards,

---

Dear friends,

Thanks to the telecommunications sector, every new call and SMS is hurting our environment. Lakhs of massive mobile network towers in our country run on dirty diesel.

Airtel is the market leader and trend-setter of the Indian telecom industry. If we get them to switch to renewable energy, it will set an example for the others to follow. Customers are the mainstay of this industry. Airtel would notice if customers ask them to make their calls green by using clean energy to power company’s mobile towers.

You should ask Airtel to switch to renewable energy.

http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Green-Electronics/switch-off-diesel/airtel-switch-off-diesel/

Several current and potential Airtel subscribers, asking them to switch to renewable energy will help put pressure on them to act. Since the company is bound to provide good service to its subscribers, they will not be able to ignore this feedback.

Like coal and nuclear, oil too is an unsustainable energy option. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill last year showed the dangers of our addiction to oil.^[2] Studies conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have shown that renewable energy is capable of powering the world.^[3] Airtel needs to realise this and quit dirty energy.

Tell them now.

http://www.greenpeace.org/india/en/What-We-Do/Stop-Climate-Change/Green-Electronics/switch-off-diesel/airtel-switch-off-diesel/

Thanks a billion!



Abhishek Pratap
Climate and Energy Campaigner
Greenpeace India

---

Sources:

1. Dirty Talking? Case for telecom to shift from diesel to renewable, Greenpeace India, May 19, 2011
http://www.greenpeace.org/india/Global/india/docs/cool-it/reports/telecom-report-may-2011.pdf [PDF]

2. BP Oil Spill: How Bad Is Damage to Gulf One Year Later? Time magazine, April 19, 2011
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20110419/hl_time/08599206603100

3. Renewable energy can power the world, says landmark IPCC study, Guardian, May 9, 2011
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/may/09/ipcc-renewable-energy-power-worlddr.umesh1969@gmail.com

You are receiving this email because someone you know sent it to you from the Greenpeace site. Greenpeace retains no information about individuals contacted through its site, and will not send you further messages without your consent -- although your friends could, of course, send you another message.

New drugs (Victrelis and Incivek ) encouraging for African Americans with hepatitis C

Current standard of treatment of interferon and ribavirun has only been effective in curing 38 to 40 percent of patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1. In clinical trials, Victrelis and Incivek, when working in concert with interferon and ribavirun, cured 65 to 75 percent of people with chronic disease and Victrelis-alone doubled the previous cure rate among African Americans......

Victrelis (Boceprevir)             

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Incivek (Telaprevir)


News Release Archives > New drugs encouraging for African Americans with hepatitis C

UCB,s new data for Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) showed a rapid clinical response across a broad population of RA patients

UCB, announced data which showed that the addition of Cimzia^® (certolizumab pegol) to current therapy was associated with a rapid and consistent clinical response in a diverse group of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Company also claims that, consistent efficacy was observed across patients taking certolizumab pegol whether they had previously received TNF inhibitors or not and whether they received certolizumab pegol monotherapy or with concomitant DMARDs.....

UCB Media Centre - New data for Cimzia® (certolizumab pegol) showed a rapid clinical response across a broad population of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients

Curcumin compound improves effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment, study finds

In continuation of my update on Curcumin and its usefulness....

Curcumin compound improves effectiveness of head and neck cancer treatment, study finds

Incivek Approved for Hepatitis C

In continuation of my update on telaprevir...
Incivek Approved for Hepatitis C: "MONDAY, May 23 -- Incivek (telaprevir) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for adults with chronic hepatitis C infection who either haven't received standard interferon therapy or haven't responded to it.

MAP Pharmaceuticals submits LEVADEX NDA to FDA for treatment of migraine in adults

Levadex is designed to be differentiated from existing migraine treatments. It is a novel formulation of dihydroergotamine (see above structure, DHE), a drug used intravenously in clinical settings to effectively and safely treat migraines.

 MAP Pharmaceuticals submits LEVADEX NDA to FDA for treatment of migraine in adults

Gout drug success for Novartis

Canakinumab (trade name Ilaris, previously ACZ885) is a human monoclonal antibody targeted at interleukin-1 beta. It has no cross-reactivity with other members of the interleukin-1 family, including interleukin-1 alpha.

We know that, Canakinumab was approved for the treatment of cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes (CAPS) by the US FDA on June 2009 and by the European Medicines Agency in October 2009. CAPS is a spectrum of autoinflammatory syndromes including familial cold autoinflammatory syndrome, Muckle–Wells syndrome, and neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease.

Canakinumab was being developed by Novartis for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis but this trial has been discontinued. Canakinumab is also in phase I clinical trials as a possible treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Gout drug success for Novartis

'Turkey tail' mushroom effectively suppresses prostate tumour development

We Know that, Turkey tail/Trametes versicolor — formerly known as Coriolus versicolor and Polyporus versicolor is an extremely common polypore mushroom which can be found throughout the world. Versicolor means 'of several colours' and it is true that this mushroom is found in a wide variety of different colours. T. versicolor is commonly called Turkey Tail because of its resemblance to the tail of the wild turkey. T. versicolor is recognized as a medicinal mushroom in Chinese medicine under the name yun zhi. In China and Japan T. versicolor is used as in immunoadjuvant therapy for cancer. Now Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers reported that, the mushroom  has the  medicinal benefits up to  100 per cent effective in suppressing prostate tumour development in mice during early trials......

'Turkey tail' mushroom effectively suppresses prostate tumour development

Linezolid more effective than vancomycin in treating ventilated patients with MRSA pneumonia: Study

In continuation of my update on Linezolid and Vancomycin...

Linezolid more effective than vancomycin in treating ventilated patients with MRSA pneumonia: Study

Coffee reduces prostate cancer risk

Coffee reduces prostate cancer risk

Study finds three-month TB treatment regimen just as effective as standard longer course

Study finds three-month TB treatment regimen just as effective as standard longer course

Indian wild plants offer hope against resistant infections

Indian wild plants offer hope against resistant infections

FDA approves Sutent for patients with progressive neuroendocrine cancerous tumors in pancreas

In continuation of my update on Sutent

FDA approves Sutent for patients with progressive neuroendocrine cancerous tumors in pancreas

Isis receives $5M milestone payment from GSK for initiating ISIS-TTRRx Phase 1 study

In continuation of my update on "antisense drugs"....
Isis receives $5M milestone payment from GSK for initiating ISIS-TTRRx Phase 1 study

Merck receives FDA approval for Victrelis to treat chronic hepatitis C

In continuation of my update on Victrelis (Boceprevir)

Merck receives FDA approval for Victrelis to treat chronic hepatitis C

New insect repellant may be thousands of times stronger than DEET

In continuation of mosquito repellants and DEET

Researchers report the identification and characterization of an Orco family agonist, VUAA1, using the Anopheles gambiae coreceptor (AgOrco) and other orthologues. These studies reveal that the Orco family can form functional ion channels in the absence of an odor-binding OR, and in addition, demonstrate a first-in-class agonist to further research in insect OR signaling. In light of the extraordinary conservation and widespread expression of the Orco family, VUAA1 represents a powerful new family of compounds that can be used to disrupt the destructive behaviors of nuisance insects, agricultural pests, and disease vectors alike...

New insect repellant may be thousands of times stronger than DEET

Ref : http://www.pnas.org/content/early/2011/05/04/1102425108#aff-1

Novel two-drug combination cures young patient with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis

The combination of meropenem (above structure)  with clavulanate (right structure-potassium salt)  has high antimycobacterial activity in vitro against extensively drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Researchers report the successful use of this combination in association with linezolid (below structure)  in the management of an advanced extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis disease with complex second-line drug resistance in a 14-year-old teenager.

Ref : 1.Meropenem/Clavulanate and Linezolid Treatment for Extensively Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

    2. http://www.einstein.yu.edu/uploadedFiles/PHD/2010%20Faculty%20Research%20Book.pdf

Australian TGA approves Biogen Idec's FAMPYRA to improve walking ability in patients with MS

We know the recent development about 'FAMPYRA' by "European Medicines Agency".....

Australian TGA approves Biogen Idec's FAMPYRA to improve walking ability in patients with MS...

First EffRx NDA accepted for filing by the FDA...

EffRx Pharmaceuticals SA, an Epalinges/Lausanne, Switzerland based drug delivery company announces that the New Drug Application (NDA) for the company's lead development program EX101 has been accepted for filing by the US Food and Drug Administration. EX101 is a proprietary buffered effervescent dosage form of alendronate sodium administered once weekly for treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and to increase bone mass in men with osteoporosis. The EX101 formulation is the first and only effervescent bisphosphonate alternative to tablets. EX101 has a pleasant taste of strawberry and is quickly and completely dissolved. 

About Alendronate : Alendronic acid or alendronate sodium ( sold as Fosamax by Merck) is a bisphosphonate drug used for osteoporosis and several other bone diseases. It is marketed alone as well as in combination with vitamin D (2,800 U and 5600 U, under the name Fosamax+D). Merck's U.S. patent on alendronate expired in 2008 and Merck lost a series of appeals to block a generic version of the drug from being certified by the FDA. On February 6, 2008, the US FDA approved the first generic versions of alendronate, which were marketed by Barr Pharmaceuticals and Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. Teva Pharmaceuticals manufactures generic alendronate in 5-milligram, 10-milligram, and 40-milligram daily doses, and in 35-milligram and 70-milligram weekly doses, while Barr made generic alendronate in 70-milligram tablets, which were taken once weekly. Barr pharmaceuticals were subsequently acquired by Teva in July 2008...

Ref : http://www.effrx.com/firsteffrxnda.htm

Regenerating nerve cells: Research offers hope in new treatment for spinal cord injuries

Regenerating nerve cells: Research offers hope in new treatment for spinal cord injuries

Clinical study: Celecoxib drug may treat breast cancer

In continuation of m update on Celecoxib

Clinical study: Celecoxib drug may treat breast cancer

World's first urine-based tuberculosis diagnostics tool

World's first urine-based tuberculosis diagnostics tool

Temsirolimus with chemotherapy may serve as promising therapy for mesothelioma

We know that Temsirolimus (CCI-779) is an intravenous drug for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), developed by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and approved by the FDA in late May 2007.

But researchers in Austria have found that temsirolimus also may slow the growth of malignant pleural mesothelioma cells. Mesothelioma, a cancer that is usually caused by exposure to asbestos and may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure, frequently resists chemotherapy and radiation treatment........

Temsirolimus with chemotherapy may serve as promising therapy for mesothelioma.

Pfizer RA Drug Meets Study Goals

We knew that,  Tofacitinib (see structure, formerly tasocitinib is a drug being investigated by Pfizer for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis,inflammatory bowel disease, and other immunological diseases, as well as for the prevention of organ transplant rejection. It is an inhibitor of the enzyme Janus kinase 3 (JAK3), which means that it interferes with the JAK-STAT signaling pathway that transmits information outside the cell into the cell nucleus, influencing DNA transcription.

Now Pfizer now claims that the drug has   met its key goals of reducing signs and symptoms of the condition in separate studies on patients over a 12-month and six-month period. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease typically affecting joints.

The company's Oral Standard study involved 717 patients over a 12-month period with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis who had an inadequate response to the drug methotrexate. Meanwhile, the Oral Step study involved 399 patients over a six-month period with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis who did not have an adequate response to TNF inhibitor drugs.  Pfizer said no new safety signals emerged in the Oral Standard and Oral Step studies. A more detailed analysis off the data will be submitted to a future scientific meeting. 

The most common side effects of treatment with tofacitinib have included bronchitis, headache, infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious side effects in a mid-stage trial included lower levels of a type of white blood cell called neutrophils, higher cholesterol levels and increased creatinine levels.

Tofacitinib is a key developing drug for Pfizer and is also being studied as a potential treatment for psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, and renal transplant. A topical version of the drug is being studied as a psoriasis treatment and a dry eye disease treatment....

Press Release...

New research shows honey fights drug-resistant germs

In continuation of my update on antibacterial activity of honey....
New research shows honey fights drug-resistant germs

Scientists develop new compound for multiple sclerosis treatment

Scientists from the Florida campus of The Scripps Research Institute have developed the first of a new class of highly selective compounds that effectively suppresses the severity of multiple sclerosis in animal models. The new compound could provide new and potentially more effective therapeutic approaches to multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases that affect patients worldwide.

As per the claim by the researchers, SR1001, a high-affinity synthetic ligand (first in a new class of compound, that is specific to both RORα and RORγt and which inhibits T_H17 cell differentiation and function),  binds specifically to the ligand-binding domains of RORα and RORγt, inducing a conformational change within the ligand-binding domain that encompasses the repositioning of helix 12 and leads to diminished affinity for co-activators and increased affinity for co-repressors, resulting in suppression of the receptors’ transcriptional activity. SR1001 inhibited the development of murine T_H17 cells, as demonstrated by inhibition of interleukin-17A gene expression and protein production. 

Furthermore, SR1001 inhibited the expression of cytokines when added to differentiated murine or human T_H17 cells. Finally, SR1001 effectively suppressed the clinical severity of autoimmune disease in mice. These data demonstrate the feasibility of targeting the orphan receptors RORα and RORγt to inhibit specifically T_H17 cell differentiation and function, and indicate that this novel class of compound has potential utility in the treatment of autoimmune diseases.....

Ref : http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v472/n7344/full/nature10075.html

FDA panel votes in favour of Sunitib (Sutent) for pancreatic tumors....

In continuation of my update on sutent/sunitib....

 Pfizer Inc. announced this Tuesday that its oral multi-kinase inhibitor "Sutent" (see structure)  was determined as having a favourable benefit-risk profile by an oncology advisory committee of the FDA for the treatment of unresectable pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. The panel voted 8-2 in favour of Sutent – generically called Sunitib malate.

Advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour or NET, is a rare, life-threatening and difficult-to-treat form of cancer that accounts for approximately 22-28 percent of all neuroendocrine tumours. Nearly 90 percent of patients are initially diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease, or cancer that has spread to other organs. An unresectable tumour is one that cannot be removed or resected by surgery.

 More...

Sutent or sunitinib malate targets vascular endothelial growth factor receptor or VEGFR and platelet-derived growth factor receptor or PDGFR, both of which are expressed by many types of solid tumours. The two targets are involved in tumours acquiring blood vessels, oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. 

Sunitinib was approved in 2006 in the United States for treating locally advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma and for imatinib-refractory or -intolerant gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). It was approved for treating PNET in 2010 in Europe. A decision on approval is expected by the end of 2011, according to a company spokesperson....

FDA approves new targeted therapy to treat men with advanced prostate cancer..

In continuation of my update on  Abiraterone ....

We know that, Abiraterone (tradename Zytiga) is a drug currently under investigation for use in castration-resistant prostate cancer (formerly hormone-resistant or hormone-refractory prostate cancer) (prostate cancer not responding to androgen deprivation or treatment with antiandrogens). 

It blocks the formation of testosterone by inhibiting CYP17A1 (CYP450c17), an enzyme also known as 17α-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase. This enzyme is involved in the formation of DHEA and androstenedione, which may ultimately be metabolized into testosterone.This drug was initially discovered at the Institute of Cancer Research in London. 

Recently  approved abiraterone. It improves, by nearly four months, the overall survival rate of men with metastatic chemotherapy- and castration-resistant prostate cancer. Since 2005, the Prostate Cancer Foundation invested $8.2 million in over six research projects to advance independent academic research for investigating abiraterone's mechanism of action and biomarkers to predict patient response...

More....

Ohio State biophysicist disrupts cellular messages through fragment-based drug design

In continuation of my update  on FBDD..

Ohio State biophysicist disrupts cellular messages through fragment-based drug design

Maxwell Biotech, Sequella enter license agreement to commercialize SQ109 for TB treatment

In continuation of my update on drug discovery on TB...
Maxwell Biotech, Sequella enter license agreement to commercialize SQ109 for TB treatment.....