Monthly Archives: June 2012

Nano technology improves health field

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An electric and elastic mechanism has an opportunity to revolutionize the world of cancer research.

Ankit Jain, a graduate student, and Muhammad Alam, an electrical and computer engineering professor, have discovered a way to detect cancer in its early stages and personalize medicine for each individual. This possibility comes from a more sensitive biosensor called Flexure-FET.

It has two parts, Jain said. The first word, Flexure, comes from the flexibility it has, like a diving board. The second, (FET), comes from the electrical part of it.

The new sensor is combined with two, less sensitive sensor techniques to make the super sensitive sensor. An idea to mix the two came from each sensors lack of cost efficiency.

The idea for it is, Can you do something that is highly sensitive, and at the same time will be inexpensive? Alam said. (We want to make it) like the glucose monitors sold at Walmart.

According to Jains research article, electrical biosensors identify particles based on their electrical charge. Nano cantilevers locate the diseased molecules under the skins surface by measuring the mass, stiffness and/or surface stress. With the Flexure-FET including both of these abilities, Alam said early cancer detection and personalized medicine will be available in the future.

The personalized medicine looks at the main composition of protein networks that you have and the DNA sequence, Alam said. (From knowing a persons body composition) one would be able to design medicine specifically tailored for one person.

Alam used a diving board metaphor to describe the flexibility of an early cancer detection technique in regards to each persons diseased molecules.

When people jump into a swimming pool, think about that as one class of sensors, he said. If a heavy person stands on the edge of a spring board, then it will bend more, if a lighter person stands on the edge, it will bend less. We can detect molecules like that.

Alam was surprised at how the two techniques came together better than he expected.

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Nano technology improves health field

Distinguished Scholars Program launches at UH Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute

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Public release date: 1-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Janice Guhl janice.guhl@uhhospitals.org 216-844-3825 University Hospitals Case Medical Center

Cleveland, Ohio University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute has launched a new program aimed at supporting physician-scientists seeking to move their research into therapies that will improve patients' lives. Goutham Narla, MD, PhD, formerly at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, has been named the first Harrington Distinguished Scholar (Early Career Award). Dr. Narla's research includes the identification and characterization of key genes and pathways involved in human cancer development and progression, and the development of novel drugs to target these genes in various cancers.

The UH Harrington Discovery Institute, launched in February, is the not-for-profit academic medical engine of the Harrington Discovery and Development Project - a first-of-its kind, $250 million initiative that also includes a mission-aligned for-profit commercialization and development company. Aligning these entities, for the first time at an academic medical center, provides a comprehensive model to advance discoveries into development and create novel drugs and therapies for patient care.

Through the Harrington Distinguished Scholars Program, a physician-scientist is chosen to practice medicine at UH Case Medical Center and to hold a faculty position at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Physician-scientists with potential breakthroughs are able to tap into grant funding and a peer network of innovators and mentors within the UH Harrington Discovery Institute's infrastructure to support their discovery efforts. Over the next decade, the UH Harrington Discovery Institute will recruit 10-20 physician-scientists of outstanding promise and with a determined interest in advancing the treatment of patients.

"We will be bringing physician-scientists with a wide range of experience to UH Case Medical Centerthose who have already made exceptional contributions to their research field and others at the beginnings of their research and patient care careers who show extraordinary promise," said Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, the Institute's Director and Director of the Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine at UH Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Narla's research involves a previously unrecognized signaling network of genes that is disrupted in lung cancer. This network can be turned on by a novel combination of two drugs previously approved by the FDA and that may also help to regulate lung cancer progression. The research has just been published online in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, a prestigious journal for physician-scientists. The work highlights how understanding the basic mechanisms regulating cancer development and progression can lead to new uses for existing FDA approved drugs in the treatment of cancer.

"My training as a physician-scientist did not prepare me to move clinical discoveries from my laboratory toward commercialization," said Dr. Narla, a medical geneticist at UH Case Medical Center who specializes in the care of high risk cancer patients.

"The added guidance and resources that come with being a Harrington Distinguished Scholar will enable me to bring my discoveries to patients more quickly," added Dr. Narla, who is also an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Institute of Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

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Distinguished Scholars Program launches at UH Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute

Distinguished Scholars Program Launches at University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute

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CLEVELAND, June 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- University Hospitals (UH) Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute has launched a new program aimed at supporting physician-scientists seeking to move their research into therapies that will improve patients' lives. Goutham Narla, MD, PhD, formerly at The Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, has been named the first Harrington Distinguished Scholar (Early Career Award). Dr. Narla's research includes the identification and characterization of key genes and pathways involved in human cancer development and progression, and the development of novel drugs to target these genes in various cancers.

The UH Harrington Discovery Institute, launched in February, is the not-for-profit academic medical engine of the Harrington Discovery and Development Project - a first-of-its kind, $250 million initiative that also includes a mission-aligned for-profit commercialization and development company. Aligning these entities, for the first time at an academic medical center, provides a comprehensive model to advance discoveries into development and create novel drugs and therapies for patient care.

Through the Harrington Distinguished Scholars Program, a physician-scientist is chosen to practice medicine at UH Case Medical Center and to hold a faculty position at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. Physician-scientists with potential breakthroughs are able to tap into grant funding and a peer network of innovators and mentors within the UH Harrington Discovery Institute's infrastructure to support their discovery efforts. Over the next decade, the UH Harrington Discovery Institute will recruit 10-20 physician-scientists of outstanding promise and with a determined interest in advancing the treatment of patients.

"We will be bringing physician-scientists with a wide range of experience to UH Case Medical Centerthose who have already made exceptional contributions to their research field and others at the beginnings of their research and patient care careers who show extraordinary promise," said Jonathan S. Stamler, MD, the Institute's Director and Director of the Institute for Transformative Molecular Medicine at UH Case Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Narla's research involves a previously unrecognized signaling network of genes that is disrupted in lung cancer. This network can be turned on by a novel combination of two drugs previously approved by the FDA and that may also help to regulate lung cancer progression. The research has just been published online in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, a prestigious journal for physician-scientists. The work highlights how understanding the basic mechanisms regulating cancer development and progression can lead to new uses for existing FDA approved drugs in the treatment of cancer.

"My training as a physician-scientist did not prepare me to move clinical discoveries from my laboratory toward commercialization," said Dr. Narla, a medical geneticist at UH Case Medical Center who specializes in the care of high risk cancer patients.

"The added guidance and resources that come with being a Harrington Distinguished Scholar will enable me to bring my discoveries to patients more quickly," added Dr. Narla, who is also an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine, Institute of Transformative Molecular Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Scholar-Innovator Grants In addition to the Distinguished Scholar program, UH Case Medical Center has recently launched a grant competition to physician-scientists across the country. The Harrington Scholar-Innovator grants will offer to support the translation of research from laboratory to early development stages.

Up to 10 physician-scientists each year will be supported with Harrington Scholar-Innovator grants of up to $200,000 over two years. Guiding the selection of the grant winners are seven prominent physician-scientists who have recently joined the UH Harrington Discovery Institute Scientific Advisory Board, among them Dr. Stamler.

"These grants are intended to ensure that physician-scientists can advance their discoveries and their careers that are dedicated to furthering University Hospitals Case Medical Center's mission: To Heal. To Teach. To Discover," added Dr. Stamler.

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Distinguished Scholars Program Launches at University Hospitals Case Medical Center's Harrington Discovery Institute

Major announcement at MU's medical school

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(From left to right) Dr. Michael Richards, Dr. Robert Churchill, Dr. Kenneth Rall

COLUMBIA, MO -- Updated, 1:25 p.m.: Possible billing fraud in the Department of Radiology in the University of Missouri School of Medicine prompted the university to hire an outside law firm to investigate in November of last year. The U.S. Attorneys Office in Kansas City had told the university that a federal investigation was underway.

Harold A. Williamson Jr., M.D., vice chancellor of the University of Missouri Health System, announced Friday that health system officials are making substantive changes in the School of Medicines Department of Radiology as the result of an internal university investigation.

In addition, Williamson announced that Robert Churchill, M.D., dean of the School of Medicine, has officially announced his plans to retire and will leave the university in October.

"As the result of our investigation, we believe that two radiologists, Dr. Kenneth Rall and Dr. Michael Richards, violated Medicare and hospital rules by certifying that they had performed services that were actually performed by resident physicians," Williamson said.

"We were shocked and disappointed to learn about this, because any kind of fraud is entirely inconsistent with our health systems values, our mission, and our commitment to patient care," said Williamson, who has served as a physician at MU for 30 years, including 10 years as chair of MUs nationally recognized Department of Family and Community Medicine.

Williamson said the top concern of health system officials throughout the investigation was the possible impact on patients.

"Although we are in the early stages of the investigation, we have reviewed millions of lines of computer data and conducted lengthy interviews with many medical professionals. Thus far we have found no evidence that patient care was compromised," Williamson said.

Health system officials made the preliminary findings public today because "the finding of fraudulent billings was troubling enough that we felt we needed to act immediately," Williamson said.

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Major announcement at MU's medical school

What a Surprise? You Hold the Key to Longevity

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Essentially, you can to a good degree will yourself healthier. Think yourself timeless. Scientific research to date asserts that the secret to a long life may be linked to your personality. Are you living in chronic stress or do you let perceived insults slide off as though you massaged olive oil on your body?

A study (May 2012) in the Journal Aging analyzes people who lived 100 years or more in relatively good health. The common denominator for all the participants is a positive outlook, an authentic cheerful demeanor. Nir Barzilai of Albert Einstein Medical College while focusing on the genetic reason for longevity, interestingly enough became aware that hopeful feelings and resilient thoughts contribute too. In fact, past scientific research has claimed that chronic stress shortens DNA telomeres and shorter telomeres are a concrete marker for accelerated aging.

Dr. Albert Levy, MD, a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York explained to me during a radio interview that throughout the years he has observed that his healthiest patients have the happiest demeanors. Happiness and optimism boost the immune system to function at peak performance. Perhaps, happy people take better care of themselves too.

6 Steps To extend your life journey and make it joyous. Now, step on it!

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What a Surprise? You Hold the Key to Longevity

What Are the Roots of Gender Inequality? Women's Rights, Race and Reproduction

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Newswise Throughout history, women have faced intense discriminationfrom a lack of legal rights and very little independence from their husbands, to being thought to have inferior brains. In many societies, women have long been viewed as less than fully human.

American society has come a long way in recognizing and protecting womens humanity and human rights. However, women will always be fundamentally different than men because of their ability to bear children. We are reminded of this by current political debates concerning abortion and contraception, which some have called a war on women.

What are the roots of gender inequality? How have the challenges faced by women changed over time? Sally Kitch, an Regents Professor of Women and Gender Studies at Arizona State University, has spent many years exploring the reasons why the world sees men and women so differently. To find answers, she has explored questions ranging from the gendered origins of race to American utopian communities.

The intersection of race and gender Kitch, who is also the director of ASUs Institute for Humanities Research, a research unit in ASU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, covered 300 years of history tracing the connection between gender and race in her book, The Specter of Sex: Gendered Foundations of Racial Formation in the United States (State University of New York Press, 2009). She discovered that gender inequities have been central to societies for centuries, but race is a very modern idea.

One thing we know about race is that it doesnt exist. Its not a biological category, Kitch says. Some believe that groups of people who share similar physiological characteristics constitute races, but race is really a system imposed by historical, cultural and political processes, Kitch says. Genetically speaking, a black and white person may have more in common than two people of the same race. How, then, did race become so significant?

European explorers of the sixteenth century noticed differences like skin color when they encountered natives of other continents, but they were even more interested in the unfamiliar sexual and reproductive practices of other cultures, Kitch says.

The Europeans thought that cultures in which men and women werent that different in terms of their behavior or appearance were uncivilized, Kitch says. Marriage customs, sexual practices, and even whether or not women experienced pain during childbirth (it was considered more civilized to feel pain) were all important distinctions used to disparage certain groups and, eventually, define races.

That gave me the insight that racial characteristics really evolved on the basis of comparative gender characteristics, Kitch says. My work provides the backstory of the concept of intersectionality by showing how race and gender judgments evolved together and influenced one another.

Differences in gender behavior also served as Europeans justification for using slavery to further their own economic interests. When Europeans began to enslave Africans, they didnt start with their skin color to explain why, Kitch says. Instead, they used observations on sexual behavior and religious practices to decide the African culture was inferior.

A history of discrimination To understand how gender continued to influence race over time, Kitch traced five racial groups in the U.S. from the Colonial period to the mid-20th century American Indians, African-Americans, Latinos, Asian-Americans and European whites. After exploring the roots of racial formation, she focused on the categories of bodies, blood and citizenship, finding evidence that gender and sex were foundations of racial judgment throughout the centuries.

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What Are the Roots of Gender Inequality? Women's Rights, Race and Reproduction

'Jack Spratt' diabetes gene identified

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ScienceDaily (June 1, 2012) Type 2 diabetes is popularly associated with obesity and a sedentary lifestyle. However, just as there are obese people without type 2 diabetes, there are lean people with the disease.

It has long been hypothesised that type 2 diabetes in lean people is more 'genetically driven'. A new study from a research team led by the Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry (PCMD), University of Exeter, which involved research institutions from around the world, has for the first time proved that lean type 2 diabetes patients have a larger genetic disposition to the disease than their obese counterparts. The study has also identified a new genetic factor associated only with lean diabetes sufferers.

The study is published in PLoS Genetics.

Using genetic data from genome-wide association studies, the research team tested genetic markers across the genome in approximately 5,000 lean patients with type 2 diabetes, 13,000 obese patients with the disease and 75,000 healthy controls.

The team found differences in genetic enrichment between lean and obese cases, which support the hypothesis that lean diabetes sufferers have a greater genetic predisposition to the disease. This is in contrast to obese patients with type 2 diabetes, where factors other than type 2 diabetes genes are more likely to be responsible. In addition, genetic variants near the gene, LAMA1, were linked to type 2 diabetes risk for the first time, with an effect that appeared only in the lean patients.

Dr. John Perry, one of the lead authors of the study, said: "Whenever a new disease gene is found, there is always the potential for it to be used as a drug target for new therapies or as a biomarker, but more work is needed to see whether or not this new gene has that potential."

He added: "This is the first time that a type 2 diabetes gene has been found to act in this way -- we do not know why it should be associated in one sub-group of patients and not another. It could point to the fact that type 2 diabetes may not be one disease, but may represent a number of subgroups. Again, more work is required to prove this hypothesis."

Dr. Perry concluded: "This study is a truly international one, bringing together research teams from around the world and leading UK institutions such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, King's College London, the University of Dundee and the University of Edinburgh."

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'Jack Spratt' diabetes gene identified

Boston College chemistry center evacuated after spill

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A Boston College grad student was transported to a local hospital after he came in contact with a powerful chemical that spilled on his skin and clothing and emitted an odor that led authorities to evacuate a Beacon Street facility this morning.

Boston firefighters and BC police cleared students and staff from the Merkert Chemistry Center where a student researcher spilled a chemical called piperidine, said Ed Hayward, spokesman for the college.

The researcher was removing the chemical in a container from a packing box. The container broke and might have been cracked, Hayward told the Herald. The chemical spilled on his hands and clothing, but he used the labs decontamination facility to rinse the chemical off.

Members of BCs chemistry department along with Boston College police followed protocol to ensure the students safety as the Boston Fire Department hazmat unit got on scene and cleared the building because of the chemicals strong odor.

The powerful chemical piperidine is a very common organic compound used in chemistry research, said Hayward, adding that no one else was affected by the spill.

The student researcher was transported to Beth Israel Medical Center as a precaution. Authorities said he didnt suffer any life-threatening injuries.

The fire department has mostly cleared the scene, and the building is expected to reopen later this afternoon.

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Boston College chemistry center evacuated after spill

VeruTEK®, an Environmental Remediation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Chemistry Provider, to Webcast Presentation at Ardour …

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NEW YORK & BLOOMFIELD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

VeruTEK Technologies, Inc., (OTC Pink: VTKT), a developer and manufacturer of patented Green Chemistry solutions for environmental remediation and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) applications announced today that its CEO Dan Socci will present at the 10th Annual Ardour Capital Energy Technology Conference on Friday, June 8th at 12:15 pm ET. The presentation will be webcast live and available online for replay.

Mr. Socci will also be available for one-on-one meetings earlier in the day. The conference, which is for institutional clients of Ardour, is being held in New York, NY.

Webcast Live/Replay: http://wsw.com/webcast/ardour3/vtkt/ or http://www.verutek.com

Presentation Slides: http://www.verutek.com/investors

About Ardour Capital Investments, LLC (www.ardourcapital.com)

Ardour Capital is a New York City-based, full service investment banking and brokerage firm and founder of the Ardour Global Alternative Energy Indexes, a family of pure-play alternative energy indexes. Ardour is focused on small capitalization growth companies in the Clean and Renewable Technologies, Alternative Energy and Power, and Energy Technology sectors. Its services include corporate finance, business strategy, equity research, investment banking, raising capital, corporate branding, trading, and brokerage.

About VeruTEK Technologies, Inc. (www.verutek.com)

VeruTEK is a green chemistry company with a new, field-proven approach to addressing difficult environmental issues. The company has developed innovative, patented, time-controlled chemistry to deliver safe, high performing and lower cost solutions. VeruTEK's technology platform addresses a broad range of applications including soil/ groundwater remediation and enhanced oil recovery as well as industrial cleaning products for surface cleanup of oil spills and PCB contamination. VeruTEK is publicly traded under the symbol VTKT.

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VeruTEK®, an Environmental Remediation and Enhanced Oil Recovery Chemistry Provider, to Webcast Presentation at Ardour ...

BC chemistry lab evacuated after graduate assistant is exposed to dangerous chemical

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By Alli Knothe, Globe Correspondent

A graduate assistant in the Boston College chemistry department was taken to a local hospital after he came in contact with a dangerous chemical this morning that forced officials to evacuate the building, authorities said.

The man was unpacking a box in a chemistry laboratory when he was exposed to a chemical that had spilled in the box. It was exposed to his skin and clothing, said Ed Hayward, spokesman for the school.

The man decontaminated himself using facilities in the building and was later transported to a local hospital, authorities said.

A Boston Fire Department Hazmat team responded to the scene and has evacuated the Merkert Chemistry Center at 2609 Beacon St.

It is unclear how many people were in the building at the time.

Hayward also reported that all students are safe and there is no immediate threat to the school.

The exposure did not cause life-threatening injuries for the man, he said. He could not identify the chemical.

Boston Fire spokesman Steve MacDonald said the chemical was identified as Piperdine.

No further information was immediately available.

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BC chemistry lab evacuated after graduate assistant is exposed to dangerous chemical

Jermichael Finley Aaron Rodgers bad chemistry on Green Bay Packers 060112

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GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Jermichael Finley believes he's ready to take his game to the next level, but there's one issue standing in the way of that happening for the Packers' talented young tight end: a lack of chemistry with quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

Finley admits he struggled getting on the same page last season with the league's MVP.

"I'm not blaming it on my offseason, but me and the QB didn't have chemistry," Finley said this week after a Packers OTA practice. "The routes were off sometimes, and that'll mess with your head when the ball comes."

Finley led Green Bay in drops with 12, the most among NFL tight ends. With his 55 receptions last season, that put Finley's drop rate at 17.91 percent. According to ProFootballFocus.com, the only player in the league with a higher drop rate was Cleveland Browns rookie wide receiver Greg Little.

Despite the drops, Finley is an elite athlete who just turned 25 and appears to have the ability to become a dominating force on offense. It was with that in mind that the Packers gave Finley a two-year, $15 million extension this offseason.

"Catching comes second-nature to me," Finley said. "All I've got to do is focus a little bit more. I know I can catch the ball. I know I'm going to catch the ball this year for sure I'm going to catch it.

"I feel like I've been playing like a robot lately. I just need to get out there and freestyle it: Play fast, not count my steps, not worrying about how the defense is playing me or what the defense is doing and just 'do me.' If I do me, it can take my game to the next level.

"That's where I struggle. I get out there and think too much. If you go out there with too much on your head, it can mess up your game."

Finley missed the majority of Green Bay's Super-Bowl winning year in 2010 after suffering a season-ending knee injury in Week 5.During his 2011contract year, Finley wanted to have a healthy season to prove that his knees wouldn't be an issue moving forward, but those lingering thoughts did have a negative effect on his play.

"Every time somebody got around my legs, I was like, Watch out,' " Finley said. "I was thinking about that next injury. I can say it was because of the injury last year, for sure.

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Jermichael Finley Aaron Rodgers bad chemistry on Green Bay Packers 060112

Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh Finally Speaks About Her Heartbreaking Exit

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MORE: First Look: The Mob Doctor

"Earlier this year, I made the decision that season eight would be my last onGrey's Anatomy. I met with Shonda and we worked together to give Lexie's story appropriate closure. I am very lucky to have worked with this amazing cast and crew for five seasons. My experience onGrey's Anatomyis something that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I want to take this time to say thank you to the fans. Your unconditional love and support have made these last five years very special for me. I look forward to my next chapter and I hope you will continue to follow me on my journey."

After the finale aired and the screen faded to black, Shonda took toTwitterto confirm that both Lexie and Teddy would not be returning next season.

"This finale was incredibly hard to write. I did not enjoy it. It made me sick and it made me sad. We end the season not knowing ANYTHING about the future. Except for two things. We know we are definitely saying goodbye to two of my favorite people: Chyler Leigh (Lexie) andKim Raver(Teddy)."

She continued:

"I love Chyler and I love the character of Lexie Grey. She was an important member of my Grey's family. This was not an easy decision. But it was a decision that Chyler and I came to together. We had a lot of thoughtful discussion about it and ultimately we both decided this was the right time for her character's journey to end. As far as I'm concerned Chyler will always remain a part of the Shondaland family and I can't wait to work with her again in the future."

Feel better, Lexie fans? Or will no kind words from Chyler close the wounds caused by her heartwrenching death in the finale?

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Grey's Anatomy's Chyler Leigh Finally Speaks About Her Heartbreaking Exit

Cynapsus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Recent Developments

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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - May 30, 2012) - Cynapsus Therapeutics Inc. (CTH.V - News), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing an improved dosing formulation of an approved drug used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, today announced its results for the three months ended March 31, 2012. Unless specified otherwise, all amounts are in Canadian dollars.

"In the first quarter our team continued to make significant progress on our lead drug candidate, APL-130277," said Anthony Giovinazzo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cynapsus. "In particular, the first quarter was highlighted by the announcement of the completion of the first human clinical trial for APL-130277. Building on this success, we remain focused on the completion of a second dose escalation study in the next 60-90 days, as well as preparations for an Investigational New Drug Application to the US FDA for a clinical BioEquivalence study later in the year. The BEQ study is the next critical de-risking milestone that we believe will drive significant shareholder value."

Financial Highlights

Recent Developments

The following achievements were made during the quarter:

Cynapsus Completed the First Human Volunteer Pilot Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial For APL-130277. On January 10, 2012, Cynapsus announced positive headline data from its recently completed human volunteer pilot proof-of-concept trial for APL-130277, a sublingual thin film strip formulation of apomorphine. The study showed a pharmacokinetic (PK) profile that compared favorably to injected apomorphine with a mean T-max of 25 minutes and good tolerability, and therefore confirms that APL-130277 has the potential to treat motor fluctuations or "off episodes" in Parkinson's disease. This was a significant milestone and de-risking event for the project.

Cynapsus Obtained Independent Research Coverage. In February 2012, the Company announced that Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon Limited ("LOM") initiated analyst coverage of the Company. LOM's biotech analyst initiation of research coverage provides further independent opinion and view of the strengths, risks and commercial potential of APL-130277.

Cynapsus Added an Additional Expert to the Clinical Advisory Board ("CAB"). During the quarter, Management initiated a search for new CAB candidates that have extensive experience in the clinical management of Parkinson's patients. In April 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced that it has appointed Dr. Abraham Lieberman to the CAB. Dr. Lieberman is the current Director of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and Movement Disorder Clinic of the Barrow Neurological Institute at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.

Cynapsus Initiated Discussions to Strengthen the Board of Directors. During the quarter, the Board initiated a search for new Board candidates. In May 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Company announced that Dr. Perry Molinoff, Dr. Thomas Picone, and Anthony Giovinazzo, were named as candidates to join its Board of Directors at the May 30, 2012 Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders. Mr. Giovinazzo and Dr. Molinoff were nominated and elected to the Board at the meeting held earlier in the day, along with Mr. Ronald Hosking, Dr. Julia Levy, Dr. Alan Ryley, Ms. Rochelle Stenzler and Mr. Alan Torrie. Dr. Picone was not nominated today for personal reasons, however his candidacy is still in process and he may join the Board of Directors in the next three months, subject to Board and Exchange approval.

Cynapsus Commenced Work on the Second Human Volunteer Pilot Proof-of-Concept Clinical Trial For APL-130277. During the quarter, the Company began work on a second Phase 1 healthy human volunteer pilot study to provide additional insights related to a two dose comparison, as well as some minor changes to the prototype composition. This pilot study commenced in May 2012, subsequent to the end of the quarter, with results expected to be announced in July or August 2012.

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Cynapsus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Recent Developments

Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

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State Rep. John Robinson (D-Scottsboro) said on Thursday he is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Robinson said he was diagnosed in January, shortly before the start of the 2012 Alabama Legislative Session.

"I'm on medication," said Robinson. "It's not a death sentence. It's treatable, but not curable."

Currently serving his fifth term in office after first being elected in 1994, Robinson said he only missed two days of the legislative session this year.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination.

Robinson said he's had no problems with shaking.

"It gets my voice," he said. "And my coordination when I'm walking."

Robinson said he is going this summer to see a special neurologist in Chicago, one who has treated Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox.

Robinson, who retired from the Jackson County District Attorney's Office after entering politics, will complete 20 years in office when his current term ends. His five terms as state representative is the most for a person from Jackson County.

"I'm proud of that," he said.

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Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease

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State Rep. John Robinson (D-Scottsboro) said on Thursday he is in the early stages of Parkinson's Disease.

Robinson said he was diagnosed in January, shortly before the start of the 2012 Alabama Legislative Session.

"I'm on medication," said Robinson. "It's not a death sentence. It's treatable, but not curable."

Currently serving his fifth term in office after first being elected in 1994, Robinson said he only missed two days of the legislative session this year.

Parkinson's Disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It leads to shaking (tremors) and difficulty with walking, movement and coordination.

Robinson said he's had no problems with shaking.

"It gets my voice," he said. "And my coordination when I'm walking."

Robinson said he is going this summer to see a special neurologist in Chicago, one who has treated Muhammed Ali and Michael J. Fox.

Robinson, who retired from the Jackson County District Attorney's Office after entering politics, will complete 20 years in office when his current term ends. His five terms as state representative is the most for a person from Jackson County.

"I'm proud of that," he said.

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Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson's

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KUSA - If you or someone you know has Parkinson's disease (PD) you are not alone. In the United States, as many as 60,000 cases of PD are diagnosed each year. Our morning show devoted a full call-in to the topic on Thursday.

We had Parkinson's disease specialists in our information center, along with the President of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.

The experts say (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. What this means is that individuals with PD will be living with PD for twenty years or more from the time of diagnosis.

While Parkinson's disease itself is not fatal, the Center for Disease Control rated complications from the disease as the 14th top cause of death in the United States. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's; however, there are treatments that help control the symptoms of PD and can give those afflicted with it, a good quality of life.

Learn more by visiting:http://www.parkinsonrockies.org/

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson's

Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson’s

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KUSA - If you or someone you know has Parkinson's disease (PD) you are not alone. In the United States, as many as 60,000 cases of PD are diagnosed each year. Our morning show devoted a full call-in to the topic on Thursday.

We had Parkinson's disease specialists in our information center, along with the President of the Parkinson Association of the Rockies.

The experts say (PD) is a neurodegenerative brain disorder that progresses slowly in most people. What this means is that individuals with PD will be living with PD for twenty years or more from the time of diagnosis.

While Parkinson's disease itself is not fatal, the Center for Disease Control rated complications from the disease as the 14th top cause of death in the United States. There is currently no cure for Parkinson's; however, there are treatments that help control the symptoms of PD and can give those afflicted with it, a good quality of life.

Learn more by visiting:http://www.parkinsonrockies.org/

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Original post:
Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson's

Methylphenidate for gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing subthalamic …

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This multicentre, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial was done in 13 movement disorders departments in France between October, 2009, and December, 2011. Eligible patients were younger than 80 years and had Parkinson's disease, severe gait disorders, and freezing of gate despite optimised treatment of motor fluctuations with dopaminergic drugs and subthalamic stimulation. We randomly assigned patients (1:1 with a computer random-number generator in blocks of four) to receive methylphenidate (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo capsules for 90 days. Patients, their carers, study staff, investigators, and data analysts were masked to treatment allocation. To control for confounding effects of levodopa we assessed patients under standardised conditions with an acute levodopa challenge. Our primary outcome was a change in the number of steps during the stand-walk-sit (SWS) test without levodopa. We compared the respective mean numbers of steps at day 90 in the methylphenidate and placebo groups in a covariance analysis and adjusted for baseline differences. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00914095.

Read more from the original source:
Methylphenidate for gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing subthalamic ...

Methylphenidate for gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with Parkinson’s disease undergoing subthalamic …

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This multicentre, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial was done in 13 movement disorders departments in France between October, 2009, and December, 2011. Eligible patients were younger than 80 years and had Parkinson's disease, severe gait disorders, and freezing of gate despite optimised treatment of motor fluctuations with dopaminergic drugs and subthalamic stimulation. We randomly assigned patients (1:1 with a computer random-number generator in blocks of four) to receive methylphenidate (1 mg/kg per day) or placebo capsules for 90 days. Patients, their carers, study staff, investigators, and data analysts were masked to treatment allocation. To control for confounding effects of levodopa we assessed patients under standardised conditions with an acute levodopa challenge. Our primary outcome was a change in the number of steps during the stand-walk-sit (SWS) test without levodopa. We compared the respective mean numbers of steps at day 90 in the methylphenidate and placebo groups in a covariance analysis and adjusted for baseline differences. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00914095.

Read more from the original source:
Methylphenidate for gait hypokinesia and freezing in patients with Parkinson's disease undergoing subthalamic ...

Big Bets on MS

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Yesterday was World MS Day, designated to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis. Sanofi launched a program to mobilize and inspire people with MS called Everyday Matters. Biogen Idec, among other things, conducted an essay competition in Japan for stories from people living with MS. Acorda Therapeutics (Nasdaq: ACOR) launched an online talk show.

Cute marketing gimmicks -- especially the talk show -- but in the big picture, none of it matters all that much for sales. Ultimately, efficacy and safety will rule.

CRABs Teva Pharmaceuticals' (Nasdaq: TEVA) Copaxone, Rebif -- marketed by Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) and Merck KgaA -- Biogen's Avonex, and Bayer's Betaseron are the oldies-but-goodies for multiple sclerosis. They're not exceptionally effective -- they certainly don't cure MS -- but doctors will continue to use them because they do delay the progression of MS and doctors have lots of experience with them.

We should throw Novartis' (NYSE: NVS) Extavia into the mix here since it's the same drug as Betaseron sold under a different label after each pharma bought the biotechs that had rights to Betaseron.

Stratifying riskBiogen and Elan's (NYSE: ELN) Tysabri works better than the older medications, but it has a distinct disadvantage: the potential for an often-fatal brain infection called progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, or PML.

Tysabri doesn't cause PML directly. That honor goes to the JC virus. Tysabri just helps the normally harmless virus do its dirty work. While keeping the immune system from attacking the patient's own cells, Tysabri also discourages the immune system from attacking the JC virus.

The JC virus is present in about half of patients. If it isn't floating around dormant in the body, it can't cause PML. So Biogen and Elan developed an assay to detect the JC virus. The assay has only been on the market for a short time, but it seems to be helping the companies capture patients earlier in their disease progression, which should help increase sales.

Needle-freeThe second generation of multiple sclerosis drugs are taken orally. Novartis' Gilenya was the first on the market, but it hasn't been a hot seller because of safety concerns.

Biogen's BG-12, Teva's laquinimod, and Sanofi's teriflunomide have all completed phase 3 trials, and it looks like BG-12 is the winner. Biogen recently submitted the drug to the Food and Drug Administration, so a decision should be made near the end of the year.

Like Gilenya, I'd expect BG-12 to have a slow start. MS is a progressive disease that isn't immediately life-threatening for most patients, so there's little reason for most patients to be guinea pigs. Doctors will likely start with patients that have a strong aversion to needles to get a feel for the drug before prescribing it to a wider audience.

Originally posted here:
Big Bets on MS