Monthly Archives: September 2012

China warned on nano-safety

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China has been urged to carry out extensive safety studies and tighten regulation of its thriving nanotechnology industry to reassure countries importing nano-goods that there are no health risks associated with exposure to such materials.

Nanotechnology involves the control of atoms and molecules to create new materials with a potentially huge range of applications, from use in medicine to cosmetics and even food products.

However, concerns have been raised about the toxicity of such products given the unique chemical structure of nanoparticles one nanometre is one-billionth of a metre.

Zhao Yuliang, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of Sciences National Centre for Nano-science and Technology (NCNST), told a conference on nanotoxicology earlier this month that researchers in China need to heed these concerns, Nature reported.

We certainly dont want safety issues to become a trade barrier for nano-based products, he said. The main challenge is to tease out what characteristics make some nanoparticles hazardous.

China now has more patents in nanotechnology than Europe or the US, but only three per cent of its growing investment in the field is being spent on safety studies about half that spent in the US, Nature said.

Researchers are particularly worried about nanoparticles that can be absorbed into the body through food products or cosmetics, or those that workers may be exposed to.

The Chinese public is apparently not too concerned, according to a recent survey by Dalian University of Technology, but perhaps they should be, given Chinas track record on product safety, regulatory enforcement and workplace safety.

One of the most famous of numerous food scandals came in 2008, when Sanlu Group and other major dairy firms were found to have added melamine to their milk and infant formula products killing six babies and injuring hundreds of thousands more.

Nanotechnology has been linked in the past to lung damage and was blamed in 2009 for the deaths of two workers at a Beijing printing works.

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China warned on nano-safety

CMU receives approval from Higher Learning Commission to grant doctor of medicine degrees

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MOUNT PLEASANT, MI Central Michigan Universitys medical school continues to move forward, and now has approval from the Higher Learning Commission.

The commissions approval of the College of Medicines degree means CMU can offer and grant doctor of medicine degrees.

The College of Medicine will open in summer 2013 with its first class of 60 students.

The college has received 1,972 applications. Admissions are open until Dec. 15.

The approval includes access to Title IV funding and allows CMU medical school students to apply for federal financial aid and receive full financial aid packages.

This is a positive step in the recruitment of the first class of medical students, providing the opportunity for them to receive their financial aid packages right away upon being accepted to the college, said Claudia Douglass, interim vice provost for academic affairs.

The Higher Learning Commission Institutional Actions Council will conduct a site visit in the 2013-14 school year to CMUs College of Medicine to assess the programs quality.

CMU Medical Education Partners, which includes both hospitals, will manage five residency programs, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, surgery and plan a sixth in psychiatry.

The Saginaw medical school locations for clinical education will be at 600 Irving near Covenant and at Hoyt and South Franklin near St. Marys.

The hospitals are expected to contribute more than $16 million to graduate medical education.

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CMU receives approval from Higher Learning Commission to grant doctor of medicine degrees

U-M Medical School to host service in memory of anatomical gift donors

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The University of Michigan Medical School will be honoring those that have donated their bodies to science in a memorial service 6 p.m. Wednesday at Rackham Auditorium in Ann Arbor.

The ceremony includes remarks by medical students for the families of those who have given anatomical gifts to medical education and research, and usually is attended by about 1,000 people, said Dean Mueller, coordinator of the Anatomical Donations Program at U-M.

University of Michigan Medical School students hand flowers to family members of anatomical gift donors during a memorial service in 2007. The school's annual memorial service is 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Courtesy of U-M

The Medical School receives about 300 anatomical gifts per year, and has been hosting the memorial ceremony annually in September since the first anatomical gift donations to the university were recorded in 1817 - before the formation of the medical school.

About 7,000 people have pre-registered to donate their bodies to the program, Mueller said. The next of kin also can determine if they want to donate a body to the program.

Med students wear their white lab coats during the ceremony and are able to connect with the families of the people who donated their bodies. The students also are very involved with the planning and execution of the event, Mueller said.

Theres sadness and laughter, and a great appreciation for what goes on, Mueller said.

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U-M Medical School to host service in memory of anatomical gift donors

Medical School to Augustinian Order unanimously

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On Wednesday after noon the National Audit Office Accounts Committee approved unanimously a parliamentary resolution to transfer the Medical School site at Guardamangia to the Augustinian Order to use it as a primary school for 400 children. Both government and Opposition MPs sitting on the committee voted in favour and so there is no need for parliament to debate and pass this motion in a plenary session.

The parliamentary resolution passes the Medical School site to the Augustinian order on lease for 99 years for 1,000 a year as rent. Sports and other educational facilities can be developed on the site and even the 2,177 sq m car park in front of the Medical School building can be made use of by the school.

The Augustinian Order is committing itself to spend at least 1,000,000 on the primary school project and that the work on it will start within 10 weeks of the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) issuing the necessary permits.

In exchange for the Medical School site, the Augustinian Order will transfer to government the site on which they were going to build the primary school for a lease of 99 years at 900 per year. Government will pass back this land to the Order on condition that no development is carried out on it and the residents living in the area will not have their view blocked by any building.

After working hard for more than three years on a new primary school for St Augustines College, MEPA last February turned down the application by five votes to four and wanted the extension to have two and not three floors as planned, making the whole project too small and costly to be viable. On 9 February 2012 the Prime Minister was given a petition signed by parents after the students of the school, parents and teachers met near the War Monument in Floriana and walked to Castille.

Neighbours of the college had objecting to the project as the new building would block their view and devalue their property.

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Medical School to Augustinian Order unanimously

'Parenthood's' Jason Katims, Monica Potter on Kristina's Life-Altering News and the Journey Ahead

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NBC

"Parenthood's" Monica Potter and Peter Krause

[Warning: This story contains spoilers from the second episode of Parenthood's fourth season.]

NBC's Parenthood delivered an emotional blow unlike any other in the series' three seasons Tuesday.

While still adjusting to Haddie (Sarah Ramos) going off to college, Adam (Peter Krause) and Kristina (Monica Potter) were confronted with their own mortality during "Left Field," the second episode ofits brand-new fourth season Tuesday.

Breast cancer.

"My wife went through it a couple years ago and it's a story that I've been, in the back of my mind, wanting to tell," showrunner Jason Katims tells The Hollywood Reporter, noting he felt the same trepidation when mulling whether or not to include another personal story, Max's Asperger's, into the NBC family drama. "We ultimately decided this was a story we could tell in a unique way and that it would be something that would be a very emotional and poignant story with many positive moments, too."

STORY: 'Parenthood' EP Previews First-Year Marriage Woes, Beauty of Adoption and Matt Lauria in Season 4

While the EP was discussing the then-potential story line with his producing partners, he received a call from Potter, who had just gone in for her first-ever mammogram and wound up contacting Katims to suggest the show explore a breast cancer story line for Kristina.

"I had to go for a mammogram -- my first mammogram ever -- and It was really scary and I didnt know what to expect," Potter tells THR. "I reached out to Jason and said, 'I got a little scare. I think I'm fine but what if we talked about Kristina having breast cancer?' I e-mailed him and within the hour, he e-mailed me back and said, 'I have the chills as we just broke that story for Kristina for this season.'"

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'Parenthood's' Jason Katims, Monica Potter on Kristina's Life-Altering News and the Journey Ahead

Valley chemistry students are without full-time teacher

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WAYNE - The 2012-2013 school year is in full swing for most, but for some students in a sophomore chemistry class at Wayne Valley High School it appears to be at an impasse where students are still without a full-time teacher.

It seems the district is in the process of hiring a new teacher after a candidate they had chosen for an unknown reason withdrew their name. Officials say the search started in June upon learning that the current teacher was taking maternity leave starting Sept. 1. And since that time, a substitute has been filling in, but has not been doing a sufficient job according to one parent.

"The substitute told my son's class that he cannot teach them chemistry as he is not a chemistry teacher. He was also told by the substitute that the teacher would not be returning for five or six months. The kids are being baby-sat, not taught," parent Lisa Rosen told Wayne Today.

Despite what's being reported, according to Superintendent Ray Gonzalez, there is curriculum in place for all courses and is readily available for substitutes.

"Administrators are actively involved in managing the situation," Gonzalez said in a statement, "to ensure that the students' learning experience is supported."

WVHS Principal Robert Reis, via a committee, will be reviewing resumes and conducting interviews, and present who he feels is the best suited candidate to the superintendent.

"This must be fixed immediately. My child's education is at stake. While other students are learning chemistry, my child is sitting in his class and twiddling his thumbs. Chemistry is not an extra-curricular activity," Rosen said.

Gonzalez, in addition, encourages district parents or guardians with questions about development within the school system to reach out to the building principal, who will provide reassurance that their child's educational interests are being addressed.

Rosen added, "Wayne used to be known for its fine educational system. This is something a 'PR' firm cannot fix."

Email: wintersd@northjersey.com

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Valley chemistry students are without full-time teacher

New Market Forecasts Available for Critical Global Biotechnology Testing and Screening Markets: Molecular Diagnostics …

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FARMINGTON, Conn., Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- Global Information Inc. is the source for global biotechnology testing and screening markets and sales forecasts, strategic supplier profiles and competitive assessments. Four newly-released reports by Venture Planning Group provide global molecular diagnostics market forecasts; strategic profiles of emerging nucleic acid testing suppliers; marketing tactics used by hematology and flow cytometry suppliers; new products in the clinical chemistry testing R&D pipeline; and more.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120919/CG77606)

For more information regarding sales forecasts and strategic profiles of leading biotechnology equipment suppliers or to preview samples of the full reports, please visit the link corresponding to the market of interest:

World Clinical Chemistry Testing Market

The report presents strategic profiles of current and emerging suppliers of clinical chemistry and immunodiagnostic products, including their sales, market shares, product portfolios, marketing tactics, technological know-how, new products in R&D, collaborative arrangements and business strategies.

World Molecular Diagnostics Market

This report provides a worldwide overview of the molecular diagnostics market, including estimates of facilities performing DNA sequencing and molecular diagnostic testing, as well as test volume and sales forecasts by country.

World Hematology and Flow Cytometry Markets

Competitive Assessments, global market structure, business environment, and global market size and growth forecasts for hematology and flow cytometry.

World Nucleic Acid Testing Market

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New Market Forecasts Available for Critical Global Biotechnology Testing and Screening Markets: Molecular Diagnostics ...

U.S. Biotechnology Versus Global Pharmaceutical Stocks: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough …

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67 WALL STREET, New York - September 19, 2012 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. This special feature contains expert industry commentary through in-depth interviews with public company CEOs, Equity Analysts and Money Managers. The full issue is available by calling (212) 952-7433 or via The Wall Street Transcript Online.

Topics covered: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Valuations - Oncology Drug Development - Orphan Drugs - FDA Approval Process - Reimbursement Trends

Companies include: Celgene Corporation (CELG), Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (REGN), Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ONXX), United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR), Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA), Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (SNTA), Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL), Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ISIS) and many others.

In the following excerpt from the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report, an experienced research analyst discusses his methods for determining equity value for investors:

TWST: You prefer U.S. biotech stocks relative to U.S. pharma stocks. Please tell us your reasons for that view.

Dr. Birchenough: If you look over the last several years, the valuations for U.S. biotech stocks have contracted substantially, where if we look at valuation relative to forward earnings, the valuations are pretty close between U.S. biotech and U.S. pharma. But with U.S. biotech, what you get that you don't get with U.S. pharma is a more sustainable growth pattern for legacy products. We don't see the patent cliffs that we see for large pharma, you see better pricing power outside the U.S. and bigger opportunities for international growth, and we think you see a greater degree of innovation, which ultimately is what drives value. And the bottom line is we think there are higher barriers to entry that are established by large U.S. biotech companies than we see with large pharma.

TWST: What are some of the most exciting new drugs or technologies coming out of your companies investors would want to be aware of?

Dr. Birchenough: I think the biggest things thematically that we're seeing from a technology perspective is continued focus on molecular diagnostics guiding molecular therapeutics in oncology, in particular. And so what we're starting to see is companies succeeding at identifying key drivers of cancer-cell growth, identifying with diagnostics what those drivers are, and targeting those patients specifically with highly effective drugs. This is an area that we think we're going to continue to see growth in and where most of the oncology studies that are starting right now are being done with molecular diagnostics and better-characterized patients and more targeted drugs targeted at these oncogenic drivers of disease.

TWST: What are some of the industry-specific metrics you use to evaluate biotech and pharma companies investors in the space should also be sure to understand and analyze?

Dr. Birchenough: I think when you look at the U.S. biotech group and you're trying to figure out where to invest, I think you want to look at the maturity of the company - whether they're preclinical, whether they're development stage, Phase I through Phase III, whether they're commercial safe. I think you want to look at how well they understand their drugs, how well characterized the drugs are in earlier-stage development because, historically, companies have not spent enough time characterizing the drugs well enough and have ended up running into toxicity problems later in development.

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U.S. Biotechnology Versus Global Pharmaceutical Stocks: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough ...

U.S. Biotechnology Stock Valuation Methodology: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough, Managing …

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67 WALL STREET, New York - September 19, 2012 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. This special feature contains expert industry commentary through in-depth interviews with public company CEOs, Equity Analysts and Money Managers. The full issue is available by calling (212) 952-7433 or via The Wall Street Transcript Online.

Topics covered: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Valuations - Oncology Drug Development - Orphan Drugs - FDA Approval Process - Reimbursement Trends

Companies include: Celgene Corporation (CELG), Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (REGN), Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ONXX), United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR), Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA), Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (SNTA), Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL), Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ISIS) and many others.

In the following excerpt from the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report, an experienced research analyst discusses his methods for determining equity value for investors:

TWST: You prefer U.S. biotech stocks relative to U.S. pharma stocks. Please tell us your reasons for that view.

Dr. Birchenough: If you look over the last several years, the valuations for U.S. biotech stocks have contracted substantially, where if we look at valuation relative to forward earnings, the valuations are pretty close between U.S. biotech and U.S. pharma. But with U.S. biotech, what you get that you don't get with U.S. pharma is a more sustainable growth pattern for legacy products. We don't see the patent cliffs that we see for large pharma, you see better pricing power outside the U.S. and bigger opportunities for international growth, and we think you see a greater degree of innovation, which ultimately is what drives value. And the bottom line is we think there are higher barriers to entry that are established by large U.S. biotech companies than we see with large pharma.

TWST: What are some of the most exciting new drugs or technologies coming out of your companies investors would want to be aware of?

Dr. Birchenough: I think the biggest things thematically that we're seeing from a technology perspective is continued focus on molecular diagnostics guiding molecular therapeutics in oncology, in particular. And so what we're starting to see is companies succeeding at identifying key drivers of cancer-cell growth, identifying with diagnostics what those drivers are, and targeting those patients specifically with highly effective drugs. This is an area that we think we're going to continue to see growth in and where most of the oncology studies that are starting right now are being done with molecular diagnostics and better-characterized patients and more targeted drugs targeted at these oncogenic drivers of disease.

TWST: What are some of the industry-specific metrics you use to evaluate biotech and pharma companies investors in the space should also be sure to understand and analyze?

Dr. Birchenough: I think when you look at the U.S. biotech group and you're trying to figure out where to invest, I think you want to look at the maturity of the company - whether they're preclinical, whether they're development stage, Phase I through Phase III, whether they're commercial safe. I think you want to look at how well they understand their drugs, how well characterized the drugs are in earlier-stage development because, historically, companies have not spent enough time characterizing the drugs well enough and have ended up running into toxicity problems later in development.

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U.S. Biotechnology Stock Valuation Methodology: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough, Managing ...

Biotechnology Valuation Methodology: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough, Managing Director at BMO …

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67 WALL STREET, New York - September 19, 2012 - The Wall Street Transcript has just published its Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report offering a timely review of the sector to serious investors and industry executives. This special feature contains expert industry commentary through in-depth interviews with public company CEOs, Equity Analysts and Money Managers. The full issue is available by calling (212) 952-7433 or via The Wall Street Transcript Online.

Topics covered: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Valuations - Oncology Drug Development - Orphan Drugs - FDA Approval Process - Reimbursement Trends

Companies include: Celgene Corporation (CELG), Gilead Sciences Inc. (GILD), Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. (REGN), Onyx Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ONXX), United Therapeutics Corp. (UTHR), Ariad Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ARIA), Synta Pharmaceuticals Corp. (SNTA), Rigel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (RIGL), Isis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ISIS) and many others.

In the following excerpt from the Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals Report, an experienced research analyst discusses his methods for determining equity value for investors:

TWST: You prefer U.S. biotech stocks relative to U.S. pharma stocks. Please tell us your reasons for that view.

Dr. Birchenough: If you look over the last several years, the valuations for U.S. biotech stocks have contracted substantially, where if we look at valuation relative to forward earnings, the valuations are pretty close between U.S. biotech and U.S. pharma. But with U.S. biotech, what you get that you don't get with U.S. pharma is a more sustainable growth pattern for legacy products. We don't see the patent cliffs that we see for large pharma, you see better pricing power outside the U.S. and bigger opportunities for international growth, and we think you see a greater degree of innovation, which ultimately is what drives value. And the bottom line is we think there are higher barriers to entry that are established by large U.S. biotech companies than we see with large pharma.

TWST: What are some of the most exciting new drugs or technologies coming out of your companies investors would want to be aware of?

Dr. Birchenough: I think the biggest things thematically that we're seeing from a technology perspective is continued focus on molecular diagnostics guiding molecular therapeutics in oncology, in particular. And so what we're starting to see is companies succeeding at identifying key drivers of cancer-cell growth, identifying with diagnostics what those drivers are, and targeting those patients specifically with highly effective drugs. This is an area that we think we're going to continue to see growth in and where most of the oncology studies that are starting right now are being done with molecular diagnostics and better-characterized patients and more targeted drugs targeted at these oncogenic drivers of disease.

TWST: What are some of the industry-specific metrics you use to evaluate biotech and pharma companies investors in the space should also be sure to understand and analyze?

Dr. Birchenough: I think when you look at the U.S. biotech group and you're trying to figure out where to invest, I think you want to look at the maturity of the company - whether they're preclinical, whether they're development stage, Phase I through Phase III, whether they're commercial safe. I think you want to look at how well they understand their drugs, how well characterized the drugs are in earlier-stage development because, historically, companies have not spent enough time characterizing the drugs well enough and have ended up running into toxicity problems later in development.

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Biotechnology Valuation Methodology: a Wall Street Transcript Interview with Jim Birchenough, Managing Director at BMO ...

Penn Medicine Researcher Receives New Innovator Award from National Institutes of Health

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PHILADELPHIA Rahul M. Kohli, MD, PhD, an assistant professor of Medicine and Biochemistry & Biophysics, is one of the recipients of a New Innovator Award from National Institutes of Health (NIH).

The NIH Directors New Innovator Award, totaling $1.5 million over five years, supports highly innovative research and creative, new investigators who exhibit strong potential to make great advances on a critical biomedical or behavioral research problem.

Kohlis lab will use the grant to study the enzymes that drive bacterial evolution, aiming to devise new methods to combat the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria.

The ability of pathogens to quickly build up resistance to the best available antibiotics leads to potentially devastating consequences to human health. Past responses to this concern have largely focused on modifying existing drugs, which can offer a brief reprieve, but eventually fosters more drug resistance. Kohlis research seeks to change the paradigm of attacking drug resistance, by targeting the very pathways that allow the pathogen to mutate.

Rather than focusing on drugs that kill bacteria, understanding and targeting bacterias ability to adapt could be an effective new approach to drug resistance, said Kohli. Given the clinical importance of the problem, Im excited about the opportunities we can pursue with this award.

###

Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $4.3 billion enterprise.

The Perelman School of Medicine is currently ranked #2 in U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $479.3 million awarded in the 2011 fiscal year.

The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania -- recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report; Penn Presbyterian Medical Center; and Pennsylvania Hospital the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Penn Medicine also includes additional patient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region.

Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2011, Penn Medicine provided $854 million to benefit our community.

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Penn Medicine Researcher Receives New Innovator Award from National Institutes of Health

Parkinson's researcher at NIH is first honored with award named for Jay Van Andel

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI A National Institutes of Health researcher who has uncovered genetic causes of Parkinsons disease today became the first to receive an honor named after Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel.

Dr. Andrew Singleton was honored with the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Parkinsons Disease Research during a research symposium at Van Andel Institute.

Jay Van Andel, who died of the effects of Parkinsons in 2004, would have been pleased with the first recipient of the award named after him, said his son, David Van Andel, VAI chairman and chief executive officer.

Dr. Andrew Singleton is the type of scientist he would have envisioned honoring bold, pioneering and working to make a difference in human lives, David Van Andel said.

Singletons accomplishments include the discovery of a duplication and triplication of a gene that causes a severe, early-onset form of Parkinsons.

Scientists already knew that a few extremely rare mutant forms of the protein were bad, but Dr. Singleton showed us that too much of the normal protein also has ramifications, Van Andel said.

Singleton also led a group of researchers that identified mutations in a gene as a cause of familial Parkinsons disease.

His discoveries opened new fields of Parkinsons research, Van Andel said. Singletons lab has research programs investigating genetic diversity and the consequences of genetic alterations.

VAI today began a two-day symposium bringing together experts in Parkinsons disease research to showcase the latest developments.

This is truly a gathering of some of the worlds greatest minds in Parkinsons disease research, said Dr. Patrik Brundin, the chair of the Jay Van Andel Translational Parkinsons Disease Research Laboratory. The research shared at the conference will become the building blocks for therapies that may be commonplace a decade from now.

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Parkinson's researcher at NIH is first honored with award named for Jay Van Andel

Parkinson’s researcher at NIH is first honored with award named for Jay Van Andel

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GRAND RAPIDS, MI A National Institutes of Health researcher who has uncovered genetic causes of Parkinsons disease today became the first to receive an honor named after Amway co-founder Jay Van Andel.

Dr. Andrew Singleton was honored with the Jay Van Andel Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement in Parkinsons Disease Research during a research symposium at Van Andel Institute.

Jay Van Andel, who died of the effects of Parkinsons in 2004, would have been pleased with the first recipient of the award named after him, said his son, David Van Andel, VAI chairman and chief executive officer.

Dr. Andrew Singleton is the type of scientist he would have envisioned honoring bold, pioneering and working to make a difference in human lives, David Van Andel said.

Singletons accomplishments include the discovery of a duplication and triplication of a gene that causes a severe, early-onset form of Parkinsons.

Scientists already knew that a few extremely rare mutant forms of the protein were bad, but Dr. Singleton showed us that too much of the normal protein also has ramifications, Van Andel said.

Singleton also led a group of researchers that identified mutations in a gene as a cause of familial Parkinsons disease.

His discoveries opened new fields of Parkinsons research, Van Andel said. Singletons lab has research programs investigating genetic diversity and the consequences of genetic alterations.

VAI today began a two-day symposium bringing together experts in Parkinsons disease research to showcase the latest developments.

This is truly a gathering of some of the worlds greatest minds in Parkinsons disease research, said Dr. Patrik Brundin, the chair of the Jay Van Andel Translational Parkinsons Disease Research Laboratory. The research shared at the conference will become the building blocks for therapies that may be commonplace a decade from now.

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Parkinson's researcher at NIH is first honored with award named for Jay Van Andel

Parkinson’s Drug Mirapex Under Safety Review

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Parkinsons Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome Drug Under Review for Heart Failure Risk

Sept. 19, 2012 -- The FDA is investigating a possible risk of heart failure linked to Mirapex, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.

Officials say recent studies suggest a potential raised risk of heart failure with the use of Mirapex, but further review of research is needed.

The FDAs safety alert stops short of an official warning announcement for the drug. The agency has not concluded that Mirapex raises the risk of heart failure.

Instead, the FDA says it is working with Mirapexs manufacturer to clarify the risk of heart failure and will update the public when more information is available.

Meanwhile, officials say people taking Mirapex should continue to take the drug as prescribed and contact their health care provider with any questions or concerns.

The alert comes after the FDA pooled results from clinical trials, and analysis suggests heart failure was more common among people taking Mirapex than those taking a placebo.

They also evaluated two population studies that suggested a higher risk of new cases of heart failure among Mirapex users. However, officials say limitations of the studies make it difficult for them to determine whether the risk was related to Mirapex or other factors.

The FDA is continuing to review safety data on Mirapex.

Officials recommend people taking the drug contact a health care professional if they experience any symptoms of heart failure while taking Mirapex, such as:

Excerpt from:
Parkinson's Drug Mirapex Under Safety Review

Parkinson's Drug Mirapex Under Safety Review

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Parkinsons Disease and Restless Legs Syndrome Drug Under Review for Heart Failure Risk

Sept. 19, 2012 -- The FDA is investigating a possible risk of heart failure linked to Mirapex, a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease and restless legs syndrome.

Officials say recent studies suggest a potential raised risk of heart failure with the use of Mirapex, but further review of research is needed.

The FDAs safety alert stops short of an official warning announcement for the drug. The agency has not concluded that Mirapex raises the risk of heart failure.

Instead, the FDA says it is working with Mirapexs manufacturer to clarify the risk of heart failure and will update the public when more information is available.

Meanwhile, officials say people taking Mirapex should continue to take the drug as prescribed and contact their health care provider with any questions or concerns.

The alert comes after the FDA pooled results from clinical trials, and analysis suggests heart failure was more common among people taking Mirapex than those taking a placebo.

They also evaluated two population studies that suggested a higher risk of new cases of heart failure among Mirapex users. However, officials say limitations of the studies make it difficult for them to determine whether the risk was related to Mirapex or other factors.

The FDA is continuing to review safety data on Mirapex.

Officials recommend people taking the drug contact a health care professional if they experience any symptoms of heart failure while taking Mirapex, such as:

Excerpt from:
Parkinson's Drug Mirapex Under Safety Review

Research and Markets: Global Parkinson’s Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule – 2012 Update

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6lkdr4/global) has announced the addition of the "Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update" report to their offering.

Fore Pharma's latest report 'Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update' provides most up-to-date information on key Research and Development activities (R&D) in the global Parkinson's Disease market. It covers active Parkinson's Disease pipeline molecules in various stages of clinical trials, preclinical research, and drug discovery.

This report helps executives track competitors pipeline molecules. The information presented in this report can be used for identifying partners, evaluating opportunities, formulating business development strategies, executing in-licensing and out-licensing deals.

The report provides information on pipeline molecules by company and mechanism of action across the R&D stages. It also provides information on pipeline molecules developed in leading geographies (North America and Europe). Licensing activities are thoroughly captured in this report.

Key Features of the Report:

- Parkinson's Disease: Overview

- Parkinson's Disease Pipeline Overview

- Parkinson's Disease Phase 3 Clinical Trial Pipeline Insights

- Parkinson's Disease Phase 2 Clinical Trial Pipeline Insights

Originally posted here:
Research and Markets: Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update

Research and Markets: Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule – 2012 Update

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DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/6lkdr4/global) has announced the addition of the "Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update" report to their offering.

Fore Pharma's latest report 'Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update' provides most up-to-date information on key Research and Development activities (R&D) in the global Parkinson's Disease market. It covers active Parkinson's Disease pipeline molecules in various stages of clinical trials, preclinical research, and drug discovery.

This report helps executives track competitors pipeline molecules. The information presented in this report can be used for identifying partners, evaluating opportunities, formulating business development strategies, executing in-licensing and out-licensing deals.

The report provides information on pipeline molecules by company and mechanism of action across the R&D stages. It also provides information on pipeline molecules developed in leading geographies (North America and Europe). Licensing activities are thoroughly captured in this report.

Key Features of the Report:

- Parkinson's Disease: Overview

- Parkinson's Disease Pipeline Overview

- Parkinson's Disease Phase 3 Clinical Trial Pipeline Insights

- Parkinson's Disease Phase 2 Clinical Trial Pipeline Insights

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Research and Markets: Global Parkinson's Disease Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012 Update

Former Longhorn Earl Campbell gives donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society

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By Liz Farmer

A scholarship supported by University of Texas football legend Earl Campbell and his son Tyler Campbell could make it easier for students affected by multiple sclerosis to finish college.

Earl Campbell, NFL Hall of Fame running back and Heisman Trophy winner, announced Tuesday that he and his son have raised $60,000 for the nonprofit National Multiple Sclerosis Society to provide scholarships for college students who have MS or who have a parent with MS. The society reports it has awarded $187,000 in scholarships to 22 Texas students this year.

MS is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that interrupts information flow between the body and the brain with symptoms including limb numbness, paralysis and vision loss. Campbell's son was diagnosed with MS while at San Diego State University.

The Campbells raised part of the scholarship funds through sales of "The Unstoppable Earl Campbell," a Warner Bros. piece of art signed by Earl Campbell that depicts him in UT gear running a football past cartoon characters including Bugs Bunny and Yosemite Sam.

"I feel very happy that my son and our family has done something to give back," Earl Campbell said. Some money came from benefits such as the Flavors of Austin, which featured local food and drinks. Tyler Campbell said raising money for scholarships is great but he's not satisfied.

"We have to put this disease to rest," he said.

Scholarship recipient Justin Williams is studying for a degree in neurobiology at UT and said he wants to treat people such as his grandmother and father, who both have MS. "My dad's doctor made me truly believe a doctor could change someone's life," Williams said. "I can't thank Earl and Tyler enough."

Bridgette Kieffer, who also got a scholarship, said her mother was diagnosed with MS a few months before she was born. Kieffer said she is pursuing a degree in sociology and English.

"I knew that (college) may not be a possibility because of the cost of medical bills," Kieffer said. "The scholarship has given my family hope and showed us that there's more to life."

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Former Longhorn Earl Campbell gives donation to National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Local Woman Joins Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis

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Twin Falls, Idaho (KMVT-TV) Tammy Lynard of Filer was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven years ago.

She says her brain sends messages that her muscles don't always get. She tires easily and the heat bothers her. Lynard takes a shot every day, but she wants to help find a cure for MS.

Lynard says, "It was kind of a shock when you first hear about it. You try to get as much information as possible. You see the neurologist, they get you on therapies, hopefully as soon as possible. Hopefully the therapies help you live a better life."

Like any other medical condition, MS can affect different people to different degrees. Lynard says one out of every 300 people in idaho have multiple sclerosis.

Lynard says, "The MS Society is great with information, they tell you how to get involved, what to do. I heard about the Walk that first year, and I met a lot of people. I found out there's a lot of people in this area that have the disease. In fact, we're one of the highest in the nation."

You can sign up for Saturday's "Walk MS" in Twin Falls online at walkmsidaho.org , or you can call 1 (800) FIGHT MS, and select option two.

Walk MS will be held this Saturday at the Twin Falls Visitor Center near the Perrine Bridge. Registration starts this Saturday at 8:30 a.m., and the walk begins at ten o'clock.

Walk MS is free to participate in, but the organizers encourage you to raise some money to benefit the cause.

Sept. 19, 2012.

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Local Woman Joins Battle Against Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis patients, doctors appreciate help from Ann Romney, Michelle Obama

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By Irene Maher, Times Staff Writer Irene MaherTampa Bay Times In Print: Monday, September 17, 2012

Regardless of your political leanings, at least one group of Americans was grateful for the Republican and Democratic National Conventions: Those affected by MS.

People with multiple sclerosis appreciated the shout-out from Ann Romney, wife of presidential nominee Mitt Romney, at the Republican National Convention in Tampa and from first lady Michelle Obama with the Democrats a week later in Charlotte, N.C.

Romney has been living with MS since 1998. Obama's father lived with the disease for about 30 years before his death at age 66. Both women related how their lives were affected by MS.

That kind of exposure does more than increase awareness of an often misunderstood disease that afflicts 400,000 Americans, experts said.

"In the case of Ann Romney, seeing someone at the podium, in the national spotlight, living an obviously busy, active life allows others to see how much you can accomplish with MS," said Dr. Stanley Krolczyk, director of the multiple sclerosis division in the department of neurology at USF Health. "It puts a different face on the disease when celebrities, like Montel Williams and Clay Walker, for example, go public and talk about living with MS."

Jzon Livingston Sr., a patient of Krolczyk's, agrees. The 33-year-old self-employed IT administrator was diagnosed with MS four years ago. With treatment, he's been able to continue working and keep up with his three children, ages 15, 13 and 11. Livingston was moved when Obama described watching the decline in her father.

"That's what the average person needs to know about MS. It's a hard disease to have," he said. "Without knowledge of how it can affect lives, there's no understanding. Without understanding, there's no action."

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that targets the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. It can range from mild to severe, where the patient is paralyzed or blind. The disease is unpredictable, and symptoms may start suddenly and persist, then resolve. Sometimes, it seems to be dormant and patients may go months or years without a flare-up. Others, though, have symptoms all the time.

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Multiple sclerosis patients, doctors appreciate help from Ann Romney, Michelle Obama