Author Archives: Fredricko

Research and Markets: Global Multiple Sclerosis Drug Pipeline Capsule – 2012

Posted on by

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/k4b4f3/global_multiple_sc) has announced the addition of the "Global Multiple Sclerosis Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012" report to their offering.

This report is an outline of all the key research and development (R&D) activities of the global Multiple Sclerosis drug market. It covers information on key pipeline molecules in various stages of R&D including all the phases of clinical trials, preclinical research, and drug discovery. The report is up-to-date with full coverage of the licensing activities and partnerships.

This report helps executives to keep a track of their competitors and understand their pipeline molecules. The information presented in this report can be used for identifying the partners, prioritizing, evaluating opportunities, developing business development strategies, and executing in-licensing and out-licensing deals.

The report provides information on pipeline molecules by company and mechanism of action across the different stages of R&D. It includes registered / preregistered stage, phase 3 clinical trial, phase 2 clinical trial, phase 1 clinical trial, preclinical research, and drug discovery. It also provides information on pipeline molecules developed in leading geographies including the U.S., Canada, France, Germany, U.K., Italy, and Spain by various stages of R&D. Licensing activities and partnerships in the Multiple Sclerosis drug market is thoroughly covered by company and licensee with the deal summary.

Key Features of the Report:

- Multiple Sclerosis: Overview

- Multiple Sclerosis Drug Pipeline Overview

- Multiple Sclerosis Phase 3 Clinical Trial Drug Pipeline Insights

- Multiple Sclerosis Phase 2 Clinical Trial Drug Pipeline Insights

See the original post here:
Research and Markets: Global Multiple Sclerosis Drug Pipeline Capsule - 2012

FDA Approves New Multiple Sclerosis Drug Aubagio

Posted on by

By Matt McMillen WebMD Health News

Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD

Sept. 13, 2012 -- The FDA has approved Aubagio (teriflunomide), a new drug for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The once-a-day tablet will be prescribed to adults with relapsing forms of the chronic, incurable disease.

In a two-year study, the Aubagio reduced yearly relapses by nearly a third compared to placebo. It also slowed the progression of the disease.

"We are greatly encouraged to see a new oral therapeutic option become available to people living with MS," said Timothy Coetzee, PhD, chief research officer at the National MS Society, in a news release issued by the drug's developer, Genzyme.

MS is the most common disabling neurological disease among young adults, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. About 400,000 people in the U.S. have MS. As many as two-thirds of them are women. The disease is usually diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50.

MS often gradually worsens over time. It causes fatigue, pain, vision and muscle problems, and other difficulties.

Aubagio does not come without risks. The drug's label will include a boxed warning that alerts to the risk of potentially fatal liver problems. The label advises that patients' liver function should be tested before starting Aubagio and while on the drug.

The box warning also mentions the risk of birth defects. Women should not be pregnant when they start the drug and must use birth control while taking it.

Other possible side effects include diarrhea, abnormal liver tests, nausea, and hair loss.

Visit link:
FDA Approves New Multiple Sclerosis Drug Aubagio

Aubagio (teriflunomide) Approved For Multiple Sclerosis Treatment, FDA

Posted on by

Editor's Choice Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis Also Included In: Regulatory Affairs / Drug Approvals Article Date: 15 Sep 2012 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Aubagio (teriflunomide) Approved For Multiple Sclerosis Treatment, FDA

1.5 (2 votes)

According to experts, the Multiple Sclerosis prescribing market is worth $12 billion annually. If Aubagio becomes popular, it has the potential to become a major earner for its makers, Sanofi-Aventis. However, it is entering a highly-competitive market with very effective existing medications. Novartis' Gilenya and Tysabri from Elan Corp are said to be more effective than teriflunomide.

Director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Russell Katz, M.D., director of the Division of Neurology Products in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said:

Multiple sclerosis is a long-term autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Communication between the brain and other parts of the body are disrupted. Multiple Sclerosis is one of the most common causes of neurological disability in young adults. Twice as many females live with MS than males.

People with MS have episodes of relapses (worsening function), followed by remissions (recovery). Eventually, remission periods may be incomplete as the disease progresses. Aubagio has been approved for the initial phases of the disease.

According to clinical trial results, the following side effects among people taking Aubagio were reported: hair loss, nausea, abnormal liver test results, and diarrhea.

Aubagio contains a Boxed Warning explaining to doctors and their patients that there is a risk of liver problems, which may sometimes be fatal, as well as birth defects. Doctors should carry out blood tests beforehand to make sure liver function is normal. During treatment with Aubagio, liver functions tests should be performed periodically.

The Boxed Warning also alerts prescribers and their patients about some animal studies which linked the drug with a higher risk of fetal harm. That is why Aubagio is labeled as a Pregnancy Category X drug, meaning that female patients of childbearing age should have negative pregnancy test results (and use effective birth control therapy) before being considered for Aubagio treatment.

Read the original:
Aubagio (teriflunomide) Approved For Multiple Sclerosis Treatment, FDA

Gingko biloba does not improve cognition in multiple sclerosis patients, study finds

Posted on by

ScienceDaily (Sep. 13, 2012) Many people with multiple sclerosis for years have taken the natural supplement Gingko biloba, believing it helps them with cognitive problems associated with the disease.

But the science now says otherwise. A new study published in the journal Neurology says Gingko biloba does not improve cognitive performance in people with multiple sclerosis. The research was published in the Sept. 5, 2012, issue of Neurology, the medical journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The current study was a more extensive look at the question after a smaller 2005 pilot study suggested there might have been some cognitive benefits in MS patients using the supplement. That study found that Gingko seemed to improve attention in MS patients with cognitive impairment.

But the larger follow-up study, conducted with patients at the Portland and Seattle Veterans Affairs medical centers, found no cognitive benefits to using Gingko.

"It's important for scientists to continue to analyze what might help people with cognitive issues relating to their MS," said Jesus Lovera, M.D., the study's lead author, a former fellow at the Portland VA Medical Center and former instructor in Oregon Health & Science University's Department of Neurology, where he did much of the work on the study. Lovera is now with the Department of Neurology at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center.

"We wanted to follow up on the earlier findings that suggested there may be some benefit. But we believe this larger study settles the question: Gingko simply doesn't improve cognitive performance with MS patients," said Lovera.

About one-half of people with MS will develop cognitive problems, and those cognitive problems can be debilitating in some people, said Dennis Bourdette, M.D., a co-author of the study, co-director of the VA MS Center of Excellence-West at the Portland VA Medical Center and chairman of the OHSU Department of Neurology. The most common problems relate to memory, attention and concentration, and information processing.

There is no known treatment that can improve cognition with MS patients -- which is partly why MS patients and researchers had hoped that Gingko biloba could help.

Lovera was also the lead author in the 2005 study, conducted at OHSU. That study included 39 participants who were given Gingko biloba or a placebo. The new study included 120 participants given Gingko or a placebo.

The study was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research and Development Service.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Here is the original post:
Gingko biloba does not improve cognition in multiple sclerosis patients, study finds

Dementia-Hearing Loss Link Prompts BHI to Urge Hearing Checks Among Baby Boomers, Gen Xers in Recognition of World …

Posted on by

WASHINGTON, Sept. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As evidence increases showing that there may be a connection between hearing loss and dementia, the Better Hearing Institute (BHI) is urging hearing checks among Baby Boomers and Gen Xers. Because most hearing loss can be managed with hearing aids, BHI also is encouraging those with hearing loss to be fitted with hearing aids when appropriate. BHI's outreach efforts come in recognition of World Alzheimer's DaySeptember 21.

To make it easier for anyone to determine if they need a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing healthcare professional, BHI is offering a free, quick, and confidential online hearing check atwww.hearingcheck.org.

Several studies have looked at the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function. One such study,conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging, and published in theArchives of Neurology, found that seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing. The study also found that the more hearing loss they had, the higher their likelihood of developing dementia.

According to the Johns Hopkins press release on the study, the reason for the link between the two conditions is unknown, but the investigators suggest that a common pathology may underlie both or that the strain of decoding sounds over the years may overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss, leaving them more vulnerable to dementia. They also speculate that hearing loss could lead to dementia by making individuals more socially isolated, a known risk factor for dementia and other cognitive disorders.

According to BHI, these research findings should prompt people to take hearing loss seriously. BHI encourages Boomers and Gen Xers especially to get their hearing tested by a hearing healthcare professional who can provide a thorough examination and, if needed, fit them for hearing aids.

In an effort to improve the quality of life for people with Alzheimer's disease, BHI advocates that hearing checks, hearing healthcare, and hearing aids when appropriate, be included in their regimen of care. According to the Institute, unaddressed hearing loss can present an added, unnecessary strain on individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and also on caregivers who suffer from hearing loss themselves. BHI also advocates that hearing checks and hearing healthcare be part of the diagnostic process.

Studies show that although a significantly higher percentage of people with Alzheimer's disease may have hearing loss, they're also much less likely to receive attention for their hearing needs than their normally aging peers.

Research also shows that the use of hearing aids among Alzheimer's patients with hearing loss, in combination with appropriate aural rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary setting, can help alleviate the symptoms of depression, passivity, negativism, disorientation, anxiety, social isolation, feelings of helplessness, loss of independence and general cognitive decline.

Because healthy hearing helps people remain socially and cognitively engaged, BHI urges all Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and others to make hearing checks a regular part of their preventive healthcare.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Read more from the original source:
Dementia-Hearing Loss Link Prompts BHI to Urge Hearing Checks Among Baby Boomers, Gen Xers in Recognition of World ...

Dementia patient's family: "We needed justice"

Posted on by

COLLIER COUNTY, FL -

A veteran dementia patient was found lying in the woods, nearly dead. Five years later, his family says they finally have justice.

"We needed justice for my grandfather and people needed to be held accountable for their actions," said Dederick's granddaughter Lauren Carey, who searched tirelessly for five days to find her missing grandfather.

Then 88-year-old Loren Dederick, who passed away last year, went missing in 2007 after a medical transport mix-up.

A jury found TLC Non-Emergency Medical Transport at fault ordered the company to pay Dederick's family $700,000 for his injuries and mental anguish.

"He laid there for five days with no food or water and no way out," said Dederick's. "He was dirty, ant bites all over, dehydrated and just really scared."

"He was getting close to the time where he probably couldn't sustain himself any longer," said Dederick's daughter Donna Ward.

The World War II veteran was taken to NCH North Naples hospital for chest pain on September 21, 2007.

When he was released, NCH accidentally gave a TLC transport driver Dederick's old address, the HarborChase assisted-living facility on Airport-Pulling Road in Naples.

The driver, 44-year-old Dimas Herrera, took Dederick to that wrong address. According to testimony, nurses at the assisted-living center told Herrera that Dederick didn't live there.

See the original post here:
Dementia patient's family: "We needed justice"

Dementia patient’s family: “We needed justice”

Posted on by

COLLIER COUNTY, FL -

A veteran dementia patient was found lying in the woods, nearly dead. Five years later, his family says they finally have justice.

"We needed justice for my grandfather and people needed to be held accountable for their actions," said Dederick's granddaughter Lauren Carey, who searched tirelessly for five days to find her missing grandfather.

Then 88-year-old Loren Dederick, who passed away last year, went missing in 2007 after a medical transport mix-up.

A jury found TLC Non-Emergency Medical Transport at fault ordered the company to pay Dederick's family $700,000 for his injuries and mental anguish.

"He laid there for five days with no food or water and no way out," said Dederick's. "He was dirty, ant bites all over, dehydrated and just really scared."

"He was getting close to the time where he probably couldn't sustain himself any longer," said Dederick's daughter Donna Ward.

The World War II veteran was taken to NCH North Naples hospital for chest pain on September 21, 2007.

When he was released, NCH accidentally gave a TLC transport driver Dederick's old address, the HarborChase assisted-living facility on Airport-Pulling Road in Naples.

The driver, 44-year-old Dimas Herrera, took Dederick to that wrong address. According to testimony, nurses at the assisted-living center told Herrera that Dederick didn't live there.

See the original post here:
Dementia patient's family: "We needed justice"

National push to prevent dementia

Posted on by

Australia is leading the world with the first publicly funded program aimed at reducing the risk of developing dementia.

A new brain health program, Your Brain Matters, will be launched by Alzheimer's Australia this week.

It was funded by the federal government in the 2012 budget, the first prevention program for dementia in the world to receive public funding, said Alzheimer's Australia chief executive Glenn Rees.

He said this showed the condition was being treated as a chronic disease, rather than a normal part of ageing.

Mr Rees said the program was a guide to keeping the brain healthy by exercising the mind and body and eating a nutritious diet.

"It's important to understand that while there is, as yet, no cure for dementia there are things we can all do now - like keeping your brain active, being fit and healthy and looking after your heart - which may help to reduce our risk of developing dementia, or slow cognitive decline in those already diagnosed with dementia," Mr Rees said in a statement.

He said there was evidence to suggest that if physical inactivity could be reduced in Australia by five per cent every five years, this could cut dementia prevalence by 11 per cent by 2051.

This would equate to about 100,000 fewer Australians living with dementia by addressing just one risk factor, he said.

International Alzheimer's expert Dr Serge Gauthier, of McGill University in Canada, who is visiting Australia as part of Dementia Awareness Week, said prevention programs were vital to try to stem the incidence of dementia.

About 280,000 Australians have dementia, with this figure set to soar to almost one million by 2050.

View original post here:
National push to prevent dementia

UP student fights disease with bike ride

Posted on by

University of Portland senior Sam Bridgman is coordinating a bike ride to raise money for Friedreich's ataxia research.

The Sept. 22 ride is the first in the Northwest and one of six Ride Ataxia events across the country to benefit the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance. The nonprofit organization is working toward finding a cure for the rare, degenerative neuro-muscular disorder.

Bridgman says he hopes the ride will increase public awareness about the debilitating disease, which affects about one in 50,000 people -- including Bridgman -- in the United States.

"Because there is no treatment or cure," he says, "it is essential that we fund research in order to find a cure, so that a lot of people out there will be able to live normal lives."

The event has raised $18,326 so far, and organizers hope to raise at least $30,000. The cost is $20 ($25 if registering on the day of the race) for participants who can meet a $150 fundraising minimum by race day; $50 (or $55 if registering the day of the race) without a fundraising minimum. You can also help fund-raise for no additional fee as a "virtual cyclist" without participating in the event.

Participants can choose from a flat, beginner-level six-mile route, or an intermediate route of either 12-, 25-, 37- or 50-mile lengths along Sauvie Island.

A packet pickup will take place 5-7 p.m. on Sept. 21 at event sponsor Outback Steakhouse in Beaverton, and registration will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. All events will begin at Sauvie Island Academy, 14445 N.W. Charlton Road. All registered participants will receive a Ride Ataxia T-shirt, and Outback Steakhouse will provide lunch following the ride.

The event is limited to the first 300 participants; same-day registration is available if space permits. Register at rideataxia.org/portland.

To read The Oregonian's earlier coverage of Bridgman and how the UP community has come to his aid, go to ORne.ws/sam-bridgman.

See more here:
UP student fights disease with bike ride

'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

Posted on by

The Akian family of Summit will be hosting their third annual charitable fundraiser, Ride 4 Avi: A Tour to Cure on Sunday, Sept. 23, in honor of their 10-year-old son, Avedis; who is affected by an ultra rare, progressive disorder called ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

The days activities include a state police escorted motorcycle ride followed by a Family Fun Day. Riders can register from 10-11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Shunpike Road in Summit. Motorcyclists will enjoy a light continental breakfast followed by a 60-mile ride of some of New Jerseys most scenic countryside. The Family Fun Day will take place at the Knights of Columbus from noon3 p.m. Tax deductible donations are $20/rider, $10/adult, and $5/child.

Admission includes a BBQ lunch and live entertainment by the Mudbelly Blues Band. A la carte childrens activities include inflatables, face painting, art and crafts, raffles, fall-themed activities, carnival games and treats. All donations from the days events will benefit the A-T Childrens Project, a non-profit organization committed to funding first rate research centered around finding a life saving treatment or cure for A-T.

Avedis, a student at Jefferson School, was diagnosed with A-T in 2009 after a seemingly healthy early childhood. Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare, genetic disease; that affects only 470 kids in the U.S. Children with A-T lack the ATM gene, which provides instructions for making A-T protein. The protein helps control the rate at which cells grow, divide and repair themselves after injury which is a daily occurrence. The ATM protein also plays an important role in regulating the nervous and immune systems. A-T, in and of itself is not a fatal disease, it is the consequences of the lack of protein that predispose the affected to life threatening cancers, compromised immune systems and atrophy of the cerebellum, that leads to overall loss of coordination. There is no known treatment or cure.

Children with A-T are usually unable to walk by the age of ten and slowly lose their abilities to control movements to read, write, speak, chew and swallow. Those with A-T maintain normal to above normal intelligence and are keenly aware that they are becoming trapped inside a body that no longer works. Although Avedis has significant disabilities on the exterior, he is like every other boy his age on the inside and enjoys boy scouts, roller coasters, playing Wii and watching classic cartoons. Avi would like to grow up to be a chef and own a motorcycle.

Due to the fact that research funds are limited, grassroots fundraising, like this event are essential to fund the private research that is being conducted on A-T, including a promising study done at Rutgers University that has shown the ability to stop the progression of the disease in mice. Avedis and his family have raised $30,000 over the past two years and are hoping to achieve $50,000 this year. For more information about the days activities log on to ride4avi.com.

Continued here:
'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

‘Ride 4 Avi’ motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

Posted on by

The Akian family of Summit will be hosting their third annual charitable fundraiser, Ride 4 Avi: A Tour to Cure on Sunday, Sept. 23, in honor of their 10-year-old son, Avedis; who is affected by an ultra rare, progressive disorder called ataxia telangiectasia (A-T).

The days activities include a state police escorted motorcycle ride followed by a Family Fun Day. Riders can register from 10-11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus, Shunpike Road in Summit. Motorcyclists will enjoy a light continental breakfast followed by a 60-mile ride of some of New Jerseys most scenic countryside. The Family Fun Day will take place at the Knights of Columbus from noon3 p.m. Tax deductible donations are $20/rider, $10/adult, and $5/child.

Admission includes a BBQ lunch and live entertainment by the Mudbelly Blues Band. A la carte childrens activities include inflatables, face painting, art and crafts, raffles, fall-themed activities, carnival games and treats. All donations from the days events will benefit the A-T Childrens Project, a non-profit organization committed to funding first rate research centered around finding a life saving treatment or cure for A-T.

Avedis, a student at Jefferson School, was diagnosed with A-T in 2009 after a seemingly healthy early childhood. Ataxia Telangiectasia is a rare, genetic disease; that affects only 470 kids in the U.S. Children with A-T lack the ATM gene, which provides instructions for making A-T protein. The protein helps control the rate at which cells grow, divide and repair themselves after injury which is a daily occurrence. The ATM protein also plays an important role in regulating the nervous and immune systems. A-T, in and of itself is not a fatal disease, it is the consequences of the lack of protein that predispose the affected to life threatening cancers, compromised immune systems and atrophy of the cerebellum, that leads to overall loss of coordination. There is no known treatment or cure.

Children with A-T are usually unable to walk by the age of ten and slowly lose their abilities to control movements to read, write, speak, chew and swallow. Those with A-T maintain normal to above normal intelligence and are keenly aware that they are becoming trapped inside a body that no longer works. Although Avedis has significant disabilities on the exterior, he is like every other boy his age on the inside and enjoys boy scouts, roller coasters, playing Wii and watching classic cartoons. Avi would like to grow up to be a chef and own a motorcycle.

Due to the fact that research funds are limited, grassroots fundraising, like this event are essential to fund the private research that is being conducted on A-T, including a promising study done at Rutgers University that has shown the ability to stop the progression of the disease in mice. Avedis and his family have raised $30,000 over the past two years and are hoping to achieve $50,000 this year. For more information about the days activities log on to ride4avi.com.

Continued here:
'Ride 4 Avi' motorcycle ride and fundraiser held in Summit on Sept. 23

Other Advice (Part 4 of 10) – Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit – Video

Posted on by

13-09-2012 21:29 Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit. Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging to understand and address. The guiding principle used in developing this kit is that each individual with autism and their family should feel safe and supported, and live a healthy life filled with purpose, dignity, choices and happiness. Download the Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit here: Nicole Weidenbaum, MSEd., SAS, Executive Director, Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism, offers advice for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Questions addressed include: 1) Can you use Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) on adolescents and adults with autism? 2) What role can medication play in addressing challenging behaviors? 3) When should I consider residential placement? 4) Where do siblings fit in with all of this? 5) Do you have any general advice for families dealing with challenging behaviors?

Go here to see the original:
Other Advice (Part 4 of 10) - Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit - Video

Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2 of 10) – Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit – Video

Posted on by

13-09-2012 21:27 Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit. Sometimes the difficulties of autism can lead to behaviors that are quite challenging to understand and address. The guiding principle used in developing this kit is that each individual with autism and their family should feel safe and supported, and live a healthy life filled with purpose, dignity, choices and happiness. Download the Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit here: Nicole Weidenbaum, MSEd., SAS, Executive Director, Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism answers questions about addressing challenging behaviors. Questions addressed include: 1) Why is it important to address challenging behaviors? 2) What should I know before addressing challenging behaviors? 3) How important is consistency in addressing challenging behaviors? 4) What if I'm having trouble carrying out a behavior plan?

Originally posted here:
Addressing Challenging Behaviors (Part 2 of 10) - Autism Speaks Challenging Behaviors Tool Kit - Video

TOMY Kicks-Off Donation Program in Conjunction with Autism Speaks

Posted on by

OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- TOMY, a leading global designer, producer and marketer of toys and collectible products sold to preschoolers, youths and adults, proudly announces a large scale donation in conjunction with Autism Speaks, the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. TOMY will donate up to five hundred Chuggington Wooden Railway playtables and train sets, with a total value of up to $250,000, to preschools who serve children with autism. According to U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), autism affects one in 88 children and one in 54 boys. TOMY's donation is designed to help preschools serving children with autism provide wholesome and engaging play opportunities within educational environments.

"Train play is perennially popular with preschoolers, especially boys, engaging them with action-oriented vehicle play, construction elements, imaginative role play and more. Through the years we have had customers who have children with autism tell us how much they love and play with our trains, and we wanted to provide that opportunity to as many preschoolers across the country as we could," states Greg Kilrea, president of TOMY International. "We are thrilled to be working with Autism Speaks through their network of family services, which will connect this donation with hundreds of preschools serving children with autism and offer to provide them with Chuggington playtables and train sets to be incorporated into their facilities."

Chuggington's popularity with kids ages 3-6 combined with the durable, wooden construction of TOMY's award-winning toy train brand make it an ideal solution to share with preschools who are providing vital services to communities nationwide. "The playtables are sturdy and sized perfectly for preschoolers. The Chuggington Wooden Railway sets and engines provide endless opportunities for kids to play or for educators and therapists to incorporate into daily lessons and treatment plans," adds Kilrea.

"This donation program is one of the many ways that Autism Speaks and our partners help communities by providing a fun activity for children," said Lisa Goring, vice president of Family Services at Autism Speaks. "We are grateful to TOMY for its support and generosity to the preschools that will receive playtables."

TOMY has initiated the program in conjunction with back to school 2012 and plans to have all the playtables placed into individual preschools by spring 2013.

About TOMY InternationalTOMY International (www.tomy.com) is a leading global designer, producer and marketer of a broad range of innovative, high-quality toys sold to preschoolers, youths and adults under the TOMY, Ertl, Johnny Lightning and Tomica brands as well as products for mothers, infants and toddlers marketed under its The First Years, Lamaze, JJ Cole Collectionsand Boon brands. TOMY International also markets its products under popular and classic licensed properties such as Chuggington, Dinosaur Train, John Deere, Disney's Winnie the Pooh, Princesses, Cars, Fairies and Toy Story, and other well-known properties. TOMY International's mission is to inspire and fulfill the dreams of children and parents worldwide. TOMY International reaches its target consumers through multiple channels of distribution supporting more than 25,000 retail outlets throughout North and South America, Europe and Australia. TOMY International is a wholly owned subsidiary of Japan-based TOMY Company, Ltd. (Tokyo Stock Exchange Code No. 7867). TOMY

About AutismAutism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders autism spectrum disorders caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, as well as repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 88 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum a 1000 percent increase in the past 40 years that is only partly explained by improved diagnosis.

About Autism SpeaksAutism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed over $180 million to research and developing innovative resources for families. Each year Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 95 cities across North America. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www.autismspeaks.org.

View post:
TOMY Kicks-Off Donation Program in Conjunction with Autism Speaks

Yale receives $15M grant for five-year study on autism in girls

Posted on by

By Jim Shelton, Register Staff jshelton@nhregister.com / Twitter: @jimboshelton

James McPartland, left, and Kevin Pelphrey of the Yale Child Study Center, will be helping to lead a study of autism in girls.

NEW HAVEN In a major step for autism research, the Yale School of Medicine is embarking on a five-year, $15 million push to develop new diagnostic tools and treatment protocols for autism in girls.

Its part of an overall $100 autism research project announced recently by the National Institutes for Health. Preliminary work already has begun, and Yale researchers expect to start working with patients by December.

This is a game changer, said Kevin Pelphrey of the Yale Child Study Center, who is director of the Yale Autism Center for Excellence and principal investigator for the project. Its a crucial time. If we can put all this research together, I think were going to do something fantastic. Ill be upset if we dont have some kind of treatment to offer.

Autism, a disorder that can impair socialization, communication, learning and behavior, affects one in 88 children in the U.S. It is diagnosed more often today than in previous generations, Pelphrey explained, owing to more standardized diagnostic methods and a greater awareness of autism by physicians.

Its not a true increase in the number of kids having autism, Pelphrey said. Were much better at picking it up now.

Yales work will focus on how autism affects girls. Roughly one in 250 girls in the U.S. develops autism, compared with one in 50 boys.

Due in part to the disparity in numbers, relatively little is known about autism in girls. Yet a small, but growing body of research seems to indicate that autism in girls is distinct both genetically and in terms of behavior.

Original post:
Yale receives $15M grant for five-year study on autism in girls

Scientists develop genetic test to predict autism

Posted on by

Australian scientists have developed a genetic test to predict autism spectrum disorder in children, which could provide a long-sought way for early detection and intervention, according to a study published on Wednesday.

About one in 150 children has autism, with symptoms ranging from social awkwardness and narrow interests to severe communication and intellectual disabilities, said researchers led by the University of Melbourne.

The researchers used U.S. data from more than 3,000 individuals with autism in their study, published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, to identify 237 genetic markers in 146 genes and related cellular pathways.

By measuring these markers, which either contribute to or protect an individual from developing autism, scientists could assess the risk of developing autism.

The risk markers increase the score on the genetic test, while the protective markers decrease the score. The higher the overall score, the higher the individual risk.

"This test could assist in the early detection of the condition in babies and children and help in the early management of those who become diagnosed," lead researcher Stan Skafidas said in a statement.

The test correctly predicted autism with more than 70 percent accuracy in people of central European descent, with study into other ethnic groups continuing.

The test would allow clinicians to provide early intervention to reduce behavioral and cognitive difficulties in people with autism.

"Early identification of risk means we can provide interventions to improve overall functioning for those affected, including families," clinical neuropsychologist Renee Testa said in a statement.

View original post here:
Scientists develop genetic test to predict autism

Autism charity continues fundraising despite Oregon warning, probe

Posted on by

A charity under investigation by the Oregon Department of Justice has continued to advertise for paid fundraisers in the Portland-Vancouver area four months after telling state prosecutors it was shutting down.

In June, saying Olympia-based Autism Awareness United appeared to have broken state laws, DOJ threatened legal action if the organization did not agree to stop raising money in Oregon. However, as of Friday, the group had not signed any agreement, and according to autism activists, has continued to raise money from Oregonians using paid fundraisers who set up tables outside supermarkets and other stores.

The state's investigation turned up receipts showing the nonprofit's debit card was used to pay for meals, cocktails, Chianti and other, unidentified expenses at a local casino. While not illegal, such expenses raise questions with charity oversight experts about a group's effectiveness. Meanwhile, Autism Awareness spent just 3 percent of its funds from late 2010 through early 2012 on direct assistance to needy families or autism-related agencies, according to documents obtained by The Oregonian under public records law.

In late March, the state launched its investigation after receiving an inquiry from The Oregonian as well as a citizen tip that the group had been selling raffle tickets in Oregon, which, if involving $10,000 or more, is legal only for charities that are federally tax-exempt. Autism Awareness United is a state-approved nonprofit, but not federal.

The group's president, Joe Searles, denied wrongdoing in an interview early this year but declined to respond to follow-up requests for information, including for this story.

Searles is a latecomer to professional charity work. He pleaded guilty to illegal gambling in 1985 for running a sports-betting operation from a government car on work time as a state mail courier in Washington. Last year he agreed to a five-year ban from the mortgage business after a Washington state administrative action and several lawsuits were filed accusing his real estate businesses of fraud.

In April 2010, Searles and his wife started fundraising for the Autism Society of Washington, a long-standing group, under a 12-month contract that let the Searles keep 80 percent of what they collected. The society's board later canceled the contract and sent documents to the state of Washington alleging Searles' group used "deceptive practices in soliciting the money."

The nonprofit's stated mission is "to spread awareness about autism spectrum disorders, and to raise funds to assist low-income families in gaining access to available interventions, therapies and resources."

According to documents turned over to DOJ, the group raised about $276,000 between late 2010 and early 2012, while dispersing $8,750 in direct grants to families and other groups that help autistic people, including $2,000 in Oregon.

The group submitted a financial report to Washington state earlier this week saying it raised $199,760 in 2011 and spent $122,000 on "program services." However, it's unclear whether the charity included salaries and payments to fundraisers, because the state does not clearly define program services, according to state charities officials.

Read more:
Autism charity continues fundraising despite Oregon warning, probe

Neuronal Circuits In Autism Can Be Reversed

Posted on by

Editor's Choice Main Category: Autism Article Date: 15 Sep 2012 - 0:00 PDT

Current ratings for: Neuronal Circuits In Autism Can Be Reversed

5 (1 votes)

3.5 (2 votes)

A specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits has been identified, by Professors Peter Scheiffele and Kaspar Vogt at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, that results from autism.

The researchers also discovered a way to reverse these neuronal changes. They believe that their findings, published in the journal Science, will have a great effect in drug development for treating autism.

Current estimates have revealed that about 1% of all kids develop an autistic spectrum disorder.

Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain, where people may experience fixed behavioral traits, disabled social functioning,and restricted speech development.

There are several mutations in over 300 genes identified as a central risk factor for the development of autism. One example is the gene neuroligin-3, which has a role in the formation of synapses- a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another cell.

Roche and a team of researchers from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel have detected a fault in the way signals are transmitted through the synapses that change the plasticity and function of the neuronal circuits.

Originally posted here:
Neuronal Circuits In Autism Can Be Reversed

Disorder of neuronal circuits in autism is reversible, new study suggests

Posted on by

ScienceDaily (Sep. 14, 2012) People with autism suffer from a pervasive developmental disorder of the brain that becomes evident in early childhood. Peter Scheiffele and Kaspar Vogt, Professors at the Biozentrum of the University of Basel, have identified a specific dysfunction in neuronal circuits that is caused by autism. In the journal Science, the scientists also report about their success in reversing these neuronal changes. These findings are an important step in drug development for the treatment for autism.

According to current estimates, about one percent of all children develop an autistic spectrum disorder. Individuals with autism may exhibit impaired social behavior, rigid patterns of behavior and limited speech development. Autism is a hereditary developmental disorder of the brain. A central risk factor for the development of autism are numerous mutations in over 300 genes that have been identified, including the gene neuroligin-3, which is involved in the formation of synapses, the contact junction between nerve cells.

Loss of neuroligin-3 interferes with neuronal signal transmission

The consequences of neuroligin-3 loss can be studied in animal models. Mice lacking the gene for neuroligin-3 develop behavioral patterns reflecting important aspects observed in autism. In collaboration with Roche the research groups from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel have now identified a defect in synaptic signal transmission that interferes with the function and plasticity of the neuronal circuits. These negative effects are associated with increased production of a specific neuronal glutamate receptor, which modulates the signal transmission between neurons. An excess of these receptors inhibits the adaptation of the synaptic signal transmission during the learning process, thus disrupting the development and function of the brain in the long term.

Of major importance is the finding that the impaired development of the neuronal circuit in the brain is reversible. When the scientists reactivated the production of neuroligin-3 in the mice, the nerve cells scaled down the production of the glutamate receptors to a normal level and the structural defects in the brain typical for autism disappeared. Hence, these glutamate receptors could be a suitable pharmacological target in order to stop the developmental disorder autism or even reverse it.

Vision for the future: Medication for autism

Autism currently cannot be cured. At present, only the symptoms of the disorder can be alleviated through behavioral therapy and other treatment. A new approach to its treatment, however, has been uncovered through the results of this study. In one of the European Union supported projects, EU-AIMS, the research groups from the Biozentrum are working in collaboration with Roche and other partners in industry on applying glutamate receptor antagonists for the treatment of autism and hope, that in the future, this disorder can be treated successfully in both children and adults.

Share this story on Facebook, Twitter, and Google:

Other social bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

Read more:
Disorder of neuronal circuits in autism is reversible, new study suggests

Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming

Posted on by

Newswise CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (September 13, 2012) Several years ago, biologists discovered that regular body cells can be reprogrammed into pluripotent stem cells cells with the ability to become any other type of cell. Such cells hold great promise for treating many human diseases.

These induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are usually created by genetically modifying cells to overexpress four genes that make them revert to an immature, embryonic state. However, the procedure works in only a small percentage of cells.

Now, new genetic markers identified by researchers at Whitehead Institute and MIT could help make that process more efficient, allowing scientists to predict which treated cells will successfully become pluripotent.

The new paper, published in the Sept. 13 online edition of Cell, also identifies new combinations of reprogramming factors that produce iPSCs, according to the researchers.

Led by Rudolf Jaenisch, a Whitehead Founding Member and an MIT professor of biology, the study is the first to examine genetic changes that occur in individual cells as they become pluripotent. Previous studies have only looked at gene-expression changes in large populations of cells not all of which will actually reprogram making it harder to pick out genes involved in the process.

In previous studies, you werent able to detect the few cells that expressed predictive pluripotency markers. The really cool part of this study is that you can detect two or three cells that express these important genes early, which has never been done before, says Dina Faddah, a graduate student in Jaenischs lab and one of the papers lead authors.

The other lead author is Yosef Buganim, a postdoc at Whitehead Institute.

Single-cell analysis

In 2007, scientists discovered that adult human cells could be reprogrammed by overexpressing four genes Oct4, Sox2, c-Myc and Klf4. However, in a population of cells in which those genes are overexpressed, only about 0.1 to 1 percent will become pluripotent.

In the new study, Jaenischs team reprogrammed mouse embryonic fibroblast cells and then measured their expression of 48 genes known or suspected to be involved in pluripotency at several points during the process. This allowed them to compare gene-expression profiles in cells that became pluripotent, those that did not, and those that were only partially reprogrammed.

The rest is here:
Whitehead Scientists Bring New Efficiency to Stem Cell Reprogramming