Public release date: 12-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Doug Dusik ddusik@aasmnet.org 630-737-9700 American Academy of Sleep Medicine

DARIEN, IL Coaches, owners and fantasy-league traders take note: Sleep researcher W. Christopher Winter, MD, has uncovered a link between a pro athlete's longevity and the degree of sleepiness experienced in the daytime.

Winter is presenting two studies today at SLEEP 2012 that associate the career spans of baseball and football players with their voluntary answers on a sleepiness questionnaire. The results show that less sleepy football players tended to remain with their drafting NFL teams after college. In addition, attrition rates for sleepier baseball players trended higher than MLB averages.

"A team's ability to accurately judge a prospect or a potential trade in terms of the value they will get for that player is what makes or breaks many professional sport teams," said Winter, principal investigator of the studies and the sleep advisor for Men's Health magazine. "These studies demonstrate that a simple evaluation of sleepiness may be a powerful tool to add to the list of tests athletes already undergo, such as the Wonderlic Cognitive Abilities Test and the 40-yard dash."

The football study looked at 55 randomly selected college players who landed in the NFL, finding that sleepier athletes only had a 38 percent chance of staying with the team that originally drafted them. In comparison, 56 percent of the less sleepy players were considered a "value pick" because they did stay with the original team. The baseball study analyzed the sleepiness scale of 40 randomly selected baseball players and found that players who reported higher levels of daytime sleepiness also had attrition rates of 57 percent to 86 percent, well above the 30 - 35 percent MLB average.

Winter said measuring sleepiness could do more for a team than help it decide who to draft. "Addressing sleepiness in players and correcting the underlying issues causing sleepiness may help to prolong a player's career," he said.

Winter and his colleagues at Martha Jefferson Hospital Sleep Medicine Center and CNSM Consulting in Charlottesville, Va., used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), a short questionnaire that can be helpful in detecting excessive daytime sleepiness. EDS is a common symptom of many sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.

The abstracts "Sleepiness as a predictor of draft value in the National Football League" and "Sleepiness as a predictor of player longevity within Major League Baseball" are being presented today at SLEEP 2012, the 26th annual meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies (APSS) in Boston.

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2 new studies show connection between sleepiness and pro-athlete careers

I have always been intrigued by what sets top performers and leaders aside from those who dont make it to the top. More recently, Ive become especially interested in what enables them to stay at the top when they get there. Sustainability and longevity as a leader, in particular, has never been in more jeopardy.

Tony Weller | Getty Images

However, there are many examples of people who have reached the top and stayed there for a long time. Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan

So what can be learned from those top leaders, athletes and performers in any domain who are able to deliver success time and time again, rather than succumbing to the demands of being highly visible and accountable?

Having observed top performers at very close quarters in a variety of arenas over several years, I have come to realize that they possess a form of wisdom, know-how or intelligence. It is very evident among the worlds best athletes and I have also witnessed it among the best leaders and performers in work and military settings. Since this intelligence is about delivering superior performance on a consistent basis, it seemed natural to call it 'Superior Performance Intelligence' (SPI).

I have conducted a study of SPI with top performers and leaders from the worlds of business, sports, military, performing arts and medicine which will be published in the scientific literature later this year. The study identified SPI as, "A common critical awareness and know-how that top performers, from business leaders to cardiologists to athletes to performing artists to military leaders to entrepreneurs, possess to apply their minds, skills, techniques, strategies and tactics to the same high standard every time they perform".

SPI has three core know-hows:

Being smart in all of the know-hows is crucial in sustaining success, as reinforced by a CEO Ive worked closely with. Her smartness in 'knowing how to maximize your potential' was evident in a self-knowledge and ability to self-regulate which enabled her to thrive on the visibility of being under the spotlight.

She was also hungry to develop a deep awareness of the key principles of 'knowing how to deliver top performance' on a sustainable basis. And she recognized that she could not do it on her own. 'Knowing how to work with your environment' was a high priority and she ensured that she found different ways of soliciting feedback on her peoples morale and engagement.

A gap or weakness in any of the know-hows will jeopardize longevity at the top. For example, the CEO of a company which had been acquired by a much larger organization had consistently hit the numbers and so was good at 'knowing how to deliver top performance'. And he had risen quickly through the organization, demonstrating strength in 'knowing how to maximize your potential'.

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How to Get to the Top…and Stay There

I have always been intrigued by what sets top performers and leaders aside from those who dont make it to the top. More recently, Ive become especially interested in what enables them to stay at the top when they get there. Sustainability and longevity as a leader, in particular, has never been in more jeopardy.

Tony Weller | Getty Images

However, there are many examples of people who have reached the top and stayed there for a long time. Jamie Dimon at JPMorgan

So what can be learned from those top leaders, athletes and performers in any domain who are able to deliver success time and time again, rather than succumbing to the demands of being highly visible and accountable?

Having observed top performers at very close quarters in a variety of arenas over several years, I have come to realize that they possess a form of wisdom, know-how or intelligence. It is very evident among the worlds best athletes and I have also witnessed it among the best leaders and performers in work and military settings. Since this intelligence is about delivering superior performance on a consistent basis, it seemed natural to call it 'Superior Performance Intelligence' (SPI).

I have conducted a study of SPI with top performers and leaders from the worlds of business, sports, military, performing arts and medicine which will be published in the scientific literature later this year. The study identified SPI as, "A common critical awareness and know-how that top performers, from business leaders to cardiologists to athletes to performing artists to military leaders to entrepreneurs, possess to apply their minds, skills, techniques, strategies and tactics to the same high standard every time they perform".

SPI has three core know-hows:

Being smart in all of the know-hows is crucial in sustaining success, as reinforced by a CEO Ive worked closely with. Her smartness in 'knowing how to maximize your potential' was evident in a self-knowledge and ability to self-regulate which enabled her to thrive on the visibility of being under the spotlight.

She was also hungry to develop a deep awareness of the key principles of 'knowing how to deliver top performance' on a sustainable basis. And she recognized that she could not do it on her own. 'Knowing how to work with your environment' was a high priority and she ensured that she found different ways of soliciting feedback on her peoples morale and engagement.

A gap or weakness in any of the know-hows will jeopardize longevity at the top. For example, the CEO of a company which had been acquired by a much larger organization had consistently hit the numbers and so was good at 'knowing how to deliver top performance'. And he had risen quickly through the organization, demonstrating strength in 'knowing how to maximize your potential'.

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How to Get to the Top...and Stay There

EMERYVILLE, Calif., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ –Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a privately held company, announced today that it will present an update on its Nurelin (amantadine HCl extended release capsules) program at the Cambridge Healthtech Institute’s (CHI) Targeting Parkinson’s Disease Symposium being held today in Philadelphia. Nurelin, a once-daily extended release formulation of amantadine intended for night-time administration, is being developed for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients. Results from the Company’s prior Phase 1 studies, its preclinical program in Parkinson’s and other indications, along with a status report on the ongoing Phase 3 study, Extended Release Amantadine Safety and Efficacy Study in Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia (EASED), will be presented by Gregory T. Went, Ph.D., Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adamas. The talk is entitled, “Exploring the Potential of Modified Release Aminoadamantanes in Parkinson’s Disease and Related Indications.”

“We are excited to introduce the Nurelin program at the conference today, and to provide an update on the previous preclinical and clinical studies that have led to our first Phase 2/3 study of Nurelin in Parkinson’s patients who experience levodopa-induced dyskinesia,” said Dr. Went. “Amantadine is a remarkable drug that has received little attention from the pharmaceutical industry for the past 30 years, and we hope the EASED study of Nurelin, combined with recently presented academic studies in Parkinson’s disease, will help establish new treatment indications for Nurelin. We look forward to presenting the results from this study and assessing the potential of Nurelin as our second NDA candidate to Arimenda.”

There are no medications currently approved for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia, thus there is a significant unmet medical need. Pending the outcome of the EASED study and regulatory review, Nurelin may become the first drug indicated for the treatment of levodopa-induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease. Nurelin also is being investigated as a therapeutic agent to address the non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including fatigue.

About Nurelin (ADS-5102)

Nurelin (ADS-5102) is a proprietary formulation of amantadine in development for the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders including LID in PD patients. Nurelin is designed for once daily administration at night and is being investigated at plasma concentrations up to 2.5 fold higher than those achievable with the commercially available immediate release amantadine tablets. Nurelin capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on food for ease of administration in patients who have difficulty swallowing capsules.

Nurelin has a pharmacokinetic profile designed to overcome the CNS side effects associated with immediate release forms of amantadine, while offering potential for enhanced efficacy. This novel pharmacokinetic profile of Nurelin is characterized by: i) higher plasma concentrations during the daytime hours when the motor and non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are at their peak; ii) low plasma concentrations overnight, which may reduce sleep disturbance and vivid dreams occasionally associated with amantadine; and iii) a reduced initial rate of rise in plasma concentration, which is expected to improve overall CNS tolerability of amantadine.

The efficacy and tolerability of multiple doses of Nurelin in the treatment of LID in Parkinson’s disease patients is currently being studied in a Phase 2/3 study. This study, entitled EASED (Extended Release Amantadine Safety and Efficacy Study in Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia), is designed to evaluate the efficacy of three dose strengths of Nurelin for the treatment of LID, and to confirm the tolerability of the new formulation (www.easedPD.com).

About LID in Parkinson Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive disorder with prominent motor signs including tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and postural instability. Levodopa, the most commonly prescribed and effective drug treatment for symptomatic relief in PD is associated with dose limiting motor side effects, including abnormal involuntary, dance-like movements known as dyskinesia. With continued levodopa treatment, and as PD progresses, dyskinesia can become severely disabling and has been associated with a decrease in the quality of life.

About Adamas

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Public release date: 4-Jun-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]

Contact: Kagan Kerman kkerman@utsc.utoronto.ca 416-287-7249 University of Toronto Scarborough

Researchers at the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) used an innovative technique to examine chemical interactions that are implicated in Parkinson’s Disease.

The work details how a protein called alpha-synuclein interacting with the brain chemical dopamine can lead to protein misfolding and neuronal death.

Parkinson’s Disease is a neurodegenerative disease which results in loss of motor control and cognitive function. Although the cause isn’t known precisely, the disease involves the death of brain cells that produce dopamine, a chemical important in neuronal signaling. The disease also involves a protein called alpha-synuclein which aggregates in the neurons of people with the disease.

Kagan Kerman, a chemist in the Department of Physical and Environmental Sciences, and Ian R. Brown, a neuroscientist who founded UTSC’s Centre for the Neurobiology of Stress in the Department of Biological Sciences, looked at the way dopamine interacts with alpha-synuclein to form aggregates that may be toxic to neurons.

“This is very fundamental,” says Kagan Kerman. “It gives us a new point of view of the misfolding proteins and how they are affected by dopamine.”

These sorts of interactions are often studied using microscopy. But the UTSC researchers decided to use an electroanalytic technique called voltammetry. By studying tiny changes in electric current as dopamine and alpha-synuclein interacted they were able to determine details about the early phases of the interaction.

Using the technique, they were able to detail how changes in pH levels and ionic strength of the solution affected the interaction. They found that at higher pH levels and higher ionic strengths, dopamine interacted much more strongly with alpha-synuclein, forming aggregates more quickly.

The results could have implications for understanding and treating the disease. Normally dopamine is contained in structures called vesicles, in which pH levels are low and dopamine is unlikely to interact with alpha-synuclein. Outside of the vesicles dopamine encounters higher pH levels and, according to the new research, is much more likely to interact to create aggregates.

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New research yields insights into Parkinson's disease

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Newswise Because there is currently no laboratory test that can diagnose Parkinsons disease, it is practically impossible to detect those individuals who are in the earliest stages of the disease. As a result, Parkinsons disease can only be diagnosed by a clinical neurological examination based on findings suggestive of the disease.

But researchers from the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology Faculty of Medicine have now identified a biomarker comprised of five genes shown to predict Parkinson’s disease with high accuracy. The findings are reported in a research article now published online by the scientific journal Molecular Neurodegeneration.

A predictive biomarker for Parkinson’s disease could also help to identify high-risk individuals before symptoms develop a stage where prevention treatment efforts might be expected to have their greatest impact to slow disease progression, says lead researcher Dr. Silvia Mandel. It could allow diagnosis of carriers of the genetic risk factors, or those who may exhibit pre-symptomatic stages of the disease [depression, sleep disturbances or hyposmia (reduced ability to smell)] and are good candidates for neuroprotective treatment.

All five genes that comprise the biomarker play a role in the ubiquitin-proteasome system of protein degradation, whose involvement in the pathology of Parkinson’s disease has previously been demonstrated.

The study was conducted on blood samples from 62 early stage Parkinson’s disease patients and 64 healthy age-matched control subjects. The selection of the genes and determination of their expression in the blood was based on previous research conducted by Dr. Mandel and Prof. Moussa Youdim on the brains of deceased Parkinson’s disease patients.

More strikingly, in 30 patients at advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, the model was 100 percent accurate. It was also able to fully discriminate between Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers believe the blood test could one day be combined with brain imaging and/or biomarkers in the spinal fluid or other peripheral tissues, as a gold standard not only for early diagnosis, but also for the differential diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and motor disorders that often mimick the disease symptoms.

Dr. Mandel, who is Vice Director of the Eve Topf Center of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research and Teaching at the Technion, conducted the research together with her PhD student Leonid Molochnikov, Professor Youdim; Prof. Judith Aharon of Rambam Medical Center; and Prof. Martin Rabey of Assaf HaRofeh Medical Center. Scientists from the Universities of Wrzburg and Pisa also contributed to the research.

The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology is consistently ranked among the world’s leading science and technology universities. Home to three of Israel’s five winners of the Nobel Prize in science, the Technion commands a worldwide reputation for its pioneering work in computer science, nanotechnology, biotechnology, energy, water-resource management, medicine, drug development, and aerospace. Headquartered in New York City, the American Technion Society (ATS) promotes scientific and technological research and education at the Technion.

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Researchers ID Cluster of Genes in Blood that Predict Parkinson's

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June 04–Many institutionalized dementia patients are known to lash out as part of their condition — to strike the aides trying to feed or clean them, to yell at other patients, to aggressively resist intrusive but necessary medical care such as IVs and catheters.

They are also known to be heavily medicated to control such behavior, a practice that government officials, nursing home industry leaders and patient care advocates say needs to be curbed.

The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, and the others announced an initiative last week designed to reduce use of antipsychotic drugs on nursing home patients with dementia by 15 percent by year’s end. Too often, they say, the staffs of long-term care facilities have relied on the medications to control behavior of patients with Alzheimer’s or a similar disease instead of trying other methods, even though the health of those residents can be damaged.

“It’s often related to care activities in which the [patient] becomes frightened, bewildered, apprehensive, very anxious — they don’t know what’s happening and may resist care or may actually strike out,” said Jules Rosen, chief of geriatric psychiatry at UPMC. “What has happened culturally is the knee-jerk reaction of many staff and many doctors is to prescribe these drugs, that it will calm them down. It serves that purpose for some people, and doesn’t for others.”

The two leading trade groups representing nursing homes, the American Health Care Association and LeadingAge, endorsed the CMS initiative and said they would work with the government to help steer facilities toward other methods with difficult patients. By July, the federal agency plans to list on its website devoted to nursing home comparisons the statistics describing each facility’s use of antipsychotic medications on dementia patients.

“We’re seeing a number of facilities steer away from these medications, but it’s still way too high,” said David Gifford, the AHCA’s senior vice president of quality and regulatory affairs. “One of the biggest challenges is many clinicians, physicians, nurses and family members think these medications are necessary and effective, but data suggest otherwise.”

A CMS report on the issue found that nearly 40 percent of nursing patients with signs of dementia in 2010 received antipsychotic drugs when they did not have any of the conditions for which the medications were government-approved, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It also stated more than 17 percent of nursing home residents had daily doses of the drugs exceeding recommended levels.

The new initiative calls upon nursing homes to assign consistent staff that gets to know the patients better and can more reliably understand their needs, considering the difficulty many dementia patients have in expressing themselves. Facilities are also being urged to devote more time to alternative behavioral solutions such as music therapy, exercise and other social activities.

Claire Curry, a legal director for the Legal Aid Justice Center, which advocates for patients, said the nursing homes need to learn “to not reach for a magic pill that’s going to tranquilize someone, but use these other tools I’m so happy to see CMS pushing. The drug should always be a very last resort.”

Government and medical officials note that while commonly used antipsychotic medications such as risperidone and olanzapine can be beneficial, they have not been proved to have the same value for dementia patients as for their intended use and there can be more harmful side effects for patients with Alzheimer’s or similar conditions.

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Agencies demand curbs on drugs for dementia

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I’ve always loved horses. I’ve been riding since I was five, I come from a horse family, says Patricia Labau of Gunnison, CO. Her life revolved around horses. She was competing, showing and jumping… Until one day when her life suddenly changed.

I woke up one morning and couldn’t walk, she says.

She learned some news she never expected.

They diagnosed me with multiple sclerosis, she explains.

Multiple sclerosis is a debilitating disease. But Labau didnt let it keep her from the stables.

Sometimes you can get sick and go, ugh, and I’m not one of those people. I went ok, how can we fix this?

She used a form of riding called dressage as her therapy.

Dressage is to riding as ballet is to dance. Its a classical, very logical systematic approach, says Alice West, announcer and trainer for Grand Valley Dressage Show.

Dressage is a slower form of riding that takes incredible muscle control from the rider.

It also involves very intense training on the part of the rider. The rider has to have a very supple and elastic seat so they don’t interfere with the horses motion and yet still be able to influence the horse, West says.

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Horses as a Treatment for Multiple Sclerosis

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Frank Shorter, left, autographs White Plains runner Alicia Sokolofsky’s bib on Sunday.JEFF GOULDING/Times Herald-Record

Published: 2:00 AM – 06/04/12

MIDDLETOWN Brian Baker doesn’t seem to age, from his youthful appearance to his spectacularly consistent road running times.

Baker, of Walden, turned 50 this year, but continues to clock times that would make a 20-year-old proud. He won the 50- to 54-year-old age group in 39:54 on Sunday at The Classic 10K.

Baker is within only 90 seconds or so of times he ran as a 19-year-old. He has missed only four of the 32 Classics (2006-present) and Orange Classics (1981-2005).

“I’m psyched that I’m maintaining that consistency,” he said.

A vegetarian most of his life, Baker chalks up his remarkable consistency to “good genes and a healthy lifestyle.” He’s also durable, having run for 36 years without being slowed by any chronic injuries. Baker finished his 37th marathon at Boston in April.

Liberty High graduate Mike Belfiore raised more than $5,000 on Sunday for Juvenile Diabetes, honoring a friend’s daughter recently diagnosed with the disease at 18 months old.

“It broke my heart to see them go through what they went through,” said Belfiore, a father of children ages 5 and 1. He said his friend’s daughter is doing well. Belfiore set a goal of $5,000 and had raised about $5,400 through Sunday. Donations to the cause in Belfiore’s name can be made at jdrf.org.

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The Classic notebook: Veteran runner Baker still cooking at 50

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Despite pouring rain Monday morning, throngs of Princeton University graduates gathered on Cannon Green for their Class Day ceremonies, where a local teen was made an honorary class member and actor Steve Carell addressed the students.

Derek DiGregorio, 14, of Princeton, received the loud cheers as he was inducted as an honorary member of the class.

Derek has touched the hearts of many throughout the Princeton community and the Class of 2012, said John Monagle, class treasurer, as he introduced the boy during the ceremony. Hes had a deep impact on many of our classmates Princeton experiences.

Derek, an eighth grader at John Witherspoon Middle School, was born 14 years ago with a disease called ataxia telagiectasia (A-T) that will eventually rob him of movement, compromise his immune system and may cause cancer.

Derek has worked to raise awareness of A-T and to support families who are also facing the disease, said Mr. Monagle, who noted to loud cheers, that the boy is a five-time world champion in tae kwon do and a gold medalist in bowling at the New Jersey Special Olympics. Dereks story is one of courage, passion and determination. He lives the values Princetonians hope to embody and Im honored to present Derek as an honorary class member of the Class of 2012.

According to Derek, the honor was awesome, and he plans to wear his class jacket to school on June 5.

It felt really, really good and it was very special to be a part of something like that, said Derek after returning home from the ceremony and lunch party on campus.

Dereks father, Steve DiGregorio, is a former Princeton University football coach from 1987 to 1999 who left the team to spend more time with his son.

I dont have words; this is so overwhelming for all of us, said Mr. DiGregorio. We got word two and a half, three weeks ago that this was going on, and we are so overwhelmed. My wife and I are very grateful for all of this and very grateful to the senior class for doing this for Derek and making it such a special day for our family.

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PRICETON: Steve Carell addresses class of 2012

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Enlarge Rebecca Droke/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Jeff Hudale, who is autistic, demonstrates a face recognition test at the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. Researchers use eye tracking devices to monitor and record what he is looking at.

Jeff Hudale, who is autistic, demonstrates a face recognition test at the University of Pittsburgh in 2010. Researchers use eye tracking devices to monitor and record what he is looking at.

Like a lot of people with autism, Jeff Hudale has a brain that’s really good at some things.

“I have an unusual aptitude for numbers, namely math computations,” he says.

Hudale can do triple-digit multiplication in his head. That sort of ability helped him get a degree in engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. But he says his brain struggles with other subjects like literature and philosophy.

“I like working with things that are rather concrete and structured,” he says. “Yeah, I like things with some logic and some rules to it.”

So Hudale, who is 40, does fine at his job at a bank. But he doesn’t do so well with social interactions, where logic and rules aren’t so obvious.

“Most people my age are nowadays married,” he says. “But me, not only am I totally single, I’ve never even had a date.”

What Hudale has done for the past 25 years is help scientists understand autism by letting them study his brain.

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What's Different About The Brains Of People With Autism?

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Editor’s Choice Main Category: Autism Also Included In: Pediatrics / Children’s Health;Psychology / Psychiatry Article Date: 04 Jun 2012 – 10:00 PDT

Current ratings for: ‘Antioxidant May Reduce Irritability In Kids With Autism’

4 (1 votes)

5 (1 votes)

The pilot trial, conducted by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, involved 31 children aged 3 to 12 years with autism. The study is published in Biological Psychiatry.

The researchers found that NAC reduced irritability and repetitive behaviors of the children. However, before NAC can be recommended for children with autism, larger trials are needed in order to verify results from the pilot trial.

Between 60-70% of children with the disorder suffer from irritability. Antonio Hardan, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford and director of the Autism and Developmental Disabilities Clinic at Packard Children’s explained:

One of the top priorities for researchers is to find new medications to treat autism and its symptoms. At present, aggression, irritability, and mood swings are all associated features of the disorder and are treated with second-generation antipsychotics.

However, these medications cause serious adverse effects including:

Another major problem of autism is the state of drug treatments for its core features, such as repetitive behaviors, social deficits, and language impairment. Hardan said: “Today, in 2012, we have no effective medication to treat repetitive behavior such as hand flapping or any other core features of autism.”

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EXTON, Pa., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — ViroPharma Incorporated (VPHM) today announced the initiation of a Phase 2 program to evaluate maribavir for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infections in transplant recipients. The planned program will consist of two independent Phase 2 clinical studies that will include subjects at different ends of the spectrum of CMV infection or disease, namely those who have asymptomatic CMV, and those who have failed therapy with other anti-CMV agents. Maribavir was granted U.S. Orphan Drug Designation in May of 2011 for treatment of clinically significant cytomegalovirus viremia and disease in at-risk patients.

In addition, an abstract of data collected through the use of maribavir at six French transplant centers as part of a named patient program (NPP) has been accepted for the 24th International Congress of the Transplantation Society to be held on July 15th through 19th in Berlin, Germany.

“Physicians continue to see potential value in the novel mechanism of action of maribavir when used at higher doses in critically ill patients, particularly when other options have failed,” stated Marc E. Uknis, MD, medical director, ViroPharma Incorporated. “The outcomes seen in a small number of the NPP patients and the previously published experience in emergency-use IND patients suggests the possibility that maribavir may provide meaningful antiviral effects in treating active CMV infection and merits further careful evaluation because of the serious unmet need in immunocompromised transplant patients.”

“Asymptomatic” CMV Study ViroPharma has initiated a randomized, dose blinded multicenter Phase 2 study intended to enroll up to 160 subjects (recipients of either hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant) who have demonstrated CMV viremia but do not have CMV organ disease. Further, these subjects cannot have CMV infection that is resistant to other anti-CMV agents. Subjects will be randomized to receive oral maribavir at one of three doses (400mg, 800mg or 1200mg BID) or valganciclovir for up to 12 weeks. Blood levels of CMV DNA will be monitored throughout the study, and minimum virologic responses will be required after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment to continue study drug. The study will be conducted at multiple transplant centers in 3-4 countries in Europe.

Resistant/Refractory CMV Study ViroPharma is planning to initiate a second study, a randomized, dose blinded multicenter Phase 2 study intended to enroll up to 120 subjects (recipients of either hematopoietic stem cell or solid organ transplant) who have demonstrated CMV viremia with or without CMV organ disease. All subjects will have failed to have an adequate virologic response to prior treatment with ganciclovir, valganciclovir, or foscarnet, and may have documented viral genetic resistance to any of these anti-CMV agents. Subjects will be randomized to receive oral maribavir at one of three doses (400mg, 800mg or 1200mg BID) for up to 24 weeks. Blood levels of CMV DNA will be monitored throughout the study, and minimum virologic responses will be required after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment to continue study drug. The study is planned to be conducted at multiple transplant centers in the United States.

About Maribavir Maribavir, a member of a new class of drugs called benzimidazole ribosides, is a potent and selective, orally bioavailable antiviral drug with a unique mechanism of action against cytomegalovirus and a favorable clinical safety profile. Unlike currently available anti-CMV agents that inhibit CMV DNA polymerase, maribavir inhibits viral DNA assembly and inhibits egress of viral capsids from the nucleus of infected cells. Maribavir is active in vitro against strains of CMV that are resistant to commonly used anti-CMV drugs. The previous focus of clinical development of maribavir as an anti-CMV agent was on the prevention of CMV disease in transplant patients. Results from Phase 3 studies indicated that maribavir at a dose of 100mg BID failed to meet its efficacy endpoints; however, maribavir has demonstrated a favorable safety and tolerability profile in all clinical studies to date. While Phase 3 studies of CMV prophylaxis at the 100mg BID dose did not show sufficient activity to prevent CMV disease, the overall safety profile of maribavir and limited data from cases in which open-label maribavir was used as CMV treatment suggest that higher doses may provide clinical activity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Orphan Drug Designation to maribavir in May of 2011 for treatment of clinically significant cytomegalovirus viremia and disease in at-risk patients.

About Cytomegalovirus CMV is a memberof the herpesvirus group, which includes the viruses that cause chicken pox, mononucleosis, herpes labialis (cold sores), and herpes genitalis (genital herpes). Like other herpesviruses, CMV has the ability to remain dormant in the body for long periods of time. Human CMV infection rates average between 50 percent and 85 percent of adults in the U.S. by 40 years of age, but in healthy adults causes little to no apparent illness. However, in immunocompromised individuals including cancer patients, HIV patients, and transplant patients, and in children born with primary CMV infection, CMV can lead to serious disease or death. Patients who are immunosuppressed following hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) or solid organ transplantation are at high risk of CMV infection. In these patients, CMV can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonitis or hepatitis, or to complications such as acute or chronic rejection of a transplanted organ. While currently available systemic anti-CMV agents are effective against the virus, their use is limited by toxicities, most notably bone marrow suppression and renal impairment.

About ViroPharma Incorporated ViroPharma Incorporated is an international biopharmaceutical company committed to developing and commercializing novel solutions for physician specialists to address unmet medical needs of patients living with diseases that have few if any clinical therapeutic options. ViroPharma is developing a portfolio of therapeutics for rare and Orphan diseases including C1 esterase inhibitor deficiency, Friedreich’s Ataxia, and adrenal insufficiency, cytomegalovirus (CMV); and recurrent C. difficile infection (CDI). Our goal is to provide rewarding careers to employees, to create new standards of care in the way serious diseases are treated, and to build international partnerships with the patients, advocates, and health care professionals we serve. ViroPharma’s commercial products address diseases including hereditary angioedema (HAE), seizures, adrenal insufficiency and C. difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD); for full U.S. prescribing information on our products, please download the package inserts at http://www.viropharma.com/Products.aspx; the prescribing information for other countries can be found at http://www.viropharma.com.

ViroPharma routinely posts information, including press releases, which may be important to investors in the investor relations and media sections of our company’s web site, http://www.viropharma.com. The company encourages investors to consult these sections for more information on ViroPharma and our business.

Forward Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release contain forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements provide our current expectations or forecasts of future events, including the therapeutic indication and use, safety, efficacy, tolerability and potential of maribavir and our focus, goals, strategy, research and development programs, and ability to develop pharmaceutical products, commercialize pharmaceutical products, and execute on our plans including clinical development activities with maribavir related to treatment of subjects with asymptomatic CMV as well as resistant / refractory CMV disease. In February 2009, based upon preliminary analysis of the data, we announced that our Phase 3 trial evaluating maribavir used as prophylaxis in allogeneic stem cell, or bone marrow, transplant patients did not achieve its primary endpoints. In addition, the study failed to meet its key secondary endpoints. Additionally, we announced that our Phase 3 trial evaluating maribavir in liver transplant patients was discontinued and that all patients on study drug were moved to current standard of care. While the current studies are in different patient populations and utilize different dosing levels, there can be no assurance that our clinical program with maribavir for the treatment of subjects with asymptomatic CMV as well as resistant / refractory CMV disease will yield positive results or support further development of maribavir for either indication. The preliminary results from a small number of NPP and emergency-use IND patients may not be predictive of the results of the studies described in this press release. The FDA or EMA may view the data regarding maribavir for the treatment of subjects with asymptomatic CMV as well as resistant / refractory CMV disease as insufficient or inconclusive, request additional data, require additional clinical studies, delay any decision past the time frames anticipated by us, limit any approved indications, or deny the approval of maribavir for the treatment of subjects with asymptomatic CMV as well as resistant / refractory CMV disease.

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Yet families affected by autism are still often left feeling like they are not truly part of their communities. Some of that feeling of isolation comes from the fact that it can be challenging if not outright impossible for families like mine to take part in activities that most take for granted. Whether its going to a movie, heading out for a pancake breakfast, catching a baseball game, or attending a town barbecue, we often decide its ultimately not worth taking the risk that what should be a fun outing could turn into a fiasco.

Fortunately, there is a growing movement to develop events or modify existing ones that take the unique needs of people with autism into consideration and create marvelous experiences for them. Broadway theaters have started hosting special performances for families with autism, featuring toned-down lighting, sound, and special effects, as well as quiet rooms for kids who need some time away from the action. Movie theater chains host autism-only screenings, where parents dont have to worry if their child screams or otherwise acts out.

I am proud to be involved with a new effort that will hopefully inspire others to follow suit. Dover International Speedway, NASCAR, FedEx, and the national advocacy organization Autism Speaks are partnering to create the first autism-friendly NASCAR race experience for families. At this weekends FedEx 400, families with autism can attend the “Autism Speaks Day at the Races,” which will feature prerace presentations on the latest autism research and services available to families. During the race, a “quiet zone” in the grandstand will allow parents to bring their kids to a sensory-friendly place to take in the action away from the crowd and noise.

Not every entertainment venue can accommodate families in this way, but it is important for organizations such as NASCAR, movie theater chains, restaurants, and others to know that doing so isnt just a good deed its also good business. Like all families, we “vote” with our wallets, spending our limited entertainment dollars where they will bring us the best experiences. Autism-friendly events are business-savvy, and they help develop communities that are inclusive and welcoming for all.

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NASCAR revs up autism-friendly event

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With autism affecting one in 88 children, companies and lawmakers are stepping up efforts to see that treatments are covered by health benefits.

By JONATHAN BERR, who has written for national media outlets for more than 15 years.

Employees at The Autism Society, a small non-profit dedicated to raising public awareness about the condition, are offered a wide array of benefits — except, ironically coverage for autism.

“It’s amazing,” said Scott Badesch, the society’s president and COO, who is lobbying state officials to change the law.

Maryland is behind the times. One in 88 children suffer from autism. Around 30 states have passed laws requiring companies to offer coverage for autism and services such as speech, occupational and behavioral therapies. These laws don’t apply in general to large companies whose health insurance plans are self-funded. But even in those cases, there is progress as more of them are helping to cover the costs of these treatments.

“I am pleasantly surprised at the rapid growth of the number of companies that are offering autism benefits,” said Lori Unub, vice president for state government affairs at Autism Speaks, adding that a German firm was basing its decision on where to locate its U.S. operations on whether a particular state required autism insurance coverage. “I actually cannot keep up with all the emails that I get. ?It is still the tip of the iceberg.”

IBM, Capital One and Ohio State University are among employers that assist workers in paying for scientifically recognized autism treatments and therapies. IBM, the world’s largest provider of computer services, offers a program to cover costs outside the scope of the company’s health insurance plan. It has a lifetime maximum benefit of $50,000, according to the Armonk, N.Y.-based company. In addition, IBM provides LifeWorks, which offers around-the-clock personal phone support from trained disability consultants.

Capital One, the sixth-largest U.S. commercial lender by deposits, offers autism benefits because the company believes that it’s the right thing to do, said Eric Gutierrez, vice president of HR benefits.

The McLean, Va.-based company offers coverage for applied behavioral analysis — a common autism treatment that has been shown to be effective — along with speech, occupational and physical therapy. It also funds and supports a program for autistic adults so they can experience what it’s like to work in a Fortune 500 company.

“These types of benefits are definitely having a positive impact on hiring and retention,” Guitierrez said. “We have several stories of associates whose decision to join our company were influenced by our great benefits, including the autism benefits. This is a tremendous retention tool for the associates using these benefits, as most would not be able to afford these services on their own. Many associates, even those without children with autism, have told us that the autism program speaks volumes for our values as an organization.”

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The Case for Autism Coverage

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As a certified holistic health counselor and a mother, Ive had my share of experience helping children with disabilities. Over the next three weeks, I will be featuring three disabilities that are increasingly prevalent: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

Dr. Manny Alvarez, senior managing health editor at FoxNews.com, has asked that I offer suggestions on diets to support children with these special needs. We will be taking a look at brain physiology, common physical symptoms, nourishing foods and foods to avoid.

First up this week is ASD. The most recent statistics indicate approximately 1 in 88 children in the U.S are on the spectrum.

Autistic manifestations usually begin to appear between the first and second year of life and include delays or abnormalities in language and complex behavior, social interactions, repetitive behavior or unusual interests and preoccupations. According to The Autism Society there is no single cause of autism and most cases involve a combination of genetic risk factors, environmental factors and very early brain development.

Studies published by Autism Speaks show that a set of biochemical pathways (methylation, transsulfration and sulfation) tend to function sub-optimally for those with autism. These pathways are involved in detoxification, heavy metal elimination, digestion, immune function and gut integrity.

Gastrointestinal symptoms and inflammation are very common for those on the spectrum. These include diarrhea, constipation, bloating and GI pain.

Gut inflammation is typically caused by food sensitivities and an overabundance of unhealthy bacteria in the gut. Impaired digestion causes nutrient deficiencies and impaired cellular function, which manifests as poor brain function and immune system deficiencies. When food is not broken down properly, as is the case with food sensitivities, it leads to foggy thinking, insensitivity to pain, withdrawal and irritability.

The most common culprits of food sensitivities are gluten, casein and soy. Other common physical symptoms are frequent infections, trouble sleeping, non-localized pain/inflammation and brain fog. These symptoms are typical of yeast overgrowth and excessive toxins.

There is a clear connection between the brain and the gut. Supporting the physical symptoms through diet will increase overall health and should reduce the severity of symptoms.

In order to heal the gut, it is important to eat a diet rich in foods with anti-inflammatory properties such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil (fatty fish such as salmon and sardines), flax seeds and walnuts to reduce any existing gut inflammation.

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Foods for children with autism

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

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

Financial Highlights

Recent Developments

The following achievements were made during the quarter:

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

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

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

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

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

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Cynapsus Therapeutics Reports First Quarter 2012 Financial Results and Recent Developments

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Editor's Choice Main Category: Sports Medicine / Fitness Article Date: 08 Jun 2012 - 11:00 PDT

Current ratings for: 'Too Much Exercise Not As Beneficial As Moderate Training'

4 (1 votes)

The study, published in the June issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that training for, and competing in marathons, very long distance bicycle rides, and iron man distance triathlons, may result in structural changes to the heart and large arteries, leading to myocardial injury.

Micah True a 58 year-old legendary ultra-marathoner, would run as far as 100 miles in a day. However, on March 27, 2012, True died suddenly while on a routine 12-mile training run. Autopsy results showed that True's heart was enlarged and scarred and that he died of a lethal arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm).

The researchers speculate that the pathologic changes in True's heart may have manifestations of ""Phidippides cardiomyopathy," a condition caused by chronic excessive endurance exercise."

Jame H. O'Keefe, M.D., of Saint Luke's Hospital of Kansas City, MO. explained:

However, as with any pharmacologic agent, a safe upper dose limit potentially exists, beyond which the adverse effects of physical exercise, such as musculoskeletal trauma and cardiovascular stress, may outweigh its benefits."

According to Dr. O'Keefe and his team, extreme endurance training can result in transient structural cardiovascular changes, as well as elevations of cardiac biomarkers, all of which return to normal within one week.

However, some people may develop patchy myocardial fibrosis, particularly in the atria, interventricular septum, and right ventricle, and an increased susceptibility to atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, as a result of months and years of repetitive injury.

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Too Much Exercise Not As Beneficial As Moderate Training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Latest Doctor Line9: Parkinson's

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

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

“I’m on medication,” said Robinson. “It’s not a death sentence. It’s treatable, but not curable.”

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

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

Robinson said he’s had no problems with shaking.

“It gets my voice,” he said. “And my coordination when I’m walking.”

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

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

“I’m proud of that,” he said.

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Robinson diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease

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