LONDON (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline boosted its position in biotech on Thursday by signing a deal that could be worth up to $600 million (303 million pounds) with Regulus Therapeutics, taking it into the hot area of RNA technology.
The tie-up covers research into experimental drugs designed to block or "silence" microRNAs -- tiny strands of RNA, or ribonucleic acid, that help turn genes into proteins.
Regulus is a joint venture between U.S. biotech companies Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc .
The aim of the deal is to develop and market new microRNA-targeted treatments for conditions caused by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
The collaboration, however, will not yield any early results and there is no guarantee of success. Regulus Chief Executive Kleanthis Xanthopoulos told Reuters it could be three years before drug candidates were identified for clinical trials.
Still, Jose Carlos Gutierrez-Ramos, head of Glaxo's inflammation research centre, thinks it is worth a gamble.
"When associated with an aberrant inflammatory response, microRNAs represent disease targets whose therapeutic modulation could revolutionise the way we treat immune diseases," he said.
Europe's biggest drugmaker by sales has an option to license product candidates directed at four different targets, with Regulus eligible to receive up to $144.5 million in milestone payments for each.
In addition, Regulus will get $20 million in upfront payments, including a $15 million option fee and a $5 million note convertible into Regulus common stock. It will also receive up to double-digit percentage royalties on worldwide sales of products resulting from the alliance.
For Glaxo, the deal is another example of "virtualising" some of its drugs pipeline by complementing in-house research with external alliances.
The high price it is paying for such early-stage research underlines the current hunger among large pharmaceutical companies for promising biotech assets.
Xanthopoulos said Regulus had also seen strong interest from big drugmakers in its oncology and virology programmes, some of which are more advanced than the inflammatory work. But he added it was not his goal to strike further deals in 2008.
MicroRNAs are a recently discovered class of molecules that are believed to regulate the expression of a large number of human genes. The inappropriate absence or presence of specific microRNAs has been linked with cancer, viral infection, inflammatory and metabolic disorders.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Mega Lifesciences introduces skin care products
When the skin is exposed to such environmental conditions, sun, air-conditioning and pollution it would drab in such hectic lifestyle in global backdrop and therefore it is important that care should be taken to improve the texture of the skin, said Ms Rosy Senanayake at the launch of Flexsa – Glucosamine Sulphate Orange flavoured drink and NNO – Nourishing Night Oil, enriched with Vitamin E.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Mega Lifesciences (Australia) Pty Ltd, launched two new products to the Sri Lankan market at a Press Conference and fashion show held at the Hilton last week with the presence of Mega Lifescience’s Country Head Praveen Viswakumaran, Director A Baur & Co, A Mahanama; Brand Ambassadors for Glow Mrs Rosy Senanayake and Rozanne Diasz, Beautician Ramani Fernando, Fashion Guru Kirthi Sri Karunaratne and Dr Harshini Fernando.
Ms Senanayake said that she always believed that Glow could be used as an outside application to preserve the skin. She also stressed the importance of exercising, good nutrients would be components for this purpose. She said that Glow does not have preservatives.
Dr (Ms) Harshani Fernando said that nearly 10 to 12 percent of the world population suffers from Osteoarthritis the common form of arthritis – pain and inflammation of joints - and people passing the age of 45 years. Osteoarthritis is a condition primarily concerning the joints causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and even immobility. It’s a progressive disorder that can worsen with time and age leading to discomfort and loss of productivity.
Medical science has contributed immensely in improving the mortality and morbidity resulting in a longer life span, higher life expectancy and of course a better quality of life.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Vitamin E linked to lung cancer
Taking high doses of vitamin E supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer, research suggests. The US study of 77,000 people found taking 400 milligrams per day long-term increased cancer risk by 28% - with smokers at particular risk. It follows warnings about similar risks of excessive beta-carotene use.
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Writing in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, an expert said people should get their vitamins from fruit and veg. Dr Tim Byers, from the University of Colorado, said a healthy, balanced diet meant people took in a whole range of beneficial nutrients and minerals, which might help to reduce cancer risk.
The researchers followed people aged between 50 and 76 for four years and looked at their average daily use of vitamin C and folic acid, and vitamin E supplements. Over the course of the study, 521 people developed lung cancer. Smoking, family history and age all had unsurprisingly strong links to cancer risk.
And while neither vitamin C or folic acid use had any effect on lung cancer risk, vitamin E use did. The researchers extrapolated their findings, and concluded that over a decade, there was an additional 7% increase in risk for every 100 milligrams taken per day. The vitamin E trend was most prominent among smokers, but was not confined to them. Vitamin E is known to be an antioxidant - protecting cells from molecules called free radicals.
But the US researchers speculate that, in high doses, it may also act as a pro-oxidant - causing oxidation and therefore damage to cells. 'Toxic effects' Dr Christopher Slatore of the University of Washington in Seattle, who led the study, said: "In contrast to the often assumed benefits or at least lack of harm, supplemental vitamin E was associated with a small increased risk of lung cancer.
"Future studies may focus on other components of fruits and vegetables that may explain the decreased risk of cancer that has been associated with fruit and vegetables. "Meanwhile, our results should prompt clinicians to counsel patients that these supplements are unlikely to reduce the risk of lung cancer and may be detrimental."
But Henry Scowcroft, senior science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "The jury's still very much out on whether vitamin and mineral supplements can affect cancer risk. "Some studies suggest a benefit, but many others show no effect and some, like this one, suggest they may even increase risk." He added: "Research repeatedly shows that a healthy, balanced diet can reduce your risk of some cancers while giving you all the vitamins you need.
"Quitting smoking remains the most effective way to avoid many cancers. There's no diet, or vitamin supplement, that could ever counter the toxic effects of cigarette smoke." - BBC NEWS
Monday, February 11, 2008
So What Is The Best Approach To Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis... What Do I Need To Know If I, Or A Close Relative Has The Disease?
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, progressive, systemic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease for which there is no current cure. However, there are important and effective advances which have made it possible to put this disease into remission.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
The most important advances in treatment in the last 25 years have been the use of methotrexate as a disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) and the use of biologic therapies to get this disease into remission.
Before discussing therapy, it is critical that a rapid, accurate diagnosis of RA be made as soon as possible. This is because the damage to both joints as well as internal organs may occur early in the course of illness.
Newer laboratory tests such as the anti-CCP as well as imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and diagnostic ultrasound have made the diagnosis easier.
A recent study has demonstrated that patients with shorter duration of disease and less severe disability are increasingly being treated with biologic therapies. (Soderlin MK, et al. (Ann Rheumatic Dis. 2008; 67:37-42).
Why is this approach a good one?
Another recent study has demonstrated that TNF-inhibitors, the first line biologic therapies used disrupt the architecture of structures in the lymph system called germinal centers, which are a type of training ground for immune cells.
Normally, the structures help when the host is ill from an infection. The structures swiftly churn out lots of B cells, which the body uses to destroy invaders.
In healthy people, once an infection is beaten off, the germinal centers fade away. But in people with a chronic autoimmune disease like rheumatoid arthritis, these germinal centers continue to train immune cells to become autoimmune attackers.
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester found that anti-TNF compounds inhibit the function and organization of cells known as follicular dendritic cells, which help form the germinal centers.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
Pine bark naturally reduces osteoarthritis knee pain
Affecting more than 10 million Americans, Osteoarthritis of the knee (OA) is one of the five leading causes of disability among the elderly.
While OA mainly affects most people over 45, it can occur at any age. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol, (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improved physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA.
When OA develops, the cartilage gradually looses elasticity and begins to harden and crack, subsequently becoming more prone to damage and erosion by use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). Current treatments include regular exercise and pain relievers such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills to help ease pain and stiffness. In more severe cases, cortisone shots can help decrease inflammation in the joint and extreme cases consist of joint replacement. There are currently no drugs that treat osteoarthritis directly.
Pycnogenol was chosen due to a history of studies of the extract to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting COX-1, COX-2 and the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" nuclear factor-kappa B,"said lead researcher Dr. Ronald Watson from the University of Arizona. Pycnogenol offers a safe nutritional approach to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function of arthritic joints. It controls inflammation and thus ideally complements existing strategies that comprise delivery of building blocks for replacement of degenerated cartilage.
The study was conducted at the rheumatology department of Mashhad Medical University, Iran. Thirty-five volunteers (average age 42) were randomly assigned a daily dose of Pycnogenol (50mg, 3 times a day) or placebo for three months. Patients were to report arthritic pain using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index after 30, 60 and 90 days. Participants also were instructed to indicate the frequency and dosage of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor usage.
After two months of supplementation, physical function and pain scores improved in the Pycnogenol group. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, 52 percent in physical function subscales and 49 percent composite WOMAC. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Additionally, further reduction in the number of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills and number of days taking medication was noted in the Pycnogenol group.
Pycnogenol's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were responsible for delivering these excellent results,"said Watson. This study shows that supplementing with Pycnogenol can fight joint inflammation and soothe the pain and stiffness, thus pave the path for cartilage renewal with substances such as glucosamine.
A previous study on Pycnogenol published in the Journal of Inflammation demonstrated that the ingredient effectively prevented inflammation disorders in patients by moderating the immune system response. While the wear and tear is responsible for the initial degeneration of cartilage, the more advanced stage of osteoarthritis involves inflammation. The cells of the cartilage (chondrocytes) respond to mechanical impact by generating pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines). This process is initiated by the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" called NF-kappaB. Pycnogenol was shown to lower the sensitivity for NF-kappaB in humans last year.
The cytokines released from chondrocytes recruits immune cells (leukocytes) to the joints where they cause more harm than good. Leukocytes release harmful substances such as free radicals and enzymes that break down connective tissue and speed up the degeneration of cartilage. These processes alike are under control by NF-kappaB, and the effect of Pycnogenol to suppress NF-kappaB will help to limit the damage caused by leukocytes.
Researchers believe this study is the first randomized clinical trial to show Pycnogenol's effectiveness in alleviating the clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. There are several more breakthrough studies on Pycnogenol and osteoarthritis expected to be published next year allowing for development of innovative, natural formulas for joint health.
Additionally, Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1, COX-2 and treating osteoarthritis.
While OA mainly affects most people over 45, it can occur at any age. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the journal Nutrition Research reveals Pycnogenol, (pic-noj-en-all), an antioxidant plant extract from the bark of the French maritime pine tree, improved physical function by 52 percent in patients suffering from OA.
When OA develops, the cartilage gradually looses elasticity and begins to harden and crack, subsequently becoming more prone to damage and erosion by use or injury and often leads to pain, swelling, a decrease in motion at the joint, stiffness, or the formation of bone spurs (tiny growths of new bone). Current treatments include regular exercise and pain relievers such as NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills to help ease pain and stiffness. In more severe cases, cortisone shots can help decrease inflammation in the joint and extreme cases consist of joint replacement. There are currently no drugs that treat osteoarthritis directly.
Pycnogenol was chosen due to a history of studies of the extract to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting COX-1, COX-2 and the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" nuclear factor-kappa B,"said lead researcher Dr. Ronald Watson from the University of Arizona. Pycnogenol offers a safe nutritional approach to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function of arthritic joints. It controls inflammation and thus ideally complements existing strategies that comprise delivery of building blocks for replacement of degenerated cartilage.
The study was conducted at the rheumatology department of Mashhad Medical University, Iran. Thirty-five volunteers (average age 42) were randomly assigned a daily dose of Pycnogenol (50mg, 3 times a day) or placebo for three months. Patients were to report arthritic pain using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index after 30, 60 and 90 days. Participants also were instructed to indicate the frequency and dosage of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor usage.
After two months of supplementation, physical function and pain scores improved in the Pycnogenol group. After three months in the Pycnogenol group, there was a reduction of 43 percent in pain, 35 percent in stiffness, 52 percent in physical function subscales and 49 percent composite WOMAC. The placebo group showed no significant scores throughout the entire study. Additionally, further reduction in the number of NSAIDS and COX-2 inhibitor pills and number of days taking medication was noted in the Pycnogenol group.
Pycnogenol's natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties were responsible for delivering these excellent results,"said Watson. This study shows that supplementing with Pycnogenol can fight joint inflammation and soothe the pain and stiffness, thus pave the path for cartilage renewal with substances such as glucosamine.
A previous study on Pycnogenol published in the Journal of Inflammation demonstrated that the ingredient effectively prevented inflammation disorders in patients by moderating the immune system response. While the wear and tear is responsible for the initial degeneration of cartilage, the more advanced stage of osteoarthritis involves inflammation. The cells of the cartilage (chondrocytes) respond to mechanical impact by generating pro-inflammatory molecules (cytokines). This process is initiated by the pro-inflammatory "master-switch" called NF-kappaB. Pycnogenol was shown to lower the sensitivity for NF-kappaB in humans last year.
The cytokines released from chondrocytes recruits immune cells (leukocytes) to the joints where they cause more harm than good. Leukocytes release harmful substances such as free radicals and enzymes that break down connective tissue and speed up the degeneration of cartilage. These processes alike are under control by NF-kappaB, and the effect of Pycnogenol to suppress NF-kappaB will help to limit the damage caused by leukocytes.
Researchers believe this study is the first randomized clinical trial to show Pycnogenol's effectiveness in alleviating the clinical symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. There are several more breakthrough studies on Pycnogenol and osteoarthritis expected to be published next year allowing for development of innovative, natural formulas for joint health.
Additionally, Horphag Research, the exclusive worldwide distributor of Pycnogenol has filed for several patents for Pycnogenol's application for COX-1, COX-2 and treating osteoarthritis.
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