Lilly Announces Inconclusive Phase II Study Results for mGlu2/3 at the International Congress on Schizophrenia Research Mar 30, 2009
Steven Paul, M.D., executive vice president, science and technology, and president, Lilly Research Laboratories, said, "All currently prescribed antipsychotics act on dopamine receptors. Lilly remains optimistic that the novel mechanism of compounds with the ability to reduce glutamate hyperactivity, such as our mGlu2/3 receptor agonist, will someday represent the next generation of breakthrough treatments for schizophrenia.". About Eli Lilly and Company. (PR Newswire)
TorreyPines Therapeutics Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2008 Results Mar 28, 2009
The company currently has three clinical stage product candidates: two ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists and one muscarinic receptor agonist. Further information is available at. (PR Newswire)
Schering-Plough's Investigational Oral Thrombin Receptor Antagonist Meets Primary Endpoint in a Newly Published Study Mar 13, 2009
KENILWORTH, N.J., March 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Results of a Schering-Plough Corporation (NYSE: ) Phase II trial of SCH 530348, a novel oral thrombin receptor antagonist (TRA), were published today in The Lancet and demonstrated that the investigational antiplatelet compound met its primary endpoints of safety and tolerability ... Another important result from the Thrombin Receptor Antagonist Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (TRA-PCI) trial was the rate of thrombin-receptor agonist... (PR Newswire)
Safety of Labor-Delaying Drugs Questioned Mar 10, 2009
The most widely used tocolytic drugs include beta agonists and nifedipine (which relax smooth muscles, including the uterus), and atosiban and indometacin (which inhibit hormones involved in labor), according to the study ... Atosiban was the most commonly used drug (42 percent), followed by nifedipine (34 percent), beta agonists (14 percent), and indometacin (8 percent) ... 7 percent, but combined or single treatment with a beta agonist led to a higher incidence of serious drug reactions. (MEDLINEplus)
Brain Protein May Be Target For Fast-acting Antidepressants Mar 7, 2009
Previous studies by Greengard s team showed that p11 is required for the antidepressant actions of a molecule called an agonist, which activates the serotonin 1B receptor. To determine whether p11 is required for the action of a serotonin 4 agonist, the researchers injected two groups of mice with a compound called RS67333, which has been shown to produce antidepressant-like effects ... Studies in rodents have shown that behavioral responses that typically require two to three weeks of... (Science Daily)
Theravance to Present at the Cowen and Company 29th Annual Health Care Conference Mar 4, 2009
The company's key programs include: telavancin for the treatment of serious Gram-positive bacterial infections with Astellas Pharma Inc. and the Horizon program and Bifunctional Muscarinic Antagonist-Beta2 Agonist (MABA) program with GlaxoSmithKline plc. By leveraging its proprietary insight of multivalency toward drug discovery focused primarily on validated targets, Theravance is pursuing a next generation strategy designed to discover superior medicines in areas of significant unmet medical... (Primezone Releases)
Potential Atherosclerosis Drug Exhibits No Harmful Side-effects In Liver Feb 24, 2009
Kratzer et al. Synthetic LXR agonist attenuates plaque formation in apoE-/- mice without inducing liver steatosis and hypertriglyceridemia. The Journal of Lipid Research, 2008; 50 (2): 312 DOI. (Science Daily)
Anadys Pharmaceuticals to Report Fourth Quarter and Year End 2008 Financial Results Feb 20, 2009
For the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, the Company is developing two potentially complementary agents, ANA598, a non-nucleoside polymerase inhibitor and ANA773, an oral TLR7 agonist prodrug. The Company is also developing ANA773 for the treatment of cancer. (PR Newswire)
Help for smokers Feb 17, 2009
Oncken c, Gonzales D, Nides M, Rennard S, Watsky E, Billing, CB, Anziano R, Reeves K. Efficacy and safety of the novel selective nicotinic acetylcholine receptor partial agonist, varenicline, for smoking cessation ... Nides, M. Oncken C, Gonzales D, Rennard S, Watsky EJ, Anziano R, Reeves KR. Smoking cessation with varenicline, a selective alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptor partial agonist: results from a 7-week, randomized, placebo-and bupropion-controlled trial with 1-year follow-up. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Newer Medication May Offer Advantages Over Agents Often Used For Sedation In ICU Feb 11, 2009
For decades, the type of drugs known as -aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor agonists (including propofol and benzodiazepines such as midazolam) have been the most commonly administered sedative drugs for ICU patients worldwide, according to background information in the article. Despite well-known hazards associated with prolonged use of GABA agonists, few investigations of ICU sedation have compared these agents to other drug classes ... Preliminary research has indicated that dexmedetomidine,... (Science Daily)
Merrion Completes Patient Enrolment in Phase IIb Study -- Results Will be Announced in Q2 2009 Feb 10, 2009
On January 16, 2009 Merrion announced the execution of an agreement with Novo Nordisk, a world leader in Diabetes, to develop and commercialize oral forms of Novo Nordisk proprietary GLP-1 receptor agonist using Merrion's proprietary GIPET technology. This was the second license agreement between Merrion and Novo Nordisk, which have combined milestones of $116 Million for the first product developed which reaches the market, as well as development fees and royalties on sales. (Primezone Releases)
Two Asthma Meds May Be Too Risky, FDA Panel Says Feb 7, 2009
The health panel targeted GlaxoSmithKline's Serevent and Foradil, made jointly by Novartis AG and Schering-Plough, for restrictions, but it excluded Advair, Glaxo's biggest-selling drug in the class of medications known as long-acting beta-agonists ... For example, there were 20 asthma-related deaths, 16 among people taking long-acting beta agonists compared with four patients not taking these drugs ... The increased risk wasn't seen when a long-acting beta agonist was used along with an inhaled... (MEDLINEplus)
Study Finds Molecular Link Between Obesity, Hypertension Feb 7, 2009
Next, Farooqi teamed up with scientists at Eli Lilly, the pharmaceutical company, to test an MC4R agonist -- an experimental compound that works by inducing signaling through the MC4R receptor ... Bakris suggested that MC4R antagonists -- drugs that work by blocking MC4R -- could find use as anti-hypertensive medications. (MEDLINEplus)
MediciNova Initiates Phase II Clinical Trial of MN-221 in Status Asthmaticus Patients Mar 31, 2008
MN-221 is highly-selective Beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Preclinical testing in vitro and in vivo shows MN-221 to be more selective for the Beta2-adrenergic receptor than other Beta2-adrenergic receptor agonists commonly used these asthma attacks ... This improved selectivity, coupled with its partial agonist activity at Beta1-adrenergic receptors, may result in fewer cardiovascular side effects than are commonly observed with these other agents. (Primezone Releases)
Supercharge Your New Year's Exercise Program Mar 28, 2008
"Keep in mind, Stemulite is made from all-natural ingredients and contains several very effective and targeted natural proteins, enzymes and amino acids, including a stem cell agonist and a trace mineral called indium," says Dr. Sommers. Stemulite has been observed to have the following effects on the body. (Fairfax Chronicle, VA)
Building Strength and Muscle without Illegal Substances Mar 25, 2008
Summers further stated, "I have spent the last two years on my newest formulation and next generation natural fitness supplement for men and women called Stemulite. It is a stronger formulation than Endothil and now has seven key all-natural ingredients of very effective and targeted natural proteins, enzymes and amino acids, including a stem cell agonist and a trace mineral called indium.". Stemulite, the core muscle building ingredient, is a natural dietary adult stem cell agonist. (Harrisburg Daily Register, IL)
Asthma Medicines Often Not Prescribed As National Guidelines Recommend, Study Shows Mar 20, 2008
Reliever medications that should be used for only acute symptoms include short-acting beta-agonists that relax muscles in the airways, anticholinergic agents that inhibit nerve impulses, and systemic corticosteroids ... During the time period analyzed, a new kind of controller medication a long-acting beta agonist was federally approved for asthma treatment. (Science Daily)
Study Finds Potential Cause of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Mar 19, 2008
Instead, a Slit2 molecular agonist (that is, a molecular mimic) would need to be developed and tested in humans -- a process that could take a decade or more before arriving in the clinic, he said. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of 55, according to the American Macular Degeneration Association, affecting more than 10 million individuals. (MEDLINEplus)
Kosan Restructures Workforce to Focus Resources on Lead Clinical Programs Mar 19, 2008
Kosan's motilin agonist compound, KOS-2187, licensed to Pfizer, is in a Phase 1 trial in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) ... Kosan's actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation, risks related to the uncertain progress and results of Kosan's preclinical and clinical testing, including the risks that studies and trials may not... (PR Newswire)
M's Science and Eisai Sign Option Agreement for Sigma Agonist SA4503 Mar 15, 2008
New 2007Annual Reports. 2001-2008 The Japan Corporate News Network (JCN) K.K.. (JCN Network, Japan)
ConjuChem Initiates Phase II Study of PC-DAC(TM):Exendin-4 Feb 20, 2008
Exendin-4, like Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), is an insulinotropic peptide and an agonist for the GLP-1 receptor. Exendin-4 decreases glucagon and increases insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. (Canada Newswire)
Athersys to Host Fourth Quarter 2007 Results Call Feb 15, 2008
The company's lead product candidate, ATHX-105, is an oral, selective 5HT2c receptor agonist in clinical development for the treatment of obesity. The company is developing other orally active pharmaceutical product candidates for the treatment of metabolic and central nervous system disorders, utilizing proprietary technologies, including Random Activation of Gene Expression (RAGE). (Primezone Releases)
AEterna Zentaris Reports First Patients Treated with Anti-Cancer Compound AEZS-108 in Phase 2 Trial in Ovarian and Endometrial Cancers Feb 12, 2008
QUEBEC CITY, Feb. 12 /CNW Telbec/ - AEterna Zentaris Inc. (NASDAQ: AEZS; TSX: AEZ), a global biopharmaceutical company focused on endocrine therapy and oncology, today reported that dosing of AEZS-108, a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist linked to doxorubicin, has commenced in its Phase 2 trial in gynaecological cancers for which patient enrolment had begun in December 2007 ... D., President and CEO of AEterna Zentaris commented, "We are excited to have started dosing patients... (Canada Newswire)
Labopharm Reports Positive Results for Phase III Study on Once-daily Trazodone Feb 8, 2008
About Trazodone Trazodone is an atypical anti-depressant that acts as a dual serotonin agonist and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SARI). Trazodone appears to increase serotonin activity via three mechanisms: the activation of neuronal serotonin receptors; the inhibition at the neuronal serotonin feedback system which regulates the action of serotonin; and the inhibition of the re-uptake of serotonin. (Canada Newswire)
Anadys Pharmaceuticals to Present at the BIO CEO & Investor Conference Feb 6, 2008
The Company is developing ANA598, a small-molecule, non-nucleoside inhibitor of the NS5B polymerase for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and ANA773, an oral TLR7 agonist prodrug for cancer. Safe Harbor Statement Statements in this press release that are not strictly historical in nature constitute "forward-looking statements." Such statements include, but are not limited to, references to Anadys' strategy, development programs, and ability to develop novel medicines in the areas of hepatitis... (PR Newswire)
'I lost 35,000'Patients claim drug led to gambling Feb 4, 2008
BI said it was company policy not to comment on litigation but they said it was, "the first pharmaceutical company... to add information about reports of pathological gambling associated with patients", using Mirapex and other dopamine agonists. BI added that, "pathological gambling may also be both part of the disease itself and potentially related to all dopamine agonists," as well as other treatments for Parkinson's such as levidopa ... Mirapex and other similar drugs which are called... (BBC News -- Health)
Johor steps up foodstuff inspection Feb 1, 2008
"We have also sent 22 samples for beta agonist test but the result has yet to be finalised,'' he told a press conference at his office here on Friday. He said imported products such as fruits, mushroom, wax duck and seaweed would be tested for pesticides, colouring, preservative and heavy metal substances. Dr Marzukhi said his officers had seized 620 can foods worth some RM78,000 from these premises. "The canned foods seized were dented, expired or found to have labelling problems and were not... (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Experimental Weight-loss Drug Cuts Appetite, Burns More Energy, Study Suggests Jan 11, 2008
"The ingredient responsible stimulates cannabinoid receptors. When you block the cannabinoid system with an antagonist like taranabant, you suppress appetite." However, the drug, developed by Merck, also comes with an increased risk of adverse side effects at higher doses, the study shows, including mild to moderate gastrointestinal and psychiatric effects. The first proof of concept that so-called cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) inverse agonists might offer an obesity therapy came from studies of... (Science Daily)
Ministry to ensure safe food for CNY Jan 11, 2008
For domestic products, inspections will target meat for banned substances such as beta agonist, expired food products and labelling. Any suspected food product would be seized, he said. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
New Treatment Mechanisms For Schizophrenia Jan 10, 2008
D., lead author on this project, comments, "While treating patients with receptor agonists can be highly effective therapy, drugs that increase the action of the transmitter that activates the same receptor have traditionally been very effective with fewer side effects than chronic agonist treatment." He adds, "These data support the conclusion that NAAG peptidase inhibitors represent a breakthrough in the discovery of a completely novel means of adjunct therapy for schizophrenia that is... (Science Daily)
Arena Pharmaceuticals Announces APD668 Initial Clinical Study Results Suggest Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Receptors May Improve Glucose Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Jan 8, 2008
Ortho-McNeil to Continue Investigation of GDIR Agonists Under its Partnership with Arena SAN DIEGO, Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) announced today that initial clinical study results for APD668, an oral drug candidate discovered by Arena and being investigated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes under a partnership with Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., suggest that Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Receptors, or GDIRs, may improve glucose control in... (PR Newswire)
Taisho to Give Pfizer Overseas Rights for Schizophrenia Drug Candidate Jan 7, 2008
said Monday that it will grant U.S. drug giant Pfizer Inc. exclusive rights to develop and sell overseas TS-032, a new drug candidate developed by Taisho to treat schizophrenia (JCN Network, Japan)
Chua highly experienced Jan 2, 2008
GETTING pig farmers to sign a loyalty pledge to not use illegal substances, including beta agonist, on their livestock. He also worked on moves to cut down red tape when poor Malaysians applied for financial help through the ministrys Medical Aid Fund. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Hemispherx's CFS Clinical Programs Reviewed in European Community Dec 28, 2007
The UK report estimates that between 26,865 and 53,729 people in England and Wales, respectively, are ``severely affected'' with CFS. It recognizes Ampligen(r), an experimental therapeutic, as a new class of toll-like receptor 3 agonist drugs that would, if licensed, be the first pharmaceutical treatment for CFS.. During the 2008 calendar year Hemispherx plans to begin the commercial application process for introducing Ampligen(r) as a CFS therapeutic in the European Community. (Primezone Releases)
ARYx Therapeutics Provides Update on Product Development -- Reports Results for 2007 Third Quarter Dec 20, 2007
A potent agonist of 5-HT4 receptors which exist throughout the GI tract regulating gastric emptying and the motility of food through the intestines, ATI-7505 is engineered to maintain the efficacy of cisapride, a drug that reached peak sales of $1. 0 billion a year prior to being withdrawn from the market in 2000 due to life-threatening cardiac toxicities. (BusinessWire)
Intensive Care Quality Of Sleep Improved By New Drug, Reports Study Dec 15, 2007
14, 2007) A new sedative drug has been shown to improve the sleep quality and comfort levels of intensive care patients, compared to the most commonly-used medication, according to research published in the journal JAMA.. US and UK researchers compared the effects of the new drug dexmedetomidine with the commonly used sedative lorazepam, both of which reduce the pain and anxiety experienced by mechanically ventilated ICU patients and which help them to tolerate invasive procedures such as the... (Science Daily)
Athersys Commences Trading On NASDAQ Capital Market Dec 12, 2007
The company's lead product candidate, ATHX-105, is an oral, selective 5HT2c receptor agonist in Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of obesity. The company is also developing other orally active pharmaceutical product candidates for the treatment of metabolic and central nervous system disorders, utilizing proprietary technologies, including Random Activation of Gene Expression (RAGE). (Primezone Releases)
* Taiwan News Quick Take Dec 11, 2007
Dopamine agonist alert ... Dopamine agonists routinely used to alleviate symptoms of the degenerative disease have been linked to compulsive behaviors such as pathological gambling. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Ligand Presents Positive LGD-4665 Phase I Clinical Trial Results at the American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting (ASH) Dec 9, 2007
SAN DIEGO--()--Ligand Pharmaceuticals Incorporated (NASDAQ:LGND) today announced positive results from a Phase I clinical trial with LGD-4665 in a poster titled Single and Multiple Oral Doses of LGD-4665, a Small Molecule Thrombopoeitin Receptor Agonist, Increase Platelet Counts in Healthy Male Subjects, at the American Society of Hematology (ASH) 49th Annual Meeting, being held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta December 8-11, 2007 ... LGD-4665 is a highly selective full agonist... (BusinessWire)
Kosan Presents Updated Data on Hsp90 Inhibitor, Tanespimycin, in Multiple Myeloma at Ash Dec 9, 2007
Kosan's motilin agonist, KOS-2187, licensed to Pfizer, is in a Phase 1 safety trial, with plans to pursue development in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the "Act"). (PR Newswire)
Parkinson's drugs 'made me gambler and gay sex fiend' Dec 9, 2007
Didier Jambart, a French defence ministry employee, has been suing for damages of 400,000 after being prescribed with dopamine agonist drugs in a case that is being closely studied by lawyers representing Parkinson's sufferers in Britain, the US and Canada ... Dopamine agonists, which mimic the mood chemical dopamine, are used in several branded drugs commonly prescribed for Parkinson's, a debilitating disease which affects some 120,000 people in Britain ... As soon as we saw him we knew... (Guardian Unlimited -- World)
Hemispherx Biopharma Receives Notice of Incomplete New Drug Application (NDA) Dec 8, 2007
The NDA filing rate does not affect ongoing vaccine enhancement programs with Ampligen(r), an experimental TLR3 agonist, or ongoing Treatment IND programs for CFS in the U.S.. About Hemispherx Biopharma. (Primezone Releases)
Agonist Singer Recalls Painful Time On 'Canadian Idol'; Plus Philip Anselmo & More News That Rules, In Metal File Dec 8, 2007
Agonist Singer Recalls Painful Time On 'Canadian Idol'; Plus Philip Anselmo & More News That Rules, In Metal File ... The Agonist (Photo: Century Media) ... It's November 20, and Alissa White-Gluz the comely singer for Canadian metalcore outfit the Agonist is in a hotel room in the middle of Colorado. (VHI.com -- Music News)
Bionovo Describes a New Class of Therapeutic Compounds Nov 30, 2007
- Highly selective estrogen receptor beta agonists have promise for safer therapies in women's health - EMERYVILLE, Calif ... The paper, entitled "Liquiritigenin is a plant-derived highly selective estrogen receptor beta agonist" provides details of the selective transcriptional activation of liquiritigenin to the estrogen receptor beta, highlights the advantages of an estrogen receptor beta targeted drug and discusses the isolation and structural identification of the pure chemical compound... (PR Newswire)
Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura — From Agony to Agonist Nov 29, 2007
NEJM -- Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura -- From Agony to Agonist ... Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura From Agony to Agonist. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Eltrombopag for Thrombocytopenia in Cirrhosis Nov 29, 2007
Background Eltrombopag is a new, orally active thrombopoietin-receptor agonist that stimulates thrombopoiesis. We evaluated its ability to increase platelet counts and facilitate treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with thrombocytopenia associated with HCV-related cirrhosis. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Eltrombopag and Chronic Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Nov 29, 2007
Methods We conducted a trial in which 118 adults with chronic ITP and platelet counts of less than 30,000 per cubic millimeter who had had relapses or whose platelet count was refractory to at least one standard treatment for ITP were randomly assigned to receive the oral thrombopoietin-receptor agonist eltrombopag (30, 50, or 75 mg daily) or placebo. The primary end point was a platelet count of 50,000 or more per cubic millimeter on day 43. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Glaxo confident as FDA probes asthma drugs in kids Nov 27, 2007
Serevent, a long-acting beta agonist used to ease breathing, is also included in Advair, Glaxo's biggest product with worldwide sales of 3. 3 billion pounds ($6. (Reuters.uk)
FDA approves ABILIFY(R) (aripiprazole) as the first medication for add-on treatment of MDD Nov 21, 2007
The first and only available dopamine partial agonist, ABILIFY is indicated as adjunctive treatment to antidepressant therapy in adults with major depressive disorder. Initially approved in November 2002, over 12. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Sosei and Vectura Announce Start of Phase II Studies of QVA149 for the Treatment of COPD Nov 15, 2007
QVA149 is a combination of NVA237, a once-daily long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) and indacaterol, a once-daily long-acting beta-2 agonist (LABA) ... Novartis is responsible for developing and commercializing NVA237 both as a monotherapy and in combination with indacaterol, its once daily, long acting beta 2 agonist, as QVA149. (PR Newswire)
Athersys Reports Third Quarter 2007 Financial Results Nov 14, 2007
During the period, the company initiated its Phase I clinical trial for ATHX-105, the company's oral selective 5HT2c receptor agonist for treating obesity ... In July 2007, Athersys initiated a Phase I clinical trial in the United Kingdom for ATHX-105, the company's oral, selective 5HT2c receptor agonist for treating obesity ... The company's lead product candidate, ATHX-105, is an oral, selective 5HT2c receptor agonist in Phase I clinical trials for the treatment of obesity. (Primezone Releases)
Karo Bio Initiates Phase IIb Clinical Study With KB2115 Nov 14, 2007
KB2115 is a novel, selective, thyroid hormone agonist for treatment of dyslipidemia. Recently Karo Bio presented positive data from a first phase IIa study. (BusinessWire)
Prostate Cancer Death Risk Higher In Obese Or Overweight Men Nov 14, 2007
For the study, the researchers used data from a phase 3 trial involving 945 men with locally advanced prostated cancer who were enrolled between 1987 and 1992 and randomized to receive either radiation therapy and immediate hormone therapy (using goserelin, a GnRH agonist that stops the production of sex hormones), or radiation therapy followed by hormone therapy at recurrence. They were able to get initial height and weight data for 788 of the patients and follow them for 8 years. (Medical News Today)
Brain Chemicals Involved In Aggression Identified: May Lead To New Treatments Nov 8, 2007
" More recently, de Boer and his colleagues have found that the transition from normal, adaptive aggressive behavior into abnormal forms that inflict harm and injury is due to functional, but not structural, changes in certain serotonin receptors in the brain. In animal studies, treatment with selective serotonin receptor agonist compounds has been found to restore the normal function of these receptors-and suppress aggressive behavior, including its escalated forms. These findings may one day... (Science Daily)
US FDA approves ABILIFY for adolescent patients with schizophrenia Nov 7, 2007
"We are extremely pleased that ABILIFY, the first available dopamine partial agonist, is approved for the treatment of pediatric patients (13 to 17 years of age) suffering from schizophrenia," said Tatsuo Higuchi, President and Representative Director, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. "ABILIFY offers an effective new option to help treat this serious mental illness." ... The first and only available dopamine partial agonist, ABILIFY is indicated for the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Attenuation of NASH by stimulation of free fatty acid metabolism Oct 27, 2007
The article describes how administration of a constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) agonist (TCPOBOP) can induce genes involved in fatty acid microsomal omega-oxidation and beta-oxidation pathways, resulting in a reduction in the occurrence of NASH in mice fed the methionine choline deficient (MCD) diet ... Reference: Baskin-Bey ES, Anan A, Isomoto H, Bronk SF, Gores GJ. Constitutive androstane receptor agonist, TCPOBOP, attenuates steatohepatitis in the methionine choline-deficient diet-fed... (EurekAlert!)
Kosan to Reacquire Epothilone Program From Roche Oct 26, 2007
" The webcast is also being distributed over Thomson's Investor Distribution Network to both institutional and individual investors. Individual investors can listen to the call through Thomson's individual investor center at or by visiting any of the investor sites in Thomson's Individual Investor Network. Institutional investors can access the call via Thomson's password-protected event management site, StreetEvents, at . A telephonic replay will be available through November 2, 2007 by dialing... (PR Newswire)
Fragile: handle with care Oct 25, 2007
However, there are other molecules available, called hormone agonists, which mimic the behaviour of hormones, and improve the bone strength. One such hormone agonist is relaxofine, which is similar to oestrogen ... The hormone agonist contributes marginally to the improvement of bone mass. (Express Pharma)
MediciNova Reports Phase IIa Clinical Study Results for MN-305, a Treatment for Insomnia Oct 19, 2007
MN-305 is a potent and highly-selective full agonist at the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor under development by MediciNova both for the treatment of insomnia, as well as for anxiety disorders such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). MN-305 has been evaluated in an extensive preclinical toxicology program which showed no evidence of inducing genetic mutations, immune response or cancer. (Primezone Releases)
Findings Could Lead To New Therapy For Spinal Cord Injury-induced Spasticity And Rigidity Oct 19, 2007
In work with rats, Martin Marsala, M.D., a professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine, demonstrated that an AMPA receptor antagonist called NGX424 (tezampanel), being developed by TorreyPines Therapeutics, Inc., of La Jolla, California, is highly potent in suppressing spasticity and rigidity ... The most effective treatment for the spastic muscle condition -- which results in pain and tremendous spasms, even in those... (Science Daily)
How does the opioid system control pain, reward and addictive behavior? Oct 15, 2007
The mutant mice demonstrated increased levels of anxiety, and a depressive-like behavior these findings have important implications on the field of opioid research und uncover the therapeutic potential for delta-agonists in the treatment of mood disorders ... Opiate addicts, who mainly abuse the mu-opioid agonist heroin, present a high incidence of depressive disorders that seem to contribute to the maintenance of the addictive state ... Therefore, in addition to their potential analgesic... (EurekAlert!)
The endocannabinoids: Functional roles and therapeutic opportunities Oct 15, 2007
Activation of the CB2 receptor by a selective agonist also improved the neurological score ... Modulation of this system either by exogenous agonists specific for the CB2 receptors or possibly also by antagonists to the CB1 receptors may have therapeutic potential. (EurekAlert!)
Karo Bio Has Presented Positive KB2115 Phase II Data at Two International Scientific Congresses Oct 8, 2007
KB2115 is a first in class, liver and receptor selective thyroid hormone receptor agonist, intended for the treatment of dyslipidemia. Karo Bio presented the first clinical phase II data demonstrating that profound blood lipid lowering may be achieved while avoiding cardiac and other side effects typically associated with non selective thyromimetics. (BusinessWire)
Pharmos Receives Notice Related to Nasdaq Minimum Bid Price Rule Sep 29, 2007
The Company's core proprietary technology platform focuses on discovery and development of synthetic cannabinoid compounds, especially CB2 receptor-selective (CB2-selective) agonists. PRS-639,058, the leading CB2-selective agonist, has demonstrated promising preclinical data in neuropathic pain. (Primezone Releases)
Paramount BioSciences Appoints Business Development Vice President Sep 26, 2007
While at Pfizer, Mr. Jacks was instrumental in several high profile transactions including the 2006 acquisition of PowderMed, the 2005 acquisition of Vicuron, the 2005 in-license of the TLR9 agonist PF-3512676 from Coley, the 2004 acquisition of European rights to Campto from Sanofi-Aventis, and the 2003 in-license of the fluoroquinolone DK-507k from Daiichi. Mr. Jacks also guided the development of several late-stage internal products including Selzentry(tm), the recently approved,... (Primezone Releases)
