Once-daily INTUNIV (guanfacine) extended release tablets now available in US pharmacies Nov 10, 2009
INTUNIV, a once-daily formulation of guanfacine, is the first and only nonscheduled alpha-2A receptor agonist approved for the treatment of ADHD. In clinical trials, INTUNIV provided significant efficacy across the spectrum of ADHD symptoms that can be disruptive, such as being easily distracted, interrupting others, running around excessively, arguing with adults, and losing temper ... "INTUNIV is the newest ADHD treatment to receive FDA approval and the latest addition to the Shire ADHD... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
3M announces drug licensing deal Nov 10, 2009
3M Drug Delivery Systems said the deal with Cranbury, N.J.-based VaxInnate involves a 3M toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, a drug that the company says has shown promise as vaccine adjuvants additives that increase vaccine potency or efficiency. Under the terms of the non-exclusive licensing agreement, 3M provides its TLR agonists to VaxInnate for an undisclosed licensing fee, in addition to milestone and royalty payments. (Twin Cities Business Journal, MN)
A Peptide-Based Erythropoietin-Receptor Agonist for Pure Red-Cell Aplasia Nov 5, 2009
Background We investigated whether a novel, synthetic, peptide-based erythropoietin-receptor agonist (Hematide, Affymax) can stimulate erythropoiesis in patients with anemia that is caused by antierythropoietin antibodies. Methods In this open-label, single-group trial, we enrolled patients with chronic kidney disease who had pure red-cell aplasia or hypoplasia due to antierythropoietin antibodies and treated them with a synthetic peptide-based erythropoietin-receptor agonist ... The agonist was... (New England Journal of Medicine)
MediciNova Announces Initiation of a Phase Ib Clinical Trial for MN-221 in Patients With Stable, Moderate to Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Nov 4, 2009
D., President and Chief Executive Officer of MediciNova, Inc. "Intravenous delivery of MN-221 may benefit patients who do not get relief from treatment with inhaled beta2-adrenergic agonists, which are the current standard of care due to severe bronchoconstriction. In addition, MN-221 may offer the potential for fewer cardiovascular side effects than older beta2-adrenergic agonists due to its greater selectivity for the beta2-adrenergic receptor." ... MN-221 is a highly-selective... (Primezone Releases)
Genetic Variation Of Enzyme Linked With Outcomes For Women Receiving Tamoxifen Nov 3, 2009
24, 2009) Goserelin, a lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, reduces the long-term risk of disease recurrence and deaths in premenopausal women with early breast cancer who did not take tamoxifen. (Dec. (Science Daily)
AGING & CARING: Parkinsons Disease A guide to mind and mood Oct 22, 2009
People with Parkinson s also often suffer anxiety when their levodopa or dopamine agonist drugs start wearing off ... Hallucinations are a side effect in about 30 percent of people taking Parkinson s drugs particularly dopamine agonists and they usually occur only after many years ... When levodopa or dopamine agonists wear off in the nighttime, symptoms of stiffness, tremor, and slowness of movement resurface, says Kelly Lyons, a research associate professor of neurology at the University of... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Inhaled Steroids: More Harm Than Good in COPD? Oct 15, 2009
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In people who suffer from COPD, a progressive lung disease that makes it hard to breathe, adding an inhaled steroid to a so-called "long-acting beta-2 agonist" may do more harm than good, new research hints ... Two examples of drugs that contain only a long-acting beta-2 agonist, or LABA, are Serevent and Foradil. (MEDLINEplus)
Triple therapy halves exacerbations in moderate-to-severe COPD Oct 8, 2009
Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from triple therapy that includes a long-acting -agonist (LABA), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and an anti-muscarinic agent, according to researchers in Germany ... While current guidelines suggest using both LABA and/or muscarinic antagonists and ICS in only a small number of patients, triple therapy is more widely used in clinical practice than officially recommended, but the benefits have never been... (EurekAlert!)
Birth control pills messing up human evolution Oct 8, 2009
0 Patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can benefit from triple therapy that includes a long-acting -agonist (LABA), an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) and an anti-muscarinic agent. . (Harper's Magazine)
Stopping Excessive Bone Growth Following Trauma Or Surgery: New Treatment Could Help Soldiers Wounded In Combat Sep 25, 2009
The Jefferson scientists, using a pharmacological agent, an alpha agonist, kept the receptors active, stifling the initiation of the disease in its tracks. "The agonist we used in this case is an experimental drug that is not on the market yet, but is being tested in Phase II human trials for another disease. We tested whether the drug could work to prevent HO, thereby looking for another application for the drug," said Pacifici ... Since the alpha agonist should not interfere with these... (Science Daily)
Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer Raises Heart Risks Sep 24, 2009
In a news release from the European Cancer Organization, the researchers described the types of hormone therapy used: removal of the testicles to eliminate the main source of testosterone production; injections of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists to reduce testosterone production by the testicles; and anti-androgen pills that block testosterone from attaching to prostate cells ... "In a more detailed analysis by type of hormone therapy, the lowest increase in risk for ischemic heart... (MEDLINEplus)
Prostate Cancer Patients On Hormone Therapy At Increased Risk For Various Heart Diseases Sep 24, 2009
It involves either removing the testicles to eliminate the main source of testosterone production, injections of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists to dramatically reduce the production of testosterone from the testicles or anti-androgen pills, which do not reduce the amount of testosterone produced but block it from attaching the prostate cells ... "Patients on gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist therapy had the highest risk of these problems." ... For instance, the increased heart... (Science Daily)
Regulating The Regulators: New Therapeutic Approach Against Cancer Sep 22, 2009
For example, a Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonist, called imiquimod, which activates dendritic cells, is in clinical use as a topical application for basal cell carcinoma. In addition, a number of TLR agonists have been evaluated in clinical trials as an adjuvant for cancer vaccines ... However there have also been disappointing results from clinical trials involving TLR agonists. (Science Daily)
Paralyzed Rats Walk Again Sep 22, 2009
In the study, researchers put rats whose lower legs were paralyzed in a harness on a slow-moving treadmill and gave them a drug called quipazine, a serotonin agonist that enhances the function of the spinal nerve circuitry. The researchers then used an epidural to apply electrical currents to the dura of the spinal cord, the protective membrane that surrounds it, below the point of injury. (MEDLINEplus)
FDA approves INTUNIV (guanfacine) extended release tablets for ADHD in children and adolescents Sep 6, 2009
INTUNIV, a once-daily formulation of guanfacine, is the first selective alpha-2A adrenergic receptor agonist approved for the treatment of ADHD. Although the mechanism of action is unknown, INTUNIV is thought to directly engage receptors found in the prefrontal cortex an area of the brain that has been linked in preclinical research to ADHD. Stimulation of the postsynaptic alpha-2A receptors is thought to strengthen working memory, reduce susceptibility to distraction, improve attention... (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
New Mouse Model Of Severe Kidney Disease Leads To Potential New Therapy Sep 4, 2009
As analysis of the mouse model indicated that disease was associated with increased expression in the kidney of the protein EP4, the authors tested selective EP4 receptor agonists as potential therapeutics, and found that they alleviated all the symptoms of disease. The authors therefore suggest that selective EP4 receptor agonists could be of benefit to individuals with XNDI and hope that their mouse model can be used to test additional new therapeutic strategies ... Jian Hua Li et al. A... (Science Daily)
A New Molecule To Combat Diabetes And Obesity Sep 3, 2009
In this study, the authors propose a third therapeutic option based on increasing GLP-1 secretion via administration of TGR5 agonist therapy. The results obtained by the authors are even more spectacular since in addition to stimulating the secretion of GLP-1, INT-777 activation of TGR5 in other tissues leads to an increase in energy expenditure responsible for a reduction in fat mass and obesity. (Science Daily)
Cell Metabolism Publishes Novel TGR5-Mediated Mechanism for the Treatment of Diabetes and Obesity Sep 2, 2009
Intercept Pharmaceuticals is Advancing the Selective TGR5 Agonist INT-777 to an IND ... The paper reports on the mechanism of action of the selective TGR5 agonist INT-777, providing a clear rationale for its potential as a novel treatment in diabetes, obesity and associated metabolic disorders ... INT-777, a derivative of the primary human bile acid cholic acid, is a potent and selective TGR5 agonist. (PR Newswire)
Long-term Tamoxifen Use Increases Risk Of An Aggressive, Hard To Treat Type Of Second Breast Cancer Aug 27, 2009
24, 2009) Goserelin, a lutenizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist, reduces the long-term risk of disease recurrence and deaths in premenopausal women with early breast cancer who did not take tamoxifen. (June 25, 2009) Tamoxifen is a widely used and highly successful drug in the treatment of breast cancer, though resistance to tamoxifen is still a concern in recurrent disease, since therapy resistant metastatic. (Science Daily)
CER study demonstrated asthma patients had better overall results with oral controllers Aug 26, 2009
The comparative effectiveness research study assessed the following outcomes: use of short-acting beta-agonists, use of oral corticosteroids, inpatient/emergency room visits, and total cost of care attributable to asthma during the 12-month period after the index date ... Among patients taking more than one drug to control their asthma, HealthCore found that a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists were the best course of treatment in terms of better clinical... (EurekAlert!)
Types of Pain Medications Aug 2, 2009
Many of these drugs, such as morphine, fentanyl, and oxycodone, act as agonists to produce the effect of analgesia ... Some opioids have properties as antagonists, binding to opioid receptors to prevent the analgesic effect ... Opioids that are agonist-antagonists can provide pain relief but only to a certain extent. (Suite101.com)
FDA Issues Complete Response Letter for INTUNIV(TM) (guanfacine) Extended Release for the Treatment of ADHD in Children and Adolescents Jul 28, 2009
"When approved, INTUNIV will be the first selective alpha-2A receptor agonist for the treatment of ADHD, and will provide patients with an important new treatment option." ... (6-10) Although the mechanism of action of guanfacine in the treatment of ADHD is not fully understood, preclinical research suggests this selective alpha-2A agonist strengthens working memory and prefrontal cortex neuronal firing ... Arnsten AF, Scahill L, Findling R. Alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists for the treatment... (PR Newswire)
New Molecular Pathway For Targeting Cancer, Disease Discovered Jul 28, 2009
Dr. William Matsui of Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, an expert on Hh signaling in cancer development, noted the importance of the UCLA study and its significance for the next stages of research finding a pharmaceutical drug or substance molecule to act as an agonist, which would stimulate LXR activity to inhibit aberrant Hh signaling. "The hedgehog Hh signaling pathway is an important regulator of tumor formation, and these findings suggest that LXR agonists may be novel treatments for a wide... (Science Daily)
Antidepressant Directly Stimulates Brain Growth Factor Receptors Jul 24, 2009
Amitriptyline is a TrkA and TrkB receptor agonist that promotes TrkA/TrkB heterdodimerization and has potent neurotrophic activity. Chemistry and Biology, 16, x-y (2009). (Science Daily)
MediciNova to Evaluate MN-221 for the Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations Jul 21, 2009
SAN DIEGO, July 20, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MediciNova, Inc., a biopharmaceutical company that is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Global Market (Nasdaq: - ) and the Hercules Market of the Osaka Securities Exchange (Code Number: 4875), today announced that it plans to evaluate MN-221, a highly selective beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations ... "We believe there remains an unmet medical need for a safe and effective... (Primezone Releases)
VIA Pharmaceuticals Receives Anticipated Notice From NASDAQ Jul 18, 2009
our potential for future growth and the development of our product pipeline, including the THR beta agonist candidate and the other compounds licensed from Roche. our ability to obtain strategic opportunities to partner and collaborate with large biotechnology or pharmaceutical companies to further develop VIA-2291. (PR Newswire)
MediciNova Announces Proposed Final Protocol for Its Phase II Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Evaluating MN-221 in Patients With Severe, Acute Exacerbations of Asthma Jul 14, 2009
MN-221 is a 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 for 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)
How to deal with your child's asthma Jun 19, 2009
What she'll need: An anti-leukotriene such as Singulair or Accolate and/or a long-acting beta agonist (LABA). Why: If corticosteroids alone aren't working, an anti-leukotriene can block the chemicals that are further fueling airway swelling and spasms. (CNN -- Health)
Personality May Not Predict Parkinson's Jun 16, 2009
The disease is thought to hurt creativity, although treatment with dopamine agonist therapy -- which reduces dopamine levels -- can boost it. The study involved people who underwent deep-brain stimulation, a surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease that appears to help some people, although it's not entirely clear why. (MEDLINEplus)
Street scenes from Tehran, history in the balance Jun 16, 2009
Soothsayer, The Agonist AND the Planet Prison. Gotta love your reading list. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Duration of Androgen Suppression in the Treatment of Prostate Cancer Jun 16, 2009
5 years of further treatment with a luteinizing hormone releasing hormone agonist (long-term suppression). An outcome of noninferiority of short-term androgen suppression as compared with long-term suppression required a hazard ratio of more than 1. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Obesity Does Not Worsen Asthma, But May Reduce Response To Medications Jun 5, 2009
" Previous studies have suggested that obesity predisposes people to developing asthma, to suffer more severe asthma symptoms, and to respond less to medications. However, the exact mechanism for these links has been unclear, and the studies have generally relied upon patients' reports of their diagnosis and symptoms rather than using more precise tools to characterize patients. Dr. Sutherland and his colleagues decided to examine the issue in a well characterized group of 1,256 patients who had... (Science Daily)
Ironwood and Forest Present Additional Positive Phase 2b Study Results for Linaclotide in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome With Constipation Jun 1, 2009
Linaclotide is an agonist of guanylate cyclase type-C, a receptor found on the lining of the intestine. An issued composition of matter patent for linaclotide provides protection to 2025. (PR Newswire)
AEterna Zentaris Presents Data Supporting Evaluation of AEZS-108 in Prostate Cancer at ASCO Meeting Jun 1, 2009
The poster (#5163) entitled, "Expression of LHRH receptors in prostate cancer cells prior to therapy, following castration, or following treatment with LHRH agonists," S. Liu, A. V. Schally, S. Xiong, R. Cote, D. Hawes, L. Fazli, M. Gleave, J. Cai, F. Brands, J. Engel, J. Pinski, investigates the expression of Luteinizing Hormone Releasing Hormone (LHRH) receptors following prolonged exposure to LHRH agonists ... "While clinical investigations so far focused on gynaecological indications, the... (Canada Newswire)
Akela and Nventa announce closing of merger May 22, 2009
About Nventa Biopharmaceuticals Corporation: Nventa was a development company focusing on innovative therapeutics incorporating its proprietary CoVal(TM) fusions for the treatment of viral infections and cancers, with a focus on diseases caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV); and a Toll-like Receptor 3 (TLR3) agonist for use as a vaccine adjuvant and as an immunotherapeutic for viral infections and cancer. The company was publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "NVN". (Canada Newswire)
Shire's INTUNIV (Guanfacine) extended release in children with ADHD and oppositional symptoms May 19, 2009
San Francisco, CA May 18, 2009 Shire plc (LSE: SHP, NASDAQ: SHPGY), the global specialty biopharmaceutical company, today announced new findings on INTUNIV (guanfacine) extended release, a selective alpha-2A-agonist, at a major psychiatric meeting ... Once available, INTUNIV will be the first selective alpha-2A receptor agonist approved for the treatment of ADHD. ... Although the mechanism of action of guanfacine in the treatment of ADHD is not fully understood, preclinical research suggests... (EurekAlert!)
Schering-Plough Announces Changes to its Global Collaboration with Novartis to Develop Combination Therapies for Asthma and COPD May 19, 2009
The changes will result in Schering-Plough assuming exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize a fixed-dose combination of its inhaled corticosteroid ASMANEX(R) (mometasone furoate inhalation powder), and Novartis' long-acting beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist, FORADIL(R) (formoterol fumarate). Also as a result, Novartis will assume exclusive worldwide rights to develop and commercialize a fixed-dose combination of Schering-Plough's inhaled corticosteroid mometasone furoate with its... (PR Newswire)
Essentialis Meets Primary Endpoint in Phase 2b Trial of DCCR for Treatment of Hypertriglyceridemia and is Granted Extensive Patent Coverage in the US May 18, 2009
DCCR, diazoxide choline controlled release, is an ATP-dependent potassium channel agonist with potential utility in several cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Extensive Phase 1 testing and investigator-sponsored clinical studies have demonstrated the drug's potential to lower triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol while raising HDL-cholesterol. (PR Newswire)
Iron deficit can cause restless legs May 15, 2009
If symptoms remain bothersome and occur nightly, dopamine agonist drugs like Mirapex and Requip, used to treat Parkinson's disease, work best with the least side effects. Start at a low dose two hours before symptoms usually start and increase dose gradually to avoid nausea and dizziness (which folks usually get used to in seven to 10 days). (Honolulu Advertiser)
describes two studies May 9, 2009
partial agonist on May 7, 2009 9:24 AM writes. Hard to say what it is since Sutent hits 70+ kinases. (Slate)
Paladin Reports 2009 First Quarter Financial Results May 7, 2009
- Filed a new drug submission for Trelstar 6 month, a slow release, injectable, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer ... 5 mg is a 6-month slow release, injectable, luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist indicated for the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
New drug achieves pancreatic cancer tumor remission and prevents recurrence Apr 20, 2009
D., a faculty member at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University, said a combination therapy using tigatuzumab, a novel humanized death receptor-5 (DR-5) agonist antibody, along with gemcitabine, may result in reducing pancreatic cancer stem cells to achieve tumor remission and prevent tumor recurrence. "Many advanced cancers, including pancreatic cancer, recur and result in patient death despite the use of chemotherapeutic and radiation modalities that initially... (EurekAlert!)
Study: Parkinson's drugs may lead to unhealthy behaviors Apr 14, 2009
One in six patients developed unhealthy behaviors after taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole and ropinirole, according to the study conducted by researchers at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. But lower doses of dopamine agonists appear to curb compulsive acting out, said the study appearing in the April issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings ... "It is crucial for clinicians prescribing dopamine agonists to apprise patients as well as their spouses or partners... (Xinhuanet, China)
Parkinson's Drugs Can Trigger Unhealthy Behaviors Apr 14, 2009
But lower doses of dopamine agonists appear to curb compulsive acting out, study says ... FRIDAY, April 10 (HealthDay News) -- A class of Parkinson's disease drugs called dopamine agonists can cause patients to develop destructive behaviors such as compulsive gambling or hypersexuality, says a new study ... Mayo Clinic researchers found that one in six patients taking therapeutic doses of dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole and ropinirole, developed unhealthy behaviors. (MEDLINEplus)
Parkinsons meds may trigger extreme behavior Apr 14, 2009
NEW YORK - About one in five patients taking a therapeutic dose of a dopamine agonist, a class of drugs used to treat patients with Parkinson's disease, may develop compulsive gambling or hypersexuality, according to a study of patients treated at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. By contrast, these behaviors were not seen in untreated patients, those taking less than a therapeutic dose of a dopamine agonist, or patients receiving treatment with carbidopa/levodopa alone ... Sixty-six were... (MSNBC -- Health)
Parkinson's disease medication triggers destructive behaviors Apr 9, 2009
The study extends findings from two Mayo case series published in 2005 that reported a connection between dopamine agonist medications and compulsive gambling or hypersexuality. Dopamine agonists are a class of drugs that include pramipexole and ropinirole ... Of those, 66 were taking dopamine agonists for their Parkinson's disease. (EurekAlert!)
Vitamin D may exacerbate autoimmune disease Apr 9, 2009
For the past five years, Autoimmunity Research Foundation has been running an observational study in which patients are administered pulsed low dose antibiotics and a VDR agonist in order to kill chronic bacteria implicated in their diseases. Specific data on the cohort was recently presented by CAPT Thomas H. Perez, USPHS (ret) at the International Congress on Autoimmunity in Porto, Portugal: Transcript: Video. (EurekAlert!)
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)
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)
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)
