Historic vote looms on Capitol Hill today Nov 8, 2009
Ive have been the target of 2 post-payment audits by Medicare in the last 5 years for the use of immune globulin (antibody transfusions) for an antibody deficiency state known as hypogammaglobulinemia that occurs in my patients with HIV.. ROLLERGIRL. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
First Use Of Antibody And Stem Cell Transplantation To Successfully Treat Advanced Leukemia Nov 7, 2009
6, 2009) For the first time, researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center have reported the use of a radiolabeled antibody to deliver targeted doses of radiation, followed by a stem cell transplant, to successfully treat a group of leukemia and pre-leukemia patients for whom there previously had been no other curative treatment options ... All fifty-eight patients, with a median age of 63 and all with advanced acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome -- a... (Science Daily)
Swine Flu Shot Safety Concerns Nov 7, 2009
An antigen is a substance that is capable of causing the production of an antibody within the human body. In the case of the swine flu vaccine, the antigen in the H1N1 influenza vaccine has been prepared from H1N1 virus grown in the allantoic cavity of embryonated chicken's eggs. (Suite101.com)
Synthetic Molecules Boost Immune Response Nov 6, 2009
The molecules -- called "antibody-recruiting molecule targeting HIV" (ARM-H) and "antibody-recruiting molecule targeting prostate cancer" (ARM-P) -- work by binding simultaneously to an antibody already present in the bloodstream and to proteins on HIV, HIV-infected cells or cancer cells ... While there are some antibody drugs available, they are difficult to produce in large quantities and are costly. (Science Daily)
Early-stage, HER2-positive Breast Cancer Patients At Increased Risk Of Recurrence Nov 5, 2009
Herceptin is a monoclonal antibody that latches on to these proteins and inhibits tumor growth. "This study represents a current debate within clinical practice -- the risk of recurrence for early-stage breast cancer patients with HER2 positive tumors one centimeter or smaller," said Gonzalez-Angulo. (Science Daily)
Key facts about H1N1 Nov 5, 2009
For example, an outbreak of apparent H1N1 infection in pigs in Wisconsin in 1988 resulted in multiple human infections, and, although no community outbreak resulted, there was antibody evidence of virus transmission from the patient to health care workers who had close contact with the patient ... In follow-up studies, 76% of swine exhibitors tested had antibody evidence of H1N1 infection but no serious illnesses were detected among this group ... Additional studies suggest that one to three... (KLAS-TV.com, NV)
Integral Molecular wins $9M grant Nov 4, 2009
Shotgun mutagenesis mapping analyzes hundreds to thousands of variants of a target protein to rapidly identify the binding residues that form antibody epitopes. Understanding the full range of viral epitopes targeted by the human immune system is vital to designing better viral vaccines, said Dr. Benjamin Doranz, president of Integral Molecular. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Mount Sinai assessing health impacts of 1 of the nation's largest environmental disasters Nov 3, 2009
The third investigation will examine the relationships between autoimmune disorders, autoimmune antibody abnormalities, and CT-scan evidence of scarring lung disease in the context of exposure to Libby asbestos. Auto-immune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have been found to occur more frequently in Libby, and antibody levels to the body's own tissues are found in Libby residents more frequently and at higher concentrations. (EurekAlert!)
Supplements to Strengthen the Immun... Nov 3, 2009
According to naturopathic doctor, Mary Bove in her book, An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants (Keats Publishing Inc., 1996), vitamin C also, stimulates macrophage activity to eat up invading microorganisms and encourage antibody response and T killer-cell production. Ester C can be used to flush the system in the case of influenza or other infection. (Suite101.com)
Dysfunctional Protein Dynamics Behind Neurological Disease? Nov 3, 2009
(May 14, 2007) Researchers have developed the first antibody that detects the only known cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease. ALS is a progressive and usually fatal. (Science Daily)
Genetics may hold key to prevention, treatment Nov 3, 2009
Those patients are given an antibody to fight their cancer. Antibodies, in theory, tell the patient s immune system to recognize a cancer s there and get rid of it versus our old-fashioned chemotherapy poisons and hormone therapies, which typically block or starve the cancer of hormones and thereby lead to cell death, Sajer said. (Bolton Common, MA)
USU scientists report major advance in human antibody therapy against deadly Nipah virus Oct 31, 2009
In experiments carried out in ferrets at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, where there is a high-level safety and security facility for working with live Nipah and Hendra viruses, the team of researchers demonstrated that giving an anti-virus human monoclonal antibody therapy after exposure to Nipah virus protected the animals from disease. "These findings are extremely encouraging and clearly suggest the potential that a treatment for Hendra virus... (EurekAlert!)
MedImmune to present 4 abstracts on RSV and influenza at 47TH Annual IDSA Meeting Oct 31, 2009
Prophylaxis Utilizing Nebulized Motavizumab, a Monoclonal Antibody Against Fusion Protein of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Zhang J, et al. Poster Session: October 30, 2009; 12:30 2:00 PM; Poster Hall A / Poster # 608 ... This study evaluated the prophylactic use of nebulized motavizumab, an investigational anti-RSV humanized monoclonal antibody against RSV fusion protein, in cotton rats ... The findings suggest that prophylaxis with nebulized motavizumab may inhibit RSV infection and... (EurekAlert!)
Ahmadinejad defends possible nuke deal Oct 30, 2009
They are antibody receptor specific, so they do not destroy cells and cause the signficant side effects and discomfort of traditional chemothreapy. Pelosis bill put up for whip count this morning with a 3PM deadline does not pay for these drugs, and the need for them can cause a woman to have to lose everything she owns and her home. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Morphotek licenses cancer drug from Centocor Oct 30, 2009
entered into a license agreement Wednesday with covering the development and commercialization of an antibody that targets a specific antigen that is over-expressed in cancer patients with a variety of solid tumors ... has been granted an exclusive worldwide license from Centocor for the development, manufacture and sale of the antibody ... has conducted preclinical studies of the antibody. (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Swine Flu Vaccine Regimen Divides Nations as WHO Panel Weighs In on Dose Oct 29, 2009
The findings are based on antibody levels used to gauge the efficacy of seasonal flu shots, and support results from similar trials in China, the U.S. and Australia. The WHO panel will probably be swayed by the data and join the U.S. and agencies in Australia and China in recommending a single-dose regimen, Oxford said. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Miami Valley Hospital to get 7,000 H1N1 vaccine doses Oct 29, 2009
Instead, the direct fluorescent antibody test has been more accurate in use at Miami Valley Hospital. The average age of patients at Miami Valley who were confirmed as having influenza A has been 23, Thickel said. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Medical notes: HIV Oct 28, 2009
It is not until about three months after becoming infected that they will test HIV positive on an antibody test. In the early disease, people who are HIV positive can develop illnesses that people with normal immune systems can also get, such as tuberculosis, malaria, blood poisoning and some skin infections. (BBC News -- Europe)
FDA gives GlaxoSmithKline green light for leukemia drug Arzerra Oct 28, 2009
This is the first Genmab antibody to reach the market ... Arzerra is an antibody that causes the body s immune system to fight normal and cancerous B-cells, the type of cell that becomes cancerous in CLL.. (Raleigh Triangle Business Journal, NC)
Cephalon close to buying BioAssets Oct 27, 2009
BioAssets offers an estate of intellectual property and scientific expertise that will allow us to evaluate our own domain antibody tumor necrosis factor inhibitor, CEP-37247, for the treatment of sciatica," said Frank Baldino Jr., chairman and CEO of Cephalon. "Combining these two innovations helps fulfill our strategy to address unmet patient needs, while focusing on specialty physicians. " Cephalon may exercise its option at any time from the closing date of the option agreement until the... (Philadelphia Business Journal, PA)
Genmab Achieves Milestone in Arzerra Collaboration Oct 27, 2009
"The approval of Arzerra marks a key milestone for Genmab as it is our first antibody to reach the market. We are happy that we can now offer a new treatment to these refractory CLL patients, especially as it is Genmab's goal to develop products for life threatening and debilitating unmet medical needs," said Lisa N. Drakeman, Ph ... Arzerra is a monoclonal antibody that causes the body's immune response to fight against normal and cancerous B-cells ... Genmab is a leading international... (Primezone Releases)
GSK and Genmab Receive Accelerated Approval for Arzerra Oct 27, 2009
"This approval also marks a key milestone for Genmab as it is our first antibody to reach the market. All of us involved in the development of Arzerra are pleased that we have been able to move the product so quickly through research and development and meet our goal of providing this innovative therapy to patients." ... Arzerra is a monoclonal antibody that causes the body's immune response to fight against normal and cancerous B-cells ... Genmab is a leading international biotechnology company... (Primezone Releases)
Promising New Path For Treating Traumas Discovered Oct 27, 2009
Building on this work, Esmon and a team of collaborators have discovered an antibody that could counter this deadly process. "This discovery could open the door to new ways to treat soldiers hurt in IED attacks, gunshot wound victims and people who suffer a traumatic injury," said Esmon, who holds the Lloyd Noble Chair in Cardiovascular Biology at OMRF. "When we realized that histones were so toxic, we immediately went to work looking for a way to stop their destructive tendencies.". (Science Daily)
Antibody 'fixes internal bleeds' Oct 26, 2009
Antibody 'fixes internal bleeds. Scientists say they have discovered an antibody that could minimise the major internal bleeding seen in traumas like bullet wounds and car crashes ... They say they have found a specific type of antibody that can block the ability of histone to cause damage. (BBC News -- Americas)
Lyme Disease Vaccination in Dogs Oct 25, 2009
In many parts of the United States, Lyme disease is considered to be an endemic disease and dogs testing positive for the Lyme disease antibody are common in these areas. Even in areas where Lyme disease is less common, many people are now traveling with their pets, making exposure possible if dogs visit endemic areas even for a short period of time. (Suite101.com)
How to Get Rid of Plantar Warts Oct 24, 2009
The spontaneous cure depends upon formation of neutralizing antibody by the immune system of the patient and is not always reliable. Most untreated plantar warts continue to increase in size and number making walking a painful experience for the patient. (Suite101.com)
Syphilis survey reveals need for accurate testing for early infection Oct 23, 2009
Definitive diagnosis of primary syphilis (the earliest stage of syphilis infection) relies on direct fluorescent antibody testing or darkfield microscopy, both of which are often unavailable in a clinical setting. Blood tests are commonly used to diagnose syphilis; however those tests produce false negatives in 20-30 percent of primary syphilis cases, allowing for the possibility of ongoing transmission. (EurekAlert!)
As breast cancer treatments increase, so does hope Oct 22, 2009
One woman s breast cancer can be treated with surgery and radiation, and another woman with breast cancer may require chemotherapy, radiation, antibody and hormone treatment, so all breast cancer is not created equally ... Adjutant treatment is broken down into two buckets: It can be either chemotherapy, hormone therapy and Tamoxifen, which is a hormone, falls into that bucket, and antibody therapy, which is the medicine Herceptin. (Kingston Mariner, MA)
Immunotherapy for Mesothelioma Canc... Oct 22, 2009
Passive Immunotherapy and Mesothelioma Cancer Cells Monoclonal Antibody Therapy. Monoclonal antibody therapy is passive in that, like chemotherapy or radiation therapy, the immune system is not at work here ... In addition to monoclonal antibody therapy and the active cancer vaccines, there are a number of further immunotherapy techniques currently being researched. (Suite101.com)
> 'The future of chemo emerges from Stanford University lab Oct 21, 2009
The company, which had a human antibody it had focused on a connective tissue disorder, is backing a Phase I safety study at Stanford that looks at the antibody s use against the protein CCN2. High levels of the protein, Giaccia s lab has said, are implicated in the growth of pancreatic cancer. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Gene synthesis: Its no strain for Menlo Park-based DNA 2.0 Oct 21, 2009
They work side by side with our scientists to work out the best ways of doing antibody libraries on the planet. DNA 2. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
PETA's push for changes in USDA testing pays off for animals Oct 20, 2009
The CVB has further informed PETA that it is moving to convert antibody production from an intensely painful method in mice to a humane and reliable system based on cell cultures. "By mandating modern, effective, and humane testing methods, the USDA will not only reduce the number of animals who are harmed and killed in tests but also improve vaccine testing," says Jessica Sandler, director of PETA's Regulatory Testing Division. (EurekAlert!)
Women's health problems doctors still miss Oct 20, 2009
Blood tests, which look for an antibody called rheumatoid factor (present in 80 percent of RA patients) may be ordered. Two tests that measure inflammation -- C-reactive protein and sedimentation rate (for measuring how fast red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube) -- may also be done. (CNN)
Angiochem crosses BBB, shows safety, efficacy in phase 1/2 brain cancer studies Oct 19, 2009
No immunogenicity or antibody response was observed, even after repeated dosing. Superior side-effect profile compared to other taxanes was observed based on literature references. (EurekAlert!)
Predicting for activity of second-line trastuzumab-based therapy in Her2-positive advanced breast cancer Oct 18, 2009
Others however remain candidates for continued antibody treatment (treatment beyond progression). Here, we aimed to identify factors predicting for activity of second-line trastuzumab-based therapy. (BioMed Central)
MedImmune to present data on RSV and influenza at 2009 AAP National Conference and Exhibition Oct 17, 2009
Motavizumab is an investigational RSV-specific monoclonal antibody that is currently being evaluated for its potential to prevent serious disease caused by RSV in high-risk pediatric patients. This randomized, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial evaluated the safety and tolerability of motavizumab in children with congenital heart disease a population at high risk for serious RSV disease. (EurekAlert!)
Cell Study Explains Why Younger People More At Risk Of Variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD) Oct 15, 2009
15, 2009) Specific cells within the immune system could help explain why younger people are more susceptible to variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, scientists believe. Patients diagnosed with variant CJD are, on average, 28 years old but it has been unclear why older people are not as affected by the disease. (Science Daily)
SCID Kids Leading Healthy, Normal Lives 25 Years After 'Bubble Boy' Oct 14, 2009
Investigators found that 58 percent of the children needed periodic antibody therapy because of inadequate B cell function, and about one-third required antibiotics. In addition, about 10 percent had some sort of developmental delay and about 20 percent had attention deficit disorder, often due to the lack of an enzyme called adenosine deaminase, one of the causes of SCID. Other conditions appearing in a minority of the patients include diarrhea, rashes and HPV infection. (Science Daily)
Parasite Growth Hormone Pushes Human Cells To Liver Cancer Oct 14, 2009
Proliferation of the cells was halted by adding anti-granulin antibody, thus proving granulin's role in producing a cancerous environment. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the human liver fluke as a Group I Carcinogen, meaning that O. viverrini is a proven cause of cancer. (Science Daily)
Energy crisis postponed, new gas rescues world... Oct 13, 2009
It has its own ;antibody; system. Temperature swings, even severe ones, are natural. (The Drudge Report)
New Findings About Brain Proteins Suggest Possible Way To Fight Alzheimer's Oct 13, 2009
8, 2007) Researchers have found that an antibody can reverse learning problems in an animal model of Alzheimer's disease. The protein is an antibody that grabs onto the amyloid beta protein in the brain and. (Science Daily)
CFS/ME and Retroviruses Oct 10, 2009
Later the researchers have reported up to 95% of patients test positive with antibody testing. XMRV belongs to the group of gammaretroviruses and has previously been associated with prostate cancer. (Suite101.com)
Pandemic Payoff from 1918: A Weaker H1N1 Flu Today Oct 10, 2009
Data published in May showed a power-ful antibody response to the new virus in a third of the samples from subjects older than 60 and in a smaller number (6 to 9 percent) of samples from younger adults ... Katz cautions that high antibody levels in serum do not guarantee immunity from infection, but they serve as good indicators of protection when testing and are a fairly sure sign of earlier exposure to the pathogen. (Scientific American)
High-sensitivity Bone Marrow Aspiration Technology Enhances Leukemia Cell Detection Oct 8, 2009
They used anti-CD34 antibody loaded magnetic nanoparticles to detect CD34+ cells as an indicator of leukemia. To quantify the cells recovered, they coupled this nanoparticle-mediated fishing for leukemic cells with SQUID.. (Science Daily)
Flu Shots Come To Shafter Oct 8, 2009
Instead, your body begins to develop the antibody that attacks the flu virus and those may be the symptoms you may be feeling. Copyright 2009 by. (KERO 23, CA)
Seasonal Flu Shot May Boost Defenses Against Pandemic Virus, Study Finds Oct 7, 2009
The shot may provide some protection against swine flu because people who have been previously exposed to a similar virus have a heightened antibody response, said researchers led by Jose Luis Valdespino at the de Mexico. The study was limited by the number of patients and more research is needed, they said. (Bloomberg -- UK)
New Drug Aims To 'Seek And Destroy' Many Types Of Cancer Oct 7, 2009
(July 1, 2005) An antibody that targets the blood vessels nourishing tumors significantly reduced breast cancer formation and growth in mice when combined with a current cancer drug, according to researchers at UT. (Jan. (Science Daily)
Goodpasture's Syndrome Oct 7, 2009
Goodpasture s syndrome is also called anti-glomerular basement (GBM) antibody disease because of the glomerular basement membrane autoantibodies that attack the lungs and kidneys in this condition ... While the lungs are typically blocked from this antibody attack, various factors allow antibody invasion ... If antibody titers fall and kidney function remains impaired, a kidney transplant may be necessary. (Suite101.com)
Continuing racial differences in HIV prevalence in US Oct 6, 2009
Even when comparisons are stratified by education, poverty index, marital status, age at first sexual intercourse, lifetime number of sex partners, history of male homosexual activity, illicit drug use, injection drug use, and HSV-2 antibody positivity, HIV prevalence among African Americans exceeds that of whites, typically substantially. The authors suggest a number of social factors that may contribute to the difference in infection rates. (EurekAlert!)
New aging studies improving vaccine efficacy for the elderly Oct 6, 2009
Robust CD4 activity is necessary for antibody production in response to infection or vaccination. (The immune system contains a number of different cell types including B cells, which manufacture antibodies, and multiple classes of T cells. (EurekAlert!)
Duke spinoff to target HIV with $5M job Oct 6, 2009
Advanced Liquid Logic said it will award a major subcontract to Thomas Denny and Georgia Tomaras of the to support development of the viral load and antibody measurements and field trials. Pending successful development, the application of this new technology in low-income countries could mean the difference between life and death for many people, Michael Merson, director of the , said in a prepared statement. (Triangle Business Journal)
Cocaine vaccine may help some reduce drug use Oct 6, 2009
WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 (Xinhua) -- A vaccine to treat cocaine dependence appears to reduce use of the drug in a subgroup of individuals who attain high anti-cocaine antibody levels in response, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of General Psychiatry. However, only 38 percent of vaccinated individuals produced high enough antibody levels and those who did maintained them for only two months ... Of the 55 participants who completed five active vaccinations, 21 (38 percent)... (Xinhuanet, China)
Cytopia accepts takeover by Canadian biotech Oct 6, 2009
Once the deal is finalised, the combined companies will manage the development of four clinical stage assets: an antibody being developed for multiple tumour types, a vascular disrupting agent for the treatment of solid tumours, an inhaled delivery composition for the treatment of moderate to severe acute pain and an inhibitor being developed for the treatment of cancer. The merged companies will also manage other technologies in the Cytopia portfolio. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Vaccine may fight addiction Oct 6, 2009
Vaccines to help people recover from such addictions as nicotine, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines appear scientifically and medically achievable after doctors reported Monday that a vaccine to treat cocaine dependence had produced a large enough antibody response to reduce cocaine use in 38 percent of addicted individuals. Those results come on the heels of last week's announcement that the federal government will fund a large clinical trial of a nicotine vaccine based on earlier promising... (AZCentral -- News)
Experts hope swine flu will spur universal jab Oct 3, 2009
Johnson & Johnson, the world's biggest diversified health care company, recently bought a stake in Dutch biotech firm Crucell partly to get hold of flu-mAb, a universal antibody engineered to prevent and treat infections from various influenza A strains. The swine flu outbreak was declared a pandemic in June and has already infected millions of people around the world. (MSNBC -- Health)
Google Ventures invests in Adimab Oct 3, 2009
for free extra services. Subscribe to Silicon Valley / San Jose Business Journal. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Reduces Need For Surgery By Almost Half, Study Suggests Oct 2, 2009
Infliximab is an artificial antibody that works by blocking tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). TNF alpha is a chemical messenger and a key part of the immune reaction. (Science Daily)
Molecular Imaging Holds Promise For Early Intervention In Common Uterine Cancer Oct 2, 2009
9, 2007) A newly published study demonstrates that imaging with Positron Emission Tomography (PET) using a radiolabeled antibody accurately identifies whether a patient has clear cell renal carcinoma -- the. . (Science Daily)
XOMA Announces $13.9 Million Financing Oct 1, 2009
"In addition, we recently entered into a $6 million technology collaboration with a subsidiary of Cephalon Inc. and expanded our biodefense business with a new contract for development of an antibody to influenza viruses including the H1N1 and H5N1 strains. These developments strengthen our financial position as we pursue additional collaborations including a XOMA 052 corporate partnership and other antibody technology collaborations." ... The Company's proprietary product pipeline includes XOMA... (Primezone Releases)
First human gets new antibody aimed at rabies virus Oct 1, 2009
MassBiologics of the University of Massachusetts Medical School today announced the beginning of a Phase 1 clinical trial, testing the safety and activity of a human monoclonal antibody (MAB) developed to neutralize the rabies virus. The clinical trial is being conducted at the King Edward Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, India, and is sponsored by the Serum Institute of India, which is working in a collaborative partnership with MassBiologics to manufacture and test the new antibody ... "If this... (EurekAlert!)
Drug Treats Ulcerative Colitis Sep 30, 2009
Infliximab is an artificial antibody that works by blocking tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF. . (Newsmax)
Abbott and Eisai Submit Application for Approval of Humira(R) for the Treatment of Crohn's Disease in Japan Sep 30, 2009
Tokyo, Sept 30, 2009 - (JCN Newswire) - Abbott Japan Co., Ltd. and Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that they had submitted an application for approval of Crohn's disease as an additional indication for Humira(R) (adalimumab), a fully human monoclonal anti-TNF-alpha antibody jointly developed by the two companies ... Adalimumab is a monoclonal antibody that neutralizes the activity of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a protein that plays a central role in inflammatory reactions in... (JCN Network, Japan)
Autoimmune Disorder Linked to Stroke, Heart Attack in Women Sep 30, 2009
In the study, researchers in the Netherlands analyzed data on more than 1,000 young women and found that those with a particular type of antiphospholipid antibody, called lupus anticoagulant, are 43 times more likely to suffer a stroke and five times more likely to have a heart attack than the general population of young women. Women with lupus anticoagulant who smoke or take birth control pills have a much higher risk of stroke (87-fold and more than 200-fold, respectively) and heart attack... (MEDLINEplus)
Successful AIDS-Vaccine Trial Raises Hopes — and Questions Sep 25, 2009
"It's a fair assumption that this vaccine works through antibody production," he says. "We've known for years that antibodies don't seem to affect the course of an HIV infection. Antibodies can be preventive, but they can't modify the disease.". (Time.com)
GeoVax lauds Thailand study results Sep 25, 2009
"The partial success of this trial is very important to the GeoVax vaccine, because the vaccine tested in Thailand, like the GeoVax vaccine, was designed to elicit both T cells and antibody," said Dr. Harriet Robinson, GeoVax senior vice president of research and development, in a statement. "The two vaccines that have failed in previous efficacy trials elicited only antibody or only T cells. This was the first efficacy test of a vaccine that elicited both antibody and T cells and is very... (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
