Mountain View company helps life science firms survive trials Nov 19, 2008
The women-owned business enables clients to conduct clinical trials in a wide range of therapeutic areas including cardiovascular and central nervous system, infectious diseases and oncology, and transplants and vaccines. It offers services such as project management, clinical monitoring and site management for companies that need to outsource such work. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Nicotine: A Receptor From The Past Helping To Develop Drugs Of The Future Nov 18, 2008
10, 2007) There is a clear link between GABA -- a chemical substance of the central nervous system that inhibits neurons in the brain -- and nicotine dependence, according to a study presented at the American. (Nov. (Science Daily)
Hunters beware of rabies Nov 16, 2008
Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. The disease is nearly always fatal, once symptoms begin to appear. (Park Hills Daily Journal, MO)
* FEATURE : Despite failures, search for obesity drugs is still on Nov 16, 2008
They take on the same target in the central nervous system as marijuana. But instead of sharpening appetite X the munchies associated with smoking cannabis X they work in reverse, dulling the urge to eat. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Magic Ball Raises Funds for MS Nov 16, 2008
MS is a chronic often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. The upstate chapter serves 12,000 clients across 50 counties in upstate New York. (R News)
Doctors forced to use organs of cancer victims Nov 16, 2008
An exception is made for some non- aggressive brain cancers as they do not usually spread outside the central nervous system, so are unlikely to affect organs for transplant. The risk of a donor with brain cancer passing on the disease through a donated organ is one in 200. (Times Online)
FDA Approves BANZEL(TM) (rufinamide) as Adjunctive Treatment for Severe Epilepsy Disorder Nov 15, 2008
Use of BANZEL (rufinamide) has been associated with central nervous system-related adverse reactions, such as somnolence or fatigue, coordination abnormalities, dizziness, gait disturbances, and ataxia. BANZEL is contraindicated in patients with Familial Short QT syndrome. (PR Newswire)
Does Tryptophan Make You Sleepy? Nov 15, 2008
And, of course, alcohol is a natural central nervous system depressant. Drinking it with your Thanksgiving meal will certainly contribute to your desire to nap. (Suite101.com)
Breakthrough In Cell-type Analysis Offers New Ways To Study Development And Disease Nov 15, 2008
In a major application of TRAP published as a separate study in the same issue of Cell, Rockefeller scientists led by research associate Joseph Doyle and postdoctoral associate Joseph Dougherty went on to characterize the protein profiles of 24 types of cells in the central nervous system, identifying thousands of proteins that were previously unassociated with known cell types. The work in Cell provides the research community with 16 lines of transgenic mice that can be used for a sweeping... (Science Daily)
Multiple Sclerosis: In The War Against Diseases, Nerve Cells Need Their Armor Nov 15, 2008
MS is a disease of the central nervous system in which myelin is destroyed. Understanding the factors involved in maintaining myelin and promoting remyelination, offers new therapeutic targets and avenues for the treatment of MS. As described by Dr. Jack Antel, "Current MS therapies aim to block inflammation. In order to protect and restore myelin it is essential to to understand the molecules involved in these processes. This is the new era of the neurobiology of MS." The team is taking the... (Science Daily)
Only Half of Multiple Sclerosis Patients Respond to Interferon Therapy Nov 14, 2008
The U.S. National Institutes of Health calls MS an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system that can range from relatively benign to somewhat disabling to devastating, as communication between the brain and other parts of the body is disrupted. Many researchers suspect that MS is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body's immune system attacks its own tissues. (MEDLINEplus)
Brainstorm at Roche Spurs Pursuit of Valium-Like Approach to New Therapies Nov 13, 2008
Such development now focuses mostly on diseases of the brain and central nervous system ... Mutel says the technology's potential goes beyond the central nervous system ... We certainly have significant interest in this field and are looking at several approaches,'' said , project leader in the Roche research unit that focuses on the central nervous system. (Bloomberg)
Stem cells from monkey teeth stimulate brain cells growth Nov 12, 2008
Findings from this study, released by the university on Tuesday, suggest dental pulp stem cells show promise for use in cell therapy and regenerative medicine, particularly therapies associated with the central nervous system. Dental stem cells are adult stem cells, one of the two major divisions of stem cell research. (Xinhuanet, China)
Hormone shows promise in reversing Alzheimers disease and stroke Nov 12, 2008
"The problem in treating a lot of diseases of the central nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease, HIV and stroke is that we can't get drugs past the blood-brain barrier and into the brain," says Banks, who also is a staff physician at Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis ... "This could have implications in treating many diseases of the central nervous system.". (EurekAlert!)
Setting the Mood Nov 11, 2008
Commonly used to treat sexual dysfunction in males, ginseng has direct effects on the central nervous system and genital tissues. Evidence indicates this Chinese herb can facilitate erection by increasing blood flow to the penis. (Fox News)
Multiple Sclerosis Research Charges Ahead With New Mouse Model Of Disease Nov 11, 2008
Physical Therapists are helping people with central nervous system disorders learn to walk again. A wireless computer-enabled device aids those. (Science Daily)
Gene linked to MS Nov 10, 2008
In MS, the immune system attacks myelin, the fatty sheath that protects the cells of the central nervous system. As a result, nerve signals get slowed or blocked, causing difficulties in movement and co-ordination, muscle weakness, cognitive impairment, slurred speech and vision problems. (iAfrica.com)
Study Shows Potential Benefits of Xolair(R) in Treating Children Suffering from Moderate or Severe Persistent Allergic Asthma Inadequately Controlled With Inhaled Corticosteroids Nov 9, 2008
About Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation researches, develops, manufactures and markets leading innovative prescription drugs used to treat a number of diseases and conditions, including those in the cardiovascular, metabolic, cancer, organ transplantation, central nervous system, dermatological, GI and respiratory areas. The company's mission is to improve people's lives by pioneering novel healthcare solutions. (PR Newswire)
Okuapeman SHS wins cardiovascular quiz competition Nov 9, 2008
Backed by a world class research and development department, Sanofi-Aventis is developing new medicines in seven key therapeutic areas, which includes cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, central nervous system disorders and oncology among others. Dr Frank Umeh, Medical Coordinator of Nigeria/Ghana zone of Sanofi-Aventis said currently, the company is in partnership with the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, in a research programme on Deep Vein Thrombosis and hoped to extend it to the Komfo-Anokye... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Alseres Pharmaceuticals, Inc. To Host Third Quarter 2008 Conference Call Nov 8, 2008
About Alseres Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Alseres Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (ALSE) is engaged in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic products primarily for disorders in the central nervous system (CNS). The Company maintains a world-class intellectual property position in the field of regenerative therapeutics. (PR Newswire)
Suffer from pain? Seek help before surgery Nov 8, 2008
In the past decade, scientists have compiled evidence that chronic pain is a disease on its own, one that involves a rewiring of the central nervous system and that can be triggered when the acute pain that comes with an injury or surgery is not adequately treated ... The theory behind using a local anesthetic or nerve blocks in addition to a general anesthetic is that they prevent the transmission of a barrage of pain signals from the part of the body a surgeon is cutting or rebuilding, and... (Globe and Mail)
BETTER LIFE: More on senior health issues Nov 8, 2008
It's a central nervous system disorder that occurs due to a loss of cells in certain parts of the brain, including nigra cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger key in coordination of movement ... Most consistently, studies have identified drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as antidepressants (Prozac, the brand name for fluoxetine, is pictured), anti-seizure medications and benzodiazepine tranquilizers as associated with an increased risk of falls, write the... (USA Today -- Money)
McLean to be featured in documentary, go green Nov 8, 2008
Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson s, Huntington s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and related disorders erode the central nervous system s ability to guide thought, reasoning, movement and/or organ function. Although there are no cures, nor are current therapies able to halt the persistent advance of neurodegenerative diseases, stem cells offer the hope that treatment may one day be possible. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Hopes of simple blood test for MS Nov 8, 2008
MS is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that affects the brain and spinal cord. Common signs can include fatigue, psychological changes, weakness or paralysis of limbs, numbness, vision problems, difficulties speaking or walking, bladder problems, and sexual dysfunction. (Yahoo News -- Multiple Sclerosis)
Brain cells in mice coaxed to regenerate Nov 7, 2008
The ambition of our field is to understand why it is the fibers dont regenerate in the central nervous system ... But in the central nervous system, chemical signals repress growth. (MSNBC -- Health)
Repairing the Damaged Spinal Cord Nov 7, 2008
Unlike tissue in the peripheral nervous system, that in the central nervous system (the spinal cord and brain) does not repair itself effectively. Few scientists held out hope that the situation would ever change. (Scientific American)
BETTER LIFE: Where Parkinson's diagnosis and treatment stands today Nov 7, 2008
It's a central nervous system disorder that occurs due to a loss of cells in certain parts of the brain, including nigra cells that produce dopamine, a chemical messenger key in coordination of movement. The deficit of dopamine causes neurons to fire without normal control, making some Parkinson's sufferers appear wobbly or out of control. (USA Today -- Life)
Damaged Brain Cells Regenerated In Mice Nov 7, 2008
(July 6, 2007) Fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein found in circulating blood, has been found to inhibit the growth of central nervous system neuronal cells, a process that is necessary for the regeneration of the. (June 5, 2008) Every year, millions of people are confronted with potentially irreparable brain or spinal cord injuries resulting from traffic accidents. (Science Daily)
Transplant drug aids Huntington's Nov 7, 2008
It affects the central nervous system and can lead to loss of muscle control, dementia and depression. Huntington's normally affects people in middle age, but it can strike at any time. (Yahoo News -- Organ Donation & Transplants)
Vitamin B3 Reduces Alzheimer's Symptoms in Mice Nov 5, 2008
Nicotinamide belongs to a class of compounds called HDAC inhibitors, which have been shown to protect the central nervous system in rodent models of Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Clinical trials are underway to learn whether HDAC inhibitors help ALS and Huntington's patients. (Newsmax)
Study Of Learning Disabled Mice Shows Balance In The Brain Is Key Nov 4, 2008
Now, the researchers have found that the deficits in spatial learning experienced by mice with an abnormal version of the Nf1 gene stem from an increased release by inhibitory neurons of a chemical nerve messenger (or neurotransmitter) called GABA. GABA is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous systems of mammals. That rise in GABA leads to deficits in the plasticity of neurons required for learning and memory. (Science Daily)
Study Suggests Treatment with Paliperidone ER Significantly Improves Symptoms of Schizoaffective Disorder Nov 2, 2008
(2)(3) "Schizoaffective disorder is an under studied condition that despite being common among patients with serious mental illness, has no approved treatment," said Husseini Manji, M.D., Vice President, Central Nervous System and Pain, Johnson on Pharmaceutical Research and Development. "This new study suggests that paliperidone ER could be an effective option for the treatment of schizoaffective disorder. Additional studies are needed to confirm this finding." Schizoaffective disorder is a... (PR Newswire)
Interferon Could Be A Key To Preventing Or Treating Multiple Sclerosis Nov 2, 2008
D., at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have shown that interferon-gamma plays a deciding role in whether immune cells attack and injure the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) in mice ... He holds that in physiological circumstances that ultimately lead to MS, the central nervous system itself allows or even aids immune system attacks ... "In that view, brain cells have a passive role. But in this and previous research, we've shown that there's a 'conversation'... (Science Daily)
Houston middle school student dies from meningitis; school taking precautions Nov 2, 2008
In rare instances, disease results from infections of the blood and central nervous system with the bacteria. The bacteria are spread by close contact with an infected person s discharges from the nose and throat. (KHOU.com, TX)
Cephalon Receives FDA Approval for TREANDA to Treat Patients with Relapsed Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Nov 1, 2008
About Cephalon, Inc. Founded in 1987, Cephalon, Inc. is an international biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the discovery, development and commercialization of innovative products in four core therapeutic areas: central nervous system, pain, oncology and addiction. A member of the Fortune 1000, Cephalon currently employs approximately 3,000 people in the United States and Europe. (PR Newswire)
A conspiracy of love Nov 1, 2008
The chronic, progressive illness, which affects the nerves in the central nervous system, was not going to go away. Pappas wondered what would happen in case of an emergency, how Marsha would be able to get out of the house. (Woburn Advocate, MA)
Living with MS? Surprising Stats about Mobility, Attitudes Nov 1, 2008
(ARA) - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. Symptoms can include walking and coordination difficulties, fatigue, numbness, weakness and visual problems. (Canton Daily Ledger, IL)
Scientists Spot 4 New Alzheimer's Genes Nov 1, 2008
Another of the newly-identified markers is a gene known to cause a movement disorder called spinocerebellar ataxia, which involves the death of nerve cells in other parts of the central nervous system. The other markers are a gene involved in the innate immune system (part of the body's defense against bacteria and viruses) and a gene that produces a synaptic protein. (MEDLINEplus)
Roche Receives FDA Approval for Hepatitis C Viral Load Test on Its Fully Automated Real-Time PCR Platform Oct 31, 2008
It is also active in other major therapeutic areas such as autoimmune diseases, inflammatory and metabolic disorders and diseases of the central nervous system. In 2007 sales by the Pharmaceuticals Division totaled 36. (PR Newswire)
'No alcohol in pregnancy' advised Oct 31, 2008
" FOETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME Abnormal facial features Reduced growth Central nervous system abnormalities Impaired learning and memory skills Behavioural problems such as hyperactivity Jane Brewin, chief executive of the baby charity Tommy's, agreed, saying: "There is no proven safe level of alcohol to drink during pregnancy because any amount can pass through the placenta to the baby. " There is no consistent evidence that low to moderate consumption of alcohol during pregnancy has any adverse... (Yahoo News -- Alcohol and Alcoholism)
Office Workers Given Blue Light To Help Alertness Oct 31, 2008
5, 2007) People who work rotating shifts have significantly lower levels of serotonin, a hormone and neurotransmitter in the central nervous system believed to play an important role in the regulation of. (Nov. (Science Daily)
How Toxic Environmental Chemical DBT Affects The Immune System Oct 30, 2008
Although long-terms effects in humans are uncertain, large doses of certain organotins have been shown to damage the reproductive and central nervous systems, bone structure, the liver and immune system in mammals. Combining studies of the effect in cell culture of DBT on the function of a key class of steroid hormone, glucocorticoids, with computer-based analyses of the molecular interaction of DBT and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the U.S. and Swiss scientists explained the mechanism by... (Science Daily)
Now reduce food craving, burn calories Oct 30, 2008
Since immunoneutralization would occur outside the central nervous system, the researchers believe that their approach might eliminate potential side effects that might occur with blood-brain barrier-penetrating small molecule antagonists. Given the complex nature of obesity, any antibody-based strategy would most likely be used in combination with other available drugs, and as part of a comprehensive treatment approach that included nutritional, exercise, educational, and psychosocial... (Times of India)
Fight Obesity With New Antibody That Degrades Appetite Stimulant? Oct 29, 2008
First, immunoneutralization would occur outside the central nervous system, eliminating potential side effects that might occur with blood-brain barrier-penetrating small molecule antagonists. Second, therapeutic antibodies utilize the bloodstream as a site of action, which produces a pharmacological profile of safety and efficacy that is highly predictable and reproducible. (Science Daily)
Exposure To Low Doses Of Mercury Changes The Way The Arteries Work Oct 28, 2008
The main effects of mercury affect the central nervous system and renal function. Over recent years the scientific community has reported an increase in cardiovascular risk following exposure to mercury, although the mechanisms responsible for this increase are not completely known , state the authors of the new study that has been published recently in the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology explain. (Science Daily)
Beware of tick bites: Mating season looms Oct 28, 2008
Deer ticks are the most common type and can cause Lyme disease, which can lead to serious joint, heart or central nervous system problems if not detected early. Dog ticks are larger than deer ticks and do not carry Lyme disease. (Georgetown Record, MA)
Adeona Pharmaceuticals' Oral dnaJP1 Phase II Clinical Findings Presented At the American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting Oct 28, 2008
Oct. 28, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Adeona Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (AMEX: - ), a specialty pharmaceutical company developing innovative late-stage drug candidates for the treatment of autoimmune and central nervous system diseases, announced today that its scientific collaborator presented new findings from a 160-patient, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase II clinical trial using oral dnaJP1 for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) annual... (Primezone Releases)
March of Dimes Honors Dr. Susan Carlson for Outstanding Work In Maternal-Fetal Nutrition Oct 27, 2008
Subsequently, her group was the first to report, in 1989, that formula-fed preterm infants had higher visual acuity when fed a formula containing DHA. DHA plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the central nervous system as well as visual functioning in infants and supports healthy brain development, especially in young children. Dr Carlson and her collaborators continue to actively study the role of DHA during fetal and neonatal development. (PR Newswire)
Leukaemia drug can halt, reverse MS Oct 27, 2008
It is caused by the body's immune system attacking nerve fibres in the central nervous system, and can lead to loss of sight and mobility, depression, fatigue and cognitive problems ... central nervous system. (Yahoo News -- Top Stories)
'I will not mourn the loss of a child who I haven't lost.' -- Jeff Leonard Oct 27, 2008
PMD is a progressive, degenerative disease of the central nervous system in which motor abilities, coordination and intellectual function deteriorate. The genetic disorder affects the growth of myelin, the fatty substance that wraps around and protects nerve fibers in the brain. (NJ.com -- Times)
Leukemia drug halts MS Oct 26, 2008
Because it affects the immune system, the researchers thought that it might be beneficial in patients with MS, a condition in which the bodys immune system attacks the central nervous system. As this was a phase 2 trial, the drug was tested in a small number of patients for the first time, and the overall safety and effectiveness of the drug was tested. (NHS Choices)
Griswold News Oct 25, 2008
The disease affects the white matter in the central nervous system and affects more than 400,000 people in North America. The disease usually starts between the ages of 20 and 40 and affects more women than men. (Atlantic News-Telegraph, IO)
Guest Commentary-Chiropractic care may ease learning disabilities Oct 25, 2008
Since most learning disorders are based in the brain, they are central nervous dysfunctions thought to be triggered by nerve interference or misalignments called vertebral subluxations. Pauli writes that these spinal misalignments alter the quality and quantity of neural inputs to the central nervous system [ ] and result in an asymmetric function of brain hemispheres [ ], [thus preventing] the achievement of temporal coherence between the two hemispheres ... If one can reduce a spinal... (Billerica Minuteman, MA)
UC San Diego to lead Neuroscience Information Framework Oct 25, 2008
The Center for Research in Biological Systems (CRBS) is a UCSD organized research unit focusing on fundamental research on cell structure and function relationships, particularly those involved in central nervous system processes, cardiovascular networking, and muscular contraction. Established in 1996, CRBS facilitates an interdisciplinary infrastructure in which people from biology, medicine, chemistry, and physics can work with those from computer science and information technologies. (EurekAlert! -- Business News)
Leukemia drug gives hopes to MS sufferers Oct 25, 2008
MS causes immune system to attack nerve fibres in central nervous system ... MS causes the body's immune system to attack nerve fibres in the central nervous system. (CNN -- Health)
CDC panel recommends vaccination for smokers Oct 24, 2008
But in the wrong place, they can cause middle-ear and sinus infections as well as less common but more serious infections of the lungs, central nervous system and blood. Smoking makes it easier for the bacteria to get to the wrong place by damaging protective mucous membranes and tiny, hair-like cilia in the back of the nose and throat, said Dr. Lisa Jackson, senior investigator for the Seattle-based Group Health Center for Health Studies. (Los Angeles Times)
New Drug Offers Hope To MS Sufferers Oct 24, 2008
"Symptoms of multiple sclerosis result from an immune system attack on the protective insulation surrounding nerve fibers of the central nervous system. We believe alemtuzumab shuts down this immune system attack, treating the disease at its root cause," said Alasdair Coles, Senior Lecturer, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge and a lead investigator in the study. . (KWTX.com, TX)
NOTICE of establishment of Drug Discovery Consortium in neuropsychiatric area Oct 24, 2008
Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma places importance on central nervous system (CNS) areaas one of the priority research areas, and among antipsychotic agents, the companymarkets such proprietary products as LULLANR and LONASENR, and, in addition, isdeveloping a lurasidone (generic name) globally. In October this year, the company set up "Funded Department of Molecular Neuropsychiatry (Dainippon Sumitomo Pharma)"at Graduate School of Medicine of Osaka University for the purpose of contributing to... (JCN Network, Japan)
Phase IIb data show that BG-12 significantly reduced brain lesions in multiple sclerosis Oct 24, 2008
BG-12 is the first compound that has been shown to activate the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway, which previous studies have shown defends against oxidative-stress induced neuronal death, protects the blood-brain barrier, and supports maintenance of myelin integrity in the central nervous system. "The effects of BG-12 on inflammatory brain lesions, together with the corresponding safety data, strongly support further research in Phase III clinical studies to define its place in the future of... (EurekAlert!)
New Drug May Boost Weight Loss Efforts Oct 23, 2008
"We need to do more extensive assessment of the psychiatric effect of medications like this one that operate on the central nervous system," he says. SOURCES. (WebMD)
Crossing Blood-Brain Barrier: Scientists Develop Drug Delivery System For Brain Cancers, Other Diseases Oct 23, 2008
across the blood-brain barrier and into the central nervous system ... He continued: "To date, treatment options for patients with recurrent malignant glioma are limited and prognosis is bleak because of the brain's highly evolved physiological structure. Results from both these trials show that Angiopep conjugates may provide a potentially safe and effective way to treat gliomas and other currently unmanageable diseases of the central nervous system. The Angiopep technology is well tolerated,... (Science Daily)
Hope for cure of early stage multiple sclerosis Oct 23, 2008
Multiple sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system marked by numbness, weakness, loss of muscle coordination, and problems with vision, speech and bladder control. MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks myelin, a key substance that insulates nerves and helps in the transmission of nerve signals. (Hindu)
One-Quarter of Biologic Drugs Have Had Safety Issues Oct 23, 2008
The drug, used to treat various forms of arthritis as well as psoriasis, was also the recipient of a black box warning (for infections and central nervous system disorders). The authors of this paper, from Utrecht University, reviewed 174 biologics approved in the United States and/or the European Union between January 1995 and June 2007. (MEDLINEplus)
A new relationship between brain derived neurotrophic factor and inflammatory signaling Oct 23, 2008
"Our identification of signaling pathways regulating the most abundant form of synaptic GABA-A receptors in the central nervous system may lead to the development of novel molecular therapies for multiple disorders including epilepsy, given that changes in their expression are also associated with alcoholism, anxiety and stress," states Dr. Russek. An estimated 400,000 Americans have temporal lobe epilepsy a neurological impairment that includes both psychopathology and altered brain... (EurekAlert!)
Childhood environmental health Oct 23, 2008
The child's developing central nervous, immune, reproductive, and digestive systems, are also more susceptible to irreversible damage from toxins and pollutants. They also point out that two other important factors affect the environmental risks experienced by children differently from adults. (EurekAlert!)
