InterMune drug gets fast-track status May 20, 2008
Brisbane-based InterMune (NASDAQ:ITMN) said the designation was given to the drug for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Drugs that have the potential to help with serious or life-threatening condition may be given the status, which helps expedite the application and review process. (San Francisco Business Journal)
Former InterMune CEO indicted Mar 20, 2008
The Justice Department said Brisbane-based InterMune (NASDAQ:ITMN) put out a press release in 2002 under the direction of former CEO Scott Harkonen saying a clinical trial showed Actimmune effective in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. In fact, the indictment said, the trial showed just the opposite. (San Jose Business Journal)
Biotech leader charged with fraud Mar 19, 2008
The former Intermune CEO is accused of creating a market for Actimmune that reached $141 million in 2003 by falsely claiming through news releases and sales campaigns that the drug substantially reduced the death rate for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs ... Actimmune is approved for two rare diseases afflicting children, but the Food and Drug Administration never approved it for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Statement by InterMune, Inc. Regarding Justice Department Action Against Former Employee for Past Conduct Mar 19, 2008
InterMune has a research and development portfolio addressing idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. The pulmonology portfolio includes the Phase 3 program, CAPACITY, which is evaluating pirfenidone for the treatment of patients with IPF and a research program focused on small molecules for pulmonary disease. (PR Newswire)
Former InterMune CEO W. Scott Harkonen Indicted for Wire Fraud and FDA Violations Mar 19, 2008
SAN FRANCISCO, March 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- W. Scott Harkonen, M.D., the former CEO of InterMune Inc., was indicted on wire fraud and felony Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act charges for his role in the creation and dissemination of false and misleading information about the efficacy of InterMune's drug Actimmune (Interferon gamma-1b) as a treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), the Justice Department announced today. The indictment alleges that Harkonen, a medical doctor, was the... (PR Newswire)
Former CEO charged with improperly marketing drug Mar 19, 2008
During that time, he is accused of making false and misleading statements about how effective the drug was in combatting the fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, known as IPF.A press release Harkonen wrote touting the benefits of Actimmune to treat the lung disease in August 2002 is at the heart of the government's case. The press release stated that a large-scale scientific test of Actimmune showed it helped IPF patients live longer, prompting many doctors to start prescribing the... (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Former addict shares story to help others Mar 2, 2008
He was diagnosed in 2003 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which has left him with just a quarter of one lung functioning. Most people live five or six years after diagnosis. (The Augusta Chronicle)
Lungs' Mast Cells Could Provide New Treatment Target For Asthma, Other Respiratory Disease Jan 31, 2008
In fact, Dr. Silver's lab is now looking at the role locally produced renin might play in a rare, deadly illness called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), where lung tissue becomes increasingly inflexible over time. "We're interested in any disease in which we can also detect local renin/angiotensin production because it appears to be linked to fibrosis, vasoconstriction, and now bronchoconstriction," Dr. Silver explains. (Science Daily)
Smoking Worsens Prognosis for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Jan 23, 2008
MONDAY, Jan. 21 (HealthDay News) -- Current and former smokers with the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) have a worse prognosis than nonsmokers, says a British study. IPF is untreatable, and patients usually die within five years of diagnosis. (MEDLINEplus)
Rare Lung Disease Cells Indicate Higher Death Risk Jan 20, 2008
19, 2008) Large numbers of certain cells in the lungs of patients diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may increase their chance of death, UC researchers have discovered ... According to a new study, increased numbers of neutrophil (pronounced new-tro-fil) cells a type of white blood cell in patients lungs were associated with a 30 percent increased risk of mortality in the first year following diagnosis with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) ... 13, 2007) Researchers have found that... (Science Daily)
Smoking Belies Milder Disease But Worse Prognosis For Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Jan 16, 2008
15, 2008) Smokers and ex-smokers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), an untreatable progressive lung disease that usually leads to death within a few years of diagnosis, have a worse prognosis than non-smokers, according to research from London ... 13, 2007) Researchers have found that Viagra may help patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable disease characterized by progressive scarring in the lungs, which often leads to a lung ... 1, 2008) Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis,... (Science Daily)
Terriers Join Fight Against a Killer Disease in Humans Dec 27, 2007
The illness, called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), affects 128,000 Americans, is typically fatal within three years of diagnosis, and kills more than 40,000 people in the United States annually -- a death toll equivalent to that of breast cancer ... Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis occurs spontaneously, although certain factors -- such as smoking or exposure to airborne toxins -- do raise risks for the illness. (Health-Finder)
Translational research patented first experimental treatment against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Dec 22, 2007
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a disease with unknown cause with a very severe prognosis; when detected, it is already in an advanced stage ... Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affects 13 out of 100,000 men and 7 out of 100,000 women, normally over 40 years of age ... When idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis appears, this regeneration process cannot be developed correctly and fibrosis advances until respiration is impossible. (EurekAlert!)
Molecular Pathway Appears Crucial In Development Of Pulmonary Fibrosis Dec 15, 2007
14, 2007) A study led by Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) researchers may have found a key mechanism underlying idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a usually fatal lung disease for which transplantation is the only successful treatment ... 16, 2006) For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients awaiting lung transplantation, a simple walk test can predict mortality rates. (Science Daily)
‘His final jump': Thousands celebrate Butte daredevil's life Dec 11, 2007
When he died Nov. 30 at the age of 69, it was from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a scarring of the lungs. Son Robbie Knievel, who followed in his father's daredevil footsteps and who was estranged from Evel for many years, thanked his father's latest ex-wife, Krystal Kennedy-Knievel, for staying by his father's side throughout his health problems, even after they divorced in 2001. (Missoulian, MT)
Sunday’s fireworks have multiple purpose Dec 8, 2007
Olson hopes to use the event to raise money to fight the disease that killed Butte s daredevil idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Olson and his team will be at the Butte Civic Center Saturday morning to begin taking donations. (Montana Standard, MT)
I will miss this star-spangled daredevil Dec 4, 2007
"This is Billy Rundle, commenting on the tragic demise of his close friend Evel Knievel, called "the ultimate American Daredevil" by the Smithsonian Institution. Knievel, who suffered from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, died Friday in his Clearwater, Fla. The full text of this article has 895 words. To continue reading this article, you must be a subscriber or a subscriber. Already have a member account? Product Tour Take a look around with a virtual tour To view the tour, you will... (Globe and Mail -- Entertainment)
Daredevil lived to cheat death Dec 3, 2007
In recent years, he had suffered from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition. Honoured with an exhibit in Washington's Smithsonian Institution dubbing him "America's Legendary Daredevil," Knievel most famous stunt was in September 1974 when he tried, but failed, to jump over the Snake River Canyon in Idaho using a rocket-powered motorcycle. (Toronto Star)
Last ride for Evel Knievel, man of steel and scars Dec 2, 2007
Knievel had been in failing health for years with diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition. In 1999 he underwent a liver transplant after nearly dying of hepatitis C, which he believed he had contracted through a blood transfusion after one of many violent spills. (The Age)
Evel Knievel Lost to Pulmonary Fibrosis; Disease Claims as Many Lives as Breast Cancer Each Year Dec 1, 2007
Knievel was unfortunately one of 40,000 people in the U.S. who will lose their lives to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) this year, the same number as will die from breast cancer ... About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) IPF is a lung disorder characterized by a progressive scarring - known as fibrosis - and deterioration of the lungs, which slowly robs its victims of their ability to breathe ... About the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF) is a... (PR Newswire)
Robert `Evel' Knievel, Motorcycle Daredevil, Stuntman, Is Dead at Age 69 Dec 1, 2007
He suffered from diabetes and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable lung condition, the Associated Press said. He also had a liver transplant in 1999 after he almost died from hepatitis C, a disease that he likely got through a blood transfusion, the news service reported. (Bloomberg -- US)
Preventing Lung Scarring May Extend Lives Of Lung Cancer Patients Nov 1, 2007
13, 2007) Researchers have found that Viagra may help patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable disease characterized by progressive scarring in the lungs, which often leads to a lung. (Oct. (Science Daily)
Hui Yee gets a new heart Oct 5, 2007
The IJN transplant team, headed by chief cardiothoracic surgeon Datuk Dr Mohd Azhari Yakub and Heart and Lung Transplant clinical director Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib performed the surgery simultaneously with another double lung transplant on a 39-year-old man suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (lung failure). Six cardiothoracic surgeons, six anaesthetists, one physician from the Respiratory Research Institute and 30 paramedics were involved in the surgeries. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
Evel Knievel Days (30) Jul 15, 2007
Evel Knievel suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that scars the lungs, replacing the air sacs with scar tissue. On the Net: For a detailed listing of Evel Knievel Days events, visit www. (Montana Standard, MT)
Walker in swing of things Jun 16, 2007
Walker's health she has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis has sent the couple to the lower altitude of southern Utah. But two or three times a month they drive up to Salt Lake City for one of her many meetings. (Deseret News)
Hamsters on Viagra Experience Less Jet Lag, Scientists in Buenos Aires Say May 22, 2007
Another study recently showed that the drug may help in treating idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Viagra keeps another chemical in the brain, called cyclic GMP, from decomposing. (Bloomberg -- Latin America)
Webcast Alert: CPF 'Living with IPF' Patient Seminar to be Webcast Live May 12, 2007 May 9, 2007
May 8 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis (CPF), a California based nonprofit organization, and The Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York, NY), one of leading specialty centers for the treatment and study of pulmonary fibrosis, will hold a live audio Webcast for patients and families living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, members of the public, and members of the media. The "Living with IPF" patient seminar will be held Saturday, May 12, 2007 from 12:50 - 5:30 P.M. EDT, and... (PR Newswire)
Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient, CPF Member & Advocate, on 'The View' Apr 29, 2007
April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vito Valenti spoke to "The View" hosts Rosie O'Donnell and Joy Behar about his personal struggle to survive idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) ... Key Facts About Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) ... Definition: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a progressive and ultimately fatal scarring process in the lungs of unknown cause. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Actelion Announces First Quarter Results 2007 Apr 19, 2007
7 m), in-line with the start of new pre-clinical and clinical programs, such as the BUILD-3 pivotal study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of bosentan in patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and accelerated recruitment into the Phase II program with the orexin receptor antagonist. In Q1 2007, marketing and advertising costs were CHF 52. (Primezone Releases)
Respiratory Care Leadership Expresses Patient Access to Quality Care Concerns Over CMS Final Rule on Competitive Bidding for Home Oxygen Therapy Apr 6, 2007
Peter Kelly, Chairman of the CQRC and CEO of Pacific Pulmonary Services, said, "The Medicare home oxygen benefit provides home oxygen therapy for patients suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is regarded as the fourth leading cause of death in the United States. Under this Final Rule, lower quality standards than what the CQRC supports, coupled with a bid structure that is designed solely to minimize upfront costs, induces providers to sacrifice service levels and... (PR Newswire)
Gene Mutations Linked To Hereditary Lung Disease Mar 30, 2007
A progressive scarring of the lungs with no effective treatment, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) affects approximately 50,000 Americans annually, and like some cancers often is fatal within three years ... Citation: Armanios, MY, et al. Telomerase Mutations in Families with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. (Science Daily)
Parsing Pulmonary Fibrosis Mar 29, 2007
NEJM -- Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis -- New Insights ... Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis New Insights ... "Death occurred about three months and a half after the onset of the acute disease and the lung was two thirds of the normal size, grayish in color, and hard as cartilage. Microscopically these areas showed advanced fibrotic changes and great thickening of the alveolar walls." Thus did Sir William Osler describe, in 1892, a case of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis1 an unrelenting and progressive... (New England Journal of Medicine)
Mutant Telomerase in Familial Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Mar 29, 2007
NEJM -- Telomerase Mutations in Families with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ... Telomerase Mutations in Families with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis ... Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is progressive and often fatal; causes of familial clustering of the disease are unknown. (New England Journal of Medicine)
InterMune asks for more time to file 10-K Mar 16, 2007
The biotech company said earlier this month it would stop trials of the drug, which was designed for the potential treatment of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Extra. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Viagra Drug May Help Improve Exercise Capacity In Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Mar 14, 2007
UCLA researchers have found that Viagra may help patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable disease characterized by progressive scarring in the lungs, which often leads to a lung transplant ... In this pilot study, 14 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients initially took a standard six-minute walking test. (Science Daily)
InterMune stock down 22% after drug trial halt Mar 7, 2007
s stock dropped 22 percent Tuesday after the company announced a day earlier that it was discontinuing clinical trials of a drug designed for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The stock closed the day at $22. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
InterMune Plummets After Halting Key Trial Mar 7, 2007
-based company halted late stage trials of a treatment for the lung condition idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Data from the Phase III clinical trial showed that the drug did not show a statistically significant improvement in mortality rates over a placebo for the disease. (BusinessWeek)
Tuesday's Stocks to Watch Mar 6, 2007
InterMune Inc. () said it has discontinued its Phase III clinical trial evaluating Actimmune in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, based upon the recommendation of the study's independent data monitoring committee. In a planned interim analysis that included a total of 115 deaths, the committee found the overall survival result crossed a predefined stopping boundary for lack of benefit of Actimmune relative to placebo. (Fox News)
InterMune stops Phase III trial Mar 6, 2007
said Monday it stopped a Phase III clinical trial of the drug actimmune because it failed to prolong the survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ... InterMune is also testing another treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. (San Francisco Business Times, CA)
Charlie Norwood: Conservative Champion Feb 20, 2007
Norwood had also battled idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) for years, being diagnosed with the condition in 1998 and receiving a lung transplant in 2004 as treatment. A member of the 1994 Republican Revolution, the 65-year-old congressman worked tirelessly on several issues of importance both to his state and to the nation. (Human Events Online)
Charlie Norwood Feb 15, 2007
at the age of 65 after a long battle with lung cancer and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. As a member of the Republican Revolution, Mr. Norwood was often found at the forefront of fights to reform Washington, such as the investigation into the Teamsters and the investigation into fraud and theft at the Department of Education. (Washington Times, DC)
Rep. Charles Norwood Dies At 65 Feb 14, 2007
Thirty years later, Norwood was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, which began restricting his ability to breathe and ultimately required a lung transplant in 2004. After the surgery, he used oxygen and zipped around the Capitol in a motorized cart, earning a reputation for having a lead foot. (CBS News)
U.S. Rep. Charlie Norwood succumbs to cancer | Political Insider Feb 14, 2007
Charlie Norwood (R-GA10), 65, passed away this morning at his Augusta home following an extensive battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and non-small cell lung cancer. Norwood received a single lung transplant in 2004 as treatment for IPF, and developed non-small cell lung cancer in 2005. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Congressman Norwood dies of cancer Feb 14, 2007
Charlie Norwood (R-Augusta) died Tuesday after an eight-year fight with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The 65-year-old, seven-term congressman had a single lung transplant at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Fairfax, Va. (Atlanta Business Chronicle, GA)
GOP's Norwood dies of lung disease, ... (Christina Bellantoni) Feb 14, 2007
"He was a great man who came here for the right reasons." The House interrupted Iraq debate for a moment of silence in honor of Mr. Norwood, who fought idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis for eight years. In 2004, he received a lung transplant, and later developed lung cancer, a common side effect of drugs prescribed for the transplant. (Washington Times, DC)
Norwood dies at age 65 Feb 14, 2007
Norwood had been ill since 1998, when he was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. He received a single lung transplant in 2004. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Read Janis Fontaine's blog Feb 9, 2007
Linde had been battling idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease. Posted by Janis Fontaine at. (The Palm Beach Post)
Georgia lawmaker to go home for hospice care Feb 8, 2007
He suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease. Last year, doctors discovered a small cancerous tumor on his non-transplanted lung. (Washington Times, DC)
Breakthrough Could Prevent Multiple Fibrotic Diseases: Tests Find Protein Stops Fibrosis In Lung, Heart, Other Tissues Jan 20, 2007
(November 16, 2004) -- Mayo Clinic researchers have identified a treatment for the fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) ... (January 24, 2005) -- Every breath soon turns into a struggle for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). (Science Daily)
Dick Simmons: A 'passion' for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Jan 14, 2007
" Being in the right place at the right time -- that, Dick Simmons says, has happened to him his entire life: Born during the Depression but too late to serve in World War II. Being an expert in titanium steel, which would be a boon to the specialty steel industry. Taking his company public just five months before the October 1987 stock market crash. But it was being in the right place at the wrong time that drives the third act in Mr. Simmons' story, when he became the millionaire savior to the... (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA)
Georgia Rep. Norwood Could Miss More Work Battling Cancer Jan 13, 2007
He suffers from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease that required the transplant. Last year, doctors discovered a small cancerous tumor on his non-transplanted lung. (Fox News -- Politics)
* World News Quick Take Jan 2, 2007
The cause was idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease, family members told the Tennessean newspaper. Burning Love reached No. 2 on the Billboard pop listings and was Presley's second-highest-charting single in a decade. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
