Long-time local civic leader dies Oct 10, 2009
Published: Saturday, October 10, 2009 1:06 AM CDT Former Logan Municipal and Cache County councilwoman Sarah Ann Skanchy died Wednesday in Logan from the effects of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Skanchy, 80, served on the Logan Municipal Council from. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Former biotech chief found guilty of wire fraud Oct 5, 2009
He was accused of using news releases and sales campaigns to falsely claim that Actimmune substantially reduced the death rate for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs. Federal prosecutors said clinical trials failed to prove that the drug was that beneficial. (San Francisco Chronicle)
Calif. Biotech Exec Convicted of Marketing Fraud Oct 4, 2009
Harkonen's indictment last year charged that he made false and misleading statements about the drug's effectiveness in fighting the fatal lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, known as IPF.. The conviction centered on an August 2002 news release that misstated the results of a clinical trial using Actimmune to treat the disease. (ABC News -- Wire)
Ex-InterMune CEO convicted in drug scheme Oct 1, 2009
Former CEO Scott Harkonen was convicted on charges of wire fraud and felony for his role in creating and distributing false and misleading information about the Brisbane company s drug for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Under Harkonen s direction, the Justice Department alleged, InterMune marketed and sold its $50,000-per-year Actimmune IPF treatment despite not receiving Food and Drug Administration approval. (San Jose Business Journal, CA)
Patients With Interstitial Lung Disease Need Not Avoid Air Travel, Study Finds Sep 16, 2009
Researchers from the National Institutes of Health reviewed records and imaging studies of 449 patients with sarcoidosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and LAM, who made a total of 816 trips by airplane and 416 trips by land ... 24, 2005) Every breath soon turns into a struggle for people living with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). (Science Daily)
The Show Goes on for Pulmonary Fibrosis Patient Jerry Lewis Sep 5, 2009
When this is the case, it is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). About the CPF. (PR Newswire)
Wayne Shackelford, former Georgia DOT leader, dies Sep 3, 2009
He suffered from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, said his son, Larry Shackelford. Steeped in Gwinnett County politics and friends with heavyweights like developer Wayne Mason, Shackelford as a businessman developed real estate projects including Gwinnett Place Mall. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
U-M researchers discover therapeutic target that could help patients with pulmonary fibrosis Aug 24, 2009
A diagnosis of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is not much better than a death sentence: there is no treatment and the survival rate is less than three years ... " So those suffering from common cardiac or kidney diseases, which often involve fibrosis, also may benefit from treatments stemming from this research, Pennathur said. Pennathur said continued support from the National Institutes of Health will eventually allow researchers to take the treatment to human studies. The University of... (EurekAlert!)
Still holding their breath: Mortality on lung transplant wait list remains high for some Aug 24, 2009
Overall, mortality on the lung transplant waiting list has fallen as a result of the changes, especially among those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and cystic fibrosis (CF); patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH), however, make up only a small minority of lung-transplant candidates, and therefore little is known about whether and how they have benefited from the changes to lung allocation protocols. "Most people... (EurekAlert!)
Rare Pharmaceutical Fraud Trial Under Way in San Francisco Aug 20, 2009
But InterMune also sought to market it to patients suffering from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that occurs far more frequently. In 2002, InterMune issued a press release trumpeting a clinical study that supposedly showed benefits for some IPF patients. (Law.com)
Emphysema Severity Directly Linked To Coal Dust Exposure Jul 25, 2009
15, 2008) Smokers and ex-smokers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an untreatable progressive lung disease that usually leads to death within a few years of diagnosis, have a worse prognosis than nonsmokers. (May 30, 2006) A new imaging method has revealed early signs of emphysema in smokers with no external symptoms of the disease, according to a study published in the June issue of Radiology. (Science Daily)
Actelion Raises Sales, Profit Forecasts as Net Climbs on Tracleer Revenue Jul 21, 2009
Actelion is seeking to expand Tracleers use to a rare lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ... The results of a study of Tracleer against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF, are set for the start of next year, later than originally planned ... The Swiss drugmaker has said positive data on expanding use of Tracleer for the lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis could drive future growth. (Bloomberg -- Europe)
Medical Researchers Profile Genes In Acutely Ill Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Patients Jul 15, 2009
ScienceDaily (July 15, 2009) The first findings from a one-of-a-kind, patient-driven effort to provide lung tissue for research might help doctors predict when patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are becoming dangerously ill and also could point the way to interventions that could sustain them until life-saving transplants can be performed ... 16, 2006) For idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients awaiting lung transplantation, a simple walk test can predict mortality rates ... 9,... (Science Daily)
Genetic Breakthrough Spells Hope For Lung Fibrosis Patients Jul 10, 2009
WEDNESDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Genes that can help doctors predict when patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are becoming seriously ill have been identified by U.S. researchers, who said the findings might help keep patients alive until they can get a lung transplant. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lung-scarring disease that progresses slowly and causes a gradual decline in lung function. (MEDLINEplus)
Pitt team first to profile genes in acutely ill idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients Jul 7, 2009
PITTSBURGH, July 7 The first findings from a one-of-a-kind, patient-driven effort to provide lung tissue for research might help doctors predict when patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are becoming dangerously ill and also could point the way to interventions that could sustain them until life-saving transplants can be performed. According to senior author Naftali Kaminski, M.D., associate professor of medicine, computational biology and pathology, and director of the Dorothy P.... (EurekAlert!)
News briefs from the July issue of CHEST Jul 7, 2009
New research shows that mortality from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and/or pulmonary fibrosis (PF) may be highest during the winter months. Using death records from the National Center for Health Statistics, a research team from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO, calculated the monthly mortality rates for persons with PF. Results showed that mortality rates from PF significantly varied by season. (EurekAlert!)
Academy Provides Real Experiences For Students Jul 2, 2009
"It was so nice because I could see the different health careers to choose from. They hooked me up with some therapists so I could find out even more." Mulloy developed a strong interest in respiratory therapy after seeing her grandmother struggling to breathe as she died from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF), a disease that results in scarring, or fibrosis, of the lungs. Mulloy wanted to help people, and now has her chance. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Drug Found Ineffective against Lung Disease Jul 1, 2009
People with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis gain no survival benefit, research finds ... MONDAY, June 29 (HealthDay News) -- Treatment with interferon gamma-1b (Ifn-g1b) does not improve survival in people with a fatal lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, according to a study that was halted early after no benefit to participants was found ... Previous research had suggested that Ifn-g1b might benefit people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those with mild to moderate... (MEDLINEplus)
Swine flu still on the march Jun 4, 2009
World 'getting closer' to swine flu pandemic: WHO. World 'getting closer' to swine flu pandemic: WHO. (Harper's Magazine)
Protein may be strongest indicator of rare lung disease, study shows Jun 4, 2009
CINCINNATIResearchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have discovered a protein in the lungs that can help in determining progression of the rare lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). Researchers say the proteinSerum surfactant protein Ais superior to other IPF predictors and could lead to better decisions about treatment and timing of lung transplantation. (EurekAlert!)
Stimulus funds support Colo. lung research May 23, 2009
3 million initiative funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be used to study chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). U.S. Sens. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Results of Two Phase 3 CAPACITY Studies of Pirfenidone in IPF Presented at American Thoracic Society (ATS) May 20, 2009
SAN DIEGO, May 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- InterMune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) reported that results from the two Phase 3 CAPACITY studies evaluating pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were presented today in an oral late-breaker presentation at the International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in San Diego ... Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disabling and ultimately fatal disease that affects approximately 200,000 people in the United States and... (PR Newswire)
Oncothyreon says drug effective in test May 19, 2009
He added that the results possibly indicate the drug might be beneficial in such human lung diseases as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Officials at the Seattle biotech (NASDAQ: ONTY) said although they re currently focusing PX-866 on cancer, they re very interested in the possibilities of its use in non-malignant diseases, including autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)
Important Data Presented on Independent Predictors of Mortality in Patients With Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis May 18, 2009
SAN DIEGO, May 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- InterMune, Inc. (Nasdaq: ) today reported that results of a study assessing the relationship between various measures of clinical status and the risk of death in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were presented at the 2009 International Conference of the American Thoracic Society (ATS) in San Diego ... Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a disabling and ultimately fatal disease that affects a total of approximately 200,000 people in... (PR Newswire)
Large clinical trial finds pirfenidone may help lung function in IPF patients May 18, 2009
ATS 2009, SAN DIEGOA large, well-controlled, multi-national clinical trial program has demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of what may become the first FDA-approved medicine for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF. ... According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 200,000 Americans have idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that scars tissue deep in the lungs. (EurekAlert!)
Tumor focus shifts May 6, 2009
My husband has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in the last 2 years. He is being treated by Mayo Clinic at this time. (Cameron Observer, MO)
Proceeds from New Book Donated to Send Kids with Cystic Fibrosis to Camp in the New Orleans Area Feb 25, 2009
The CPF accelerates research efforts to cure idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) , while educating, supporting, and advocating the patients, families, and physicians fighting this disease. Find New Orleans Dentists l Offices - Cosmetic, Bonding. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
In brief: New prognostic indicator for patients with IPF Feb 20, 2009
There may be a new way to predict mortality in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a devastating disease that slowly petrifies the lungs. Most patients live only three years after diagnosis on average; however, some remain stable for many years, while for others, the disease progresses more rapidly. (EurekAlert!)
No health insurance? Get help here Feb 14, 2009
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency, Chronic Granulomatous Disorder, Huntington's Disease, Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Other rare diseases. (CNN -- Health)
Effects Of Smoking Linked To Accelerated Aging Protein Feb 10, 2009
15, 2008) Smokers and ex-smokers with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, an untreatable progressive lung disease that usually leads to death within a few years of diagnosis, have a worse prognosis than nonsmokers. (July 28, 2004) While studying the relationship between vitamin A and lung inflammation, a Kansas State University researcher made a surprising discovery -- a link between vitamin A and emphysema in smokers. (Science Daily)
InterMune stock soars on results of lung disease drug study Feb 8, 2009
The company, InterMune, made its announcement after two late-stage clinical trials produced mixed results in slowing the course of the disease, which is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. One study showed that patients who took the drug had a significantly smaller loss of lung function after 72 weeks of treatment than those who received a placebo. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Lung Disease Tied to Increased Risk for Cardiac Events Feb 7, 2009
FRIDAY, Dec. 5 (HealthDay News) -- People with the deadly lung disease idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) are three times more likely than people without the disease to suffer severe cardiac events such as a heart attack, according to a British study. "If you look at them over time, people with IPF have roughly a threefold increased risk of acute coronary syndrome, which is a greater increase than you get from smoking," lead author Dr. Richard B. Hubbard, a professor of epidemiology at the... (MEDLINEplus)
Gene Mutation Tied to Inherited Fatal Lung Disease Feb 7, 2009
Those with variant had cancer as well as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, study finds ... Mutations in the SFTPA2 gene have been found in families with the inherited version of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or IPF -- a disease that affects about 200,000 people in the United States. (MEDLINEplus)
