Bayer Diagnostics and Innogenetics have launched an assay that
allows genotyping for the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), permitting
broader identification of HCV genotypes with improved accuracy, not
possible by current HCV genotyping products.
Surface Logix has presented encouraging Phase 1 trial data for a
drug candidate that is being developed for the treatment of
abnormal levels of lipids in the bloodstream - a condition that
affects approximately 10 per cent of the...
Covance has invested in mass spectrometer technology that it hopes
will give it the edge over other contract research organisations
(CROs) in the safety testing of new drug candidates.
US-based drug maker Merck, has agreed to outsource some of its
preclinical trial work to an Indian-based company, marking the
first time the pharma giant has used an Indian company to conduct
drug research.
The Servier Institute and Pasteur-Weizmann Council has awarded its
annual prize in biomedical research to two scientists for their
work in diabetes and autoimmunity, paving the way for improved
treatment and an eventual cure for this...
Animal welfare group, PETA has reportedly targeted Pfizer, accusing
them of also trying to avoid US animal welfare laws by exporting
its animal testing to countries with no or poor animal welfare
standards.
Merck and Chi-Med have announced the start of their collaboration,
which aims to discover novel small molecule anti-cancer drugs
derived from natural products that modulate oncological pathways.
Seattle Genetics revealed details of a phase I clinical trial
investigating the viability of a treatment for Hodgkin's disease
and other CD30-positive haematologic malignancies.
Researchers have characterised a component of the severe acquired
respiratory syndrome (SARS) virus that looks to be a promising
target for new anti-SARS virus drugs.
Accelrys are to expand its Discovery Studio software environment
with new and enhanced life science modelling and simulation
functionality, which is set to deliver a broader range of tools for
drug discovery in one environment.
The US government to pass new measures that make prosecuting
animal-rights activists who target enterprises much easier. The
move has lead critics to warn that peaceful demonstrators would be
labelled as terrorists.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly, has been asked to justify its
decision to outsource its animal testing to countries with no or
poor animal welfare standards, which go against Lilly's commitment
to reducing, refining, and replacing...
A discovery made by scientists has pointed to a brighter future in
the development of drugs to more effectively target, treat and
possibly even prevent inherited and non-inherited thyroid cancers.
Metabolex, has received its first European patent for metaglidasen
(MBX-102), the company's lead drug candidate for treating type 2
diabetes, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and
obesity.
Scientists, who have been studying the venoms of deadly,
sea-dwelling cone snails, believe they have discovered a new target
for painkillers, which could represent a new previously
unrecognised mechanism for treating pain.
Deprived people are dying because pharmaceutical companies and
worldwide governments of rich countries are obstructing the
developing world from obtaining affordable medicines, according to
a new report.
Nautilus Biotech and Creabilis Therapeutics have actively
demonstrated the increase in biological activity and resistance to
proteolysis in vitro of a protein that could play a role in
hepatitis B, rheumatoid arthritis, melanoma and...
Oxoid has introduced a new plate design for the Oxoid range of
Contact Plates, which aims to make the microbiological testing of
surfaces even easier to store, handle and use.
Oxford Biomedica has made available preclinical efficacy data,
which suggests that gene-based product could have significant
efficacy for those suffering from Parkinson's disease when compared
to current treatment methods.
The Waters Corporation and Advion Biosciences have formed an
agreement in which the two companies intend to combine products and
offer life scientists enhanced capabilities.
ESA Analytical introduces its latest ultra-high sensitivity
detector for fast HPLC, which provides laboratories with the
ability to monitor HPLC eluants down to miniscule detection levels.
Asterand is to make available novel research materials to be used
in the investigation of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis,
cancer and other diseases making available a range of cell material
that is currently difficult to obtain.
According to a new report, CRO's are primarily selected on their
scientific expertise and the cost/value ratio as pharmaceutical and
biotech companies look to speed up the research and development
process whilst adhering to stricter...
A survey conducted by the National Institute of Health (NIH) has
revealed a low level of job satisfaction amongst scientists
conducting research at the organisation, exacerbated by the
introduction of ethical guidelines.
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals has announced they have entered into
collaboration with Ablynx in a deal, which aims to commercialise a
class of antibody-derived therapeutic proteins targeting diseases
that include oncology and Alzheimer's...
Tecan release their latest platform that provides reliability and
flexibility for a range of 96-well format applications, including
washing of ELISAs, cellular assays and protein arrays, and vacuum
filtration-to-waste, such as for...
According to a new report, drug makers are shifting to
'niche-buster' drugs in an attempt to drive future sales growth.
The niche-buster drug has become a viable alternative to the
blockbuster drug model that has served...
Ambit Biosciences has entered into a discovery and development
collaboration with pharmaceutical company Cephalon, signifying the
first time a pharma company has decided to characterise their
entire library of potential drugs based...
Scientists have discovered an unusual distribution of two proteins
in the lungs and airways of people with cystic fibrosis could form
the basis of a therapy that could better define the immune system's
role in cystic fibrosis.
Ground Zero Pharmaceuticals (GZP) has announced an expansion to the
services it offers enabling the expansion into more of its clients'
late-stage development programs, with the potential for creating
submissions that lead to...
Isogenica has entered into a research and licence option agreement
with UCB for the discovery of novel peptide ligands, which UCB
intends to incorporate into therapeutic products.
IntegraGen has made significant waves in the area of personalised
healthcare announcing a collaborative with the DSM Personalised
Nutrition Group and a €2m equity investment by DSM Venturing.
The University of Minnesota for drug design has been awarded a
$2.5m, 5-year grant by the National Institute of Health (NIH) to
research antidotes for cyanide poisoning, improving on current
antidotes that are slow acting.
According to a new report the advent of genetic technologies for
biomarker discovery and drug development is having a positive
knock-on effect for qRT-PCR products, as this technology has given
new hope to the search for biomarkers...
Plastic labware manufacturers Nalge Nunc have launched its range of
RNase/DNase-free products and capabilities specifically designed to
support molecular biology research from microwell plates to
packaging.
Genomics-based drug discovery company Galapagos, has struck a deal
with LEO Pharma in an agreement that will see the firm use its
natural compound collection for high throughput screening, hit
verification, and profiling of selected...
The acting US FDA commissioner has given his endorsement to human
microdosing studies for drug development in a show of backing that
indicates the Agency is open to receive Exploratory IND
applications to accelerate drug development.
Scientists are looking into the possibility of using bacteria to
make a new library of anti-cancer compounds that are usually too
difficult to create synthetically. The discovery could provide the
basis for developing useful new anti-cancer...
Roche took the opportunity at the American Association for the
Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) meeting to disclose the results of
its hepatitis C polymerase inhibitor, which exhibited viral
reductions greater than current polymerase...
Sigma-Aldrich launches the first commercially available proteomics
standard in which allows researchers to better assess proteomics
strategies, troubleshoot protocols and normalise results from day
to day and lab to lab.
Qiagen, today announced that it has acquired all outstanding shares
of Genaco Biomedical Products in a deal that adds PCR-based,
multiplexed molecular diagnostics technologies and panels to
Qiagen's portfolio.
Scientists have mapped the entire genetic sequence of breast and
colon cancers, which could lead to better ways to diagnose cancer
in its early, most treatable stages, as well as further develop
personalised treatments.
BioWa has announced it is to commence Phase 1 clinical trials
anti-IL-5 receptor monoclonal antibody (Mab), which is being
developed for the treatment of asthma, a respiratory disorder that
is on the rise, particularly in children.
Scientists have uncovered a naturally occurring enzyme that can
break down a component of the brain plaques that play a central
role in Alzheimer's disease, which could provide researchers with a
basis for new therapies to treat...
The next generation of anti-cancer drugs took a positive step
forward after scientists successfully inhibited an enzyme that is
responsible for catalysing uncontrolled and abnormal cell
divisions.
Thermo Electron has continued to show strong growth in the third
quarter 2006 buoyed on by strong returns in its mass spectrometry
business and progress in its Triple Quad technology.
British-based analysis services provider Intertek ASG has announced
it is expanding its analytical services to meet the growing demand
for macromolecule characterisation.
Fresh from Thermo's $10.4bn (€8.3bn) acquisition of the scientific
equipment and instrument specialists, Fisher Scientific posted
strong third quarter results that showed a profit rise of 62 per
cent coupled with an 11 per cent...
Curalogic, a Danish biotechnology company, has appointed SAFC's
Pharma business segment to provide protein isolation, extraction
and purification services as part of its product development to
treat Allergic Rhinitis.