Breaking News on Drug Discovery
All news articles > April 2005
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29-Apr-2005
Cytopia starts human trials for cancer drug
Cytopia has received the green light to trial a promising new drug that could prove effective in the fight against advanced solid tumours. In animal studies, the drug candidate has already shown efficacy in killing cancer cells in prostate, colon and breast cancer.
Isis develops antisense-based asthma drug
Isis Pharmaceuticals is developing its first inhaled antisense drug for the treatment of asthma and related pulmonary diseases. The drug represents a potentially effective therapy for these diseases that continue to see cases rising in Europe and the US.
Technique speeds up drug production
University of Toronto researchers have developed a new chemical reaction that could greatly accelerate pharmaceutical production, while also cutting costs and toxic by-products.
JRC bids to reduce animal testing
The European Centre for the Validation of Alternative Methods (ECVAM), part of the Joint Research Centre (JRC), is seeking to reduce animal testing as part of the upcoming EU directive that aims to abolish animal testing in scientific experiments if an alternative test exists.
Use of PET reduces drug R&D strain
The use of positron emission tomography (PET) and small animal imaging has the potential to eliminate more strenuous drug development trials with animals, creating a viable alternative.
28-Apr-2005
BioGenex launches Xmatrx for drug R&D
BioGenex announces the launch of the Xmatrx, a walk-away system that automates molecular diagnostics and drug target identification and validation. The system is specifically designed to enable drug discovery companies to customise applications with high throughput, continuous access and total flexibility.
27-Apr-2005
Exelixis files IND for anticancer compound
Exelixis has submitted an investigational new drug application (IND) to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for XL820, a novel small molecule anticancer compound that inhibits receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) implicated in tumour proliferation and vascularisation.
Sigma introduces custom peptides for mass spectrometry
Sigma, a division of Sigma-Aldrich Corporation has launched a new offering of Custom AQUA Peptides for use with Protein-AQUA Quantitative Proteomics, enabling important applications as differential protein expression, biomarker quantification and RNAi functional validation to be performed more accurately.
Nautilus announces interferon gamma progress
Nautilus Biotech today announced that it has developed a set of novel molecules, which if developed as a biopharmaceutical, this improved, highly stable, version of Interferon (IFN) gamma would allow less frequent injections of the drug.
Cardiome completes trial for anti-arrhythmic drug
Cardiome Pharma has completed its second Phase I trial for the controlled release oral formulation of RSD1235, an anti-arrhythmic drug candidate that could well provide an effective drug therapy for its 7 million sufferers worldwide.
25-Apr-2005
FoodNavigator.com scoops industry award
FoodNavigator.com has been named website of the year in the 2005 Business Food and Drink Journalism awards.
Mab cures West Nile-infected mice
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody that can cure mice infected with the West Nile virus, which if confirmed, could become one of the first monoclonal antibodies used as a treatment for an infectious disease.
Muscle cell drugs exhibits anti-diabetic action
Scientists at the Karolinska Institutet (KI) have discovered that a type of drug, when targeted at muscle cells can prove effective in the treatment of diabetes patients with insulin resistance.
Blueprint tool points scientists to better drugs
A research program has released a small molecule binding annotation and comparison tool, which is expected to accelerate lead development in antimicrobial drug discovery, as well as allow chemists to develop safer, more specific herbicides and pesticides with fewer side effects.
Scientists 'see' basis of drug resistance
Researchers have discovered the structural basis for antibiotic resistance to common pathogenic bacteria, which could herald the design and development of a new class of antibiotic drugs.
22-Apr-2005
Agilent introduces genomics technology to India
Agilent Technologies has announced plans to introduce its DNA microarray-based genomics technology to India, reaffirming its plans to expand its presence in medical research, drug discovery, agro-biotech.The Indian microarray market is estimated to grow by approximately 70 per cent in 2005 that is estimated to grow by approximately 70 per cent in 2005.
Leukaemia enzyme identified as drug target
Scientists have identified an enzyme that helps trigger the development of leukaemia. The discovery, based on research using bone marrow cells from mice, offers a potential target for new drugs against this form of leukaemia.
21-Apr-2005
LION to sell bioinformatics business
German informatics firm LION bioscience is to sell its bioinformatics business, in a move that reflects its ongoing restructuring plans that has previously seen an employee cut of at least 50 per cent.
Xceleron gives FDA document thumbs up
Xceleron has given the FDA its seal of approval after the regulatory body drafted a guidance document that favoured a more flexible experimental approach to early Phase I clinical studies.
India enjoys increased drug R&D opportunities
According to a new report, the Indian drug sector is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities both domestic and globally. However, how Indian drug companies mould their strategies in the face of product patent protection will determine future growth.
20-Apr-2005
Patent decision determines future drug R&D
The US Supreme Court's decision as to how much a patent can restrict research conducted by another company is a question that is certain to affect the way innovative new drugs are researched and developed.
Nanoshells exhibit cancer-fighting potency
US researchers have developed a new approach to fighting cancer, which uses nanoscale particles that can detect and destroy cancerous cells. This ability differentiates it from current molecular imaging approaches, which only detect the cancer but don't offer a method of treatment.
Gene expression predicts ALL drug resistance
US researchers have discovered a specific pattern of gene expression linked to multiple-drug resistance of leukaemia cells is giving unique insights into why standard therapies fail to cure some children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The findings could lead to development of drugs that would overcome that resistance.
Synthetic route could revitalise tetracycline research
Researchers at Harvard University in the US have developed a new way of synthesising tetracyclines, potentially opening up avenues to the development of new drugs in this valuable antibiotic class, writes Phil Taylor.
Bruker introduces clinical proteomics system
Bruker Daltonics introduces a new system for clinical proteomics and peptide/protein biomarker discovery and validation, aimed at cancer research and other clinical and diagnostics research laboratories engaged in biomarker discovery across a range of samples.
18-Apr-2005
FEI launches world's most advanced electron microscope
The contest to produce the world's most advanced commercially available electron microscope stepped up a gear after FEI announced its new scanning/transmission electron microscope (S/TEM), produced atomic-scale imaging with resolution below 0.7 Angstrom.
First-in-class diabetic drug to make market impact
According to a new report diabetic nephropathy represents a multi-billion-dollar market that is poorly served by existing drugs. All this is set to change as Palosuran, currently in clinical development, could become the first drug in a new class for a condition that may affect as much as 140 million people.
Xantos, NascaCell and PSF collaborate on drug discovery project
Xantos Biomedicine, NascaCell and PSF biotech have announced the formation of a collaboration, which is set to identify and develop new drugs for the inhibition of tumour angiogenesis, a process by which the growth of blood cells from surrounding tissue into a tumour is induced by a protein released from tumour cells.
Shape-altering genes linked to ovarian cancer
Researchers have explained how and why different forms of ovarian cancer evolve in a discovery that could lead to earlier detection and perhaps more personalised treatment for a disease that will claim an estimated 16 000 women's lives in the US in 2005.
Dharmacon launches unique RNAi screening tool
Dharmacon has announced the launch of the first ever product line that uses reverse transfection technology to screen RNAi libraries rapidly and cost effectively, increasing accessibility of RNAi screening to researchers worldwide.
15-Apr-2005
J&J reveals potential of novel TB drug
A tuberculosis drug candidate, which has been described as the most promising Tuberculosis (TB) drug in 40 years, may lead to a shorter and more effective treatment.
Scientists discover Ebola-inhibiting enzymes
Scientists have reported the existence of enzyme-inhibiting chemicals that severely hamper Ebola virus reproduction in laboratory-grown cells. The discovery could form a basis for possible drug treatments for Ebola virus infections and hemorrhagic fevers in humans.
Immtech issued gene expression control patent
Immtech International has been issued with a patent for compounds used to control gene expression, which will add to the potential use of Immtech's compounds as small molecule drugs that can control gene expression selectively.
14-Apr-2005
Novartis forms COPD alliance
Novartis has announced the formation of an alliance between Vectura Group and Arakis to develop and commercialise AD 237, a novel, long acting, antimuscarinic agent, for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
New treatment targets inherited breast cancers
Scientists have hailed an experimental drug, which fights tumours linked to two faulty genes in breast cancer, as a breakthrough in the fight against cancer. Animal tests have shown the drug prevents the growth of tumours so effectively that clinical trials are scheduled to begin on humans.
13-Apr-2005
Drug researchers adopt 'in vivo' techniques
Leading drug developers and researchers are adopting new in vivo models to streamline pre-clinical drug development in an effort to cut costs that are increasing steadily throughout the pharmaceutical industry's drug pipeline.
12-Apr-2005
NDA submitted to FDA for MDS
Celgene has announced it has submitted a New Drug Application (NDA) to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its investigational drug Revlimid, a first in a new class of novel immunomodulatory drugs, or ImiDs.
CeNeS and Tripos advances COMT research
CeNeS Pharmaceuticals and Tripos have entered into a new agreement to continue their collaboration on COMT inhibitors, which represent a new breed of therapy for Parkinson's disease and other psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Gut bugs could determine individualised therapies
The success of personalised healthcare depends on a better understanding of how gut microbes interact with different medicines, according to scientists, who believe that the microflora makeup of an individual has been overlooked when compared to the area of pharmacogenomics.
Scientists identify "common diseases" gene
Researchers have identified a common gene variant that could be a risk factor behind a number of common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, rheumatism and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), of which up to a quarter of the population could be affected.
11-Apr-2005
Merck's HPV promising in Phase II trial
The prospect of a simple vaccination to prevent cervical cancer took a major step with the publication of positive Phase II trial results on a candidate from Merck, called Gardasil, in the April edition of the medical journal The Lancet Oncology.
Molecular Devices introduces two ADME screening assay kits
Molecular Devices launches two new reagent products for ADME assay screening, which provide high throughput screening laboratories with biologically relevant solutions to increase the throughput of ADME-related compound profiling.
New COX-2 scare as second painkiller withdrawn
The controversy over the COX-2 inhibitor class refuses to die down after the FDA asked Pfizer to withdraw Bextra (valdecoxib) from the market because the overall risk of heart disease and life-threatening skin reactions outweighed its therapeutic benefits.
Researchers develop microscopic microscopes
Researchers have managed to produce a microscope the size of a single human cell, which could lead to faster development of new drugs and quicker medical tests.
Data platform improves cancer data access
New web based software, which can extract potentially life-saving knowledge from data in minutes, has bioinformatic research applications that could prove essential to laboratory technicians wanting to improve diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
08-Apr-2005
Selerity turns the heat up with new column
Selerity Technologies introduces a new silica-based stationary phase that can withstand temperatures of up to 200ºC, overcoming the extreme temperature barrier that has hampered HPLC technology progression.
Scientists find key to beating malaria
Scientists, paving the way for new treatments against Malaria, have discovered a genetic "camouflage" with which the malaria parasite hides itself from the immune system of the host. The findings could lead to the development of new drugs for a disease that causes more than 300 million acute illnesses and at least one million deaths each year, most of them in developing countries.
07-Apr-2005
Innodia advances lead drug candidate for diabetes
Innodia are to initiate a phase I trial of its lead drug candidate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes with a view to bringing this novel drug to market and the 170 million people affected by the disease, a number that is expected to exceed 300 million by 2025.
Genetic test allows personalised drug therapy
A new signature genetics tool, which allows doctors to personalise drug therapy, could well have the potential to personalise a patient's drug regimen based on his/her genetic makeup to minimise side effects and maximise drug efficacy.
Nanostream designs plate changing system to meet demand
Nanostream has introduced an integrated plate changing system designed to meet the increasing demand in high-throughput analytical laboratories. The system also aims to allow users to increase their analytical throughput for a variety of drug discovery applications.
06-Apr-2005
ABPI gives thumbs up to government report
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry has praised the latest report, acknowledging the importance of the UK pharmaceutical industry in "improving people's quality of life, reducing the need for surgical intervention and the length of time spent in hospital."
Huntingdon expands US facility
Huntingdon Life Sciences has announced the expansion of its pre-clinical pharmaceutical inhalation safety testing facility in the US, which aims to double capacity and meet the increasingly rigorous requirements demanded by the pharmaceutical industry.
Pfizer puts hope in 2006 pipeline
The world's largest drug firm, Pfizer, warned that 2005 would be its "toughest year ever" as the pharmaceutical company detailed restructuring plans to save $4 billion (€3.1 billion) in costs every year as well as cushion the blow of losing exclusivity of its blockbuster drugs.
05-Apr-2005
Genomics and proteomics to speed up drug R&D
Europe has become a serious rival to the US in its efforts to deploy genomics and proteomics as vital tools in drug discovery and development. The push to become competitive has mainly stemmed from significant government funding and large pharmaceutical companies exerting their influence.
Tigecycline data reveals MRSA efficacy
Data from the first drug in a new class of antibiotics was presented at this year's ECCMID conference, which showed the drug demonstrated its efficacy against a wide variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria including multi-drug-resistant bugs.
04-Apr-2005
Sanofi awarded flu vaccine development contract
Sanofi-Aventis subsidiary Sanofi Pasteur, has been awarded a $97m (€75m) contract to accelerate the production process for new cell culture influenza vaccines in the US and the design of a US-based cell-culture vaccine manufacturing facility.
Technique finds molecules for cancer growth
Researchers have identified several proteins on the surface of cancer cells that contribute to the cells' ability to metastasise. The finding provides unique drug targets to prevent the cancer spread and a basis for which new drug treatments can be formulated.
New chip reduces DNA analysis time
Researchers have developed miniature sensors that reduce time taken for DNA analysis. The sensors have the same size and thickness as a fingernail and will have uses in testing genetic toxicity in new drugs and identifying bacterial strains in foodborne illnesses.
Serono and Syntonix sign MS agreement
Serono and Syntonix Pharmaceuticals announced today that they have entered into an agreement that allows Serono the exclusive rights to use Syntonix' Transceptor and Synfusion technologies for the development and commercialisation of interferon-beta:Fc products.
Applied Bio launches two new mass spectrometers
Applied Biosystems has launched two new mass spectrometers, which extend the firm's existing product line providing improved performance for proteomics and small molecule applications.
Serpine2 identified as novel candidate gene for COPD
Researchers have identified a serine protease inhibitor as a novel candidate susceptibility gene for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The discovery has major implications, especially in smokers, where the role of the cell protease inhibitor in the lung was previously unrecognised.
01-Apr-2005
Study investigates next-gen cholesterol-lowering drugs
A new generation of cholesterol lowering drugs could be in the offering after a team of scientists identified a key protein that is involved in cholesterol regulation. The discovery could provide alternatives for the 25 million people worldwide that take a class of drugs called statins to lower their cholesterol to within recommended healthy levels.
Ark grants licence to Boehringer Ingelheim
German pharmaceutical company, Boehringer Ingelheim (BI) and Ark Therapeutics have signed an agreement granting BI exclusive rights to Ark's intellectual property in relation to BI therapies affecting the renin-angiotensin system.
Researchers discover better treatment for Chagas
US researchers have found a compound, TAK-187, is significantly more effective than the current treatment for Chagas disease, a parasitic infection in Central and South America and Mexico, that can infect almost 650,000 people annually, resulting in 13,000 deaths.
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