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Identifying Pathways In The Brain To Understand The Underlying Molecular Mechanism Of Huntington's Disease
Florida Atlantic University researcher Dr. Jianning Wei, assistant professor of biomedical sciences in the Charles E. Schmidt College of Biomedical Science at FAU, has received a grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to further her research into the molecular mechanisms of Huntington"s disease (HD). Named after American physician George Huntington, HD is a highly complex genetic, neurological disorder that causes certain nerve cells in the brain to waste away. The disease, characterized by a selective loss of neurons in the brain, affects the basal ganglia, which controls motor control, cognition, learning and emotions. It also affects the outer surface of the brain, or the cortex which controls thought, perception, and memory. Wei and her colleagues are working to identify the pathways in the brain that are altered in response to mutant proteins, as well as to understand the cellular processes impacted by the disease in order to facilitate the development of effective pharmacological interventions.

Xencor To Present Phase 1 Data On XmAb(R)2513 Antibody For Lymphomas At The American Society Of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting
Xencor, Inc., an antibody discovery and development company, will present data from its Phase 1 study of XmAb®2513, an anti-CD30 Fc engineered humanized monoclonal antibody for the treatment of patients with relapsed Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, on June 1 in a poster session at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting being held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.
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Mexican, Chilean Presidents Appeal For Developing Countries Access To H1N1 Vaccine
Mexican President Felipe Calderon and Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Thursday emphasized the importance of developing countries having access to a vaccine that offers protection against the H1N1 (swine flu), "that has killed over 200 people and infected tens of thousands worldwide," AFP/MSN Philippine News reports.
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HHS Takes Additional Steps Toward Development Of Vaccine For The Novel Influenza A (H1N1)

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced today that the department will take important steps necessary to prepare for potential commercial-scale production of a candidate vaccine for the novel Influenza A ( H1N1). The Secretary is directing approximately $1 billion in existing funds that will be used for clinical studies that will take place over the summer and for commercial-scale production of two potential vaccine ingredients for the pre-pandemic influenza stockpile. "Preparation and planning are critical to keep Americans safe in the face of a potential pandemic," Secretary Sebelius said. "Our goal throughout this new H1N1 outbreak has been to stay one step ahead of the virus. An important part of this effort has been our work to develop a potential vaccine because vaccines can help prevent and control influenza virus outbreaks. The actions we are taking today will help us be prepared if a vaccine is needed." The funds will be used to place new orders on existing contracts with companies that hold U.S. licenses for flu vaccines. With these orders, they will produce a bulk supply of vaccine antigen and adjuvant. Antigen is the active ingredient in a vaccine that causes the human body"s immune system to develop antibodies that help fight an invading virus. Depending on the results of clinical studies, adjuvants could be added to a vaccine to improve the immune system"s response and potentially reduce the amount of antigen necessary for the body to recognize and fight a virus. Having both antigen and adjuvant on hand provides maximum flexibility in a future immunization program, if a program is recommended. For example, if needed these ingredients could be used in vaccine to help protect health providers and other members of the critical workforce, as recommended by the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. With these funds manufacturers will also prepare pilot lots of potential vaccine for use in clinical studies to determine the proper dose for a vaccine, determine if adjuvants are appropriate and ensure a vaccine is safe and effective. The U.S. government will share as much information as possible from the results of these clinical studies with the World Health Organization and the global community so that other countries can benefit from the U.S. efforts to determine dosage, safety and effectiveness. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA) in the HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response established the existing contracts with these companies in 2004 as part of the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza. To learn more about the National Strategy for Pandemic Influenza, visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/federal/pandemic-influenza.pdf. More about BARDA is available here. For the latest on the H1N1 flu virus, see here. HHS


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