Monthly Archives: February 2012

By a GenomeWeb staff reporter NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – The Massachusetts General Hospital is starting a major study aimed at guiding treatment of patients suffering from treatment-resistant major depressive disorder. The study, which is using genetic biomarker data to compare standard treatment with assay-guided treatment in inpatient adults with treatment-resistant depression, will use Genomind's Genecept Assay. The technology combines a proprietary panel of genetic tests with an analytical report to clinicians. The primary objective of the study is to improve depressive symptoms from baseline to six months, Genomind said. Other goals are to change clinician behavior and reduce costs. Researchers will focus on pharmacogenetic genotyping of metabolic activity, which can then be used to guide treatment of patients with antidepressants. Also, genome-wide association study analysis will be performed in the future to identify biomarkers that may be predictive of patient response to and tolerance of certain therapeutics. Recruitment of patients begins immediately. Based in Chalfont, Penn., Genomind specializes in neuropsychiatric personalized medicine using genetic information. Visit link: Mass Gen Begins Study on Depression Treatment Response Using Genetic Biomarker Data … Continue reading →

A new paper in Nature describes the Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel, or DGRP, which provides the highest-resolution view to date of the genome structure and variation in a population of 192 fruit flies with diverse traits.  The study was led by Trudy Mackay of North Carolina State University, in collaboration with the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine and David Mittelman of Virginia Tech's Virginia Bioinformatics Institute, as well as a large group of researchers around the world. "One of the grand challenges of biology is to understand how genetic variants and environmental factors interact to produce variation in complex phenotypes such as height, behaviors, and disease susceptibility within populations. This effort has been stymied by the lack of knowledge of all genetic variants in a population of a genetically tractable model organism. The DGRP sequences provide such a resource," Mackay noted. It’s been known for a long time that genes often work in concert to produce different effects, or phenotypes. But determining the exact contribution of these genes and genetic changes within them to animal traits remains a key challenge in genetics. That’s where model organisms like Drosophila melanogaster (the common fruit fly) shine. Using inbred strains of … Continue reading →

BOTHELL, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Iverson Genetic Diagnostics, Inc. announced today a partnership agreement with Vanderbilt University under which Iverson receives global exclusive commercialization rights for molecular diagnostics that will help physicians to assess breast cancer risk in women considering hormone replacement therapy during menopause. Research suggests that estrogen metabolites represent one of several determinants of the risk of breast cancer. Specific enzymes regulate the biochemical pathways associated with the metabolism of estrogen. Corresponding genes code for the synthesis of these enzymes. Mutations of these genes are common and have been shown in the work of Fritz Parl, M.D., Ph.D., Philip Crooke, Ph.D., William Dupont, Ph.D., and others to be associated with an increased risk of cancer. Dr. Sujatha Reddy, M.D., OB/GYN at Premier Care for Women in Atlanta and Medical Correspondent for WXIA, a NBC affiliate in Atlanta, said, “I think I will use this test in my practice for patients who are trying to decide if they should stay on hormone replacement therapy (HRT). If you break down estrogen well, you may be at lower risk for breast cancer and then choose to continue your hormones. We can give people a more individualized therapy based on their own genetic makeup.” Leroy Hood, … Continue reading →

GAITHERSBURG, MD--(Marketwire -02/16/12)- Cytomedix, Inc. (OTC.BB: CMXI.OB - News) (the "Company"), a leading developer of biologically active regenerative therapies for wound care, inflammation and angiogenesis, today announced that Chief Operating Officer Edward L. Field will present a clinical overview of Aldagen's autologous cell therapy technology at two upcoming meetings: The Cell Society's 2nd Annual Clinical Meeting being held February 17-18 at the Coronado Marriott Resort in San Diego; and the 7th Annual New York Stem Cell Summit being held on February 21 at Bridgewaters New York in New York City. Mr. Field will present during the session, "Commercialization Opportunities with Adult Stem Cell Therapies," on Friday, February 17 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Pacific time at the Cell Society meeting. Cell Society International is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the clinical application of adult stem cell therapies worldwide. Cell Society's 2nd Annual Clinical Meeting will continue in the tradition established at the 1st Annual Meeting and will offer a unique opportunity for multidisciplinary, international clinical collaboration designed to enhance understanding and thought-provoking insight into treatments and cures for disease and agonizing medical conditions. This year's clinical focus will center on therapies particularly relevant to cardiology, neurology, and orthopedic … Continue reading →

WALTHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Histogenics Corporation, a privately held regenerative medicine company, today announced that the Company will present at the 7th Annual New York Stem Cell Summit on February 21st at Bridgewaters New York City. Kirk Andriano, Ph.D., Vice President of Research and Development for Histogenics, will speak about current and future cell therapies being developed by the Company as it works toward commercialization. Lead candidates include NeoCart®, an autologous bioengineered neocartilage grown outside the body using the patient’s own cells for the regeneration of cartilage lesions, and VeriCart™, a three-dimensional cartilage matrix designed to stimulate cartilage repair in a simple, one-step procedure. NeoCart recently entered a Phase 3 clinical trial after reporting positive Phase 2 data, in which all primary endpoints were met and a favorable safety profile was demonstrated. Dr. Andriano earned his BS in chemistry and biology from Utah State University and his MS and Ph.D. in bioengineering from the University of Utah. Prior to his work at Histogenics, he was the Chief Technology Officer for ProChon Biotech, Ltd. which was acquired by Histogenics in May 2011. About Histogenics Histogenics is a leading regenerative medicine company that combines cell therapy and tissue engineering technologies to develop highly … Continue reading →