(Phys.org) -- University of Florida researchers have moved a step closer to treating diseases on a cellular level by creating a tiny particle that can be programmed to shut down the genetic production line that cranks out disease-related proteins. In laboratory tests, these newly created nanorobots all but eradicated hepatitis C virus infection. The programmable nature of the particle makes it potentially useful against diseases such as cancer and other viral infections. The research effort, led by Y. Charles Cao, a UF associate professor of chemistry, and Dr. Chen Liu, a professor of pathology and endowed chair in gastrointestinal and liver research in the UF College of Medicine, is described online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. This is a novel technology that may have broad application because it can target essentially any gene we want, Liu said. This opens the door to new fields so we can test many other things. Were excited about it. During the past five decades, nanoparticles particles so small that tens of thousands of them can fit on the head of a pin have emerged as a viable foundation for new ways to diagnose, monitor and treat disease. Nanoparticle-based … Continue reading →

ALLENDALE, N.J. and WILMINGTON, Del., July 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NeoStem, Inc. (NYSE MKT:NBS) and its subsidiary, Progenitor Cell Therapy, LLC ("PCT"), an internationally recognized Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), and SOTIO, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company that is responsible for organizing the U.S. part of a global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial of SOTIO, LLC's affiliate, SOTIO a.s. ("SOTIO"), announced today that SOTIO, LLC has retained the services of PCT to manufacture clinical products for SOTIO's U.S. part of a global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial. SOTIO, LLC is an affiliate of a Czech Republic-based biotechnology company developing new therapies based on activated dendritic cells, focusing on the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. SOTIO, LLC will use the services of PCT to transfer and qualify at PCT's Allendale, New Jersey facility, SOTIO's GMP manufacturing process for the U.S. part of a global pivotal Phase 3 clinical trial for SOTIO's autologous dendritic cell vaccine expected to launch in early 2013, subject to FDA approval. As part of this agreement, PCT will complete a technology transfer of SOTIO's current product manufacturing and analytical procedures into PCT's ongoing CDMO operations. PCT will then implement and perform process qualification … Continue reading →

CHAPEL HILL, N.C., July 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Frank Hawkins Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise( http://www.kenan-flagler.unc.edu/kenan-institute ) has appointed Joseph M. DeSimone as its new director. DeSimone is the Chancellor's Eminent Professor of Chemistry at UNC( http://www.unc.edu ) and William R. Kenan Jr. Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at NC State University and of Chemistry at UNC. He replaces John D. Kasarda, who retired in June after serving as the director of the Kenan Institute for 22 years. "We are very pleased to welcome Joseph DeSimone to the Kenan Institute," said James W. Dean Jr., dean of UNC Kenan-Flagler. "He is a world-renowned scholar in his field. As an innovative entrepreneur, he is applying his research to design novel nanomedicines for cancer therapy and to improve vaccines and drug delivery mechanisms. He is the perfect leader to continue the institute's cutting-edge research and collaboration with business and communities to create positive local and global change." "Rooted in the visionary leadership of Frank Hawkins Kenan and John Kasarda, the Kenan Institute is central to UNC's continued leadership as an entrepreneurial university in the 21st century," DeSimone said. "I am forever grateful for the … Continue reading →

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BIND Biosciences, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of highly selective targeted and programmable therapeutics called AccurinsTM, today announced that Andrew J. Hirsch has joined the company as its Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Hirsch brings nearly twenty years of financial leadership and strategic management experience. We are very pleased to welcome Andrew to the BIND team, said Scott Minick, President and Chief Executive Officer of BIND Biosciences. Andrew has been an outstanding performer in the biotechnology industry, including major accomplishments with high-growth companies in financing, M&A transactions, strategic planning and investor relations, and his experience will add additional strength to our management team as our growth accelerates. This is an exciting time to be joining BIND as BIND-014, the companys lead Accurin drug candidate continues to show promise as an important medicine for solid tumors as it advances in the clinic and the companys platform for developing highly selective targeted therapeutics is generating a pipeline of important medicines for patients., said Andrew Hirsch. Prior to joining BIND, Mr. Hirsch was Chief Financial Officer at Avila Therapeutics until its acquisition by Celgene Inc. in March 2012. Previously, Mr. Hirsch served in roles of increasing responsibility during … Continue reading →