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Earnings Beat for Acorda

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

Acorda Therapeutics Inc.’s (NasdaqGS:ACOR - News) fourth quarter earnings (including share-based compensation charges) of 32 cents per share were way above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 17 cents and the year-ago earnings of 9 cents per share. Fiscal year 2011 earnings (including share-based compensation charges) of 64 cents per share were also higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 62 cents per share and the year-ago loss of 31 cents per share. The company reported earnings (excluding share-based compensation charges) of 45 cents and $1.13 per share for the fourth quarter of 2011 and fiscal year 2011, respectively. Quarterly revenues increased 8.7% to $72.6 million, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $69 million. In fiscal year 2011, revenues increased a whopping 53.0% to $292.2 million. Revenues came in above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $285 million. Quarter in Detail Product sales consisted mainly of Ampyra, which has patent protection till 2027. Ampyra sales came in at $57.2 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9.4%. Acorda has a licensing agreement with Biogen Idec (NasdaqGS:BIIB - News) for the development and commercialization of Ampyra outside the US. Further, Acorda has a supply agreement with Elan Corporation (NYSE:ELN - News) for manufacturing Ampyra. … Continue reading →

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Promising Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study performed on rats shows promise in helping fight against the harmful effects of traumatic brain injury.  Traumatic brain injury causes a decrease in blood flow in the cerebrum of the brain.  If blood flow is prolonged, it could lead to death or permanent cell dysfunction.  The endothelin receptor A (ETrA), a receptor in the brain, contributes to the decrease of blood flow as early as four hours after the injury on the brain occurs.  A new drug, called clazosentan, is thought to specifically block these receptors. "There are currently no primary treatments for TBI, so this research provides hope that effective treatments can be developed," study author Michael Kaufman, a medical student at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit and a member of the American Academy of Neurology, was quoted as saying. First, researchers gave rats that had brain injuries the clazosentan drug through an IV line at various points after injuries.  Then they measured the rat's blood flow in the sensory motor cortex and hippocampus with an MRI brain scan and tested their behavior in learning a maze.  The study found that the drug decreased the effects of brain injury on … Continue reading →

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Cleveland Clinic Neurologist Awarded Dystel Prize for MS Research

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Newswise — NEW ORLEANS – The American Academy of Neurology and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society are awarding the 2012 John Dystel Prize for MS Research to Richard M. Ransohoff, MD, with the Cleveland Clinic. Ransohoff, a member of the American Academy of Neurology and Associate Editor of Neurology®, the Academy’s medical journal, will receive the award at the Academy’s 64th Annual Meeting in New Orleans, April 21-28, 2012. The Annual Meeting is the world’s largest gathering of neurologists with more than 10,000 attendees and more than 2,300 scientific presentations on the latest research advance in brain disease. The John Dystel Prize recognizes a significant contribution to research in the understanding, treatment or prevention of multiple sclerosis (MS). Ransohoff’s research has focused on the central nervous system, which includes the brain, optic nerves and spinal cord. “This award recognizes the superb research done by my colleagues in my laboratory, and I'm proud to receive it on their behalf. Support by the National Institutes of Health, the National MS Society and generous individual donors showed confidence in our research and inspired our work,” said Ransohoff. “During the past 15 years, we’ve identified several new molecules as potential targets … Continue reading →

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Cannabis-based treatment could be cleared for MS patients

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

Cannabis-based treatment could be cleared for MS patients By Gordon Deegan Tuesday, February 21, 2012 Cannabis-based medicinal products, such as Sativex, could soon be available to people with multiple sclerosis and other medical conditions on prescription. Róisín Shortall, minister for state at the Department of Health, said the department was "examining the issues associated with applying controls, similar to those that apply to other controlled drugs that can be misused, such as morphine and methadone, to cannabis-based medicinal products to permit them to be prescribed and dispensed in Ireland". In a written response to a Dáil question tabled by Luke "Ming" Flanagan (Ind), Ms Shorthall said: "As the law currently stands, it is not possible for cannabis-based medicinal products such as Sativex to be prescribed by a medical practitioner in Ireland. "I am aware that claims have been made in respect of the possible health benefits of cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from certain conditions, such as MS. I am also aware that Sativex is authorised in the UK for the relief of spasm in patients with multiple sclerosis." Mr Flanagan described the policy of prohibiting the supply of cannabis-based medicinal products as "heartless and cruel". Sativex has been … Continue reading →

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Vitamin D could be weapon against MS

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

A CLINICAL trial will test whether Vitamin D can help fight multiple sclerosis (MS). If successful, researchers say the trial could open the door to a treatment which is 100 times cheaper than other drugs available. The $2 million trial, announced today by MS Research Australia, will begin recruiting in Victoria, NSW, Tasmania and New Zealand from April. Researchers hope to find 150 people with early or suspected symptoms of MS and put them on varying doses of Vitamin D. "If we can ... watch to see if that actually slows the progress or stops the progress, and they don't actually get MS, then we know Vitamin D is having an effect," MS Research Australia CEO Jeremy Wright said. The vitamin, which can be sourced from sunlight and some foods, is gaining credence as an effective treatment in preventing MS. But all the evidence so far has been circumstantial, Mr Wright said. "If we can prove the efficacy we are going to come up with a treatment which, would you believe, is about 100 times cheaper than the current treatments," Mr Wright said. "But it won't be a solo treatment. It will join the other treatments and add impacts, is … Continue reading →

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Embargoed news for Annals of Internal Medicine

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

Public release date: 20-Feb-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ] Contact: Abbey Anderson aanderson@acponline.org 215-351-2656 American College of Physicians 1. Death Rates from Viral Hepatitis Infections Steadily Increase From 1999 - 2007, Now Surpass HIV-related Deaths in U.S. Middle-aged Americans Disproportionately Affected by "Silent Epidemic" Approximately 3.2 million people in the United States are infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), a leading cause of liver disease, cirrhosis, and death. Chronic hepatitis infection is most prevalent among people born from 1945 through 1965, and most of them do not know they are infected. This population is now reaching the age where they are at risk for HCV-related diseases and premature death. Researchers examined death records from 1999 to 2007 for approximately 22 million people to examine mortality from HBV, HCV, and HIV (for comparison). They found that annual deaths from HCV now exceed those from HIV (15,000 deaths from HCV vs 13,000 deaths from HIV), and deaths from hepatitis B and C are concentrated among middle-aged persons. The authors warn that if policy initiatives do not focus on detection and treatment, then the burden of chronic hepatitis ? already at epidemic proportions - will continue to rise. A second article … Continue reading →

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Low on testosterone? No problem

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

After losing 60 pounds in the fall of 2009, Dave Smith figured his energy level would improve. Related Content & Coverage ‘LOW T' SYMPTOMS Some men have a lower-than-normal testosterone level without signs or symptoms. For others, low testosterone may cause: - Changes in sexual function. This may include reduced sexual desire, fewer spontaneous erections - such as during sleep - and infertility. - Changes in sleep patterns. Sometimes low testosterone causes insomnia or other sleep disturbances. - Physical changes. Various physical changes are possible, including increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, and decreased bone density. Swollen or tender breasts and hair loss are possible. You may experience hot flashes and have less energy than you used to. - Emotional changes. Low testosterone may contribute to a decrease in motivation or self-confidence. You may feel sad or depressed, or have trouble concentrating or remembering things. It's important to note that some of these signs and symptoms are a normal part of aging. Others can be caused by various underlying factors, including medication side effects, thyroid problems, depression and excessive alcohol use. A blood test is the only way to diagnose a low testosterone level. Source: Mayo Clinic He … Continue reading →

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Panamanian-US Scientific Research Supports Using Fat Stem Cells to Treat Rheumatoid Arthritis

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

A Panamanian-led, multidisciplinary research team has published the first description of non-expanded fat stem cells in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. "Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rationale and Clinical Safety," which appears in the January publication of the International Archives of Medicine, followed 13 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were treated with their own fat-derived stem cells. Dallas, TX (PRWEB) February 21, 2012 A Panamanian-led, multidisciplinary research team has published the first description of non-expanded fat stem cells in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients. "Autologous Stromal Vascular Fraction Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rationale and Clinical Safety," which appears in the January publication of the International Archives of Medicine, followed 13 rheumatoid arthritis patients who were treated with their own fat-derived stem cells. Treating arthritis with fat-derived stem cells has become commonplace in veterinary medicine over the past five years with over 7,000 horses and dogs treated by publication contributor Vet-Stem, a San Diego-based company. The objective of the joint Panamanian-US study was to determine feasibility of translating Vet-Stem's successful animal results into human patients. Observing no treatment associated adverse reactions after one year, the team concluded that its protocol should be studied further to determine efficacy … Continue reading →

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Editor’s move sparks backlash

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

Bioethicist Glenn McGee’s new job raised questions of conflict of interest at the journal he founded. J. WILSON/KRT/NEWSCOM The field of bioethics is embroiled in a period of soul-searching, sparked by a startling career move by one of its biggest names. Glenn McGee is the editor-in-chief of the American Journal of Bioethics (AJOB), the most cited bioethics journal, which he founded in 1999. Since December 2011, he has also been president for ethics and strategic initiatives at CellTex Therapeutics in Houston, Texas, a controversial company involved in providing customers with unproven stem-cell therapies. A CellTex press release says that “Dr McGee’s responsibilities will include ensuring that all of the firm’s work, centered on adult stem cells, will meet the highest ethical standards of the medical and scientific communities.” Although McGee has said he will leave the journal on 1 March, many bioethicists have criticized him, the journal’s editorial board and its publisher, London-based Taylor and Francis. They argue that in holding both posts, McGee has a conflict of interest between his responsibilities to the journal and his new employer’s desire to promote the clinical application of stem-cell treatments that are not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. “Imagine … Continue reading →

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Sigma® Life Science Obtains Global License for Kyoto University's iPS Cell Patent Portfolio, Deepens Commitment to …

Posted: Published on February 21st, 2012

    ST. LOUIS, Mo., Feb. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (Nasdaq: SIAL) today announced that Sigma Life Science, its innovative biological products and services research business, has furthered its commitment to stem cell research, drug discovery and ADME/Toxicology by acquiring a worldwide license to use Kyoto University's induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell patent portfolio. Sigma Life Science, leveraging its zinc finger protein platform and stem cell technology portfolio, is now poised to develop a new set of differentiated tools for both the drug discovery and preclinical research communities. These tools will include novel iPS-cells, iPS-cell derived primary cells, novel assays, custom cell line development and ADME/Toxicology services.  Under the terms of the agreement, iPS Academia Japan, Inc. (AJ) will receive a license fee from Sigma-Aldrich. iPS cell technology can create pluripotent stem cells from the normal adult cells of a patient. Pluripotent stem cells are capable of differentiating into many specialized primary cell types needed for research, such as cardiomyocytes, hepatocytes, neurons, and muscle cells. With access to differentiated cells from patients with the condition of interest, or healthy human cells engineered to contain disease-specific genetics, researchers may obtain greater predictive accuracy than is possible with the in vitro models used … Continue reading →

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