Most Clicked BIO SmartBrief Stories
1. Grape seed extract helps destroy leukemia cells, study finds
BIO SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
A U.S. study found that an extract from grape seeds helped eliminate 76% of leukemia cells in 24 hours without damaging normal cells. The extract triggered the JNK protein, which is involved in controlling apoptosis, the self-destruction of cancer cells. The findings suggest that the agent could be used to avert or treat blood diseases and other forms of cancer, the lead researcher said. BBC (12/31)
2. Lilly in $497 million licensing agreement with BioMS
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 29, 2008
Eli Lilly and Co. entered into a licensing and development pact worth $497 million for BioMS Medical's dirucotide, a drug designed to treat advanced cases of multiple sclerosis. The medication, which is in late-stage development, proved effective without causing fatigue and other adverse reactions that were observed in trials of fingolimod, a similar treatment from Novartis AG. Bloomberg (12/26)
3. Experts devise map of molecular interactions in diseases
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
U.S. and European researchers reported that by using a supercomputer and data from published articles, they were able to develop a comprehensive map that shows how molecules in various diseases interact with each other. The molecular manual could enhance treatment and shed light on heart disease, breast cancer and other conditions, the scientists said. Yahoo! (12/29)
4. Mass. biotech center to open door for requests for grants, tax breaks
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center on Thursday will begin accepting online applications from biotech companies for the state's Life Sciences Tax Incentive Program and the center's Life Sciences Accelerator fund. The center, which is running the state's Life Sciences Initiative, intends to give as much as $250 million in tax breaks over a decade, officials said. Mass High Tech (12/30)
5. 24 new medicines obtained FDA clearance in 2008
BIO SmartBrief | Jan 02, 2009
The FDA granted clearance for 24 new medications last year, increasing from 18 in 2007 despite delays in some application reviews. Among the new FDA-approved treatments are GlaxoSmithKline's Promacta and Amgen's Nplate, which are both designed to boost platelet counts. The agency aims to evaluate about 90% of proposals on time this year after it added and trained more than 800 workers for its new-drug unit in 2008, an FDA official said. Wall Street Journal, The (subscription required) (01/02)
6. Researchers: Polymer breakthrough could speed up trials
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
An international group of scientists was able to demonstrate how a type of artificial polymer can be attached seamlessly to small molecules. The technology, called Molecular Imprinted Polymers, could be used to expedite clinical trials and develop cancer medicines that release slowly in the body, researchers said. Sydney Morning Herald (Australia), The (12/30) Age (Melbourne, Australia), The (12/30)
7. J&J wraps up $438 million tender offer for Omrix
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 29, 2008
Johnson & Johnson has completed a $438 million tender offer for Omrix Biopharmaceuticals. J&J obtained nearly 98% of Omrix's shares and said it intends to finalize the buyout as soon as possible. Omrix is expected to operate as an independent business under Ethicon, a J&J subsidiary. BusinessWeek (12/27)
8. Roche, Synta to work on drugs for inflammatory diseases
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Roche Holding reached a collaborative and licensing deal with Synta Pharmaceuticals for three medicines to treat inflammatory disorders. Synta, which will do research for the treatments, is expected to get a $25 million upfront payment from Roche. Reuters (12/30)
9. Analysis: Most cancer-tied genes have weak link to disease
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 31, 2008
Greek scientists who reviewed numerous published trials reported that out of 240 links between a particular gene variant and a type of cancer, only two genes associated with lung cancer -- XRCC1 and ERCC2 -- were found to have strong ties to the condition. The finding indicates that many studies are needed to prove a connection between diseases and gene mutations, the lead researcher said. Reuters (12/30)
10. Scientists find 3 genes linked to deadly 1918 Spanish flu
BIO SmartBrief | Dec 30, 2008
A team of U.S. and Japanese experts found three genes that enabled the Spanish flu virus to cause severe pneumonia and kill as many as 50 million people across the globe in 1918. Normal flu viruses reproduce primarily in the upper respiratory tract, but the genes allowed the 1918 virus to replicate in the lungs as well, a study co-author said. The findings could prove useful in developing novel antiviral treatments, one of the scientists said. Yahoo! (12/29)
Sign up for BIO SmartBrief
Latest Blog Postsview more
Volcanoes cool the tropics
Science Blog
Doubts make consumers more willing to reevaluate brands
Science Blog
Stars forming just beyond black hole
Science Blog
The Purpose of Language
Science Blog
Companies in the news
- Alexion Pharmaceuticals
- Amgen Inc.
- Biovail Corp
- Caraco Pharmaceutical
- Celgene Corporation
- Cell Therapeutics Inc
- Genentech Inc
- Gilead Sciences Inc
- MannKind
- Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc
- Oscient Pharmaceuticals
- Pfizer Inc.
- Ranbaxy Laboratories Ltd.
- Sandoz Inc
- Sankyo Co LTD