Friday, July 27, 2012

FDA approves two weight loss drugs

FDA approves two weight loss drugs:
Do they work and are they safe?
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If the Supreme Court accepts the case, it could profoundly affect drug prices an...

If the Supreme Court accepts the case, it could profoundly affect drug prices an...: If the Supreme Court accepts the case, it could profoundly affect drug prices and health care costs. The stakes are enormous for brand-name drug makers, which would face lower profits, and for pharmacies, insurance companies and patients, who could benefit from the savings.


Deals to Keep Generic Drugs Off Market Get a Court Rebuff
www.nytimes.com
Going against a decade of rulings, a federal appeals court said payments aimed at holding back generic drugs are anticompetitive, setting up possible review by the Supreme Court.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

DEA launches raid on sellers of designer drugs

DEA launches raid on sellers of designer drugs: The Drug Enforcement Administration is leading a national crackdown against manufacturers, distributors and vendors of synthetic designer drugs.

App gives autistic children a voice

App gives autistic children a voice:
An app is giving a voice to children with autism. For more CNN videos, check out our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com Or visit our site at www.cnn.com
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Alzheimer’s: tale of two proteins

Alzheimer’s: tale of two proteins: It now becomes clear that the best chance of preventing the disease lies in blocking the formation of both bap and tau, writes Clive Cookson

High quality global journalism requires investment. Please share this article with others using the link below, do not cut & paste the article. See our Ts&Cs and Copyright Policy for more detail. Email ftsales.support@ft.com to buy additional rights. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/c391bed2-c56b-11e1-b6fd-00144feabdc0.html#ixzz21jeVCZhv

July 6, 2012 9:11 pm

Alzheimer’s: a tale of two proteins

The best chance of preventing the disease lies in blocking the formation of both bap and tau
Human brain©Corbis
Drugs are being developed that target two proteins that build up in the brain of Alzheimer’s sufferers
The slow but inexorable spread of Alzheimer’s disease through millions of ageing brains is one of the 21st century’s great public health challenges – and research organisations are stepping up efforts to find better treatments than today’s drugs, which offer little more than short-term relief.
The fundamental problem is that scientists still understand little about the underlying processes that destroy the Alzheimer’s brain. Although researchers have known for decades that insoluble proteins build up and poison patients’ brains, they have long wrangled over the relative importance of the two main culprits: plaques of beta-amyloid protein (also known as bap or abeta) and tangles of tau. The dispute between “baptists” and “tauists” is a classic in the annals of academic argument.

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IN FT Magazine

Now peace is breaking out, as it becomes clear that the two proteins are essential elements in Alzheimer’s development, and that in the long run, the best chance of preventing the disease or stopping its progress lies in blocking the formation of both bap and tau.
It is unlikely a single drug will successfully block both proteins but biotech companies and academic groups are developing new-wave drugs that target bap and tau individually. In future, these could be combined to make a dual-targeting Alzheimer’s treatment.
At the recent Bio conference in Boston a leading proponent of this approach – AC Immune, a Swiss biotech company – announced a new $418m research and development alliance with its commercial partner Genentech, the biotech arm of Switzerland’s Roche.

Down to Earth

The world’s oldest impact crater, a shallow bowl 100km across and formed when a comet or asteroid hit Earth three billion years ago, has been detected in Greenland.
The latest agreement adds a new anti-tau antibody to the companies’ existing $300m programme to produce an anti-abeta antibody, already in clinical trials under the name crenezumab.
“It seems that abeta appears in the brain earlier than tau in the development of Alzheimer’s – well before symptoms appear – but both are linked to later stages of the disease and a cure will need to address both,” says Andrea Pfeifer, AC Immune chief executive.
Crenezumab is about five years ahead of the anti-tau programme. The US National Institutes of Health selected crenezumab for the world’s first attempt to stave off Alzheimer’s in people at high risk of developing the disease. The 300 participants in the $100m NIH trial come from an extended family in Colombia whose members share a rare genetic mutation that typically triggers Alzheimer’s around the age of 45. The trial will show whether or not suppression of abeta plaques in the brain can delay the onset of memory loss and then dementia.
A significant delaying effect from crenezumab could make it an important drug – and a future partner for one of the anti-tau drugs at earlier stages of development.
.......................................................................
Stem cell treatment gives sight to sore eyes
Although embryonic stem cells remain a hot political issue on both sides of the Atlantic, only one small biotechnology company is actively testing them in patients.
Last November, Geron stopped the world’s first clinical trial of embryonic stem cells – to repair nerve damage following spinal cord injury – for financial reasons. That left the embryonic field to Advanced Cell Technology (ACT), one of whose products aims to treat various forms of blindness.
Speaking to the FT at the recent Bio conference in Boston, Gary Rabin, ACT chief executive, and Bob Lanza, chief scientist, said the seven patients treated so far – for two progressive eye diseases, Stargardt’s disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – were all doing well.
“Though the primary aim of these ‘phase one’ trials is to assess safety, we are seeing significant improvements in all seven patients,” says Lanza. “There is a real biological signal that the treatments are working.”
The treatment involves injecting retinal cells, grown from embryonic stem cells, into the eyes of people whose own cells have been destroyed by disease. As the new cells grow in the retina, the patient’s sight improves. It is unlikely anyone with advanced disease who is almost blind will have good eyesight restored; but the treatment could arrest the deterioration and preserve good sight for people still in early stages of Stargardt’s or AMD.
ACT’s schedule calls for a total of 36 patients to have been treated by early next year. These will include 12 Stargardt’s patients in the UK. In the US, another 12 Stargardt’s patients and 12 AMD patients will be treated.
The company says one advantage of its embryonic stem cells is that they are all derived from a single cell isolated “non-destructively” in 2005 from an embryo at an early development stage. Other embryonic stem cell lines used for research came from slightly older embryos, which would have been destroyed in the process.
.......................................................................
A father with his baby©Dreamstime
Children of older fathers could age more slowly
Slow down ageing: get an old dad
Delaying paternity has had a bad press over the years, as more harmful mutations are likely to be transmitted to offspring by older fathers. But now there is some good news: if you avoid one of these disease-causing mutations, you are likely to age more slowly if you have an older father or grandfather.
A study of almost 2,000 people and their parents in the Philippines carried out by scientists from Northwestern University, Illinois, found that children of older fathers inherit longer telomeres. These are the protective DNA caps at the end of chromosomes. Longer telomeres are linked with slower ageing.
The association of paternal age with offspring telomere length is cumulative across multiple generations, so that someone with an older father and grandfather benefits more than someone with an older father and younger grandfather. The results are published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Christopher Kuzawa of Northwestern says evolutionary biology can explain the findings: “If our recent ancestors waited until later in adulthood before they reproduced, perhaps for cultural reasons, it would make sense for our bodies to prepare for something similar by investing the extra resources necessary to maintain healthy functioning at more advanced ages.”
However, the authors said men should not take their study as a recommendation to delay reproduction.
.......................................................................
Give it a shot: the nicotine vaccine
A genetic vaccine against nicotine, which could help people stop smoking, has been tested successfully in laboratory mice.
Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York showed that a single shot of the novel vaccine protected mice against nicotine addiction for their lifetime. The study appears in the journal Science Translational Medicine.
The vaccine contains the genetic sequence of an antibody against nicotine inserted into a harmless virus, together with instructions that direct it to infect liver cells. The liver then acts as a bio-factory, making a steady stream of antibodies that consume nicotine when it enters the bloodstream, preventing most of the chemical from reaching the brain.
“As far as we can see, the best way to treat chronic nicotine addiction from smoking is to have these Pacman-like antibodies on patrol, clearing the blood as needed before nicotine can have any biological effect,” says lead author Ronald Crystal. “Our vaccine allows the body to make its own monoclonal antibodies against nicotine.” Previous vaccines failed because they delivered the antibodies directly and lasted only a few weeks.
“The use of gene therapy to treat ... a non-genetic psychological problem is a concept that would have been unthinkable 10 years ago,” says Robert MacLaren, a stem cell expert at the University of Oxford. “Whilst there may be easier ways of quitting smoking, it could be an exciting concept for other types of drug addiction.”
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Colorado Shooting Suspect's Notebook Described Attack


  • James Holmes
  • James Holmes (Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo.) - NYTimes Topic
  • James Holmes - YouTube

  • _______________________________________

      


    http://www.voanews.com/content/colorado-shooting-suspects-notebook-described-attack-officials-say-/1446964.html 


    July 26, 2012

    Colorado Shooting Suspect's Notebook Described Attack

    by VOA News

    Law enforcement officials say the suspect in Friday's mass shooting at a Colorado movie theater sent a package to a university psychiatrist containing a notebook describing an attack.

    The package, which reportedly included stick figure drawings of a gunman shooting people, was sent before the shootings. The exact date is unknown.

    The University of Colorado Denver said the postal service delivered a suspicious package Monday, which was turned over to authorities within hours.

    Holmes was a Ph.D. student in neuroscience at the university before dropping out of the program last month.

    Prosecutors expect to formally charge Holmes on July 30, and he could face the death penalty if convicted.

    The July 20 shooting killed 12 people and wounded 58 others.

    Meanwhile, the first funeral was held Wednesday in the wake of the shooting. Gordon Cowden, who was 51, was the oldest of the victims.



    The Daily Star


    Batman shooter sent warning package to psychiatrist: report
    The Daily Star
    AURORA, Colorado: Alleged Colorado shooter James Holmes reportedly sent a warning package to a psychiatrist at his former university with a notebook and drawings of his plans to massacre people. Holmes, 24, is accused of shooting 12 people dead and ...
    Denver shooting suspect James Holmes may have shown plan to psychiatristThe Independent
    Experts didn't see trouble brewing with alleged Colorado shooterThe Daily Advertiser
    James Holmes spent year with neuroscientists before shootingABC7Chicago.com
    Newser -The Asian Age -Huffington Post
    all 241 news articles »

    Wednesday, July 25, 2012

    7/25/2012 - James Holmes News

    AURORA, Colorado (Reuters) - The man accused in the movie house massacre at a Denver-area screening of the new "Batman" film mailed a notebook detailing his plans to a psychiatrist at his university before the attack, Fox News reported on Wednesday, as the first funeral was held for one of the 12 people killed. The package allegedly sent by 24-year-old James Eagan Holmes remained unopened in a mailroom at the University of Colorado, for as long as a week before its discovery on Monday, FoxNews.com reported, citing a law enforcement source. Reuters could not immediately verify the report. ...



    2:37 PM 7/25/2012 - James Holmes News

    "James Holmes - Batman Shootings - Aurora Colo." bundle created by Mike Nova

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    • James Holmes (Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo.) - Google News
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    • James Holmes (Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo.) - Google Blog Search


    San Francisco Chronicle




    Batman Shooting: Funerals Begin For Aurora, Colo. Theater Shooting Victims ...
    Huffington Post
    Twenty-four-year-old James Holmes is suspected of killing 12 and injuring 58 others during a shooting rampage at a screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises.' (Photo by Joshua Lott/Getty Images). DENVER — A Colorado .... as 24-year-old James Holmes, US ...
    Colorado killings leave gun group silentSan Francisco Chronicle
    'Batman' shooting puts gun control in political spotlightnewjerseynewsroom.com
    Colorado residents buy guns in wake of theater shootingKING5.com
    Metro -Examiner.com -The Age
    all 2,067 news articles »


    The Star-Ledger - NJ.com




    James Holmes Spits Frequently At Guards In Jail
    Huffington Post
    Twelve people were killed and dozens were injured in the shooting attack early Friday at an Aurora, Colo., theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon). Family members of a victim from last week's ...
    James Holmes Bought Rifle After Failing Oral Exam at University of ColoradoABC News
    James Holmes's first hearing, arrests, threats in other 'Dark Knight ...Washington Post
    Alleged shooter was surrounded by brain expertsSan Francisco Chronicle
    Examiner.com -Slate Magazine -The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
    all 23,568 news articles »


    Enstarz




    Theater Massacre Lawsuits Won't Be Easy,...
    ABC News
    At least one victim of the Aurora, Colo., movie theater massacre has indicated he intends to sue, claiming that the theater failed to adequately protect its audience. Torrence Brown, 18, is being represented by attorney Donald ... In addition to the ...
    Colorado Shooting Survivor Plans to Sue For Violent MovieEnstarz
    James Holmes Is NOT A Victim! Stop Blaming Warner Bros. For His Doing!Global Grind

    all 50 news articles »


    TIME




    Aurora Shooting Victim's Fund At Nearly $2 Million, Warner Bros. Donates ...
    Huffington Post
    ... Century 16 Theater July 24, 2012 in Aurora, Colorado. Twenty-four-year-old James Holmes is suspected of killing 12 and injuring 58 others July 20, during a shooting rampage at a screening of 'The Dark Knight Rises. .... as 24-year-old James Holmes ...
    Students still see "Dark Knight Rises" despite Colorado shootingThe Depaulia

    all 984 news articles »





    'Gangster Squad' Release Date May Shift To 2013 After Aurora Shooting
    Huffington Post
    The shooting suspect in custody after at least 12 people were shot dead and around 50 were wounded at a movie screening in the United States has been identified as 24-year-old James Holmes, US media said Friday. Television networks cited the FBI as ...

    and more »

    Suspected gunman of worst mass-shooting in U.S. history makes his first court appearance in Colorado. ABC NEWS SPECIAL REPORT For more, click here: ... James Holmes Court Appearance: Aurora, Colo. Alleged Gunman in 'Dark Knight Rises' .... Colorado Movie Theater Shooting: Why Did James Holmes Choose Batman?by ABCNews160286 views · Colorado Shooting at The Dark Knight Rises Movie Premiere 14:38. Watch Later Error Colorado Shooting at ...


    Daily Mail




    James Holmes: Colorado Batman shooting witness says Aurora killer ...
    Daily Mail
    The Post also reported today on Holmes's erratic behaviour in custody after his arrest in connection with the shootings. Holmes, who dyed his hair red and called himself The Joker - in reference to the famous Batman villain - has been refusing to co ...
    Aurora shooting: Stephanie Davies and Allie Young 'played dead' to surviveBBC News

    all 138 news articles »


    CBS News




    Court appearance fuels theories about Colorado shooting suspect
    CNN
    (CNN) -- Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes' dazed demeanor during his first court appearance has given rise to a multitude of theories about his mental state, ranging from full-blown psychosis to little more than being "some freak," as one victim ...
    First memorial service scheduled for Colo. victimCBS News
    Dazed & Confused! The Reason Why James Holmes Went Off!Global Grind
    Victims' families urge less usage of Holmes' nameDanbury News Times
    ABC News
    all 835 news articles »


    San Francisco Chronicle




    People leave messages at Colo. shooting memorial
    San Francisco Chronicle
    A visitor to the growing memorial to victims of last Friday's mass shooting at an Aurora, Colo., movie theater, walks past a chalk drawing of a heart and the "Batman" logo, Tuesday, July 24, 2012 across the street from the theater, where 12 people were ...
    Experts mum on warning signsAlbany Times Union

    all 14 news articles »


    New York Daily News




    James Holmes Spitting at Jail Guards
    ABC News
    In the hours after his arrest Friday for the massacre at the Aurora, Colo., movie theater, Holmes stared at the wall in the Arapahoe Police Headquarters with his eyebrows twitching. Holmes told police he was the fictitious Batman villain, the Joker ...
    Aurora maniac James Holmes a total spithead in jail, forced to wear mouthguard ...New York Daily News

    all 9 news articles »


    TIME




    Justin Davis, Undeterred Aurora Shooting Survivor, Returns To See 'The Dark ...
    Huffington Post
    The shooting suspect in custody after at least 12 people were shot dead and around 50 were wounded at a movie screening in the United States has been identified as 24-year-old James Holmes, US media said Friday. Television networks cited the FBI as ...
    Batman Movie Theater Shooting in Aurora, ColoradoTIME
    James Eagen Holmes Shooting Batman Movie Itself is Not to BlamePolicyMic
    Students still see "Dark Knight Rises" despite Colorado shootingThe Depaulia
    KSDK -Daily Mail -Wall Street Journal (blog)
    all 14,486 news articles »


    New York Daily News




    Aurora maniac James Holmes a total spithead in jail, forced to wear mouthguard ...
    New York Daily News
    Not a single person — no family, friends, clergy, no one — has visited clown-haired mass-murder suspect James Holmes behind bars, where he remains in solitary confinement wearing a mask to prevent him from spitting on guards, sources said Tuesday ...
    James Holmes Is NOT A Victim! Stop Blaming Warner Bros. For His Doing!Global Grind

    all 174 news articles »

    via James Holmes (Batman Shootings, Aurora, Colo.) - Google Blog Search by The Huffington Post News Team on 7/24/12
    AURORA, CO - JULY 21: Seen from the air, police and fire fighters surround the booby-trapped apartment of suspect James Holmes after he went on a shooting rampage at nearby Century 16 movie theatre during an early morning screening of the new Batman movie, 'The Dark Knight Rises,' on July ... Twelve people were killed and over 50 wounded in a shooting attack early Friday at the packed theater during a showing of the Batman movie, "The Dark Knight Rises.

    Colorado Batman shooting shows obvious signs of being staged. http://www.naturalnews.com/036536_James_Holmes_shooting_false_flag.html#ixzz21DegLaHY. James Holmes, the Aurora, Colorado shooter who reportedly ...


    The Star-Ledger - NJ.com




    Colorado theater suspect was surrounded by brain experts during year in ...
    The Star-Ledger - NJ.com
    Enlarge Star-Ledger Wire Services Police cars in front of the Century 16 theater in Aurora, Colo., where a gunman opened fire during the opening of the new Batman movie "The Dark Knight Rises. ... (JONATHAN CASTNER/AFP/GettyImages) Shooting at Colorado ...
    Experts didn't see trouble brewing with alleged Colorado shooterThe Daily Advertiser
    Alleged shooter was surrounded by brain expertsAtlanta Journal Constitution
    James Holmes spent year with neuroscientists before shootingABC7Chicago.com
    Newser -Huffington Post
    all 212 news articles »


    Christian Science Monitor




    My baby survived the Batman shooting
    Herald Sun
    ONE of the victims of Friday's shooting massacre in Aurora, Colorado has become a new father but may not know it yet. Kate Medley, whose husband Caleb was shot in the eye, gave birth early Tuesday to a baby boy, ... her newborn son Hugo Jackson Medley ...
    Caleb and Katie MedleyNew York Daily News
    Colorado shooting: Wife of wounded victim gives birth to baby boyChristian Science Monitor
    Colorado shooting victim's wife has baby; 20 still hospitalizedReuters

    all 761 news articles »


    TIME




    Batman Movie Theater Shooting in Aurora, Colorado
    TIME
    A shrine for the victims of the shooting at an Aurora Century 16 theater where James Holmes, 24, allegedly killed 12 people and wounded many more in Aurora, Colo., July 22, 2012. People mourn for the 12 victims of the mass shooting at a shrine built ...
    Colorado Theater Shooting: Batman Mask Found At Suspect James Holmes ...Huffington Post
    Colo. suspect's mom learned of shooting from mediakypost.com
    Source: Batman mask found at suspect apartmentKSDK
    Daily Mail -U-T San Diego -New York Daily News
    all 15,744 news articles »