Infection

Health :: New mechanism found that may underlie neuropathic pain

Researchers at Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development (J&JPRD) announced on 15 October 2006 that they have discovered a new molecular mechanism that may underlie neuropathic pain. The clearer understanding of the root-cause of chronic neuropathic pain, and the preclinical validation of new targets for pharmaceutical therapies shown in this research, together present an opportunity for the development of new ways to treat the severe pain associated with such common conditions or diseases as sciatica, diabetic neuropathy and shingles.

HIV :: HIV exploits competition among t-cells

A new HIV study shows how competition among the human immune system’s T cells allows the virus to escape destruction and eventually develop into full-blown AIDS. The study, which employs a computer model of simultaneous virus and immune system evolution, also suggests a new strategy for vaccinating against the virus – a strategy that the computer simulations suggest may prevent the final onset of AIDS.

Dental Health :: Oragenics reports positive clinical results with its oral probiotic mouthrinse

Oragenics, Inc. (Amex: ONI) announced today that the first of two sets of subjects has completed a clinical trial utilizing its proprietary oral probiotic product, Probiora3(TM). The trial was designed to determine safety and the effectiveness of the mouthrinse against baseline levels of disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. Daily mouth rinsing with Probiora3(TM) resulted in substantial reductions in the numbers of the bacterium, S. mutans, which attacks teeth, as well as two target periodontal strains, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Campylobacter rectus, associated with gum disease and bad breath. The product was well tolerated by the subjects and no safety issues were identified with the twice daily use of the product over a two-month period.

Health :: MassTag PCR – new tool helps identify mysterious viruses – respiratory infection

A fast, sensitive and inexpensive diagnostic tool called MassTag PCR has been developed that can identify the specific pathogen that causes a particular case of respiratory infection, according to a new study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The research team ? headed by scientists in the Jerome L. and Dawn Greene Infectious Disease Laboratory at the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health and their colleagues at the Wadsworth Center of the New York State Department of Health ? used MassTag PCR to identify previously undiagnosed pathogens that caused influenza-like illnesses in New York State during the winter of 2004.

HIV :: NIAID Announces New Campaign To Raise Awareness of Preventive HIV Vaccine Research

The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), one of the National Institutes of Health, today announced the launch of the ?Be The Generation? public awareness campaign, challenging young Americans to be the generation that ends AIDS through the discovery of a safe and effective preventive HIV vaccine.

Health :: Innocoll – collaguard – a collagen-based advanced wound care product

Innocoll, Inc. announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Innocoll Pharmaceuticals, has received US 510k approval for CollaGUARD(TM), an advanced wound care product based on Innocoll’s proprietary CollaRx(TM) membrane technology. CollaGUARD is indicated for the management of superficial and deep wounds, including coverage of skin ulcers and temporary dermatoplasty in the case of lesion and burns. CollaGUARD has already received CE-mark approval for marketing in Europe.

Brain Cancer :: Peregrine receives regulatory approval for Cotara brain cancer clinical trial

Peregrine Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Nasdaq: PPHM), a biopharmaceutical company with a portfolio of innovative, clinical stage products for the treatment of cancer and hepatitis C virus infection, today announced that it has received regulatory approval in India for a new clinical trial of its lead tumor necrosis therapy (TNT) agent Cotara(R). The trial is designed to test the safety and efficacy of Cotara in patients with glioblastoma multiforme, a deadly form of brain cancer. Cotara is currently being studied in a multi-center U.S. glioblastoma trial. Previous studies using Cotara to treat brain cancer have produced encouraging results, and Peregrine expects that positive data from this trial in combination with data from the ongoing U.S. clinical trial should provide the foundation for planning the future development and commercialization of Cotara.