Pharma News

Scientists have known that genetic mutations leading to the production of a defective protein called GFAP cause Alexander disease (AxD), a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that can present during infancy, adolescence, or adulthood.

Caption : Immunofluorescence staining of Alexander Disease iPSC-astrocytes showing cell nuclei (white), cytoplasmic GFAP filaments (magenta), and perinuclear GFAP aggregates (green; marked by yellow arrowheads). Credit  : Lab of Natasha Snider, PhD, UNC School of Medicine

Many people with the rare condition die within the first few years, but some survive for several decades. Now, UNC School of Medicine researchers are learning about the differences in the underlying biology of patients with severe and milder forms of AxD. Led by Natasha Snider, PhD, assistant professor of cell biology, an international group of scientists has discovered that the mutant form of GFAP undergoes different chemical modifications, depending on time of onset of symptoms.

People living with or beyond cancer are more likely to die from stroke than the general public, according to new Penn State research, and certain types of cancer may boost the risk even more.

Eminence Business Media’s “2nd Annual Pharma Manufacturing & Automation Convention 2019” concluded on October 17th & 18th, 2019 at Hotel Radisson Blu Plaza Banjara Hills, Hyderabad. The theme of the summit was “From Ideation to Innovation: Aligning with trending market demands”. The event was an outstanding success with 150+ delegates attending the conference with Honeywell, Zenith Technologies, Caliber Group, UL &  Pharma Mantra partnering the event.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca), a treatment to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crisis – a common and painful complication of sickle cell disease that occurs when blood circulation is obstructed by sickled red blood cells – for patients age 16 years and older.

The Committee recommended granting a marketing authorisation for Isturisa* (osilodrostat) for the treatment of Cushing’s syndrome, a rare disorder that occurs when the body produces too much corticosteroid hormone. It leads to patients experiencing weight gain, fat build-up on the face and bruising.

Biological products play an increasingly central role in modern medicine, offering treatments for many serious illnesses. Commonly referred to as biologics, these medicines are generally made from natural or living sources, like animal and plant cells, and microorganisms such as bacteria or yeast, and developed using advanced science. They are usually more complex than other drugs and are particularly critical in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease.

Scientists at The Wistar Institute applied synthetic DNA-based technology to drive in vivo production of broadly neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies in small and large-animal models, providing proof of concept for a simple and effective next generation approach to HIV prevention and therapy. These results were published online in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

IIHMR University organised its alumni meet at Indian Habitat Centre, New Delhi on 9 November 2019. As many as 100 alumni witnessed the meet. On the occasion, a poster on ‘Centre for Excellence & Block Chain Technology’ was also launched by the dignitaries including Ms. Shikha Mehra, Founder & CEO, Mainchain Research and Consulting, Dr. Pankaj Gupta, President, IIHMR U and Dr. S D Gupta, Chairman, IIHMR U.