Pharma News

Osaka University-led researchers identified differences in how three drugs bind to tumor necrosis factor, a key mediator of inflammatory disease. The team used sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation to investigate drug–target binding in a physiological environment and at clinically-relevant concentrations. They revealed differences between the three drugs in the size and structure of the complexes formed, which may explain differences in the drugs’ clinical efficacy. This technique could help optimize future drug design.

No Child should die in the country from Vaccine Preventable Diseases. We stand committed to reducing child deaths: Shri J P Nadda

“No child should die in the country from Vaccine Preventable Diseases” is the Goal & Commitment of our government. We stand committed to reducing child deaths and providing a healthier future to our children.” Shri J P Nadda, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare stated this as he announced the introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) of the country in a function at Mandi, today. Terming this as an historic moment and an exemplary step in India’s immunization programme, the Union Health Minister added that the Government is committed to reducing morbidity and mortality in children. Strengthening routine immunization is an essential investment in India’s children and will ensure a healthy future of the country, he noted.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Limited announced that the Company has received approval from the US Food & Drug Administration (USFDA) for its Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for Fenofibric Acid Delayed-Release Capsules, 45 mg and 135 mg.

Abeona Therapeutics Inc.a leading clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel gene therapies for life-threatening rare diseases, announced updated data from the ongoing gene therapy clinical trial for Sanfilippo syndrome Type A (MPS IIIA) at the American Society Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT) 20th Annual Meeting. The ongoing Phase 1/2 trial for ABO-102 (AAV-SGSH) is a first-in-man clinical trial utilizing a single intravenous injection of AAV gene therapy for subjects with Sanfilippo syndrome (MPS IIIA), a rare autosomal-recessive lysosomal storage disease.

Scientists have developed a new energy storage device that works with fluids in the human body and could lead to more durable and battery-free pacemakers and other implantable medical devices. The bio-friendly energy storage system called biological supercapacitor is powered by charged particles, or ions, from body fluids like blood serum and urine. Pacemakers - which help regulate abnormal heart rhythms - and other implantable devices have saved countless lives.

Plans are underway to open the Jan Aushadhi stores to about 1,000 major railway stations in India as part of the government's commitment to make quality medicines available at low cost to the public. Plans are also underway to open such outlets in bus stands in different states with the aim of bringing the network back to small towns and villages.

Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp. a company that is developing innovative pharmaceutical products to address public health challenges, announced it will present additional analyses of data from its Phase 2 study in military-related posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, at the 72nd Annual Scientific Convention of the Society of Biological Psychiatry (SOBP) on May 20, 2017 in San Diego.

Medrobotics Corp., a medical robotics company, announced at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons meeting in Adelaide that it has received TGA regulatory clearance to market the Flex® Robotic System for colorectal procedures. Medrobotics is the first and only company to offer minimally invasive, steerable and shapeable robotic products for colorectal procedures in Australia. The Flex® Robotic System is the world’s first robotic surgical platform to offer Scarfree™ access to hard-to-reach anatomy in otolaryngology and colorectal procedures. This provides surgeons treatment options that may not be possible with straight, rigid instruments.

Burcon NutraScience Corporation is pleased to announce that it has been granted a U.S. patent, covering technology for the production of its Peazazz® pea protein:  U.S. patent no. 9,635,875, was granted on May 2, 2017.  This patent is the first to be granted for Burcon’s pea technology by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and confirms that the Company’s approach is unique, distinct and defensible.  Burcon anticipates further positive progress, with its patent filings, in due course.

AstraZeneca and MedImmune, its global biologics research and development arm,  announced that tralokinumab, an anti-interleukin-13 (IL-13) human monoclonal antibody, did not meet its primary endpoint of a significant reduction in the annual asthma exacerbation rate (AAER) in the overall population of severe, uncontrolled asthma patients, compared with placebo in STRATOS 1, the first of two pivotal Phase III trials.