Pharma News

A new study shows the feasibility of using gene therapy to treat the progressive neurodegenerative disorder chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). The study, which demonstrated the effectiveness of direct delivery of gene therapy into the brain of a mouse model of CTE, is published in Human Gene Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers.

Bhubaneswar-based Institute of Life Sciences, an autonomous institution under the Department of Biotechnology, has signed a collaborative agreement with All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar for undertaking advanced research in the area of human health & welfare. The pact aims to strengthen partnershipbetween the two institutions in research,education and outreach.

Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Lucknow has transferred the five technologies of herbal formulation to Nandan Impex Private Limited (NIPL), Mumbai.

PHD Chamber in association with Ministry of AYUSH, Govt. of India and Department of AYUSH, State Govt. of Tamil Nadu inaugurated 3 day Conference cum Exhibition on 13th December 2019 at Codissia Trade Fair Complex, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Caption: L-R: Padamshree Dr. P.R. Krishna Kumar, CMD, Arya Viadya Pharmacy,  Mr. Vivek Seigell, Principal Director, PHD Chamber, Dr.  K. Kanakavali, Director General, Central Council for Research in Siddha, Chennai, Thiru S. Ganesh, IAS, Director, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy, Government of Tamil Nadu, Mr. E. V. Shiril, Chairman-Kerala Chapter, PHD Chamber.

The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson announced the completion of the acquisition of all rights to the investigational compound bermekimab, which has multiple dermatological indications, along with certain employees, from XBiotech Inc., for $750 million. Should Janssen pursue bermekimab indications outside of dermatology, XBiotech may be eligible to receive additional payments upon the receipt of certain commercialization authorizations. Janssen Research & Development, LLC will develop bermekimab. The agreement was executed through Janssen Biotech, Inc. The transaction will be accounted for as a business combination.

Parasites in the genus Plasmodium, which cause malaria, are transmitted to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. The parasites manage to acclimatize to these two completely different hosts because the plasticity of their genome enables them to adapt as necessary. Scientists at the Institut Pasteur and the CNRS decided to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms behind this plasticity, in particular DNA methylation. They identified molecules capable of inhibiting DNA methylation and effectively killing even the most resistant Plasmodium falciparum parasites. The results of their research were published on November 27, 2019 in the journal ACS Central Science.

A preventive treatment for dementia may proceed to clinical trials after successful animal testing.

The US-led research is looking to develop effective immunotherapy via a new vaccine to remove 'brain plaque' and tau protein aggregates linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Recent success in bigenic mice models supports progression to human trials in years to come, the researchers say.